01/10/2026
Continuing our posts for , today we look at large breed dogs.
The most common heart disease we see in large dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart becomes enlarged and doesn't work properly. Certain breeds are more commonly affected e.g. Dobermans, Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and Boxers.
There are two phases to DCM; firstly a long “silent” phase, in which the heart has the disease and is slowly deteriorating but there are no outward signs of a problem yet. Dogs in this first phase appear outwardly healthy and happy. The second phase is a shorter “overt” phase where the heart can no longer cope and starts to fail. At this point, outward signs of the disease start to be seen. These signs may include reduced ability to exercise, increased breathing rate, a cough, feinting, weight loss and, sadly, sudden death.
Dogs of affected breeds can be screened for the disease from the age of 3. Although the disease cannot be cured, treatment in the "silent" phase can prolong their quality and quantity of life.
You can read more about heart disease in dogs on our website: https://www.greenbayvets.co.uk/2025/09/22/heart-disease-in-dogs/.
