6 Most Common Pomeranian Heart Problems

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Pomeranians and dogs all over the world. Common Pomeranian heart problems can negatively affect your Pomeranian and those around them with a drop of a hat. It’s important to be aware of the health risks our Pomeranians are exposed to, especially the number one threat; heart disease.

So, what are the most common Pomeranian heart problems? The most common Pomeranian heart problems include heart murmurs, heartworm, enlarged heart, mitral valve disease, patent ductus arteriosus, and congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure is the leading fatal heart disease among Pomeranians.

You’ll want to know what to expect depending on which heart disease your Pomeranian has. Unfortunately, a lot of Pomeranians live most of their lives without even knowing they have a common Pomeranian heart problem, which should be a warning sign to all Pomeranian parents. How much longer would your Pomeranian live if you knew early enough about a debilitating heart problem they had?

Common Pomeranian Heart Problems

Heart issues in dogs, similar to people, are the main killer in our day and age. Sadly, there are instances where a common Pomeranian heart problem either has heredity and congenital causes as well as the occasional heart problem that has no solution.

However, without knowing what your Pomeranian’s up against when it comes to heart disease, it’s tough to prevent or even treat their heart problems. By starting to learn about basic symptoms, causes, and treatments, you can ensure your Pomeranian’s heart is in good hands; yours.

1. Heart Murmur

Pomeranians are prone to heart murmurs, which was actually the case with one of my little gals. Simply put, a heart murmur is a heart disease that produces an abnormal heartbeat which, along with the normal “thu-thump” sound, includes either a “whoosh” sound or something similar. What’s happening is there’s something disturbing the normal flow of blood through your Pomeranian’s heart.

The good thing about heart murmurs in Pomeranians is that they’re almost never life-threatening and won’t pose huge problems in their daily lives. While it could lead to another heart disease down the road, this isn’t always the case. Either way, you should take your Pomeranian to your local veterinarian if you’re unsure and consider getting supplements for heart murmurs in dogs.

Symptoms of a heart murmur in Pomeranians include:

  • Excessive coughing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Loud breathing
  • Easily tired
  • Fainting
  • Blue to gray gums
  • Potbelly
  • Collapsing

Treating a heart murmur in your Pomeranian depends on how they got it. If it’s hereditary or congenital, there’s not much you can do but help your Pomeranian feel comfortable and live a long, happy life. This is where supplements for dogs with heart disease can really come in handy. It’s also possible a heart murmur is caused by heartworm, which can certainly be treated!

2. Heartworm

Heartworm disease, or Dirofilaria immitis, is a very serious parasitic worm that can easily live in your Pomeranian’s lungs and their heart. They’re known to be transmitted through mosquito bites, which infect your Pomeranian with microscopic larvae that move through blood vessels throughout your Pomeranian’s body.

Heartworm in Pomeranians can cause many other problems, including problems affecting the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart in your Pomeranian. Thankfully, this harmful heart disease can be prevented and treated without too much headache, but it needs to be spotted immediately.

Symptoms of heartworm disease in Pomeranians include:

  • Excessive coughing
  • Lethargic or easily tired
  • Difficult exercising
  • No appetite
  • Weight loss

The best way to prevent heartworm disease in your Pomeranian is to take them to the vet every 6 months to get a blood test, avoid areas with a lot of mosquitoes, and give them supplements for heart disease. If your Pomeranian ends up being diagnosed with heartworm disease and you catch it early enough, all that’s required is a series of shots. However, if it’s not caught early enough, your Pomeranian may need expensive surgery. Sadly, heartworm disease in Pomeranians is fatal, so don’t wait around for it to strike.

3. Enlarged Heart

An enlarged heart, or dilated cardiomyopathy, is a common Pomeranian heart problem that can lead to congestive heart failure, which is fatal among dogs of all breeds. When your Pomeranian has an enlarged heart, what’s happening is either the upper or lower chambers of your Pomeranian are abnormally large, resulting in blood flow issues to the lungs leading to fluid build up in your Pomeranian’s lungs.

An enlarged heart in Pomeranians is definitely not a common Pomeranian heart problem to ignore. Since it can lead to congestive heart failure, your Pomeranian is at risk of living a shorter than expected life. It normally shows up in dogs between the ages of four and ten years old, so keep an eye out and visit your local vet.

Symptoms of an enlarged heart in Pomeranians include:

  • Lethargy, easily tired
  • No appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Rapid breathing
  • Excessive coughing
  • Potbelly appearance
  • Passing out

Sadly, the causes of an enlarged heart in Pomeranians is widely unknown and is considered to be a hereditary or congenital disease. Treating an enlarged heart is, thus, quite difficult and can require a special selection of tailored heart medications to battle the potential incoming congestive heart failure. By visiting your local veterinarian, you’ll be able to map out a solution to help your Pomeranian live a long and happy life.

4. Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease, or endocardiosis, is known in the pet world as the ultimate heart disease in dogs since it’s responsible for 75% of all heart diseases in dogs. It often starts out as a heart murmur, but slowly turns into a worse situation that’s difficult to avoid since it’s genetically transmitted. Simply put, this disease starts to reverse portions of the blood flow in your Pomeranian’s heart, which makes it more difficult to pump properly.

When your Pomeranian is diagnosed with mitral valve disease, also known as chronic valvular disease or chronic valvular fibrosis, there’s a good chance it may be too late to reverse it. Being able to spot it when it shows up is incredibly important, which is exactly why your Pomeranian should have regular checkups with your local vet.

Symptoms of mitral valve disease in Pomeranians include:

  • Heart murmur
  • Excessive coughing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Rapid breathing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Passing out

Pomeranians and dogs all over the world who end up with mitral valve disease can potentially pass away at any moment if not properly treated, which means a serious set of heart medications prescribed by your vet. Along with the use of effective heart medications, ensuring your Pomeranian eats a healthy diet full of high-quality dog food is absolutely essential.

5. Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent ductus arteriosus in Pomeranians and other dogs occurs when the transition of deoxygenated blood to oxygenated through the flow to the lungs is interrupted. This can cause excessive blood to flow through the heart and even lead to a fatal diagnosis of congestive heart failure. It can also cause the blood to become too think, resulting in blood clots.

Unfortunately, patent ductus arteriosus in Pomeranians is the result of a prenatal condition that occurs while a Pomeranian puppy is being developed in their mother’s womb. As mentioned, it can lead to a fatal heart condition down the road, but as long as it’s caught in your Pomeranian’s early years, they’ll likely be fine.

Symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus in Pomeranians include:

  • Excessive coughing
  • Inability to exercise
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Weak hind legs
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Stunted growth

Since patent ductus arteriosus is caused by a birth defect, it’s not possible to prevent this heart disease. However, it can be effectively treated through oxygen therapy, nitrate medication, and regular rest. Unfortunately, it’s almost always the case that it needs to be fully resolved through surgery, so talk to your local vet as soon as you can.

6. Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure in Pomeranians and dogs around the world is a fatal heart disease that takes the lives of many dogs. The issue is that the heart isn’t able to pump an adequate amount of blood throughout the body due to leaks in your pomeranian’s heart valves as well as when the heart muscle is oversized.

Sadly, almost all common Pomeranian heart problems can eventually lead to congestive heart failure, which is why it’s so important to pinpoint your Pomeranian’s potential heart diseases. As the leading cause of death among dogs, including Pomeranians, you owe it to your Pomeranian to schedule regular appointments with your local veterinarian.

Symptoms of congestive heart failure in Pomeranians include:

  • Existing heart disease
  • Excessive coughing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Rapid breathing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loud breathing
  • Easily tired
  • Blue to gray gums
  • Potbelly
  • Collapsing
  • Passing out

Treating your Pomeranian for congestive heart failure often time requires a tailored process accompanied by a carefully selected group of heart medications prescribed by your vet. Before properly treating congestive heart failure in Pomeranians, the appropriate test must be carried out to determine the optimal treatment for your Pomeranian. If you’re uncertain about the health of your Pomeranian’s heart, it’s best to take them straight to the vet.

What You Can Do About Pomeranian Heart Failure

Properly taking care of our Pomeranians means we as Pomeranian parents need to be sufficiently educated about common Pomeranian health problems and willingness to act on that knowledge. If your Pomeranian is acting out of the ordinary and you suspect they have a health problem, it could be they have an irreversible heart disease that could lead to heart failure.

Apart from taking your Pomeranian to the vet regularly, which is about every six months, you should consider getting them the right pet insurance. Pet insurance takes a huge weight off of your back because you’ll know that whatever inevitable health issues arise, including congenital heart problems, you’ll be able to treat it the most effectively without having to spend a fortune on vet bills.

Pomeranians are prone to various health issues, which clearly includes heart problems that can lead to heart failure. If you’re serious about keeping your Pomeranian safe from the inevitable health problems, I suggest you take a look at Healthy Paws Pet Insurance. They’re the most well-known and trusted pet insurance out there and provide an unparalleled customer service experience.

Within a matter of minutes, you can get a free quote from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance and be well on your way to keeping your Pomeranian (and your pocketbook) safe from harm. They’re even top-rated on the most popular consumer sites, including Trustpilot, Consumer Advocate, Yelp, Angie’s List, Canine Journal, and Pet Insurance Quotes.