About 1 in 10 dogs will develop heart disease, and though it’s less common in cats, they’re at risk too. That’s why heart disease should be on every pet parent’s radar.

Heart disease comes in many forms, some present at birth but most developing over time. Some breeds are at higher risk of specific cardiac problems, but heart disease can affect any dog or cat.

Clinical symptoms often first appear only once the disease has progressed. That’s when dogs may develop a cough or breathing problems. However, cats may never show any symptoms.

The average survival time from symptom onset to heart failure is  months to a year. But if a veterinarian detects a murmur or abnormal heart rhythm before symptoms develop, pets can often have more time. That’s why frequent wellness exams are crucial.