Heart disease in dogs is a common occurrence, with one in ten dogs affected¹. Following overwhelming evidence from the ground-breaking EPIC study, veterinary professionals are aware that diagnosing and treating mitral valve disease (MVD) in the asymptomatic phase when there is evidence of cardiac enlargement, can slow disease progression and delay the onset of heart failure².

Unfortunately, awareness and understanding of heart disease in dogs is low amongst owners.

Firstly, many owners do not realise that their dog’s heart is checked at routine appointments such as at vaccination. Likewise, due to the long symptom-free phase of heart disease, diagnosis can come as quite a shock, leaving some owners struggling to believe their dog could have heart disease when outwardly they appear healthy. Meaning, sadly, some dogs miss out on the benefits of early treatment as their heart disease is only picked up with they develop congestive heart failure (CHF).

To support veterinary practices and mark heart health awareness month, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Heath, makers of Vetmedin® have launched the ‘Love Your Dog’s Heart’ campaign. Created to raise awareness and educate owners about the most common forms of heart disease in dogs.

At the heart of this campaign is the B.E.A.T. dog heart disease website. A website which helps dog owners learn more about both MVD and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), find out which breeds are most at risk and read more about the diagnosis and management of canine heart disease.

Also available, is the B.E.A.T Facebook page, which has regular updates on heart health along with creating a platform for owners to share their stories. Owners can also use the ‘Love Your Dog’s Heart’ Facebook profile frame to help spread awareness of the disease.

All the ‘Love Your Dog’s Heart’ assets have been created for use all-year round, helping to raise awareness of the disease, not just around Valentine’s day but at any time.

Vetmedin® practices can access the ‘Love Your Dog’s Heart’ via the Boehringer Ingelheim Resource Hub at https://boehringer-ingelheim-resourcehub.co.uk/