Tachycardia in dogs is simply defined as an abnormal condition of the heart rate. In other words, it can be called as abnormal rapid heart rate. A normal heart rate of a dog is determined by its size, ranging from 70 to 120 beats per minute (bpm). Smaller dogs tend to have higher heart rates than the large ones. Besides tachycardia, there is also heat stroke in dogs that is also serious.
Tachycardia in dogs is commonly characterized by the heart rate greater than 140 bpm in large dogs, 180 bpm in small dogs and 220 bpm in puppies.
Increase or rapid heart rate might be considered as normal if it happens for a short period of time. Increase heart rate can be caused by some factors, such as excitement, exposure to exercise, stress or pain. It is indeed a good feeling to have a dog that is always excited and happy.
Get to know the other signs that your dog is happy and healthy. If the rapid heart rate lasts for a short time, then there’s nothing to worry about. However, if it lasts for a long time, then you might start to get worried.
Tachycardia in dogs is classified into three types: atrial, ventricular and sinus. This classification is determined by the location where the abnormality comes from. Moreover, each type also has different causes and complications.
This condition is not to be underestimated as it might lead to serious problems. That’s why as an owner, you must know every single thing about tachycardia in dogs, including the causes, symptoms and treatment.
Causes of Tachycardia in Dogs
As stated before the causes of tachycardia in dogs determine the types of tachycardia. Different types have different causes. Sinus tachycardia is commonly a result of exercise, excitement, stress, pain or other diseases. It can be considered as a normal physiological response and there’s nothing to worry about.
On the other hand, atrial tachycardia usually occurs because of the heart or systemic disease. That’s why it is very important to ask your vet for this condition and how to treat it accordingly.
Ventricular tachycardia is the most serious one. This condition can be caused by many factors, such as anemia, defect from birth, heart disease, lung disease, sepsis, dehydration, tumor, pancreatitis, drug overdose, congestive heart failure, and gastrointestinal disease.
If your dog suffers from pancreatitis, make sure you are aware of signs of pancreatitis in dogs.
The bad news is dogs who go through thyroid medication, pregnant, have other heart conditions and suffer from inflammation are more likely to have this condition.
Symptoms of Tachycardia in Dogs
Tachycardia in dogs does not have clinical symptoms, especially if there is no underlying disease. Besides, there are some other factors that can lead to a rapid heart rate in dogs too.
If the increase caused by those factors, it will surely fade by time. However, when the rapid heart rate persists, then you might seek your vet for further treatment.
Here are some tachycardia symptoms in dogs you need to know:
- Confusion
- Chest pain from angina
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Sudden weakness/lethargy
- Fainting or collapse
- Blood cots
- Intolerance of exercise
- Heart attack
In some cases, the condition can be worsen and leading to heart failure or even death. Moreover, this condition can happen very suddenly. That’s why it is important for you as an owner to know and be aware of these symptoms. Seek vet’s care as soon as you notice one of these symptoms.
Treatment of Dogs with Tachycardia
The underlying condition causing tachycardia will determine the types of the treatment. You need to consult with your vet to decide the appropriate treatment for your dog.
The treatment aims at correcting the heart rate to normal. A defibrillator might be needed in severe cases. Most of the time, the dogs will require medication, such as lidocaine and sotalol.
Beside that treatment, there’s another technique called vagal maneuver. This treatment includes ocular or carotid sinus pressure. The pressure aims at stimulating the vagal nerve, which is in charge of slowing the heart rate.
Another technique is called electrical cardio version. It is a procedure that uses an electric shock to the heart in order to restore the heart rate. This is the last option when medication and the vagal maneuver don’t work.
Keeping a dog as a pet means you are responsible for his life forever. His life is in your hands, that’s why you need to be aware of every thing your dog needs and what your dog might suffers from. Look at these two serious disease a dog might have such as elaborated in symptoms and cause of hyperlipidemia in dogs and dementia in dogs.