Healthy Heart - FREE Health Check
Free Healthy Heart Check for Dogs | Cara Veterinary Group Dublin
Certain dog breeds are at higher risk of heart disease, but early detection can save lives. Cara Veterinary Group in Dublin offers a FREE Healthy Heart Check for predisposed breeds, including Cavaliers, Boxers, and Great Danes. This exam helps identify heart murmurs early so treatment can begin before symptoms appear.
Free Healthy Heart Check for Dogs
We know your dog holds a special place in your heart — so we want to help you look after theirs. Just like people, dogs can develop heart disease, and it’s often difficult to detect until it’s advanced. That’s why Cara Veterinary Group provides a FREE Healthy Heart Check for dogs in high-risk breeds, to catch any problems early and protect your pet’s long-term health.
Our vets will gently assess your dog’s heart and chest, looking for early signs of disease before symptoms appear. Early intervention can add years of happy, healthy life.
Common Types of Canine Heart Disease
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
Mitral Valve Disease occurs when a leaky heart valve causes blood to flow backwards, producing a murmur. If untreated, it can lead to heart failure. This condition is especially common in small and toy breeds aged five years and older.
Symptoms may include:
- Exercise intolerance or tiring easily
- Panting or coughing (especially at night)
- Weight loss or reduced appetite
- Fainting or collapse
Breeds at risk (aged 5+): Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Poodle, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, Cockerpoo, Jack Russell Terrier.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes the heart muscle to weaken and enlarge, making it less efficient at pumping blood. It mainly affects medium to giant breeds aged three years and older.
Symptoms may include:
- Lethargy or loss of energy
- Poor appetite or off food
- Panting or coughing
- Abdominal swelling
- Sudden collapse
Breeds at risk (aged 3+): Dobermann, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel.
Early Intervention Saves Lives
Both MVD and DCM can progress silently. Detecting a heart murmur early allows our vets to start medication that slows the disease and improves quality of life. With modern treatments and careful monitoring, many dogs go on to live active, fulfilling lives for years after diagnosis.
If your dog belongs to one of the breeds above, we strongly recommend booking a Healthy Heart Check every year. Regular check-ups help us spot any subtle changes early.
What’s Included in the Healthy Heart Check
- FREE Vet Health Check for eligible breeds above the age thresholds listed
- Heart and chest auscultation (listening carefully for murmurs or irregular rhythms)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm and function
- 50% discount on heart scan and chest radiographs if further tests are recommended (excludes medication)
Where and When
- Where: Cara Veterinary Hospital, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15
- When: One free Healthy Heart Check per eligible pet, per year
- *This free service is available to existing Cara Veterinary Group clients only.
Book Your Dog’s Heart Check
- BOOK ONLINE NOW
- Or call our team on 01 885 3253 for more information.
- New to Cara Vets? Contact us to register your pet and schedule their first visit.
Join Our Pet Healthcare Plan
Routine check-ups like the Healthy Heart Check are even easier with our Pet Healthcare Plan (PHP). It covers unlimited vet visits, vaccinations, parasite control, and discounts on surgery and diagnostics — helping you budget monthly for your pet’s care.
Earn Cashback on Heart-Healthy Food
Feed your pet’s heart the best nutrition and earn rewards with our Hill’s Loyalty Rewards programme. Get cashback every time you buy Hill’s food at Cara Vets.