The breed of Irish Wolfhound as a whole is both healthy and hearty, but occasionally can suffer from heart disease. There are different types of heart disease which can affect the breed, but the most common type of heart disorder is called dilated cardiomyopathy or DCM. More recently, many wolfhounds have died because there was not enough veterinarian research done to correctly diagnose the problem. DCM is now more well-known, particularly in breeds like the Irish Wolfhound which are prone to developing the condition.

When an Irish Wolfhound is affected by DCM, the muscles of the heart grow so weak that is becomes enlarged as a way of the body compensating for the condition. The heart undergoes arterial fibrillation, which means the rhythm becomes irregular. Most cases of DCM lead to complete heart failure. It is important to recognize the two different types of the condition. In one type, an Irish Wolfhound will display early symptoms of the disease. Some symptoms can include fluid retention, weight loss, and intolerance to physical activity and exercise and may appear as if having a heart attack. If an electrocardiography (ECG) is done, it might indicate an irregular or rapid heart rate as well as other anomalies that an ultrasound scan will display.

In the second kind of cardiomyopathy, an Irish Wolfhound might show nothing abnormal or irregular on an ECG or ultrasound examination, the dog may not even show symptoms or signs of the condition and may appear to be in overall good health. However, the dog may suddenly go into heart failure and not respond to treatment. There is also a third type of cardiomyopathy that only affects young dogs, showing up in those under the age of two and usually happens while they are active. Unfortunately, this type of DCM results in sudden death.

Despite the many different symptoms that can present with DCM, the most obvious sign is weight loss. Another symptom of the condition is when an otherwise active dog exhibits periods of resting in between exercising or taking a walk. The dog may also have pale gums which can be a sign of poor circulation, you can physically check the pulse rate of the dog by placing your hand on the chest near the heart area or by feeling the inside of the dog's thigh for signs of heart beat.

Other symptoms of DCM include a cough that may sound like the dog is clearing its throat. If the Irish Wolfhound is experiencing fluid retention, it can indicate that abdominal pains are being experienced. Anytime your Irish Wolfhound is showing any of the above mentioned symptoms, a visit to the veterinarian should be scheduled promptly in order to avoid any negative or fatal consequences.

Knowing what signs and symptoms present with DCM allows an owner to be proactive in the dogs health and well being. Prompt medical intervention and knowing the hallmark signs of DCM, can result in saving the life of your Irish Wolfhound.