Although it is fairly rare to find a dog dying from a heart attack as we know it in humans, dogs can suffer from heart disease, especially when there is a either a gradual or sudden obstruction to the flow of blood to the brain causing them to collapse, becoming limp and unconscious. Frequently they recover within a matter of seconds, at which point they should be given fresh air.

In coronary cases, which are caused by a poor blood supply to the heart muscle, the type of collapse is different - the limbs usually remain stiff and the dog does not lose consciousness. In either case veterinary attention for the dog must be sought without delay.