[header] How to diagnose heart disease in german shepherds [title] Listen for coughing. [step] Pay attention to if your german shepherd coughs for more than a few days. You may notice that the coughing is worse at night or when he's resting. 
Coughing is usually caused by fluid buildup in the lungs. [substeps] Coughing may also be a result of an enlarged heart pushing up on your dog's windpipe.