heart murmur in dogs
If you’ve ever been told your dog has a heart murmur, your first reaction was probably a mix of confusion and worry — and that’s totally normal. The term sounds scary, but not every murmur spells disaster. Some are mild, while others might point to a deeper heart issue.
Let’s break it all down in plain English — what is a heart murmur in dogs, what causes it, how vets find it, and what you can do to keep your pup living a long, happy life.
Definition & Immediate Meaning
What exactly is a heart murmur in a dog?
A heart murmur is basically an unusual sound your vet hears when listening to your dog’s heartbeat with a stethoscope. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, it’s caused by turbulent blood flow in or around the heart. Imagine water flowing smoothly through a hose — now picture that same water splashing through a kinked one. That “whooshing” noise is what vets pick up on.
Is a heart murmur a disease or simply a symptom?
The short answer: it’s a symptom, not a disease itself. As GoodRx explains, a murmur is often a clue that something else is happening — like valve disease, heart enlargement, or sometimes just a temporary issue that resolves on its own, especially in puppies.
Causes & Types
What are the common causes of heart murmurs in dogs (congenital vs. acquired)?
Heart murmurs can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop over time). Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty notes that congenital murmurs often stem from heart defects a dog is born with, while acquired ones tend to appear later due to valve problems, infections, or heart muscle disease.
Which dog breeds are more prone to congenital heart murmurs?
Some breeds just seem to draw the short straw genetically. Mission Vet lists Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers, and Doberman Pinschers among those more prone to heart issues, including murmurs. Breeding lines sometimes play a role too, so knowing your pup’s background can help.
Can other illnesses (like anemia, infections, or hyperthyroidism) cause a murmur?
Yep! According to VCA Animal Hospitals, not all murmurs are heart-related. Conditions like anemia (low red blood cell count) or hyperthyroidism can make the heart work harder, creating those turbulent sounds.
Diagnosis & Clinical Assessment
How does a veterinarian diagnose a heart murmur?
It starts with your vet listening to your dog’s chest — that’s called auscultation. If they hear something unusual, they’ll usually recommend tests like an ECG (electrocardiogram), chest X-rays, or an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart). VCA and Mission Vet both stress that the echo is the gold standard for confirming heart problems.
What do murmur grades mean (Grade I–VI) and why do they matter?
Heart murmurs are graded from I (barely audible) to VI (super loud and easily felt). TiHo Hannover explains that the grade doesn’t always reflect how serious the underlying issue is — some low-grade murmurs are tied to big problems, while some high-grade ones might not be that dangerous.
When should my dog be referred to a veterinary cardiologist?
If your vet suspects a structural issue or your dog shows concerning symptoms, referral to a veterinary cardiologist is a smart move. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommends this especially when the murmur’s cause isn’t clear or symptoms like coughing or fainting appear.
Symptoms & Clinical Signs Owners Should Watch For
What signs and symptoms might accompany a serious heart murmur?
According to Small Door Veterinary, symptoms can include coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid or labored breathing, fainting, or lethargy. Basically, if your dog suddenly tires more easily or seems out of breath after a short walk, it’s worth a vet visit.
Can a dog have a murmur but show no symptoms?
Absolutely. VCA notes that some dogs, especially young or small breeds, can have murmurs without showing any outward signs. These are often called innocent murmurs — they sound scary but usually aren’t dangerous and may even go away on their own.
Treatment & Management Options
How is a heart murmur treated — medication, surgery, or monitoring only?
Treatment depends on what’s causing the murmur. VET_CMS explains that some dogs only need monitoring, while others might require medications or surgery. The goal is to manage the underlying condition, not the sound itself.
Are there specific medications commonly used for canine heart disease?
Yes! PetMD lists common meds like ACE inhibitors (to lower blood pressure), diuretics (to reduce fluid buildup), and pimobendan, which helps the heart pump more efficiently. Your vet will tailor treatment based on the specific heart issue.
Can lifestyle, diet, or supplements help dogs with murmurs?
Definitely. A balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and using vet-approved omega-3 supplements can make a difference. VCA adds that keeping stress low and avoiding high-sodium foods can also support heart health.
Prognosis & Life Expectancy
What is the long-term outlook for a dog with a heart murmur?
According to VCA, prognosis varies. Some dogs live perfectly normal lives with mild murmurs, while others with more serious conditions might need lifelong medication or monitoring. Early detection and proper care make a huge difference.
Can an innocent (physiologic) murmur resolve on its own?
Good news — yes, it can! Cornell Vet College explains that many puppy murmurs disappear by the time the dog reaches a few months old as the heart matures.
Monitoring, Follow-Up & Practical Owner Questions
How often should my dog be rechecked if a murmur is detected?
Follow-up depends on your dog’s age and murmur grade. Cornell Vet College suggests rechecks every 6–12 months for stable cases, or sooner if symptoms appear.
What questions should I ask my vet after they detect a murmur?
Here are a few to keep handy, courtesy of VCA:
- What grade is the murmur?
- What’s the likely cause?
- Do you recommend an echo or specialist referral?
- How should I monitor my dog at home?
Will routine vaccinations, anesthesia, or other procedures be affected by a murmur?
Yes, possibly. VCA notes that dogs with moderate or severe murmurs might need special precautions during anesthesia or dental work. Always mention it to your vet before any procedure.
Puppies, Breeding, and Prevention
Are puppy murmurs common and do they always indicate disease?
Not always. Cornell Vet College explains that mild murmurs are fairly common in puppies and often fade as the heart grows stronger.
Should dogs with congenital murmurs be bred?
According to Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, dogs with confirmed congenital heart defects should not be bred, since these issues can pass down to future generations. Responsible breeding helps prevent inherited heart conditions.
Emergency & Warning Signs
What are emergency signs that require immediate veterinary care?
If your dog collapses, has trouble breathing, faints, or their gums turn blue or pale, don’t wait — get to an emergency vet immediately. The Spruce Pets stresses that these are signs of serious oxygen shortage and potential heart failure.
Common Myths & Owner Concerns
Are there myths about heart murmurs I should avoid believing?
Yes — the big one is that “all heart murmurs are fatal.” VET_CMS and most veterinary cardiologists will tell you that’s simply not true. Many murmurs are mild and manageable with the right care and monitoring.
Final Thoughts
Hearing that your dog has a heart murmur can feel overwhelming, but remember: it’s not a death sentence. With expert guidance, regular check-ups, and a bit of lifestyle care, most dogs go on to live happy, tail-wagging lives.
If you ever have doubts, don’t hesitate to ask your vet questions or seek a referral to a veterinary cardiologist. After all, understanding your dog’s heart is one of the best ways to protect it. ❤️
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Sources:
VCA Animal Hospitals
GoodRx
Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty
Small Door Veterinary
PetMD
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
The Spruce Pets
TiHo Hannover
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