You are at the veterinarian’s clinic for the annual check-up of your beloved dog. After checking, they say, “Your fur baby has a heart murmur.” Sounds serious, right? Because anything related to the heart is a serious thing. And you try your best to understand what a heart murmur actually is. Is my dog going to die? Is it painful? Naturally, many questions come to mind. Here in this blog, we will answer those questions about heart murmurs in dogs.
Read further to know more.
What Is a Heart Murmur in Dogs?
A heart murmur is an abnormal “whooshing” or “swishing” sound between the dog’s normal “lub-dub” sound of the heartbeat. A veterinarian can hear this extra sound while listening to a dog’s chest with a stethoscope. A heart murmur may indicate an underlying condition that affects how blood flows through the heart. This abnormal blood flow creates a vibration and noise, known as a heart murmur.
What Causes Heart Murmurs in Dogs?
The disturbance in the blood flow can occur due tomany reasons. Sometimes it is determined to be harmless, while other times it is determined to be pathological or caused by disease. Thecauses of heart murmurs include:
- Innocent puppy murmurs: soft, harmless murmurs in growing puppies that may disappear with age.
- Congenital heart defects: heart abnormalities present from the dog’s birth.
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): enlarges and weakens the heart muscle and is often seen in large breeds.
- Degenerative valve disease: especially common in older and small-breed dogs. In this condition, the heart’s valves cause the blood to flow backward.
- Heartworm disease: a parasitic infection affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Other non-heart conditions, such as anemia, pregnancy, fever, infections, or hyperthyroidism, can create temporary murmurs due to altered blood flow.
Heart Murmur Grades
Not all heart murmur sounds are the same. Heart murmurs are graded based on their loudness onthe scale of grade I to grade VI.
Grade I: Very soft, difficult to hear.
Grade II: Soft but detectable with a stethoscope.
Grade III: Moderately loud, heard on one side of the chest.
Grade IV: Loud murmur, heard on both sides of the chest.
Grade V: Very loud with chest vibration (thrill).
Grade VI: Loudest even with the slightest stethoscope contact, can be felt by touching the dog’s chest.
Does a louder murmur mean a worse condition?
Louder murmurs (Grades IV, V, and VI) are not necessarily related to the severity of the heart condition. The scale is subjective and helps monitor the heart murmur’s volume over time. There are serious conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy that produce soft murmurs, so a scale does not define the extent of the disease.
What are the Signs of a Heart Murmur in Dogs?
The signs of a heart murmur largely depend on the underlying heart condition. Here are the signs related to a heart murmur:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Persistent cough
- Breathing issues
- Low energy
- Exercise intolerance
- Collapses or faints
- Loss of appetite
- Weight changes
- Bluish gums
The above-mentioned signs may also indicate a serious health risk. Take note of these signs and contact your veterinarian. They may help you find the exact cause of any health issues of your dog.
How Do Vets Diagnose Heart Murmurs in Dogs?
The veterinarian starts with a physical examination of the dog. With the help of a stethoscope, they identify murmur timing and intensity. They also check the signs of a heart murmur. If a murmur is detected, your veterinarian will likely recommend further diagnosis with chest x-rays, ECG, and echocardiogram, which helps determine the exact cause and treatment plan.
How are Heart Murmurs Treated in Dogs?
Heart murmur treatment depends upon the underlying cause of turbulent blood flow. Mild murmurs require regular vet check-ups and repeated echocardiograms to ensure that no other problem develops.
Depending on the diagnosis, if it is caused by another heart disease, your veterinarian may recommend treatments such as diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and inodilators. Not every cause of a heart murmur is related to heart disease, but these treatments may help promote healthy blood flow and improve the heart’s ability to pump efficiently.
In certain heart defects, it may also require surgery. Depending on your dog’s condition, your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment plan and care with the help of a specialized cardiologist.
How to Take Care of Dogs with a Heart Murmur?
Dogs with heart murmurs require strict veterinary monitoring after diagnosis. Here are some tips to take care of dogs with heart murmurs:
Check resting respiration rate (RRR):
Don’t forget to check your dog’s breath rate while they are resting. A normal resting respiration rate for dogs is between 15and 30 breaths per minute.
Reduce stress at home:
Stress can worsen existing heart conditions. Extreme stress may put unnecessary strain on your furry companion’s cardiovascular system. You should make sure your dog avoids high-stress situations, and their routine is calm and predictable; that helps them feel comfortable and safe.
Diet and weight management:
- Dogs with severe heart conditions are advised to decrease the retention of sodium and chloride, which may help reduce the workload on the heart.
- Consider veterinary-prescribed cardiac care diets that support heart function.
- Maintain healthy weight in your dog, as obesity can put extra strain on the heart. When you maintain ideal weight in your dog with proper diet and exercise, it helps relieve the severe cardiopulmonary stress.
- Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water at all times.
Adjust exercises:
Exercise is necessary for a healthy dog lifestyle. Light exercises, like leash walks, may be beneficial depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation. You should avoid aggressive training or exercising that puts extra load on your dog’s cardiac system.
Follow the veterinary guidance:
If your specialized pet cardiologist suggests treatments, it’s better that you follow those exact instructions of administration. Never skip a dose or stop the treatment without the approval of your vet.
Do regular vet visits:
For your dog’s long-term health, it’s important you take them to regular vet visits to identify underlying conditions. Early detection with prompt treatment helps prevent complications before they become severe.
Final Thoughts
That’s all about heart murmurs in dogs. Some murmurs are harmless, while others may require lifelong treatment. With knowledge of heart murmur and following advice from your veterinarian, you can ensure your pet’s quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Heart Murmurs in Dogs
Q1. Should I worry if my dog has a heart murmur?
A heart murmur is not a disease; it’s a sign that something is happening with your dog’s heart. Take note of heart murmur signs to ensure your dog’s health through a veterinary check-up.
Q2. Can puppies outgrow a heart murmur?
Known as innocent murmurs, some puppies can outgrow heart murmurs. In the beginning, it is a low-grade murmur, which typically resolves on its own by your pup’s 6 months of age. But structural heart defects in some cases may persist as the dog grows older, and may require veterinary attention.
Q3. Are heart murmurs painful for dogs?
Heart murmurs are not painful in dogs. They’re simply the sound of turbulent blood flow. However, advanced cases of heart murmur may contribute to life-threatening complications.
Q4. Can dogs live long with a heart murmur?
Of course. Dogs with mild murmurs can live normal and active lives. The prognosis of dogs with heart murmurs usually depends on the severity and how early it is diagnosed and managed.
