Vet Insights: Heart Murmurs in Dogs – Natural Ways to Strengthen Heart Health

A heart murmur is an abnormal “whooshing” sound heard during your dog’s heartbeat, caused by disrupted blood flow in the heart. Catching it early allows you to take proactive steps to support your dog’s heart health and overall well-being.

A healthy dog’s heartbeat makes a steady “lub-dub” sound as the valves function normally. A heart murmur introduces an extra whooshing noise, which can be subtle or quite pronounced, depending on the severity.

The importance of catching heart murmurs in dogs early

Early diagnosis of heart murmurs is essential for protecting your dog’s long-term heart health. These murmurs are often first detected during routine wellness exams, making regular vet visits especially important.

Visible symptoms like coughing, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing often appear only after heart disease has progressed. That’s why early detection of heart murmurs is so important for your dog’s health.

All heart murmurs should be evaluated by a veterinarian to assess their cause and severity. This article focuses on expert-backed home care strategies and natural support options, including guidance from certified pet homeopaths.

Understanding Dog Heart Murmurs: Types, Grades, and Causes

Not all heart murmurs in dogs are the same. Understanding the type, grade, and underlying cause can help you better manage your dog’s condition. This section breaks down what each murmur means and why early insight matters for your dog’s heart health.

A grading guide to dog heart murmur severity

Heart murmurs in dogs are typically graded on a scale from 1 to 6, based on how loud the sound is. A Grade 1 murmur is the mildest, barely detectable, and often found only with a stethoscope during a routine exam.

Grade 2 to 4 heart murmurs vary from soft to moderately loud and are typically easier to detect during a routine veterinary exam. While not always serious, these mid-grade murmurs may signal underlying heart issues that require monitoring or further evaluation.

Grade 5 and 6 heart murmurs are very loud and may even be strong enough to feel by placing a hand on the dog’s chest. Known as palpable murmurs, these typically indicate more significant turbulence in the heart’s blood flow.

It’s important to note that the loudness of a heart murmur doesn’t always reflect the severity of the underlying heart condition. Some soft murmurs can signal serious issues, while louder ones may be less concerning.

Types of heart murmurs in dogs

Not all heart murmurs are the same. Understanding the type can help your veterinarian determine the possible cause and next steps. Murmurs are generally classified as systolic, diastolic, or continuous, depending on when they occur in the heartbeat cycle.

Congenital heart murmurs are present at birth and typically stem from a structural abnormality in the heart. They're often detected in puppies during early checkups and may require monitoring or treatment based on the underlying issue.

Many young puppies develop soft, benign heart murmurs, often called “innocent” or “physiologic” murmurs. These typically resolve on their own by 12 to 16 weeks of age, or by 6 months at the latest, without causing health concerns.

Acquired heart murmurs develop later in a dog’s life, often due to conditions like degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). These murmurs are typically linked to age-related changes or underlying heart disease and require ongoing veterinary care.

Common causes of heart murmurs in dogs

Understanding what causes a heart murmur in dogs is key to managing their long-term heart health. This section covers the most common underlying conditions that lead to murmurs, from valve issues to heart muscle disease.

• Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD) is the most common cause of acquired heart murmurs in dogs. It occurs when the mitral valve becomes thickened and leaky, allowing blood to flow backward and putting extra strain on the heart.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition where the heart muscle becomes thin and stretched, weakening its ability to pump blood. This reduced function of the left ventricle can lead to heart murmurs and serious cardiac complications over time.
• Extracardiac or functional murmurs aren’t caused by heart disease but by temporary changes in blood flow. Conditions like anemia, fever, low protein levels, or even excitement can create these harmless murmurs, which often resolve once the underlying issue is treated.
  

Symptoms of Dog Heart Murmurs and Risk of Heart Failure

• Chronic coughing or breathing difficulties: A persistent, harsh cough (often ending in a gag) may signal early heart issues, especially if caused by an enlarged heart compressing the airways.
• Labored or rapid breathing: Difficulty breathing can indicate the heart isn’t pumping effectively, leading to poor oxygen circulation.
• Fatigue and weakness: Reduced stamina, general lethargy, or tiring quickly during exercise may point to decreased heart function.
• Fainting or collapse: In advanced stages, poor blood flow can cause dogs to faint or collapse unexpectedly.
• Swollen abdomen (ascites): Bloating may be due to fluid buildup from right-sided heart failure and should be checked by a vet promptly.
  

Progression of Heart Murmurs in Dogs to Congestive Heart Failure

Over time, some heart murmurs can progress to congestive heart failure (CHF), depending on how well the heart continues to function. Early diagnosis and proper management play a key role in slowing this progression and supporting your dog’s quality of life.

When the mitral valve leaks due to DMVD, blood flows backward, causing the left atrium to enlarge. As pressure builds, fluid can back up into the lungs, a clear sign that the dog has entered congestive heart failure (CHF).

Managing Canine Heart Murmurs at Home: Supportive, Natural Strategies for Heart Health

Heart murmurs in dogs can be concerning, but many cases can be managed effectively with supportive care at home. This section explores natural strategies to promote your dog’s heart health and improve their quality of life.

Monitoring your dog’s heart health is the most effective tool for managing heart murmurs at home.

Monitoring your dog’s resting or sleeping respiratory rate is a simple yet powerful way to track heart health at home. A normal rate ranges from 15 to 30 breaths per minute. Any consistent increase may signal the need for veterinary attention.

A resting or sleeping respiratory rate consistently over 35 breaths per minute may be a warning sign of progressing heart disease in dogs. If this occurs, seek prompt veterinary care to ensure timely treatment and protect your dog’s heart health.

Maintaining a heart-healthy diet and ideal weight for dogs with heart murmurs.

Excess weight puts extra strain on your dog’s heart and lungs, making heart conditions harder to manage. Maintaining a healthy weight is a simple but powerful way to support your dog’s heart health over time.

For dogs with advanced heart disease, a low-sodium diet helps reduce fluid retention and supports healthy blood pressure. Avoiding high-salt foods and treats is essential to managing symptoms and protecting heart function.

Cardiac prescription diets are scientifically formulated to support heart function in dogs with heart disease. These diets often include beneficial nutrients like antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that help protect and strengthen the heart.

Managing your dog’s activity level is essential to safely support heart health in dogs with heart murmurs.

Regular, moderate exercise can support heart health in dogs with heart murmurs. Once symptoms appear, avoid strenuous activity and focus on light, frequent movement that maintains comfort and improves quality of life.

Environmental factors, such as heat and high elevation, can put added strain on a dog’s heart. To protect dogs with heart murmurs, avoid extreme temperatures and conditions that may increase cardiovascular stress.

Dental health plays a key role in managing heart disease in dogs.

Dental infections can let bacteria enter the bloodstream and damage the heart valves. Good oral hygiene helps prevent complications like bacterial endocarditis, especially in dogs with heart murmurs.

Good dental care is essential for protecting your dog’s heart health. Regular professional cleanings help prevent oral bacteria from entering the bloodstream and affecting the heart.

Managing stress and anxiety is an important part of supporting heart health in dogs with heart murmurs.

Anxiety can strain a dog’s heart by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Managing stress with calming techniques or behavioral therapy helps support heart health in dogs with murmurs.

Diagnostic Tools and Treatment Options for Dogs with Heart Murmurs

Veterinarians use diagnostic tests to identify the cause and severity of a heart murmur in dogs. These tests help guide treatment decisions and provide a clearer prognosis for managing the condition.

• An echocardiogram is the most effective tool for diagnosing heart murmurs in dogs, allowing veterinarians to assess heart structure, function, and the source of abnormal blood flow. This non-invasive ultrasound procedure is typically performed without anesthesia and is essential for monitoring disease progression.
• The pro-BNP blood test helps detect heart disease in dogs by measuring levels that rise with cardiac muscle stretch and stress. It’s a simple, non-invasive tool often used to monitor heart function and disease progression. Note: An abnormal pro-BNP test result does not necessarily confirm heart disease. It should be interpreted alongside a physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and additional laboratory tests for an accurate diagnosis.
• Thoracic radiographs (chest X-rays) are used to evaluate heart size and detect signs of pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs. This imaging tool helps veterinarians assess the severity of heart disease and monitor its progression in dogs.
  

Veterinary treatment options for dogs with heart murmurs

A heart murmur itself isn't treated. Veterinary care focuses on addressing the underlying heart condition and its severity. Identifying the cause is essential to guiding appropriate treatment and management.

Medications are often prescribed in advanced stages of heart disease or when congestive heart failure (CHF) develops. Common treatments include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and inodilators like pimobendan to support heart function and reduce symptoms.

In some cases, surgery can correct congenital heart defects that cause murmurs in dogs. These procedures are typically recommended based on the type and severity of the defect.

Regular monitoring is essential for dogs with heart murmurs, even if medication isn’t yet required. Follow-up visits every 2 to 4 months help track disease progression and allow timely adjustments to the care plan.

Prognosis and ongoing care for dogs with heart murmurs

The outlook for dogs with heart murmurs varies based on the cause, severity, and treatment response. With regular monitoring and appropriate care, many dogs maintain a good quality of life.

Dogs with physiologic (harmless) heart murmurs typically have a good to excellent prognosis. For acquired conditions like degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), proper diet and medical management can significantly extend lifespan and improve quality of life.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care for Dogs with Heart Murmurs

It’s important to recognize urgent warning signs in dogs with heart murmurs. If your dog develops rapid breathing at rest (over 35 breaths per minute), difficulty breathing, or a new or worsening cough, seek immediate veterinary care.

Other red flags include sudden lethargy, weakness, or collapse. These may signal progressing heart disease or congestive heart failure. Prompt action can be lifesaving and greatly improve treatment outcomes.

A Holistic Approach That You Should Consider

At Zumalka, our mission is to offer natural solutions that address both symptoms and their root causes. That’s why we recommend a certified pet homeopathic consultation to help identify the most targeted remedy for your pet’s specific condition.

For dogs with heart concerns, our TONICPET #1 and TONICPET #2 are excellent complementary remedies. These natural supplements help nourish and strengthen the heart muscle, supporting overall cardiovascular health.

Key Takeaways

While heart murmurs in dogs can be challenging, proactive care, like monitoring respiratory rate and managing weight, can make a lasting difference. Partnering with your veterinarian ensures early intervention and better long-term health outcomes for your dog.

Regular veterinary checkups are essential for managing heart murmurs and catching changes early. For more advanced care, consider consulting a veterinary cardiologist to ensure your dog receives the most accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

FAQs

What is a heart murmur, and what does the abnormal sound indicate about blood flow?

A heart murmur is an extra sound, often a "whooshing" or "shooshing" noise, that indicates abnormal or turbulent blood flow within the heart.

How are heart murmurs graded, and does a louder grade always mean the heart disease is more severe?

Murmurs are usually graded on a scale of 1 to 6. A louder grade indicates more turbulence, but the loudness does not always directly correlate with disease severity.

Are heart murmurs common in puppies, and do these “innocent” murmurs typically require immediate treatment? 

Yes, soft murmurs in young puppies, called "innocent" or "physiologic" murmurs, are common. They are usually benign and often disappear by 6 months of age, requiring only monitoring.

What visible signs, such as rapid breathing or coughing, suggest a heart murmur is progressing to heart failure? 

Signs include coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, lethargy, or a resting breathing rate consistently above 35 breaths per minute.

What tests, like X-rays and echocardiograms, help determine the cause and management plan for a heart murmur?

Diagnostic tests include thoracic radiographs (X-rays) to assess heart size, echocardiograms (ultrasound) to view heart function, and blood tests such as pro-BNP.

What home care steps, such as monitoring resting breathing rate and maintaining a healthy weight, help manage a heart murmur?

Monitoring your dog’s resting breathing rate, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good dental hygiene are key steps in supporting heart health. These simple habits help reduce strain on the heart and may slow the progression of heart disease.

What are the two broad types of murmurs in dogs, and what causes the acquired type later in life?

The two types are congenital (present from birth) and acquired (develop later in life). Acquired murmurs are usually due to valve abnormalities, like degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD).

About the author

Suzie Cyrenne

HOMEOPATH & CO-FOUNDER OF ZUMALKA

Suzie Cyrenne has dedicated more than 20 years of her life in making and improving natural animal health solutions in the global setting.

Being the co-founder of Zumalka, Suzie is a forerunner in enhancing the lives of pets through natural and homeopathic options using the knowledge she has gained from the Classical Homeopathy School in Quebec.

Through the guidance of her mother-in-law and fellow natural health expert, Denyse Lessard, Suzie constantly devotes herself to create premium pet products that are aimed at dealing with the root causes of wellness problems and not just their symptoms.

Besides immersing herself in books, personal development and visiting new places, Suzie also enjoys keeping herself in tiptop shape by snowboarding and taking daily hikes with her husband and Zumalka co-founder, Matt Lessard, and their Golden-Doodle, Westin.

Find out more about Suzie when you click HERE.