A heart murmur is an extra, abnormal sound detected during a dog’s heartbeat, caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. While common in dogs and stemming from various heart conditions or other health issues, not all murmurs necessitate treatment. Dog owners must be vigilant about observing symptoms and providing appropriate care for a dog diagnosed with a heart murmur. This guide will cover the causes of heart murmurs, how to support dogs with this condition, common underlying health issues, and diagnostic and treatment approaches. It is crucial to have any heart murmur evaluated by a veterinarian and to adhere to their recommended monitoring and treatment plan.
Understanding Heart Murmurs in Dogs
A heart murmur is characterized by an abnormal “whoosh” or fluttering sound heard alongside or between the normal “lub-dub” of a heartbeat. This occurs when blood flow through the heart is not smooth. Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform, explains that normally, blood flows unidirectionally between the four heart chambers, with valves closing to create the distinct heartbeat sounds. Any disruption to this smooth flow, whether from leaky valves, septal defects, or abnormal blood pathways, can create turbulence and thus a murmur. Heart murmurs are graded on a scale of I to VI, with lower grades indicating quieter sounds. Many murmurs are discovered incidentally during routine wellness exams in otherwise healthy-looking dogs.
Types of Heart Murmurs
Heart murmurs can be either congenital, present from birth due to a heart defect, or acquired, developing later in life due to an underlying medical condition. Puppies under six months may exhibit a benign “physiologic murmur,” also known as an innocent murmur, which they typically outgrow by six months of age. For puppies, understanding their specific nutritional needs is crucial, and resources like taking care of cavalier king charles puppy can offer guidance.
How to Care for Your Dog with a Heart Murmur
Effective care for a dog with a heart murmur involves diligent monitoring and management as directed by your veterinarian. Key recommendations include:
Monitoring Respiratory Rate and Effort
Heart disease can lead to an increased respiratory rate and effort. Owners should regularly monitor their dog’s breathing rate while they are resting comfortably. To calculate this, count the number of complete breaths (inhale and exhale) over 15 seconds and multiply by four to get the respirations per minute (RPM). A healthy dog typically has a resting respiratory rate between 18 and 35 RPM. Any consistent RPM over 35 warrants a veterinary consultation, and labored breathing requires immediate emergency care.
Minimizing Stress on the Heart
Since turbulent blood flow is less efficient, a heart murmur indicates the circulatory system is not functioning optimally. Additional stress can worsen the condition. Common stressors include strenuous exercise, environmental factors like heat and high altitudes, and obesity. Some dogs may tolerate normal exercise, while others require reduced activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as obesity significantly burdens the heart. A veterinarian might recommend a specialized diet, focusing on higher protein and lower sodium, to aid weight management and support heart health. Consulting a vet about a nutrition plan is advised.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Following a heart murmur diagnosis, more frequent veterinary checkups are often recommended. These visits typically involve listening to heart and lung sounds and potentially blood tests to assess heart function and stress. Regular checkups allow vets to adjust treatment plans and monitor for any changes, helping to catch potential issues before they become clinically apparent.
Common Causes of Heart Murmurs in Dogs
Numerous health conditions can lead to heart murmurs, including:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Congestive heart failure
- Congenital heart defects
- Degenerative mitral valve disease
- Endocarditis
- Heartworm disease
- Anemia
Certain diets, such as some grain-free options containing ingredients like peas, lentils, and potatoes, have been anecdotally linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. However, research is ongoing to establish a definitive connection. If you have concerns about your dog’s diet, it’s best to consult your veterinarian regarding diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy.
Clinical Signs of Heart Disease
Dogs with heart disease associated with murmurs may exhibit various symptoms. Early signs can be subtle, such as decreased exercise tolerance or faster sleeping breaths. More severe symptoms can include coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance, fainting, and bluish gums. Emergency symptoms may arise, necessitating immediate veterinary attention.
A dog lies in the grass, watching the camera
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment of Canine Heart Murmurs
Veterinarians detect heart murmurs using a stethoscope during a physical examination. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause rather than the murmur itself. Diagnostic tests may include bloodwork, chest X-rays, ultrasounds (echocardiograms), and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to pinpoint the cause.
Treatment options vary based on the underlying condition and may include heart medications, surgical correction of defects, or dietary changes. The prognosis depends heavily on the specific condition and the dog’s response to treatment. While innocent murmurs are benign, conditions like congestive heart failure carry a more guarded prognosis. However, with early diagnosis and consistent management, many dogs with heart murmurs can maintain a good quality of life. For assistance with weight and diet management or concerns about your dog’s symptoms, online vets are available 24/7.
FAQ – Caring for a Dog with a Heart Murmur
Should dogs with heart murmurs be on medication?
Not all heart murmurs require medication. Innocent murmurs in puppies may resolve on their own. For other murmurs, a veterinarian might opt for monitoring instead of immediate medication. Discuss the specific cause and treatment plan with your vet.
How do you monitor a dog’s heart murmur at home?
Follow your veterinarian’s guidance for home monitoring. This often includes regularly checking your dog’s resting breathing rate. If your dog’s RPM consistently exceeds 35, contact your veterinarian.
When should I worry about a heart murmur in my dog?
Pay attention to your veterinarian’s monitoring instructions. Seek veterinary care if your dog’s resting breathing rate is over 35 RPM, they experience labored breathing, coughing, lethargy, or bluish gums.
For owners seeking to understand the journey of a new canine companion, resources on caring for a dog with a heart murmur provide essential information for ensuring their well-being.
