A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that can be heard when listening to a dog’s heart with a stethoscope. It is caused by abnormal blood flow in the heart. Heart murmurs can occur in dogs of any age and can be caused by various factors. It is important to determine the underlying cause of the murmur to understand its impact on the dog’s health.
Signs Associated With Heart Murmurs in Dogs:
Heart murmurs can have different intensities, ranging from barely audible to loud. The grade of the murmur does not necessarily indicate its severity. Some heart murmurs are not a cause for concern and may resolve on their own. However, if a dog displays signs such as difficulty breathing, coughing, weakness, or fainting, immediate veterinary attention is necessary.
Body Language:
Signs that may indicate a concerning heart murmur in dogs include panting, weakness, difficult or rapid breathing, congestion, coughing, abdominal distension, exercise intolerance, fainting, or collapse.
History of Dogs Living With Heart Murmurs:
Many dogs with heart murmurs can live healthy lives if the underlying condition is properly managed. Treatment options depend on the specific cause of the murmur. Some owners have reported their dogs living normal lives with regular monitoring and appropriate care.
Science Behind Heart Murmurs in Dogs:
Heart murmurs result from abnormal blood flow in the heart and can be classified into three types based on timing. The underlying causes of heart murmurs can vary, ranging from mild to severe. A veterinary cardiologist should be consulted for proper diagnosis and management.
Training Your Dog to Live With a Heart Murmur:
Training for dogs with heart murmurs primarily involves proactive care by the owners. Regular monitoring, visits to a veterinary cardiologist, and diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, proBNP blood tests, chest radiographs, and EKGs are important. Maintaining overall health through exercise, a balanced diet, and dental care is also crucial for dogs with heart murmurs.
“Dogs with heart murmurs can live normal, healthy lives with proper management and care.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Not all heart murmurs in dogs are cause for concern. Some murmurs may be innocent and resolve on their own, especially in young puppies. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian if your dog displays any signs of heart failure, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or exercise intolerance.
2️⃣ Diagnostic testing by a veterinarian is often required to determine the underlying cause of a heart murmur. Common causes include heartworm disease, heart defects, tumors, and valve deficiencies. Treatment options and prognosis can vary, so it is essential to seek professional guidance.
3️⃣ Being proactive with your dog’s care can help manage their heart health. Regular monitoring by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular aerobic exercise, and feeding a balanced diet, are important. Additionally, dental hygiene is crucial to prevent heart valve infections.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What causes a heart murmur in dogs?
Heart murmurs in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors including heartworm disease, heart defects, tumors, valve deficiencies, and certain medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or dilated cardiomyopathy.
2. Can dogs live normal, healthy lives with a heart murmur?
Yes, dogs with heart murmurs can live normal, healthy lives depending on the underlying cause of the murmur. Some murmurs may require treatment or management, while others may resolve on their own.
3. What are the signs of a concerning heart murmur in dogs?
Signs of a concerning heart murmur in dogs may include rapid or difficult breathing, coughing, lethargy, weakness, exercise intolerance, abdominal distention, congestion, fainting, and collapse. If any of these signs are present, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately.
4. What are the different types of heart murmurs in dogs?
There are three types of heart murmurs in dogs: systolic murmurs, diastolic murmurs, and continuous murmurs. Each type of murmur is associated with different underlying causes and requires proper diagnosis by a veterinary cardiologist.
5. How can owners proactively manage the care of a dog with a heart murmur?
Owners can proactively manage the care of a dog with a heart murmur by regularly monitoring their dog’s condition, consulting with a veterinary cardiologist, and following recommended diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, proBNP blood tests, chest radiographs, and EKGs. Additionally, maintaining overall health through proper weight management, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and dental care can help promote a healthy heart in dogs with murmurs.
