Heart Murmurs in Dogs: What They Mean and When to Worry
Hearing that your dog has a heart murmur can sound alarming, but it’s actually quite common — especially in older pets and certain breeds. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound caused by turbulent blood flow in the heart, and while some are harmless, others may signal underlying heart disease.
What Causes a Heart Murmur?
Heart murmurs can result from a variety of conditions, such as:
- Valve issues (like mitral valve disease)
- Congenital heart defects
- Anemia or infection
- Thickened heart muscle (common in older pets)
The sound and intensity of the murmur can help your veterinarian determine whether it’s “innocent” (not dangerous) or linked to heart disease that requires monitoring or treatment.
Common Signs of Heart Trouble
In some cases, murmurs are detected during a routine exam before symptoms appear. If heart disease develops, you may notice:
- Coughing or labored breathing
- Fatigue or reluctance to exercise
- Fainting or collapsing episodes
- Weight loss or fluid buildup
What Happens Next
Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic tests like chest X-rays, bloodwork, or an echocardiogram to assess heart function and determine the cause of the murmur. Treatment depends on the underlying issue — some pets just need monitoring, while others may benefit from medication or diet changes.
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur or is showing signs of heart disease, call us or schedule an appointment online for a cardiac evaluation.
About Us
At Partners Veterinary Group, we believe in energizing our team members through shared values, while helping them create value for our clients and patients. Knowing we can help make pets’ and people’s lives better motivates us to continually strive for excellence and love what we do.
Our team consistently works to build educational, supportive, and cooperative work environments that cater to positive experiences and professional growth. We’re constantly evolving, creating innovative ways to deliver cutting-edge medicine to our patients. We equip our teams with tools to enhance their skills and improve their knowledge.