Heart Murmurs in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Support

When it comes to our furry companions, health is always a top priority. Hearing that your dog has a heart murmur can be concerning, but understanding what it means and how to manage it can help ease those worries. 

In this blog, we’ll explore heart murmurs in dogs, symptoms to watch for, causes, how they’re diagnosed, and the steps you can take to support your dog, including natural supplements that may help.

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a dog’s heartbeat. This sound, often described as a “whooshing” or “swishing” noise, occurs when blood flows turbulently through the heart. While not a disease itself, a heart murmur can indicate an underlying heart condition that may require attention.

Heart murmurs are graded on a scale of I to VI, with I being the least severe and VI being the most severe. The grade is determined by the loudness and location of the murmur.

Heart murmurs in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from benign to more serious conditions. Some common causes include:

• Congenital Heart Defects: Structural abnormalities present from birth, such as aortic stenosis or a ventricular septal defect.
• Valve Diseases: Conditions like mitral valve disease, where the heart’s valves don’t function properly, leading to turbulent blood flow.
• Heartworm Disease: A severe infection caused by parasitic worms that can damage the heart and lungs.
• Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A condition where the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged, affecting its ability to pump blood effectively.
• Age-Related Changes: As dogs age, their heart valves may thicken and become less flexible, leading to murmurs.

Symptoms of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

In many cases, you won’t see any noticeable symptoms, especially if they’re mild. However, if the murmur is associated with an underlying heart condition, you may observe the following symptoms:

• Coughing: Especially after exercise or at night.
• Difficulty Breathing: Rapid or laboured breathing.
• Fatigue: Your dog may tire more easily during walks or play.
• Weakness: Occasional fainting or collapse.
• Reduced Appetite: Loss of interest in food or eating less than usual.
• Swollen Abdomen: Due to fluid buildup, which can be a sign of congestive heart failure.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your trusted veterinarian. 

How are Heart Murmurs Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a heart murmur typically begins with a physical examination. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart with a stethoscope to detect the murmur and assess its grade. 

Depending on the findings, additional diagnostic tests may be recommended:

• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart that provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. They can be pricey, but they’re considered the best for diagnosing heart disease. 
• Chest X-rays: To check for signs of an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart to detect any abnormalities in heart rhythm. 
• Blood Tests: To check for heartworm disease or other underlying conditions.

These tests help determine the cause of the murmur and guide the appropriate course of treatment.

[RELATED] There are lots of different ways that you can help protect your dog’s heart! Check out this post next.

Conventional Treatment and Management of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

The conventional treatment for a heart murmur depends on its cause and severity. 

In some cases, if your dog has a mild grade murmur, no treatment will be needed, and your vet may recommend regular monitoring. However, if the murmur is associated with an underlying heart condition, treatment options may include:

• Medications: Conventional drugs to help manage symptoms, such as diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels, or beta-blockers to regulate heart rate.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct structural heart defects.

In both conventional and natural circles, a diet change may be recommended. A low-sodium diet may be recommended to reduce fluid retention and ease the workload on the heart. 

Because the heart is a muscle, quality protein for muscle health and strength is essential. A clean, well-balanced (meaning the correct amount of vitamins, minerals, calcium, phosphorus, amino acids, protein and the very important taurine) species-specific, raw food diet is highly recommend amongst the top holistic dog health experts.

In fact, some canine nutritionists can tailor your dog’s diet to the specific heart condition.

Natural Supplements to Support a Dog with a Heart Murmur

In addition to conventional treatments, some natural supplements may help support heart health in dogs with heart murmurs. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog’s regimen.

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An antioxidant that supports heart muscle function and energy production.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit heart health in a big way.
• L-Carnitine: An amino acid that helps the heart convert fat into energy, particularly useful in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Hawthorn: A herb known for its ability to strengthen the heart and improve circulation.
• Dandelion: Dandelion leaves are a natural diuretic, so if your vet recommends a pharmaceutical diuretic, ask if dandelion can be tried first instead.
• Taurine: An essential amino acid for heart health, especially important for certain breeds like Boxers and Cocker Spaniels that are prone to taurine deficiency. 
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants have been shown to reduce heart disease risk, plus they protect the cells from free radical damage. 
• Pre & Probiotics: Studies show there is a heart-gut axis: intestinal microbiota can affect cardiovascular health and vice versa. It’s important to encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut to help protect the heart (and the whole body).

A heart murmur in your dog can be concerning, but with proper diagnosis and management, many dogs with heart murmurs can live healthy and happy lives. Understanding the underlying cause, monitoring your dog’s condition, and working closely to manage symptoms are key steps in supporting your dog’s heart health. Thankfully, natural supplements can play a role in maintaining your dog’s overall well-being. ❤️