How to Care for a Dog with a Heart Murmur: Essential Lifesaving Tips

When I first came across a dog with a heart murmur during my time as a veterinary assistant with a focus on nutrition, I remember feeling both concerned and curious. It was a sweet little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and despite her diagnosis, she was full of energy and love. That day sparked a journey for me into understanding how to care for a dog with a heart murmur. And I quickly learned—it’s not a death sentence, but it does require some intentional TLC and informed decisions. Whether your pup’s murmur is mild or more serious, there are so many practical ways you can support their heart health and quality of life. So let’s break it down together in a way that’s honest, manageable, and rooted in real-life experience.

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Understanding What a Heart Murmur Really Means in Dogs

First off, let’s take some of the fear out of the word “murmur.” It sounds scary, I get it. But a heart murmur isn’t a diagnosis in itself—it’s actually a symptom. Basically, it’s an unusual sound your vet hears when listening to your dog’s heart with a stethoscope. Think of it like turbulence in the bloodstream. Sometimes it’s harmless (what we call an “innocent” murmur), and other times, it’s a clue that there’s something more serious going on, like mitral valve disease or congenital heart issues.

In my clinic days, we saw murmurs pop up in dogs of all breeds and ages, though I noticed small breeds and senior pups seemed to be more commonly affected. Your vet will usually grade the murmur on a scale of 1 to 6. The higher the number, the more significant the sound—but even that doesn’t always tell the full story. Some dogs with a grade 3 murmur live happily for years without medication. Others with a lower grade may still need more attention. That’s why follow-up diagnostics like X-rays, echocardiograms, and blood work are crucial for getting the full picture.

Why Early Detection Is a Game-Changer

If there’s one thing I tell every pet parent, it’s this: catching a heart murmur early can totally change your dog’s outcome. I’ve seen firsthand how pups thrive when their care team gets ahead of the issue. You can’t always prevent a murmur, especially if it’s genetic, but you can absolutely create a care plan that keeps your dog feeling good and living their best life.

Some early signs that might hint at heart problems include:

Fatigue during walks or playtime
Coughing—especially at night or after activity
Labored breathing
Weight loss or reduced appetite
Fainting spells (in more advanced cases)

If you’ve noticed any of these, don’t wait. It’s always better to have things checked out than to hope it passes.

How to Care for a Dog with a Heart Murmur: Nutrition Is Key

Let’s talk food—because what you feed your dog can play a big role in managing their heart condition. As someone with a nutrition background, I’ve worked with a lot of pet parents to tweak their dog’s diet, and the results can be amazing. Of course, no one-size-fits-all diet exists, but here are some general things to keep in mind:

Low Sodium: Too much salt can worsen heart issues, so skip salty treats and processed dog foods.
High-Quality Protein: Muscle maintenance is key, especially if the murmur leads to reduced activity. Think lean meats, cooked eggs, and high-protein kibble (vet-approved, of course).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These anti-inflammatory nutrients (often from fish oil) support heart function. I recommend talking to your vet about the right dose—it’s not always on the label.
Supplements: In some cases, supplements like taurine, L-carnitine, or CoQ10 are beneficial. But always consult your vet before adding these to your pup’s routine.

I once helped a senior Dachshund transition from a standard kibble to a vet-formulated heart-healthy home-cooked diet, and within weeks, his energy perked up. He even started chasing birds again—well, sort of. Mostly just waddling after them, but still!

What to Watch Out for in Store-Bought Foods

Not all commercial dog foods are created equal. Many popular brands sneak in high sodium or filler ingredients that aren’t doing your dog’s heart any favors. Always read the label. Look for brands that are AAFCO certified, and ideally, have veterinary nutritionists on staff. When in doubt, ask your vet for a recommendation tailored to your dog’s specific diagnosis and lifestyle.

Hydration Matters More Than You Think

It’s easy to forget about water, but hydration plays a role in heart health too. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. If they’re on medication that acts as a diuretic (like furosemide), they may pee more and get dehydrated quicker. I’ve had to remind plenty of clients to add an extra water bowl in different rooms or even use pet fountains to encourage drinking.

Exercise Tips for Dogs with Heart Murmurs

Now, I know what you’re thinking—”Should my dog even be exercising with a heart condition?” And trust me, it’s a totally valid question. I’ve asked the same thing to our vet cardiologist more times than I can count. The answer? Yes, but it has to be the *right kind* of exercise. Movement is essential for circulation, weight management, and mental stimulation. But the days of marathon hikes or all-day fetch sessions may need to take a backseat.

With heart murmurs, moderation is everything. Gentle, consistent walks are gold. Think of it like choosing yoga over high-intensity interval training. When I was working with a senior pug named Teddy (adorable little guy with a grade 4 murmur), we found that three short walks a day worked way better than one long one. His tail would wiggle with excitement each time, and he never overexerted himself.

How to Know If It’s Too Much

Here’s a little checklist I give clients when they ask how much activity is safe:

Is your dog panting excessively after a walk?
Do they lag behind, seem disoriented, or lie down mid-walk?
Are they coughing more post-exercise?

If you’re seeing any of the above, that’s your sign to scale it back. Always err on the side of caution, and consult your vet if anything feels off.

Medications & Monitoring: Staying Ahead of the Game

Depending on the underlying cause of your dog’s heart murmur, your vet might prescribe medication to help manage symptoms or slow the progression of heart disease. Some common meds I’ve seen used in practice include:

Enalapril or Benazepril: ACE inhibitors that help lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart.
Furosemide (Lasix): A diuretic used to remove excess fluid from the lungs or body.
Pimobendan: One of the most well-known heart medications for dogs—it strengthens heart contractions and helps it pump more effectively.

Some dogs only need one med, others may be on a whole combo. It totally depends on the dog, their murmur grade, and the presence of any heart enlargement or symptoms. I’ve seen some dogs stay on the same dose for years, while others needed adjustments every few months.

How I Recommend Tracking Symptoms

This might sound over the top, but a simple notebook or notes app can be a lifesaver. Keep track of:

Respiratory rate while sleeping (normal is usually under 30 breaths per minute)
Energy levels day-to-day
Any coughing episodes (time of day, frequency, severity)

These notes helped our vet make better decisions and avoid unnecessary medication changes. One client of mine even created a Google spreadsheet that she shared with her vet monthly—talk about proactive!

Comfort, Stress Reduction & Emotional Care

Alright, this part gets overlooked a lot, but it’s just as important: emotional care and minimizing stress. I’ve seen dogs with heart issues improve dramatically just from being in a calm, stable environment. Anxiety and overexcitement can put extra strain on the heart, so keeping your pup chill can truly be therapeutic.

Here are a few things that have worked wonders for some of my clients (and my own rescue dog with a mild murmur):

Routine: Dogs love predictability. Try to keep feeding, walking, and bedtime on a regular schedule.
Comfortable sleeping spots: Orthopedic beds can make a huge difference, especially for older dogs who may also have arthritis.
Soft music or white noise: Great for dogs who get anxious with outside noise or when left alone.
Quality time: Gentle petting, brushing, or just sitting beside them can help them feel safe and loved.

One of my favorite patients, Bella—a spunky little mini schnauzer—used to have full-on anxiety whenever her humans left for work. We set her up with calming pheromone diffusers, puzzle toys, and a pet cam so her parents could check in. Not only did it reduce her stress, but her cough episodes decreased, too. It’s all connected!

Is My Dog in Pain?

This question comes up often, and it’s a hard one. Most dogs with heart murmurs aren’t in pain—especially early on. The condition is more about fatigue and reduced efficiency, not sharp pain. But if your dog starts showing signs like struggling to breathe, collapsing, or looking visibly distressed, that’s when it’s time to have a serious talk with your vet.

Until then, with good support and consistent care, your dog can still have tons of tail-wagging moments, snuggles, and joy. I’ve seen it so many times—and it never stops inspiring me.

Building a Long-Term Care Plan for Dogs with Heart Murmurs

Once you’ve gotten through the initial diagnosis and you’ve got the meds, nutrition, and routine mostly sorted out, the next big question is: “What now?” That’s where a long-term care plan really comes into play. And honestly? It can be the difference between a dog just getting by and a dog thriving with a heart murmur.

When I worked with long-term clients, we would create monthly check-in routines. These weren’t always in-person vet visits—sometimes it was just a phone call or an updated report from the pet parent. Staying on top of even the smallest changes made it easier to catch any shifts early.

Quarterly or Bi-Annual Vet Visits

Depending on your dog’s condition and what your vet recommends, aim for at least two full checkups per year. This usually includes:

Blood work to monitor kidney and liver health (especially if on heart meds)
Chest X-rays to check for heart enlargement or fluid buildup
Blood pressure checks
Sometimes an echocardiogram if there’s been a change in symptoms

Honestly, having these check-ins helped reduce a lot of anxiety for the families I worked with. Knowing where things stand gives you peace of mind—and lets you make smart, proactive choices instead of waiting for a crisis.

How to Care for a Dog with a Heart Murmur: Creating a Safe, Supportive Home

It’s not just about medications or the food bowl—your dog’s environment plays a huge role too. I always remind clients: Your home is your dog’s sanctuary. Make it one that supports their heart, both physically and emotionally.

Keep Things Calm and Accessible

Dogs with heart murmurs often don’t tolerate stress well. That might mean:

Minimizing loud noises or chaotic energy (especially in multi-pet homes)
Using ramps or stairs to help them avoid jumping on/off furniture
Keeping food, water, and bedding on one level of the house

One of my former patients—a senior golden retriever named Marley—struggled with going up stairs due to fatigue. His family installed a little carpeted ramp and rearranged their living room to make everything more accessible. Simple changes, big impact.

Monitoring Weight and Body Condition

This one’s huge. Dogs with heart disease really shouldn’t carry extra weight, as it puts even more pressure on their cardiovascular system. But I’ve also seen dogs drop weight unintentionally when heart failure sets in. So, weigh your dog regularly. Every few weeks is ideal. A 1-2 pound difference might not sound like much, but for a small breed, it’s significant.

Knowing When It’s Time for Tough Conversations

Okay, deep breath. This part isn’t fun, but it’s important. There may come a time when you’ll need to talk to your vet about quality of life. I’ve had to guide pet parents through this more than once, and let me tell you—it never gets easy, but being prepared helps.

Here are some of the signs we would use as markers in those discussions:

Increased respiratory rate even at rest (over 40 breaths per minute consistently)
Difficulty lying down or getting comfortable
Complete loss of interest in food or water
Repeated fainting or collapsing

There’s no perfect moment or magic rule, but trust your vet—and trust your gut. If your dog no longer seems to be enjoying the things they used to, and the bad days outweigh the good ones, it may be time to consider compassionate options. Just know that making the decision out of love is never wrong.

Celebrating the Time You Have

Even with a heart murmur, your dog can still have so many joyful moments—walks in the sun, belly rubs on the couch, treats they go wild for. Focus on those. Celebrate the heck out of those. I’ve seen dogs with heart murmurs live for years with good management and lots of love. Your dog isn’t just surviving—they’re still living. And they feel that love every single day.

References

Disclaimer

This article is based on personal experience as a veterinary assistant with a focus on nutrition, along with general veterinary guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding any health concerns or treatment plans specific to your dog’s condition.

Camellia W

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How to Care for a Dog with a Heart Murmur: Essential Lifesaving Tips