Heart Murmurs in Dogs

What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that can be heard when a veterinarian listens to a dog's heart with a stethoscope. 

Innocent Heart Murmurs

Innocent heart murmurs are common in puppies and young dogs.

Pathological Heart Murmurs

Pathological heart murmurs are caused by a problem with the heart, such as a valve defect, a hole in the heart, or cardiomyopathy. 

Symptoms of Heart Murmurs

Dogs with heart murmurs may not show any symptoms, but in some cases, they may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, or collapse.

Treatment for Heart Murmurs

The treatment for a heart murmur will depend on the cause and severity of the murmur. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. 

How to Detect 

The only way to detect a heart murmur is to have your dog's heart listened to by a veterinarian. 

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