What happens to a dog with heart murmurs?
Congenital heart murmurs need to be taken very seriously as they can cause dogs to suffer some very severe symptoms which includes sudden death, a condition caused by aortic stenosis. The Heart Works as a Pump The heart is the body’s pump and its role is to continuously push blood around the body in all living creatures.
When does a French Bulldog have a heart murmur?
The murmur may first appear at 6-8 weeks of age, and a puppy with an innocent heart murmur will usually outgrow it by about 4-5 months of age. This type of murmur is benign. In general, a physiologic or innocent heart murmur will have a low intensity (usually Grade I-II out of VI), and does not cause any symptoms or clinical signs.
Can a miniature schnauzer have a heart murmur?
My miniature schnauzer had a grade 2 heart murmur for the last 6 years of her life but never developed any signs of heart disease. As long as your dog is healthy and symptom-free you shouldn’t stress over a low-grade innocent murmur.
How often should I exercise my dog with a heart murmur?
Dogs with a heart murmur graded 4-6 need restricted physical exercise three times a week to avoid putting excessive strain on their heart. Mental exercises like puzzles and stuffable toys to lick can be given daily. Dogs with a lower grade 1-3 may be able to live a normal life. Consult your vet for the best advice for your dog’s condition.
What effects does a heart murmur have on a dog?
- Coughing
- Difficult or rapid breathing
- Congestion or “noisy” breathing
- Exercise intolerance (reluctance to exercise)
- Weakness or lethargy (tiredness)
- Fainting episodes
- Gray or blue gums
- Abdominal distention (a pot-bellied appearance)
- Collapse
What should I do for a dog heart murmur?
The most important thing to do if your dog has a heart murmur is to be aware of the signs of cardiac distress. A dog can have a heart murmur for years before they develop signs of heart disease. If you know what to watch for, you can get your dog into a vet before they go into a crisis. As you can see, heart murmurs are difficult to predict.
What food to feed a dog with a heart murmur?
In our opinion, the best dog food on the market to feed a dog with a heart murmur is Royal Canin Early Cardiac Dry. Although it is a niche product, it is perfect for improving your dog’s overall heart health and can help to stop its heart murmur getting any worse.
Can You insure a dog with a heart murmur?
Here’s our short answer. You can’t insure a dog with a pre-existing condition such as a heart murmur. No insurer will offer coverage if your pet has already been diagnosed with this problem by a vet. However, some policies will cover this condition, providing the policy is taken out before diagnosis.