If you've recently discovered that your dog has a heart murmur, it's completely normal to feel a bit worried. Dog heart murmur is a term that can sound quite serious, and as pet parents, we instinctively want to protect our furry friends. Their health is always on our minds, and any news about their hearts can raise concerns.

That's why it's essential to understand heart murmurs in dogs clearly. Knowing what a heart murmur is, what causes it, and how it might impact your pet can help ease your worries and guide you in providing the best care possible. There are various ways to manage heart murmurs and support your dog's well-being, including natural remedies like CBD for dogs. By learning about these options, you're taking proactive steps to ensure your pup enjoys a happy, healthy life.

What is a Heart Murmur in Dogs?

A heart murmur in dogs is an unusual sound in the heartbeat that veterinarians can detect using a stethoscope. It often sounds like a "whooshing" noise and is caused by irregular blood flow in the heart. Murmurs can vary in intensity, from mild and barely noticeable to loud enough that your vet can feel vibrations by placing a hand on your dog's chest.

Understanding Heart Murmur

Dog heart murmur isn't a disease; it's a sign that something might be wrong with your dog's heart. It indicates abnormal blood flow, often due to a structural issue like a valve problem or a weakened heart muscle. There are two main types of heart murmurs in dogs: congenital and acquired.

Congenital murmurs are present from birth and usually result from structural defects in the heart. These murmurs are most often seen in puppies, but the good news is that many are harmless. These puppy heart murmurs are called "innocent" or "physiologic" murmurs. They typically fade away as the puppy grows, usually disappearing by the time they reach six months of age.

Acquired heart murmurs develop later in life and are often caused by problems with the heart valves or cardiac muscle disease. A common cause is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD), which affects the mitral valve, preventing it from closing properly. This can lead to blood leaking back into the left atrium, causing the heart to enlarge and blood flow to become inefficient. Over time, this may result in fluid buildup in the lungs, indicating congestive heart failure.

Some dog breeds, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are more likely to have valve issues due to genetics. In contrast, larger breeds might develop murmurs from a condition called cardiomyopathy, which affects the heart muscle. Early diagnosis is essential, as it helps with timely treatment before the murmur becomes more serious. Regular check-ups, including echocardiograms and Pro-BNP blood tests, are crucial for monitoring your dog's heart health.

Other factors like taurine deficiency or diet-related issues can also lead to murmurs. This highlights the importance of taking a well-rounded approach to maintaining your dog's heart health.

Types of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

Dogs can experience three types of heart murmurs: systolic, diastolic, and continuous. You might recognize the terms systolic and diastolic from discussions about blood pressure. Still, they can be a bit confusing when it comes to heart murmurs. The classification of a murmur is based on when it occurs in the heart's cycle. Systolic murmurs happen when the heart is contracting and pumping blood, while diastolic murmurs occur in the resting phase between beats when the heart is relaxing. Continuous murmurs are slightly different because they can occur during the systolic and diastolic phases. Understanding these types can help you better grasp your dog's heart health.

Heart murmur grades in dogs: One to Six

Understanding the different heart murmur grades in dogs is essential for knowing how severe the condition may be. Heart murmurs are classified on a scale from one to six, with one being the least serious and six the most severe.

• Grade I murmurs are very faint and difficult to detect with a stethoscope, so a skilled vet may not always hear them in the early stages.
• Grade II murmurs are slightly louder but still soft, making them unclear.
• Grade III murmurs are more noticeable and can be heard more easily, which is when most concerns start to arise.
• Grade IV murmurs are loud enough to be heard regardless of where you listen on the chest.
• Grade V murmurs are very distinct and can even be felt by placing a hand on the dog's chest.
• Finally, Grade VI murmurs are the most severe. They are similar in loudness to grade V murmurs but are also detectable through the chest wall.

Causes of Heart Murmur in Dogs?

If your dog has a heart murmur, it can be caused by several different heart conditions and defects, which can be pretty concerning for pet owners. Generally, these murmurs can be attributed to a few leading causes. For instance, abnormal heart valves can disrupt normal blood flow. At the same time, obstructions or dilated blood vessels can also contribute to the issue. Additionally, some heart murmurs result from abnormal blood flow or deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as taurine, which are linked to specific heart conditions. Understanding these causes can help you better manage your dog's health.

Helping Your Dog with a Heart Murmur

When your dog is diagnosed with a heart murmur, it can be a lot to take in, but there are many natural ways to support their heart health. Some murmurs are mild and may not need much treatment, while others can lead to more severe issues, like congestive heart failure. The best approach to managing a heart murmur involves a mix of lifestyle changes, natural supplements, and regular check-ups with your vet to keep an eye on your dog's condition.

In addition to veterinary care, effective natural remedies can help maintain your dog's heart function and slow disease progression. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, ensuring regular exercise, and adding heart-healthy supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can all make a difference. Natural options, such as fish oil and medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps, provide extra heart and respiratory health benefits.

Natural Remedies for Heart Murmurs in Dogs

1. Medicinal Mushrooms & Adaptogens

Medicinal mushrooms can be a great natural option for supporting heart health in dogs. Varieties like Reishi, Turkey Tail, and Cordyceps are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and boost the immune system. Additionally, Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogen known for enhancing heart function and managing stress—both of which are important for dogs with heart murmurs. Incorporating these medications for dog heart murmur into your dog's routine could benefit their overall health.

2. CBD 

CBD oil is one of the most promising natural heart murmur dog medications. This powerful oil offers a variety of benefits for heart health. CBD (cannabidiol) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help improve heart function and lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, it can reduce anxiety, making it easier for your dog to relax. Here's how CBD for dogs can support their heart health:

Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to heart disease, but CBD is known for its ability to combat inflammation. By reducing inflammation in the blood vessels, CBD helps the heart pump blood more easily, which can prevent complications like congestive heart failure.

Lowering Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can strain your dog's heart, making it work harder. Studies indicate that CBD can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and enhancing circulation. This is particularly beneficial for heart murmur in older dogs, as it lessens the load on their hearts.

Managing Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can worsen heart issues by elevating blood pressure and heart rates. CBD is celebrated for its calming effects, helping to soothe anxious dogs. By keeping your dog relaxed, CBD helps maintain a steady heart rate and reduces blood pressure spikes, which is crucial for managing heart murmurs.

Improving Cholesterol Levels: Elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) pose risks to heart health. CBD has shown promise in lowering LDL and increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL). This balance helps prevent cholesterol buildup in the arteries, reducing the risk of blockages that can lead to serious heart problems.

Supporting Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for dogs with heart murmurs, as extra weight can burden the heart. Some research suggests that CBD may aid in weight management by converting white fat cells into energy, helping your dog stay fit, and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Pain Relief for Cardiac-Related Issues: Dogs with a heart murmur or heart disease may experience pain and discomfort from their condition. CBD is well-known for its pain-relieving qualities, which can help ease discomfort and enhance your dog's overall quality of life.

Conclusion:

While CBD can offer many benefits for dogs, it's essential to use it carefully, especially for those with severe heart conditions. It can interact with heart medications and may lower blood pressure too much or even raise the heart rate, which could be risky. Always inform your veterinarian before introducing CBD for a dog heart murmur, mainly if your dog is on heart medication. This way, they can make necessary adjustments to ensure your dog's safety and well-being.