Saturday, 15 November 2025

Caring for a Dog With a Heart Murmur and Enlarged Heart

Caring for a Dog With a Heart Murmur and Enlarged Heart

Discovering that your dog has a heart murmur and an enlarged heart can feel overwhelming. Many owners immediately imagine the worst, but the truth is that heart disease in dogs can often be managed effectively—sometimes for years—with the right combination of veterinary care, lifestyle adjustments, and at-home monitoring. Understanding what’s happening inside your dog’s heart and what you can do to support their well-being is the first step toward giving them the best possible quality of life.

Understanding Heart Murmurs and Enlarged Hearts

A heart murmur is an abnormal sound of blood flow within the heart, typically caused by turbulence as blood moves through valves or chambers. Not all murmurs indicate disease—some are innocent—but when paired with an enlarged heart, it usually signals a structural or functional issue, such as:

  • Mitral valve disease (MVD): Very common in small breeds.

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): Often seen in larger breeds.

  • Congenital defects: Issues present from birth.

An enlarged heart, known medically as cardiomegaly, typically develops because the heart is working harder than it should, causing chambers or the whole organ to stretch. This stretching weakens the heart’s ability to pump effectively, and over time, the dog may develop symptoms of heart failure.

Understanding the diagnosis helps you know what to watch for, what to prevent, and how to support your dog’s comfort and longevity.

Veterinary Care: Your Most Important Partnership

Managing heart disease is never a do-it-yourself task. Your veterinarian—and if possible, a veterinary cardiologist—should guide your dog’s treatment plan.

Regular Checkups and Diagnostics

Dogs with heart murmurs and enlarged hearts usually require more frequent checkups than healthy dogs. Depending on the severity, your vet may recommend exams every 3–6 months, including:

  • Echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart): Shows structure and function.

  • Chest X-rays: Tracks heart size and lung health.

  • Blood pressure checks.

  • Blood tests: Especially kidney values, since cardiac medications can affect kidney function.

  • Electrocardiograms (ECG): Evaluates electrical activity and arrhythmias.

These tests help your vet adjust medications as your dog’s condition changes.

Medications for Heart Disease

Dogs with enlarged hearts are often prescribed specific medications designed to reduce strain on the heart and delay the progression of heart failure. Common treatments include:

  • Pimobendan: Improves heart contractility and reduces workload.

  • ACE inhibitors (enalapril, benazepril): Help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.

  • Diuretics (furosemide, torsemide): Reduce fluid buildup in lungs or abdomen.

  • Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics: If abnormal heart rhythms are present.

It’s essential to give all medications exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day, and never change dosages without veterinary guidance. Missing doses or abruptly stopping certain medications can be dangerous.

Daily Care at Home

Once you leave the veterinary clinic, your dog relies on your daily routines to stay healthy. Small changes at home can make a big difference.

Monitoring Symptoms

You should keep a close eye on changes in your dog’s behavior, breathing, or energy level. Key signs of worsening heart disease include:

  • Increased breathing rate at rest

  • Coughing, especially at night or after exertion

  • Decreased appetite

  • Fatigue or reluctance to exercise

  • Fainting or collapsing spells

  • Belly swelling (fluid accumulation)

Many cardiologists recommend owners track their dog’s resting respiratory rate (RRR). A normal rate is usually under 30 breaths per minute. A consistent rise above this can signal fluid buildup and should prompt a vet visit.

Exercise: Finding a Safe Balance

Exercise is beneficial for most dogs with heart disease, but it must be controlled and gentle. Overexertion can trigger dangerous symptoms.

General guidelines:

  • Prefer short, calm walks over long or strenuous activity.

  • Allow your dog to dictate the pace—stop if they tire.

  • Avoid running, rough play, or high-heat environments.

  • Indoors, encourage light movement but avoid excitement.

A routine of predictable, low-stress exercise helps maintain muscle tone without taxing the heart.

Diet and Nutrition: Supporting the Heart From Within

A well-managed diet is one of the most important tools you have for supporting a dog with heart disease.

Balanced, Low-Sodium Diet

Too much sodium causes fluid retention, increasing the heart’s workload. Dogs with enlarged hearts usually benefit from moderate to low-sodium diets. This means:

  • Choose commercial diets specifically formulated for cardiac support or “senior” blends with reduced sodium.

  • Avoid salty human foods such as deli meats, cheese, bread, chips, and broth.

  • Look for treats labeled “low sodium” or use fresh vegetables like carrots and green beans.

Weight Management

Excess weight stresses the cardiovascular system. If your dog is overweight, your vet may recommend a calorie-controlled diet. Weight loss must be slow and supervised—sudden restriction can worsen muscle loss or fatigue.

Supplements

Some supplements may support heart function, though they should only be used with your vet’s approval:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): Support heart rhythm and reduce inflammation.

  • Coenzyme Q10: May support cellular energy production.

  • Taurine or L-carnitine: Important for certain breeds or conditions (especially DCM).

Always check with your veterinarian before adding supplements, as some may interfere with medications.

Managing Stress and Environment

Dogs with heart conditions do best in an environment that minimizes anxiety and promotes physical comfort.

Provide a Calm, Predictable Routine

Stress increases heart rate and blood pressure. Establish routines for:

  • Feeding times

  • Walks

  • Medication schedules

  • Rest and sleep

Avoid overstimulation, loud noise, or chaotic environments.

Temperature and Weather

Dogs with heart disease can struggle with both heat and cold:

  • Avoid hot, humid walks—early morning or evening is safer.

  • In winter, keep outings short and use a coat for smaller or short-haired breeds.

Comfortable Resting Spots

Provide soft bedding and easy access to favorite rest areas. Dogs with breathing difficulties may prefer to sleep with their chest slightly elevated.

Quality of Life: What Matters Most

One of the most important parts of caring for a dog with a heart murmur and enlarged heart is focusing on quality of life, not just the condition itself.

Watch for Enjoyment

Ask yourself:

  • Does your dog still enjoy walks?

  • Do they still want to eat, explore, and interact?

  • Do they seem comfortable most of the day?

Most dogs with managed heart disease continue to live happy, engaged lives.

When the Disease Progresses

Eventually, some dogs may enter later stages of heart failure. During this time:

  • Appetite may drop.

  • Breathing may become more labored.

  • Exercise tolerance may decrease significantly.

Your veterinarian will help guide you through treatment adjustments, medications, and decisions about comfort and care. Many owners find it helpful to use a “quality-of-life scale” to evaluate comfort on a day-by-day basis.

Emotional Support for You

Living with a chronically ill pet can be emotionally tiring. Remember:

  • You are not alone.

  • Many dogs live years with heart disease because of owners like you who care deeply.

  • Build a support system—family, friends, veterinarians, and online communities.

Your loving attention is one of the most powerful tools your dog has.

Caring for a dog with a heart murmur and enlarged heart requires commitment—but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With the right veterinary treatment, smart daily routines, a heart-healthy diet, and careful monitoring, your dog can continue to enjoy a full, comfortable, and meaningful life.


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