A Complete Guide to the 6 Levels of Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Their Natural Remedies in 2026
Dogs, man's best friend, our greatest confidant, our best friend. We wish we could keep them for much longer than what they can offer us. A certain percentage of dogs will be diagnosed with a heart murmur during their lifetime.
“My dog has a heart murmur. What does that mean?”
Click to learn more: 👉 NATURAL support for your dog affected by a HEART MURMUR.🐶
A heart murmur in dogs is an additional abnormal sound heard during the auscultation of the animal's heart with a stethoscope. It resembles the sound of wind between heartbeats. Is it serious?
It all depends on what is causing the murmur and its grade. We will look at this in detail in the following lines.
Do as thousands of satisfied pet parents do and follow the advice of our natural pet health experts. I have put this article together especially for you, animal lovers, to help you understand what is happening inside the bodies of your furry companions, in order to give you all the tools to care for them as best you can.
Read on to learn more about canine heart murmurs and to get a list of the best natural treatments for your dog's or puppy's heart problem.
What is a heart murmur in dogs?
As mentioned above, a heart murmur is a sound heard between two heartbeats, which actually corresponds to a vibration caused by turbulence in the blood circulation within this organ.
We speak of a systolic murmur when the sound is heard in conjunction with the contraction of the heart, and a diastolic murmur when the sound is heard during the relaxation of the heart muscle between two beats. A continuous murmur is heard during most or all of the cardiac cycle.
Heart murmurs in puppies, small breed dogs, and senior dogs
Heart murmur in puppies
In puppies, we may note an "innocent" or benign heart murmur, meaning it will disappear over time, usually around 12 to 15 weeks of age. Some murmurs can also be associated with excitement, when the heart beats very fast and blood is pumped rapidly.
Like guitar strings, the heart structures vibrate as blood passes through. Not to be confused with congenital murmurs, which are present from birth and caused by a heart malformation (a hole in a heart structure, for example).
Heart murmur in small dogs
We sometimes mention heart murmurs being more frequent in small breed dogs. Indeed, certain small dog breeds, such as the Cavalier King Charles, are genetically predisposed to developing a pathological change in their mitral valve, leading to a heart murmur.
Heart murmur in senior dogs
As for heart murmurs in senior dogs (e.g., 10, 11, 12 years old), degenerative mitral valve disease is also the most common cause of new heart murmurs at this age. The mitral valve thickens, making it difficult for it to close during heartbeats, which leads to leakage.
This valve is one of the four valves directing blood flow in the right direction in the heart, so you can understand that its malfunction can have serious consequences.
What causes a heart murmur in our canines?
Just as the flow of a river is influenced by rain, snowmelt, and geology, turbulent blood flow resulting in a heart murmur can be caused by various things.
Generally speaking, a heart murmur is caused either by a hole in a heart structure, by a narrowing of a heart chamber or vessels (stenosis), by a vibration of heart structures, or when blood is pumped more forcefully and rapidly than normal.
A heart murmur can be secondary to a systemic disease, or be directly caused by acquired heart disease, i.e., a heart condition developed during the animal's life.
We have discussed degenerative mitral valve disease, which is a possible cause of a heart murmur, as well as innocent and congenital murmurs; let's now look at other possible causes of a heart murmur:
- Anemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Heartworm
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Dilated cardiomyopathy ("enlarged heart")
That said, it is possible for an animal to suffer from one of these conditions without presenting a heart murmur during auscultation!
Symptoms of a heart murmur in dogs
A heart murmur is a symptom of a heart problem. However, the symptoms of heart disease in a dog can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause of the condition.
For example, a dog with hyperthyroidism will show different symptoms than a dog with primary heart disease. Common signs of a heart disorder include difficulty breathing, coughing, exercise intolerance, excessive panting, weakness, and lethargy.
Grades of heart murmurs
Table of heart murmur grades in dogs
| Grades | Description |
| 1 | Very soft murmur, localized and difficult to perceive |
| 2 | Soft murmur, perceptible after a few seconds of auscultation, localized to a single auscultation zone |
| 3 | Moderate intensity murmur, immediately perceptible and localized |
| 4 | Audible murmur, louder than normal heart sounds |
| 5 | Murmur that can be felt manually upon palpation |
| 6 | Very audible murmur, heard even when slightly lifting the stethoscope from the body |
If your animal has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, your veterinarian has likely also given you its grade, generally ranging from 1 to 6. The grade is essentially a way to classify the murmur by its intensity, with 6 being the loudest.
The grade is not necessarily characteristic of the stage of heart disease. Indeed, this number given by your veterinarian is not directly correlated to the severity of symptoms; it all depends on the cause of the murmur.
For example, in a veterinary clinic, I have encountered a dog with a grade 2 or 3 murmur showing symptoms of coughing, while another with a grade 5 murmur was living a normal life. Let's look precisely at the characteristics of each grade of heart murmur.
The grade is not the only characteristic used by the veterinarian to describe the heart murmur. They also use its tone, the location of its point of maximal intensity, its type (systolic, diastolic, or continuous), its radiation area, etc.
That said, the assessment of a murmur is subjective. Although many criteria exist to describe a murmur, two veterinarians could assign slightly different grades to the same murmur.
Dog heart murmur: Grade 1
A grade 1 murmur is heard after long auscultation under perfect conditions, i.e., in a quiet room with a cooperative patient and a good stethoscope.
It is a very soft, localized, and barely perceptible murmur.
Dog heart murmur: Grade 2
Easily audible when the stethoscope is placed directly where the heart is best heard.
It is a soft but perceptible murmur after a few seconds of auscultation. It is localized to a single auscultation zone.
Dog heart murmur: Grade 3
The murmur is easily audible and as loud as the heartbeats. It is a moderate intensity murmur, immediately perceptible and localized.
Life expectancy of a grade 3 heart murmur in dogs
Depending on the cause of the murmur, obviously, the prognosis varies. If your dog is under 3-4 years old, it is likely that this murmur is secondary to a congenital disease. If you have an older, small-breed dog, chances are they suffer from acquired heart disease.
Dog heart murmur: Grade 4
This is an audible murmur, louder than normal heart sounds. At stage 4, the murmur radiates to other regions of the thorax. In other words, it is audible elsewhere than at its point of maximum intensity.
Dog heart murmur: Grade 5
This is also an audible murmur with radiation. Starting from a grade 5 heart murmur, a precordial thrill is palpable. In other words, the murmur can be felt manually upon palpation.
In a veterinary clinic, I once saw a cat that had a grade 5 heart murmur and showed no symptoms! Surprising, given the intensity of its murmur!
Dog heart murmur: Grade 6
A grade 6 heart murmur is a very audible murmur, heard even when slightly lifting the stethoscope from the body. It is also characterized by a palpable precordial thrill. It is quite rare to see an asymptomatic animal with such an advanced grade of murmur, but anything is possible!
How to treat heart murmurs in dogs?
You will suspect that the first step to take to treat your dog's heart murmur is to find the cause of the murmur through various diagnostic tests, such as a heart ultrasound and an electrocardiogram. Then, depending on the findings, treatments can be considered to cure it.
If, for example, blood tests reveal that the animal is suffering from hyperthyroidism, which is responsible for the heart murmur, it is likely that the medication given to treat this primary cause will also resolve the issue of the heart murmur.
In other more serious cases where the animal suffers from a primary heart disease, surgery may be possible for some; this should be discussed with your veterinarian. Certain medications can also help control the symptoms.
Read on for natural treatments to care for your dog's heart murmur.
Natural treatments for heart murmurs in dogs
If you are looking for natural home treatments to support your dog's heart and treat their heart problems causing the murmur, I provide here a list of the best natural remedies and supplements.
These natural treatment options can be used as home treatment to support your dog's overall heart health. It is always recommended to consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen or changes to your dog's diet.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that fights damage caused by free radicals that can lead to heart failure. It is found in your dog's body, particularly in the heart, kidneys, and liver. CoQ10 has been shown to improve symptoms of congestive heart failure, reduce blood pressure, and help blood circulate more quickly.
Omega 3
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, fish and seafood oil (like squid oil, krill oil), seeds (like flax seeds, chia seeds), and vegetable oil (like flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil). Consumption of fatty acids reduces the risk of heart problems in dogs.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries can be used as a natural treatment to protect against heart disease and help control high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This plant increases blood flow, circulation, and lowers the dog's blood pressure.
Dandelion
Yes, this plant that grows on your property can be used as a natural treatment for your dog's heart. Indeed, it helps detoxify certain organs like the heart and has diuretic effects to eliminate excess body fluid, which can help your dog's heart muscles pump more strongly.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants work to deactivate free radicals and prevent the damage caused by them. It reduces the risk of coronary heart disease in dogs. Antioxidants can be found in plants, fruits, vegetables, certain nuts, and certain meats, poultry, and fish.
Homeopathic solution for heart murmurs in dogs
Why not stack the odds in your pet's favor by adding a natural product to your arsenal of treatments for your pup's heart murmur?
Our team of experts in natural animal health has developed a natural tool to support animal heart health, which can be beneficial in cases of heart murmurs. HEART MURMUR helps animals with symptoms associated with conditions that can lead to a heart murmur.
This product supports and helps to strengthen the entire cardiovascular system. This 100% natural product is perfectly indicated for animals beginning to suffer from cardiovascular system abnormalities.
Personal Experience
José J. (France)
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Grade 3 murmur
"Hello, I just had another cardiac ultrasound done for Némo (Shih Tzu), who is 7 years old. I have been giving him the Heart Murmur product for 2 years now, and it turns out his condition is stable, although he continues to take Cardalis. To date, after 2 1/2 years, he still has no symptoms related to his illness. I believe Heart Murmur contributes to this stability. Thanks again to your teams."
Watch our video:
Life expectancy of a dog with a heart murmur
In general, many dogs with a heart murmur can live for several years after diagnosis.
The life expectancy of a dog with a heart murmur varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the disease, the dog's age at the time of diagnosis, and the animal's response to treatment.
However, it is crucial that these dogs receive regular veterinary follow-up and appropriate treatment to manage their condition.
Heart failure in dogs and life expectancy
Dogs with mild to moderate heart failure can survive for several years if the condition is well-managed with medication and an appropriate diet.
However, for dogs with severe heart failure, life expectancy can be significantly reduced, sometimes to just a few months.
The life expectancy of a dog suffering from heart failure depends heavily on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis, the dog's breed, and the quality of care received.
As with any condition, early detection and treatment can greatly help extend the life of a dog suffering from heart failure.
Terminal stage of heart failure in dogs
In the terminal stage of heart failure in dogs, the animal may exhibit a series of severe symptoms that have a significant impact on its quality of life. These symptoms may include extreme shortness of breath, even at rest, intense fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal swelling.
In some cases, the dog may also experience syncope (fainting) due to reduced blood flow to the brain. Treatment at this stage is primarily palliative, aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the animal's quality of life.
How a dog dies from heart failure
When a dog suffers from heart failure, the end of its life can manifest in different ways depending on the progression of the disease. As the condition deteriorates, the dog may have difficulty breathing, exhibit extreme fatigue after minimal activity, have a lack of appetite, weight loss, and general weakness.
These symptoms can worsen gradually or occur suddenly, depending on the severity of the heart failure. In extreme cases, the dog may die from sudden cardiac arrest.
Cardiac dog breeds
There are certain dog breeds that are more susceptible to developing heart disease than others. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their predisposition to mitral valve disease, a degenerative heart disease.
Similarly, Dobermans are often affected by dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that leads to an enlarged heart. Boxers and American Cocker Spaniels can also be predisposed to certain heart conditions.
However, it is important to note that any breed of dog can develop heart disease and that owners should always be attentive to signs of heart problems, regardless of their dog's breed.
Can a dog live with an enlarged heart?
A dog can live with an "enlarged heart," a condition often called dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart becomes larger than normal. However, this depends largely on the extent of the dilation, the dog's breed, age, and how quickly the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Conclusion
To conclude, learning that your pet is sick is extremely stressful; we sympathize with you if you are in this situation with your companion.
Does your dog have a heart murmur?
If so, what grade is it and do you know the cause? Take a look at our natural product for heart murmurs in dogs and share its impact on your dog's health condition with us in the comments!
And don't forget that we always offer you Free recommendations to optimize your pet's health.
External sources
- Veterinary Partner (VIN) - Puppy Heart Murmurs
- Veterinary Information Network (VIN) - Heart Murmur Grading and Clinical Staging
Denyse Lessard
18 comments
Bonjour Julie, pardon pour cette réponse tardive. Je vous confirme que vous pouvez tout à fait combiner notre remède Souffle au coeur et la Coenzyme Q10. Seule indication importante : notre remède homéopathique doit être donné environ 30 minutes avant son repas. En espérant que votre petit Olaf se porte bien ! Bien à vous. Cyrielle de HomeoAnimo.
HomeoAnimo - Support
Bonjour Madame Mathieu, Merci beaucoup pour votre message ! Je serai ravie de répondre à vos questions en privé. Je vous invite à consulter votre boîte mail, ainsi que vos courriers indésirables (spams), au cas où mon message s’y serait glissé. À très vite !
HomeoAnimo - Support
Bonjour, j’ai un Boston terrier croisé Shih Tsu qui aura 16 ans à la fin octobre. Après un examen, cette semaine, la vétérinaire m’a dit qu’il avait un souffle au coeur grade 4. Que puis-je lui donner et en quelle quantité.
Nathalie Mathieu
Bonjour, merci pour vos pistes. Comme vous le dites, je donne déjà de la coenzyme q10 therapinov à mon Olaf. Je voulais simplement savoir si je pouvais combiner avec votre produit SOUFFLE AU CŒUR ou si par exemple je devais donner l’un espacé de l’autre et de combien de temps ?
Julie
Merci Mme SAILLARD de nous avoir contactés au sujet de votre chien. Nous allons vous répondre par email pour évaluer sa situation et vous aider au mieux.
L’équipe de HomeoAnimo
HomeoAnimo
Bonjour,
J’ai un border collie agé de deux ans.
On lui a diagnostiqué une hypertrophie cardiaque avant ses un an. Bien que sous traitement je le trouve très essoufflé à l’effort et il ne supporte pas la chaleur, développant des oedèmes pulmonaires, de la fatigue intense.
C’est le troisième chien qui présente cette maladie sauf que les autres en avait souffert beaucoup plus vieux et que le même traitement agissait vraiment positivement sur eux.
De plus, je pense qu’il a une myosite des muscles des machoires…..
Comment puis-je l’aider , j’aimerais qu’il puisse vivre heureux et vieux.
Merci de votre réponse.
Karine S
Merci pour votre message Madame Maya. Nous communiquerons avec vous par courriel dans les plus brefs délais afin de vous aider avec votre chienne Babette.
Bonne fin de journée, Homéoanimo
Homéoanimo
Bonjour j habite à Beyrouth au Liban j ai adopté une chienne de deux ans de l association bêta. d aide aux animeaux en souffrance extrême et victimes d abus .a la suite d une pneumonie il s est avéré que Babette a une insuffisance de la valve et une trachee étroite le vétérinaire m a dit qu actuellement son etat est stable mais qu elle doit faire une échographie cardiaque en janvier ou une prise de médicaments dépensera des donnée .je lui surveille son alimentation .peut elle vivre longtemps car dans ce pays en plein marasme elle est ma seul raison de vivre
Maya
Bonjour Mr Breton. Je suis sincèrement désolée pour votre chihuahua. Veuillez vérifier vos mails SVP, nous allons vous répondre en privé. Bien cordialement.
Homéoanimo
Bonjour
J’ai un Chihuahua de tout juste 12 ans.
Souffle au cœur diagnostiqué il y a 2 ans, avec lithiases renales …et petits kystes aux mamelles.
Stade 2 il y a 1 an.
Actuellement brusquement , elle refuse de manger , même la viande.
Il y a eu plusieurs episodes de la sorte depuis 3 ans, mais cette fois-ci elle semble avoir des troubles du comportement, ne mange que 1 /3 de la ration , dans ma main et seulement de la viande hachée.
Elle semble fatiguée et depressive.
Je ne veux pas d’acharnement inutile, ni la faire souffrir.
Pensez- vous que ce tableau clinique signe une agravation de son etat général ?
Ses urines ne montrent pas d’infection actuellement .
Merci pour votre réponse.
Mr BRETON
Je suis sincèrement désolée pour votre chien, M. Brocard. J’imagine combien cela doit difficile pour vous 2 mais vous n’êtes plus seul(e), nous allons nous battre ensemble pour que votre petit coeur aille mieux. Je vais vous répondre en privé, au cas où vous ne recevez rien, veuillez vérifier également vos SPAMS. A très vite !
Homéoanimo
J’ai un yorkshire d’où on vient de découvrir à 14 ans un souffle au coeur de plus il a un cancer du pancréas et à fait une crise d’épilepsie est ce que la crise d’épilepsie et du à son cœur? Sans opération combien de temps lui reste t-il à vivre et qu’elles sont les soins que je peut faire pour atténuer son souffle? là il vient de vomir je lui ai donné du folfaluvet il ne supporte pas le porus et ADD ONE merci de me donner les meilleurs soins et attentions pour l’aider (et m’aider aussi) à supporter cette lourde épreuve.
Brocard
Bonjour Frany. Je vous ai réponde par email ausijet de votre chien PETIPELUCHE. On se tient au courant très vite ! Cordialement, Camille de HomeoAnimo.
HomeoAnimo
Bonjour,
La radiographie effectuée par le cabinet vétérinaire implanté sur ma commune de résidence a révélé que mon chien (chihuahua de 11 ans) souffre d’une insuffisance cardiaque de type insuffisance mitrale, avec une dilatation de l’oreillette gauche et un oedème pulmonaire modéré à ce stade . Le vétérinaire m’a précisé qu’il s’agit d’une maladie dégénérative des valves cardiaques .
Un traitement visant à stabiliser le fonctionnement de son coeur lui a été prescrit il y a maintenant 15 jours (CARDISURE 2,5MG CN BT 10 BLIST. 10 CP : administration d’ 1/4 de comprimé matin et soir).
Avez vous des recommandations susceptibles de contribuer à palier au mieux à la pathologie sus-décrite svp ?
Avec toute ma sympathie,
Frany
Frany D.
‘Bonjour Mme. Leroy, Merci d’avoir contacté Homeoanimo! Je viens de vous envoyer une réponse par email pour aider votre berger australien . Nous espérons avoir de vos nouvelles bientôt. Passez une bonne journée!’.
Homeoanimo
Bonjour mon chien berger australien âgée de 10 ans.diagnostiquee stade 4 sur5.
Cote gauche..
Quels sont résultats avec vos gouttes pour son espérance de vie et sans souffrance ?
Merci
Le ROY CAROLE
Bonjour M./Mme Beguin,
Merci de nous contacter avec votre commentaire. Nous allons transmettre votre suggestion d’article de blog à la direction.
Étant donné que chaque animal est unique, nous encourageons toujours les propriétaires d’animaux à nous consuler pour la santé de leur compagnon à quatre pattes. Même si une race à une tendance particulière, nous voulons traiter l’animal à part entière avec sa propre expérience de vie, et ainsi recommander un protocole qui est vraiment adapté à lui ou elle.
Merci encore pour votre intérêt!
Homeoanimo
Il est dommage que sur votre site, comme sur d autres on ne trouve aucune information sur les levriers qui ont des caracteristiques differentes des autres chiens. Comme un souffle cardiaque frequent, qui n est en rien un probleme la plupart du temps, comme leurs analyses sanguines tres differentes aussi. Ce qui est fort dommage, les veterinaires ne semblent pas au courant de ces differences, et aucun site traitant de la sante des animaux n en fait etat, a part une assocation qui oeuvre pour les chiens et levriers d espagne martyrises et tortures. Ces differences sont tres tres importantes, notamment pour la leishmaniose . Et l erreur de diagnostic et la mort de l animal en decoulent malheureusement.
beguin
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