A Complete Guide to the 6 Levels of Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Their Natural Remedies in 2025

 

Our canine companions hold a special place in our hearts, enriching our lives with loyalty and affection. While we wish for them to stay healthy for many years, heart murmurs are a fairly common issue that many owners may not be fully aware of.

 

“My veterinarian mentioned my dog has a heart murmur—what does that really mean?”

 

A heart murmur is a symptom, not a diagnosis, characterized by an atypical sound detected by a vet’s stethoscope. This noise is often described as a soft “whooshing” occurring between the heartbeats. Its significance depends entirely on what’s causing it.

 

The impact on your dog’s health varies depending on the murmur’s intensity and source. This article aims to provide clear information to help you understand these nuances.

 

Many dog owners are turning to holistic approaches to help manage their pet’s condition. This guide is crafted for you—passionate pet lovers—to deepen your knowledge about canine heart health and ways to nurture it naturally.

 

Keep reading to learn about what heart murmurs indicate in dogs, how to spot them, and natural strategies that might support your dog’s well-being.

 

 

Understanding Heart Murmurs

 

 

At its core, a heart murmur results from irregular blood flow inside the heart. Depending on when it occurs during the heartbeat cycle, murmurs can be categorized as systolic (during heart contraction), diastolic (during relaxation), or continuous if audible throughout.

 

 

When Are Heart Murmurs Seen?

 

Young Dogs

 

In some puppies, heart murmurs appear temporarily and usually disappear as they grow—these “innocent murmurs” tend to resolve by 3 to 4 months old. Increased heart rates due to excitement can also make these sounds more noticeable.

 

Small Breeds

 

Certain small and toy dog breeds, including the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, often develop hereditary valve problems that cause a higher incidence of murmurs.

 

Older Dogs

 

Among senior dogs, degenerative changes to the mitral valve are a leading cause of murmurs. This condition thickens the valve, preventing it from closing properly and allowing blood to flow backward.

 

Because heart valves regulate blood circulation, such dysfunctions can impair heart performance and potentially result in heart failure.

 

 

Possible Underlying Causes

 

 

Heart murmurs don’t always stem from heart disease. Various other health issues can disrupt blood flow and produce similar sounds.

 

Typical contributing factors include:

• Low red blood cell levels (anemia)
• Thyroid gland dysfunction
• Infections from heartworms
• Heart muscle enlargement or thickening (cardiomyopathy)
• Congenital abnormalities present from birth

 

It’s crucial to understand that not every dog with these conditions will have a murmur, nor is every murmur a cause for alarm.

 

 

Symptoms to Watch For

 

 

While veterinarians detect heart murmurs during exams, the root issues can cause visible symptoms. The presence and severity of these symptoms depend on what’s causing the murmur.

 

Common signs include:

• Coughing or labored breathing
• Excessive fatigue or weakness
• Reduced willingness to exercise
• Heavy or rapid panting
• Overall sluggishness

 

 

Understanding Heart Murmur Severity in Dogs

 

 

 

When veterinarians detect a heart murmur, they typically assign it a grade between 1 and 6, with 6 representing the most pronounced sound. This scale measures the loudness and audibility rather than directly indicating the severity of any underlying heart condition.

 

It's important to note that a higher grade does not always correlate with worse health outcomes. Some dogs with low-grade murmurs may exhibit symptoms such as coughing or fatigue, whereas others with more intense murmurs might show little to no signs of illness.

 

In addition to grading, vets consider factors like the murmur's timing (whether it occurs during contraction, relaxation, or continuously), its tonal quality, location of maximal intensity, and how far the sound spreads. Since some of this assessment is subjective, different vets may interpret the same murmur with slight variations.

 

Grade 1 Murmur

This level is only detectable after careful, prolonged auscultation in a quiet environment. It’s often so faint that it may go unnoticed during routine checks.

 

Grade 2 Murmur

Audible upon focused listening at the specific site, this murmur is soft but consistent within that area.

 

Grade 3 Murmur

Clearly audible and similar in volume to normal heartbeats, this grade is easy to identify immediately upon examination.

Prognosis for Grade 3

Outcomes depend on the dog’s age and the underlying condition causing the murmur. In younger dogs, congenital defects may be the cause, while in older small breeds, it often signals degenerative valve disease.

 

Grade 4 Murmur

Louder than typical heart sounds and extends beyond the initial area, suggesting more extensive turbulent blood flow.

 

Grade 5 Murmur

This grade is very loud, with a noticeable thrill—vibrations felt when touching the chest. Some dogs may still not show obvious symptoms despite this intensity.

 

Grade 6 Murmur

The loudest classification, audible even when the stethoscope is slightly off the chest. The accompanying thrill is prominent, though occasionally dogs may still appear clinically stable.

 

Approaches to Treating Heart Murmurs

 

 

Treatment begins with uncovering the cause behind the murmur. Diagnostics such as echocardiography, radiographs, and blood analysis are essential to determine if heart disease or other conditions are involved.

 

Addressing underlying diseases like thyroid imbalances can reduce or eliminate murmurs. When heart disease is diagnosed, medications may be used to manage symptoms, and in select cases, surgery might be an option.

 

Alongside conventional medicine, natural therapies may support cardiovascular health and improve your dog’s vitality. Below are some holistic options for dogs with murmurs.

 

Natural Support for Dogs with Heart Murmurs

 

 

For those seeking gentle, complementary care, a variety of natural supplements and herbal remedies may help maintain heart function. These should not replace veterinary treatment but can be used alongside it.

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

This antioxidant plays a key role in cellular energy production and protects heart muscle cells. Supplementation may enhance circulation and support dogs with congestive heart conditions.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Sourced from fish oils or plant seeds, omega-3s help reduce inflammation, promote blood vessel flexibility, and support heart health.

 

Hawthorn

A well-known herb traditionally used to support cardiovascular function, hawthorn can aid in regulating blood pressure and strengthening heart contractions.

 

Dandelion

Beyond being a common plant, dandelion acts as a natural diuretic to help eliminate excess fluid and provides potassium important for heart rhythm.

 

Antioxidants from Plants

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and seeds provide antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and support long-term heart health.

 

Herbal Blend for Heart Support

Our expert team has formulated Souffle au Cœur, a gentle, plant-based supplement designed to promote healthy circulation and support cardiac muscle strength in dogs. This product serves as an excellent complement to traditional veterinary care.

 

Prognosis for Dogs Diagnosed with Heart Murmurs

 

Many dogs diagnosed with heart murmurs can enjoy several good years with attentive care. The outlook depends largely on the murmur’s intensity, the root cause, and how promptly treatment and supportive care begin.

Regular veterinary monitoring, appropriate medications, and complementary natural therapies contribute to improving your dog’s life span and well-being.

 

What Heart Failure Means for Your Dog

Heart failure is not always an immediate or rapid decline. With timely diagnosis and treatment, dogs experiencing mild to moderate heart issues often maintain an active lifestyle. However, severe heart failure can progress quickly, potentially reducing life expectancy to just a few months.

 

Indicators of Advanced Heart Disease

In late stages, dogs may exhibit persistent coughing, labored breathing, significant weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, or abdominal swelling from fluid accumulation. Episodes of fainting can occur as reduced blood flow affects the brain.

At this point, the focus shifts to managing symptoms, ensuring comfort, and maintaining dignity for your pet.

 

The Terminal Phase

As the disease reaches its final stage, dogs often become too frail to engage in normal activities. Loss of interest in food, rapid exhaustion, and difficulty breathing at rest are common. Veterinary support is vital to provide pain relief and comfort during these difficult times.

Symptoms may worsen gradually or appear suddenly, and in rare cases, sudden cardiac arrest may occur.

 

Breeds More Vulnerable to Heart Conditions

Some breeds are predisposed to specific heart diseases. For example, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels frequently develop mitral valve disease, a progressive cardiac valve disorder.

Similarly, Doberman Pinschers often face dilated cardiomyopathy, which causes enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle. Breeds like Boxers and American Cocker Spaniels also have higher risks for particular cardiac ailments.

Nonetheless, any dog can develop heart problems, so vigilance for signs of cardiac issues is essential regardless of breed.

 

Living with an Enlarged Heart in Dogs

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart, occurs when the heart muscle stretches and weakens. While dogs can live with this condition, outcomes vary depending on the extent of enlargement, breed, age, and how early treatment starts.

 

Concluding Thoughts

Learning that your dog has a heart condition is undoubtedly upsetting, and we recognize how difficult this situation can be.

 

Has your dog been diagnosed with a heart murmur?

 

If so, do you know the murmur’s severity and underlying cause? Explore our natural heart murmur supplement for dogs and feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

 

Remember, we also offer free veterinary consultations to support your pet’s health journey.