Ever noticed your vet listening a little extra closely to your dog’s chest? That’s because, for veterinarians, a stethoscope is like a detective tool, helping them listen for those classic “lub-dub” sounds of a healthy heartbeat. But sometimes, instead of just “lub-dub,” they might hear an extra “whoosh” or “shoosh” sound. That extra noise is called a heart murmur, and while it sounds mysterious, it’s usually just a sign of a little turbulence in the way blood flows through your dog’s heart.
(Want to hear what a heart murmur sounds like? Listen to audio on VeterinaryPartner!)
Imagine a calm river flowing smoothly. Now picture that river getting a little turbulent around rocks or narrow spots. That’s exactly what’s happening with a heart murmur! Normally, blood flows smoothly through the heart, but if there’s any narrowing or a small leak, it can cause a bit of a “rapid” or “whooshing” sound. Vets can often pinpoint the cause based on the murmur’s timing and location on your pup's chest.
💡 What Causes These Heart "Rapids"?
Leaky Valves: The most common cause in dogs. If a valve doesn’t close quite right, it can lead to a little extra “shoosh” in the heartbeat.
Narrow Spots or Holes: Narrowing in a blood vessel (called stenosis) or small holes in the heart can also make the blood flow a bit rowdy.
Extra Excitement or Thin Blood: Even high excitement or thinner-than-normal blood can give your dog a temporary murmur.
Not quite! Heart murmurs are often graded on a scale from 1 to 6, from very soft to very loud. But the grade doesn’t always tell you how serious it is. Some murmurs are “benign,” meaning they’re harmless and often seen in puppies, especially as their hearts grow and develop. Benign murmurs are typically soft and may disappear as a puppy matures. So, if your vet mentions a murmur, it’s often a sign to pay attention but not necessarily to panic. 🐾
If your vet detects a murmur, they’ll consider your dog’s age, breed, and health history to decide whether further tests are needed. Many times, no extra testing is required immediately. However, if it’s a stronger murmur or if your vet wants a closer look, they might suggest an ultrasound or refer you to a heart specialist for more details.
Staying on top of regular vet check-ups is the best way to keep your dog’s heart (and everything else) healthy. Most murmurs don’t need any special treatment, but if the murmur is linked to an underlying condition, your vet will walk you through options that suit your pup’s health, age, and lifestyle. And if your dog is especially excited during the vet visit, remember that stress can sometimes make a murmur sound more pronounced than it is.
Heart murmurs are common in dogs, especially as they age, but they’re often nothing to worry about. With regular check-ups and attention to any changes in your pup’s behavior, you can keep your dog happy, healthy, and ready for all the belly rubs they deserve. So, next time you hear your vet talk about a “whoosh” or “shoosh,” you’ll know exactly what’s up!
Source:
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952593
Travis Ling
