What’s a Heart Murmur and Can CBD Help?

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Hearing the words, “your dog has a heart murmur,” can be alarming, even if you’re not entirely sure what it means. It just sounds serious, right? As pet owners, we naturally want the best for our furry companions, and any news about their heart health is cause for concern.

That’s why understanding heart murmurs in dogs and pets is crucial—knowing what they are, what causes them, and how you can help your pet live a healthy, happy life. By learning about heart murmurs and the natural options, such as CBD for dogs, you’re taking the right steps to give your dog the best possible care.

What is a Heart Murmur in Dogs?

A heart murmur in dogs occurs when there is an abnormal sound in the heartbeat—often described as a “whooshing” noise—that your veterinarian can hear when listening to your dog’s heart with a stethoscope. This sound is caused by turbulent or irregular blood flow in the heart. Murmurs can range from mild and barely detectable to loud and easily noticeable, sometimes even strong enough for your veterinarian to feel the vibration when placing a hand on your dog’s chest.

Heart murmurs are typically graded on a scale from 1 to 6, with grade 1 being the mildest and grade 6 being the most severe. These murmurs can be harmless, but in some cases, they may signal underlying heart conditions that could progress into more serious issues, such as congestive heart failure (CHF). However, how a heart murmur impacts a dog’s health often depends on the murmur’s cause, the overall efficiency of the heart, and how early it is diagnosed and managed.

It’s important to note that many heart murmurs are detected during routine wellness exams, which highlights the importance of regular veterinary checkups. Early detection plays a critical role in preventing complications and managing any potential heart conditions before they worsen.

Understanding a Heart Murmur in Dogs

A heart murmur is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue with your dog’s heart. It indicates abnormal blood flow through the heart, usually caused by a structural problem, such as a valve defect or weakened heart muscle. There are two broad categories of heart murmurs in dogs: congenital murmurs and acquired murmurs.

Congenital murmurs are present from birth and are often caused by structural defects in the heart. These types of murmurs are most common in puppies, but fortunately, many of them are benign. These soft murmurs are known as “innocent” or “physiologic” murmurs and tend to disappear by the time the puppy reaches six months of age.

Acquired murmurs develop later in life and are typically caused by heart valve abnormalities or cardiac muscle disease. These murmurs often result from myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD), a progressive disease of the mitral valve, which prevents the valve from closing properly. This allows blood to leak back into the left atrium of the heart, leading to an enlarged heart and inefficient blood flow. Over time, this can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, which is a sign of congestive heart failure.

Certain breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are genetically predisposed to valve issues, while larger breeds may develop murmurs due to cardiomyopathy, a disease that affects the heart muscle. Early diagnosis is critical in these cases, as it allows for intervention before the murmur progresses into something more serious. Monitoring your dog’s heart health through echocardiograms, Pro-BNP blood tests, and regular vet visits can make a significant difference in managing the condition.

Murmurs may also be caused by other factors such as taurine deficiency or diet-related issues, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to heart health in dogs.

Types of Heart Murmurs in Dogs

There are three different types of heart murmurs in dogs: systolic, diastolic, and continuous. You’ve probably heard systolic and diastolic before when you’re talking about blood pressure. But, it can be a bit confusing.

The way a murmur is classified here is based on the timing of the murmur. Systolic murmurs happen when the heart contracts whereas diastolic murmurs happen between beats when the heart begins to relax. Continuous murmurs are found in both systolic and diastolic cycles.

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The way a murmur is classified here is based on the timing of the murmur. Systolic murmurs happen when the heart contracts whereas diastolic murmurs happen between beats when the heart begins to relax. Continuous murmurs are found in both systolic and diastolic cycles.

Heart Murmur Grading: One to Six

We were debating on whether or not to go on with the different grades of murmur, but it’s important for our case here. And, to help educate you on which stage your dog is in. Heart murmurs are ‘graded’ on a scale of one to six; one being least serious and six being the most serious.

Grade I murmurs are barely detectable with a stethoscope. That’s why we said earlier a good vet can often hear the murmur, but not always because it’s not always easily detectable in the early stages.

Grade II murmurs are heard softly with a stethoscope, but they are still not completely clear.

Once a murmur falls to grade III, they become a little louder and a bit more detectable via a stethoscope. Most murmurs that cause concern are grade III or higher.

Grade IV murmurs are loud and can be easily detected and heard regardless of what side of the chest is examined. 

Grade V murmurs are loud enough to identify a murmur without question confidently. Once a dog’s heart murmur reaches grade V, the murmur can be felt by pressing a hand against the dog’s chest. 

The most severe heart murmurs are grade VI. They are similar in loudness to a grade V murmur, and can also be felt through the chest wall, but they are the most severe grade of murmur. 

Causes of Heart Murmur in Dogs?

There are many answers to this one heartbreaking question. There are different types of heart conditions and defects that could lead to a murmur. Generally, they can be broken down into a few main causesCauses of heart murmurs in dogs & pets can include:

  • Abnormal valves causing a disturbance in the heart
  • Obstruction or dilated blood vessels
  • Abnormal blood flow
  • Deficiencies, such as taurine, linked to certain heart conditions

Griffin’s Story: Heart Murmur Caused by Worms

Some heart murmurs may even be caused by issues unrelated to the heart itself. For example, Griffin, a young dog diagnosed with a grade 1 heart murmur, was found to have whipworms affecting his heart. Once treated for the worms, his heart murmur disappeared. In some large breed puppies, like Griffin, parasitic infections can disrupt the gut lining and affect blood flow, contributing to murmurs.

Helping Your Dog with a Heart Murmur

When your dog is diagnosed with a heart murmur, it can feel overwhelming, but there are many effective ways to support their heart health naturally. While some murmurs are mild and require minimal intervention, others may progress into more serious conditions, such as congestive heart failure. The key to managing a heart murmur lies in a combination of lifestyle changes, natural supplements, and regular veterinary care to monitor your dog’s condition.

In addition to veterinary treatments, natural remedies for heart murmurs in dogs can play a significant role in maintaining heart function and slowing disease progression. These remedies include ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight, getting regular exercise to improve circulation, and introducing heart-healthy supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and support overall cardiovascular health. Natural sources of these, such as fish oil alternatives and medicinal mushrooms like Reishi and Cordyceps, provide additional benefits for heart and respiratory function.

Beyond these steps, certain supplements, including taurine and CoQ10, can address specific deficiencies that may contribute to heart disease, while FSHE CBD oil offers multiple heart-related benefits, from lowering blood pressure to reducing inflammation and stress.

In the following sections, we’ll explore these natural and home remedies in more detail, including the role of CBD, taurine, and medicinal mushrooms for heart health, so you can make informed decisions about how to best support your dog’s heart health naturally.

While these natural treatments can play a significant role in maintaining your dog’s heart health, it’s also important to monitor their condition closely. Regular veterinary checkups, including echocardiograms and blood tests, can help track the progression of a heart murmur and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Natural Remedies for Heart Murmurs in Dogs

Managing a heart murmur in your dog involves a holistic approach to their heart health, focusing on lifestyle, diet, and natural supplements. While working with your integrative or holistic veterinarian to develop a specific plan is essential, there are several natural remedies for heart murmurs in dogs that can help support your dog’s cardiovascular health. These remedies can aid in reducing inflammation, improving blood circulation, and strengthening heart function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for their heart-health benefits. These essential fats, often found in fish oil, help reduce inflammation, support healthy blood flow, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, instead of fish oil, you may opt for more sustainable and safer alternatives like green-lipped mussel oil, which offers the same benefits without the environmental impact. Omega-3s are crucial for improving overall heart function and can significantly reduce the risk of complications related to heart murmurs.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that plays a key role in heart health, particularly for dogs at risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Taurine deficiency can lead to heart muscle weakness, which in turn can cause or exacerbate a heart murmur. You can boost your dog’s taurine levels by including natural sources of taurine in their diet, such as raw organ meats and raw goat milk, both of which provide high levels of taurine and support overall cardiac function. A proper taurine-rich diet can often improve heart function and may even reverse certain heart conditions.

For example, Ira, a dog diagnosed with a grade 2 heart murmur, saw complete healing after transitioning to a raw diet that included organ meats and raw goat milk, rich in taurine. Since then, no murmur has been detected.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular energy production, especially in the heart. It’s particularly useful for dogs with heart conditions, as it helps improve heart muscle function and protects cells from oxidative stress. Many studies show that CoQ10 can be effective in treating heart failure, making it an essential supplement for dogs with heart murmurs or other heart diseases.

Medicinal Mushrooms & Adaptogens

Medicinal mushrooms offer another natural way to support heart health in dogs. Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Chaga are potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and strengthen the immune system. Ashwagandha is also a well-known adaptogen that enhances cardiovascular function and helps manage stress—both crucial for dogs with heart murmurs.

Holistic Heart Support with MycoDog’s Breathe Blend

MycoDog Breathe Mushroom Extract Blend Proactive pet care Protect dog heart cardiovascular health respiratory health For a comprehensive approach to heart health, MycoDog’s Breathe blend combines the heart and lung-supportive properties of Reishi, Cordyceps, Artist Conk, and Chaga mushrooms with the adaptogenic benefits of Ashwagandha. This blend promotes heart health, improves circulation, and reduces inflammation. Reishi and Cordyceps mushrooms are particularly known for enhancing respiratory function and boosting cardiovascular health, making this blend an excellent choice for dogs with heart murmurs or related heart issues.

Breathe was formulated to provide holistic cardiovascular support and respiratory support, with spagyric mushroom extracts, chosen to promote heart health and reduce inflammation.

CBD for Heart Murmurs in Dogs

One of the most promising natural remedies for heart murmurs in dogs is CBD oil, which provides a wide range of benefits for heart health. CBD (cannabidiol) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anxiety-reducing properties that can improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart disease. Here’s how CBD for dogs can support heart health:

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Reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a key contributor to heart disease. CBD is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. By lowering inflammation, CBD can prevent strain on the heart and reduce the risk of complications like congestive heart failure.

Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can make it more difficult for your dog’s heart to pump blood effectively, leading to increased strain and potential heart failure. Studies suggest that CBD can lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and promoting better circulation. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with heart murmurs, as it helps ease the load on their heart, preventing further deterioration.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate heart conditions by increasing blood pressure and heart rate. CBD is known for its calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety in dogs. By keeping your dog calm, CBD helps lower their heart rate and prevents spikes in blood pressure, which is crucial for managing a heart murmur. A calm dog is less likely to experience heart strain, allowing for better heart function over time.

Improving Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol, is a risk factor for heart disease. CBD has been shown to help lower LDL levels and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. This can help prevent the buildup of cholesterol in blood vessels, reducing the risk of blockages that can lead to heart attack or stroke. By improving cholesterol levels, CBD supports overall heart health and can help protect your dog from heart-related complications.

Supporting Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for dogs with heart murmurs, as excess weight can put additional strain on the heart. Some studies suggest that CBD may help in managing weight by promoting the browning of white fat cells. This process helps convert stored fat into energy, which can assist in keeping your dog at a healthy weight, reducing the risk of heart disease and improving overall heart function.

Pain Relief for Cardiac-Related Issues

Dogs with heart murmurs or heart disease may experience pain or discomfort related to their condition, such as chest pain or joint issues due to reduced blood flow. CBD is widely recognized for its pain-relieving properties, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve your dog’s quality of life.

Using CBD with Heart Medications

Because of some of these effects, however, it is important to proceed with caution in cases of dogs with serious heart conditions. CBD may have an additive effect with the current heart medication, further reducing blood pressure. In some cases, this can raise heart rate, which can be dangerous.

Make sure you notify your veterinarian you are going to be using CBD for a serious heart condition, or alongside heart medication, in case any adjustments need to be made in their medications.

Once you’ve done that, I would recommend starting with our EASE CBD oil, EASE is a natural anti inflammatory for dogs, formulated with frankincense and turmeric, to target inflammation and balance the immune system.

Maxwell’s Story: How CBD Helped with Heart Murmur and Joint Pain

Maxwell is a 13-year-old Chihuahua mix who was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). Maxwell was also diagnosed with severe joint pain due to old age. Maxwell began using CBD Dog Health products in 2018.

His dosage was 1mL of EASE Full Spectrum Hemp Extract once per day.

We checked back in with Maxwell’s owners for a status update. With the help of CBD Dog Health’s CBD oil for dogs, Maxwell’s loving pet parents noticed a huge change in his level of functioning and he’s now able to walk and run. He is able to RUN with congestive heart failure. If that’s not amazing, I don’t know what is!

He’s now living out his final days, extra days he may not have had with his family, happy and feeling good. He continues to take EASE on a daily basis.

Conclusion: A Natural Approach to Heart Murmurs in Dogs

By incorporating natural heart support like CBD oil, taurine, medicinal mushrooms, and omega-3 fatty acids, you can provide your dog with holistic support for heart health. Whether through reducing inflammation, managing blood pressure, or promoting relaxation, these home remedies can play a crucial role in managing heart murmurs and preventing more serious complications.

Always consult with your holistic veterinarian to develop a personalized plan, to ensure your dog lives a healthy and happy life, even with a heart murmur.