Let me tell you about the first time I heard the words heart murmur about one of my own dogs.

It was Duke. My big, goofy shepherd mix who still thinks he’s a puppy even though his hips crack like old floorboards when he stretches. We were in for his annual check-up, and the vet (yes, I know… I’m the vet, but I wasn’t the one doing the listening that day) paused for just a second longer than usual with the stethoscope pressed to his chest.

That pause? That was all it took for my heart to sink. I knew that pause. I’ve made that pause before.

She looked up and said, “I’m hearing a bit of a murmur.”

Even though I’ve said those same words to countless clients, hearing them about my dog hit differently.

And if you’re reading this, chances are you’ve heard those words too. Maybe at your dog’s last vet visit. Maybe you’re still reeling from it and trying to figure out if you should be panicking or just keeping an eye on things.

Let’s talk it out.

What Even Is a Heart Murmur?

Okay, quick vet-speak, but I promise I’ll keep it simple.

A heart murmur is just a noise. It’s the sound of blood moving in a way it’s not supposed to. Think of it like hearing a bit of turbulence when you’re flying. Not always a crash-and-burn situation, but definitely worth paying attention to.

Sometimes it’s a soft whisper, like a breeze. Other times it’s a full-on whoosh. We grade murmurs from 1 to 6, with 1 being barely there and 6 being loud enough to make you raise an eyebrow.

But here’s the key thing, the murmur itself isn’t the diagnosis. It’s a clue. Like hearing a rattle in your car engine. Might be nothing. Might be something. You don’t toss the whole car, but you definitely don’t ignore it.

Why Do Senior Dogs Get Murmurs?

Short answer? Because they’re getting older. And like the rest of us, their parts wear down a bit.

In senior dogs, murmurs are often caused by changes to the heart valves. The most common one I see? Degenerative mitral valve disease (sounds fancy, just means the valve gets a bit floppy and leaks).

Some breeds, I’m looking at you, Cavaliers and Chihuahuas, are notorious for this. But even mutts like Duke aren’t immune.

The important bit? Just because your dog is older and now has a murmur doesn’t automatically mean their days are numbered. Not even close.

When You Don’t Need to Freak Out (Yet)

If your vet tells you your dog has a low-grade murmur but they’re acting totally normal? Eating, playing, chasing birds they have no hope of catching? That’s usually not a 911.

Murmurs can hang out for years without causing real issues. We might just monitor, do a yearly ultrasound or chest x-ray, and watch for any signs that the heart’s struggling.

Here’s a good sign: if your dog is still bossing around the younger dogs in the house or barking at leaves like a nutter, you’re probably okay for now.

The watch-and-wait approach is totally valid, and for a lot of dogs, that’s all we ever need.

When You Should Raise an Eyebrow

Now, if you start seeing changes in your dog? That’s when we need to dig deeper.

Things like:

• Coughing, especially at night
  
• Getting winded after short walks
  
• Collapse or fainting (yep, that’s a biggie)
  
• Belly swelling
  
• Acting tired or “off”
  

These can all be signs that the murmur isn’t just background noise anymore. It could mean the heart isn’t keeping up with the job, and we need to intervene.

And look, if you’re seeing this stuff and your vet says it’s time for a cardiac workup or meds? Don’t panic. Modern heart meds for dogs are pretty fantastic. I’ve seen senior dogs live years happily on them. Even zooming around the backyard like their valves are brand new.

The Test Most Vets Will Recommend

The gold standard here is an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). It shows us the shape, size, and motion of the heart, kind of like peeking under the hood.

This test helps us figure out why the murmur is there and if it’s affecting your dog’s health.

It’s not cheap, I know. But it gives you real answers instead of guessing.

And if money’s tight? Chat with your vet. Sometimes we can get a lot of info from chest x-rays and bloodwork. Don’t ever feel bad for asking about costs or options. You’re not being a cheapskate, you’re being a smart, responsible dog parent.

Real Talk From One Dog Parent to Another

When I found out Duke had a murmur, my first thought wasn’t scientific. It was emotional. I looked at his grey muzzle and wondered how much time we had left.

But here’s the thing. A murmur isn’t a ticking clock. It’s just a flag.

Some dogs live out their golden years with nothing more than a flutter in their chest and a bit more TLC from us. Others may need meds, regular check-ins, maybe a lifestyle tweak or two. Like cutting back on crazy fetch sessions or switching to shorter walks.

None of that means your dog is broken. It just means they’re getting older. Like the rest of us. And they need a little help doing it gracefully.

Don’t Forget to Look at the Whole Dog

This part’s important.

Don’t get so wrapped up in the murmur that you forget who your dog is. Are they happy? Eating well? Snuggling next to you on the couch with that deep old-dog sigh?

That matters too.

Some dogs with serious murmurs live longer than dogs with no murmur at all. Genetics, overall health, attitude, it all plays a role. So don’t let a scary-sounding word like “murmur” take the joy out of your time together.

We don’t get to control how long we have with our dogs. But we do get to make the time we have full of love, snacks, and belly rubs.

And honestly? That’s what they care about most.

So if your senior pup was just diagnosed with a heart murmur, take a breath. It’s not all bad news. Stay alert, keep up with vet visits, ask questions, and trust your gut.

You know your dog better than anyone.

And hey, Duke’s still here, still wagging, still stealing sandwiches off the counter when I forget to push them back far enough.

Maybe your dog’s got a little whoosh in their chest too. But do they still light up when you walk in the room?

That’s the heartbeat that really matters, isn’t it?

What’s your senior dog’s story?