10/01/2026
What is a heart murmur?
A heart murmur is an extra sound your veterinarian hears when listening to your pet's heart with a stethoscope. It happens when blood flow becomes a little less smooth, creating a gentle "whooshing" sound between heartbeats. A murmur is a finding, not a diagnosis, and many pets with murmurs continue to live happy, active lives without any changes to their daily routine.
Heart murmurs can occur for many reasons. Some are associated with normal growth in puppies and kittens, while others may be related to changes in the heart's structure or function. Excitement, stress, fever, or other temporary conditions can also influence what we hear during an examination. A murmur alone does not tell us the cause or significance, which is why we may recommend additional monitoring or testing.
At home, most pets with a heart murmur feel completely normal. We encourage pet parents to watch for changes in their pet's usual habits, such as decreased energy, reduced exercise tolerance, coughing, or faster, more laboured breathing at rest. Monitoring these changes can provide helpful information about your pet's overall health and well-being.
At PetDerm, your pet's comfort and your confidence in their care guide every recommendation we make. We believe in clear, honest guidance and will take the time to explain our findings in simple, understandable terms. Whether a murmur needs only routine monitoring or additional evaluation, our cardiac team is here to support you at every step and help create a care plan tailored to your pet's unique needs.
