Heart murmurs in dogs: when to worry

Overview

Heart murmurs in dogs: when to worry covers internal health signs that owners should not ignore. Changes in thirst, appetite, toileting, energy, weight, vomiting, or bloating can point to issues that need proper veterinary assessment.

This guide is written to help you spot useful patterns, support your dog safely at home, and decide when a vet should be involved.

Signs to watch for

Internal health problems often show through appetite, thirst, vomiting, diarrhoea, toileting changes, weight change, tiredness, or abdominal discomfort.

What you can do at home

Do not make big diet or supplement changes during an unexplained illness unless your vet advises it. Focus on hydration, monitoring, and getting help when symptoms are significant.

1. Track appetite, water intake, toileting, vomiting, stool quality, and energy.
2. Keep meals simple and avoid rich treats if the stomach is unsettled.
3. Never give human medication unless your vet specifically tells you to.
4. Seek urgent help for bloat signs, collapse, repeated vomiting, severe pain, or trouble urinating.

When to call a vet

Internal symptoms should be checked by a vet if they persist, worsen, involve pain, or include vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, weight loss, collapse, or major thirst changes.