My dog has a heart murmur and is breathing shallow and fast, why?

Heart disease is tough. This is true for humans or animals. Pets can quickly go from ok to not ok in minutes. Most forms of heart disease are progressive which means they get worse over time. Signs of worsening heart disease can be increased heart rate and respiratory rate, collapse, exercise intolerance, or coughing. There are many medications that can help improve quality of life. Please see your vet ASAP for an exam and possibly more tests or meds. Hope Boomer feels better!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Since he is a Cavalier I worry about heart disease. Unfortunately heart murmurs and heart failure are genetic in this breed and almost all Cavaliers develop murmurs. Since his breathing has changed even when he is awake I would have him examined by your Vet and have chest X-rays done. If a heart murmur is heard I would definitely take X-rays. If the X-rays show heart enlargement I would start him on medications and have an echocardiogram done by a Veterinary cardiologist. I wish you and Simon the very best!

Molly needs to be seen by the veterinarian quickly. It is possible she is progressing into heart failure. Medication can often help this condition be managed but it needs proper diagnosis. Without treatment, this may progress quickly and prove fatal. Have her examined today. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, that would be considered an emergency. The main reason is that dogs with heart murmurs and heart disease can develop congestive heart failure which is a medical emergency that would warrant evaluation as soon as possible for Maya. The veterinarian would be able to check for this possibility and treat accordingly. Usually if congestive heart failure is confirmed, she may need oxygen therapy, diuretic medications and medications to make her heart work better. Good luck! Wishing Maya the best!

Most dogs with a heart murmurs are fine and symptom free, there is no way to know for sure but when she is a little older you can ask your vet to refer you to a cardiology specialist to have a few tests done to check if her heart is in healthy condition.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Hugo! If Hugo is having trouble breathing this is an emergency and he should be evaluated by a Vet as soon as possible. When dogs can not breathe they tend to not relax and lie down. Or when they lie down they extend their necks and/or abduct their elbows. Causes of trouble breathing: congestive heart failure, anemia (bleeding some where), pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infection, fluid around the lungs or heart, pain, or cancer. I am glad Hugo is eating and drinking. I would call your Vet to have him examined and X-rays of his chest to make sure everything is ok. I hope this helps and I wish Hugo a speedy recovery!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you are describing can be caused by bloat, or dilation of the stomach, which can be a veterinary emergency and require surgery. This can also be caused by lung disease, a mass, or a foreign body in the throat - heart failure typically presents as rapid breathing and coughing, and usually develops over time. I recommend having Jersey seen by a vet as soon as possible, as it sounds like she may be developing trouble breathing. I hope all is well and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!