Detecting heart problems early is key to a long, full life

If you suspect your pet has any heart issue whatsoever, see your veterinarian immediately to obtain a proper diagnosis.

A heart murmur is a very common heart problem in pets that can be traced to the negative consequences of selective breeding.  This is the price our pets can sometimes pay for our preferences in terms of "good looks", especially in the toy breeds. 

A murmur occurs when a heart valve fails to shut correctly, which prevents blood from circulating properly in the body. 

If you think your dog has any kind of heart disease, including a heart murmur, please see your veterinarian immediately.

What are the Signs of a Heart Murmur?

• Fluid retention
• Swollen legs due to accumulation of fluid in lower extremities
• Bloated belly due to fluid backing up into the abdomen
• Labored breathing
• Gums becoming purple or blue due to lack of oxygen
• Increased coughing due to blood backing up into the lungs
• Decrease in exercise tolerance
• Inability to walk
• Fainting
• Weight loss 

What are the Different Grades of a Heart Murmur?

There are six grades of heart murmur based on loudness:

1:  A very soft, localized murmur detected only after several minutes of listening

2:  A soft murmur, heard immediately but localized to a small area

3:  A moderately intense murmur, that is readily detected and detected over more than one location

4:  A moderately intense or loud murmur, detected over several areas, usually both sides of the chest, however, a precordial thrill (vibration) is not detected in this case

5:  A loud murmur accompanied by a precordial thrill over the point of maximal intensity

6:  A very loud murmur accompanied by a precordial thrill and the murmur is detected when the stethoscope is pulled slightly off the chest wall

How Do I Prevent or Deal With a Heart Murmur?

• Improve general nutrition
• Improve diet
• Provide good quality protein
• Avoid unnecessary salt
• Use non fluoridated water (Hong Kong tape water is fluoridated)
• If your pet is overweight, put them on a diet
• Regular, light exercise
• Ensure good dental health.  Mouth bacteria has been linked to heart valve infections

How Do I Keep My Pet's Heart Strong?

Prevention:  On the preventative front, some important keys to keeping a pet healthy includes Nutrition and Exercise.

Treatment:  If you suspect your pet has a Heart Murmur, or your pet has been diagnosed with a Heart Murmur, the products in our Heart Health Catalog can help.

Our Best Selling Heart Health Products

Pure Green

Pure Green is an organic anti-inflammation supplement made from clean, sustainable and organically grown New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels that have been freeze dried for maximum freshness and bio-availability.

Green+Green

Green+Green is a detoxifying superfood that boosts pet immunity.  It is a super supplement made of sustainable, organically grown New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels, organic Spirulina, organic Rosehip, and organic Ginger.

Just Turkey Hearts Freeze Dried Treats

100% turkey heart from free range turkey.  Freeze dried farm fresh raw meat with all of the vitamins and minerals.  Just Turkey Heart is a great source of CoQ10 and taurine, and it is rich in B vitamins.
Hawthorn & Dandelion Heart Care

Hawthorn and Dandelion is a natural organic herbal remedy that helps strengthen and support your pet's heart muscle, improve circulation and may be used as a diuretic. The natural herbs in the Hawthorn & Dandelion remedy are excellent to provide heart support for pets who have heart disease.