What is a good diet to treat a dog heart murmur?

I have a 2 year old miniature schnauzer and have just been told he has a heart murmur. Is there any special diet I need to put him on or can I just carry on with naturediet? Can he do the agility classes that I have just signed us up for too?

  • Vetinfo

    By: Erika Raines El Segundo, CA

    Replied on 04/19/2011

    Having a heart murmur does not mean that your dog's life needs to change at the moment. Assuming that the heart murmur is still mild and that he is not experiencing signs of congestive heart failure such as lethargy, coughing or a swollen abdomen, he will likely be fine for some time. Many dogs live for years with a heart murmur before it is even detected. If your dog is otherwise healthy, his normal diet is fine at this time. Also, if he is not fainting or experiencing excessive panting after exercising, agility classes will probably also be fine. Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog while you do these activities. If he seems to tire easily or begins fainting, he will need to be re-evaluated by your veterinarian.

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