Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs and How to Care for a Heart That Needs Extra Love

Mitral valve disease is one of those diagnoses that can stop a pet parent in their tracks. Hearing that your dog has a heart problem naturally brings fear, confusion, and a lot of questions. The good news is that many dogs live comfortably for years with mitral valve disease when it’s caught early and managed properly.

Mitral valve disease affects the valve that separates the left upper and lower chambers of the heart. As the valve weakens over time, it doesn’t close tightly anymore, allowing blood to leak backward instead of flowing forward efficiently. This makes the heart work harder, and over time that extra strain can lead to enlargement of the heart and, in more advanced cases, congestive heart failure.

One of the hardest parts of this condition is that it often starts quietly. Many dogs show no outward symptoms at all in the early stages. In fact, a veterinarian may be the first to notice something isn’t quite right during a routine exam when they hear a heart murmur through a stethoscope. That murmur can exist months or even years before your dog ever seems sick.

As the disease progresses, signs can begin to show. The most common ones pet parents notice are coughing, especially at night or when the dog is resting, getting tired more easily on walks, or breathing that seems faster or more labored than normal. Some dogs may lose interest in activities they once loved, have a reduced appetite, or seem restless and uncomfortable when lying down. These changes are often subtle at first, which is why trusting your instincts as a pet parent matters so much.

Certain dogs are more likely to develop mitral valve disease than others. Small and toy breeds are especially prone, and age plays a big role as well. Breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, and Miniature Schnauzers are frequently affected. In Cavaliers, mitral valve disease is so common that it’s considered almost inevitable with age. Genetics, wear and tear on the heart, and time itself all contribute.

If your vet suspects mitral valve disease, diagnosis usually involves more than just listening to the heart. Chest X-rays may be used to see if the heart has enlarged or if there is fluid in the lungs. Blood tests such as NT-proBNP can help assess heart stress, and an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, gives the clearest picture of how well the valves are working. These tools allow your vet to determine the stage of the disease and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Dogs in the early stages may not need medication right away but will need regular monitoring. As the condition advances, medications are often introduced to support heart function, reduce fluid buildup, and ease the heart’s workload. Pimobendan is commonly prescribed and has been shown to delay the onset of heart failure in dogs with mitral valve disease. Diuretics may be added if fluid accumulation becomes an issue, along with other medications tailored to the individual dog.

What you do at home can make a real difference. One of the most helpful things pet parents can do is monitor their dog’s resting breathing rate while they sleep. A consistently rising rate can be an early warning sign that the heart is struggling more and that it’s time to call the vet. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, avoiding overly strenuous exercise, and sticking closely to medication schedules are also key parts of supportive care.

Education is empowering, and there are excellent resources available if you’d like to understand this condition more deeply. VCA Hospitals offers a clear, pet-parent-friendly overview of mitral valve disease and its management. PetMD also provides helpful explanations of symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment options. For visual learners, veterinary cardiology videos on YouTube can be especially reassuring, as they walk through what’s happening inside the heart in plain language.

You may also find it helpful to read this earlier, in-depth post on the topic, which complements what you’ve read here: https://petsareablessing.blogspot.com/2024/05/mitral-valve-disease-and-dogs.html

I have mitral valve disease and I just turned 11!

Living with mitral valve disease doesn’t mean your dog’s joy disappears. With attentive care, good communication with your veterinarian, and a loving home, many dogs continue to enjoy happy, comfortable lives. Your awareness, your advocacy, and your love truly matter more than you may ever realize.

If you’re concerned about changes in your dog’s breathing, energy level, or overall comfort, don’t wait to reach out for help. Early action can make all the difference, and your dog’s heart is worth every bit of that care. Get a free handout here.

At Your Furry Godmothers, we understand the needs of dogs with underlying heart issues. We are confident in assessing your pet's status and/or administering appropriately prescribed medications to your pet. We know that dogs with this condition are capable of living long, fulfilling lives with proper care and monitoring. If you need pet sitting but worry about getting proper care for your dog with heart disease, please don't hesitate to call us. We focus on pets with chronic illness and seniors and are fully prepared to provide excellent care. Call today 405-673-3306 to schedule your free "meet and greet" if you reside in our service area.