Pet Heart Health Services
Compassionate Veterinary Heart Care for Dogs & Cats
Your pet’s heart is at the center of everything they do — from excited tail wags to cozy naps beside you. At Whitworth Animal Clinic, we provide comprehensive veterinary heart care for dogs and cats, helping detect, manage, and treat heart disease early so your pet can enjoy more happy, healthy years.
Heart health isn’t something we only check when there’s a problem. Dr. Whitworth evaluates your pet’s heart at every regular wellness exam, carefully listening for murmurs, irregular rhythms, and subtle changes that could signal early heart disease.
If you’ve been told your pet has a heart murmur, or you’ve noticed coughing, fatigue, or breathing changes, we’re here to help.
Heart Health Is Part of Every Check-Up
During your pet’s routine visit, Dr. Whitworth includes a thorough cardiac assessment as part of the physical exam. This includes:
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Listening for heart murmurs
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Checking heart rhythm and rate
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Evaluating pulse quality
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Monitoring for early signs of cardiovascular changes
Many forms of dog heart disease and cat heart disease develop gradually and may not show obvious symptoms at first. That’s why routine exams and heart health screenings are so important — especially for senior pets and breeds prone to cardiac conditions.
Why Heart Health Screening for Pets Is So Important
Heart disease can develop gradually and quietly. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may already be advanced. That’s why routine exams and proactive screening are so valuable.
Early detection allows us to:
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Identify heart murmurs early
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Monitor structural or rhythm changes
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Begin treatment before heart failure develops
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Improve quality of life and longevity
Preventive care truly makes a difference.
Which Pets Should Have Heart Screenings?
We recommend proactive heart health screening for pets who are:
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7+ years old (dogs)
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8+ years old (cats)
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Breeds predisposed to heart disease
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Previously diagnosed with a heart murmur
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Experiencing coughing, fatigue, or breathing changes
Regular monitoring provides peace of mind and helps protect your pet’s long-term health.
Access to Veterinary Heart Specialists
If Dr. Whitworth detects any abnormalities — such as a significant heart murmur, rhythm irregularities, or concerning diagnostic findings — he can recommend and coordinate care with a trusted veterinary cardiology specialist.
Having a referral network ensures your pet has access to advanced diagnostics such as echocardiography and specialty-level cardiac care when needed. We work collaboratively to make the process smooth and supportive for you and your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Heart Health
What is a heart murmur in dogs?
A heart murmur in dogs is an abnormal sound heard during a veterinary exam. Some murmurs are harmless, especially in puppies, but others may indicate underlying heart disease. Dr. Whitworth evaluates all murmurs carefully and may recommend additional testing if needed.
How do I know if my cat has heart disease?
Cat heart disease can be difficult to detect because many cats show few outward symptoms. Signs may include rapid breathing, lethargy, or decreased appetite. Routine wellness exams are essential for early detection.
Is heart disease in pets treatable?
While many forms of heart disease cannot be cured, they can often be successfully managed with medication, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments. Early detection improves long-term outcomes.
Does my pet’s regular check-up include a heart exam?
Yes. Dr. Whitworth checks your pet’s heart at every routine wellness visit. This includes listening for murmurs, checking heart rhythm, and assessing overall cardiovascular health.
When should my pet see a veterinary cardiologist?
If abnormalities such as a significant murmur or irregular heart rhythm are detected, Dr. Whitworth can recommend and coordinate care with a trusted veterinary heart specialist for advanced diagnostics and treatment.