February is often associated with heart health for people, but it’s also a perfect reminder to think about your pet’s heart, too. Dogs and cats can develop heart conditions quietly over time, sometimes with no obvious symptoms until the disease is more advanced. The reassuring part is that one of the simplest tools for early detection is something your veterinarian already does at routine visits: listening carefully.
A wellness exam isn’t “just a checkup.” It’s a chance to catch subtle changes early, establish a baseline, and decide whether your pet needs anything more than routine preventive care. For pet families in Katy, Texas, where life stays active year-round (and pets often do, too), staying ahead of heart health helps support a longer, more comfortable life. At Circle B Veterinary Hospital, wellness exams are designed to be thorough, calm, and tailored, so you leave with clarity, not confusion.
Your pet’s heart and lungs work hard every day, and even small changes can have a ripple effect on energy, stamina, appetite, and overall comfort. Heart disease can appear in different forms depending on the pet. Some dogs develop valve disease as they age, while others may have breed-related risks. Cats can develop heart muscle conditions that aren’t always obvious from the outside.
That’s why routine visits matter. A wellness exam gives your veterinarian the opportunity to spot early patterns, like a new murmur, a change in heart rate or rhythm, or subtle breathing changes. Detecting issues early doesn’t always mean a major diagnosis is around the corner. Sometimes it means monitoring, sometimes lifestyle changes, and sometimes a simple next-step diagnostic to confirm what’s going on. The key is that you’re not guessing at home, you’re getting informed guidance.
When your veterinarian places a stethoscope on your pet’s chest, they’re evaluating much more than a heartbeat. They’re listening to the heart rate, rhythm, and the quality of the sounds. They’re also listening to the lungs for crackles, wheezes, or other changes that could suggest fluid, inflammation, or airway issues.
One of the most important findings your vet may detect is a heart murmur, which is an extra sound caused by turbulent blood flow. Not all murmurs are emergencies, and not all murmurs mean heart failure. Some are mild and simply need monitoring. Others signal that the heart should be evaluated more closely, especially if the murmur is new, louder than expected, or paired with clinical signs.
Your veterinarian will also consider context: your pet’s age, breed, weight, and medical history. A slightly elevated resting respiratory rate, unusual fatigue on walks, or a new cough can help your vet decide whether the heart needs a closer look, or whether the issue may be respiratory, metabolic, or something else entirely.
Hearing the word “murmur” can be scary, but it’s best thought of as a clue, not a conclusion. If your veterinarian detects a murmur, the next step is usually to assess how significant it may be and whether your pet needs additional diagnostics now or later.
In many cases, your vet may recommend:
When should you pursue further testing sooner rather than later? Typically, when a murmur is new, it becomes louder, paired with an abnormal rhythm, or accompanied by signs like coughing, exercise intolerance, fainting episodes, heavy breathing, or sudden behavior changes. Cats can be especially tricky because they may hide symptoms until they’re uncomfortable, so a proactive approach is often wise when a concern is suspected.
At Circle B Veterinary Hospital, the goal is to explain what the finding could mean, what it likely does mean based on your pet’s exam, and what the most reasonable next step is for your situation. You shouldn’t leave feeling alarmed; you should leave with a plan.
If your veterinarian recommends additional evaluation, it’s because more information can help clarify what’s happening and guide decisions. Diagnostics don’t always mean something is “wrong.” They often mean you’re building a clearer picture so you can act early if needed.
Common next steps may include:
Your veterinarian will guide you on what’s appropriate based on the findings. Some pets benefit from a “watch and monitor” approach, while others benefit from imaging sooner, particularly if there are symptoms, higher-grade murmurs, or risk factors that make early detection more valuable.
If treatment is needed, it may range from lifestyle adjustments and monitoring to medications that support heart function. The important thing is that decisions are made based on evidence, not guesswork, and that’s exactly what wellness-based diagnostics are meant to support.
Healthy Heart Month is a great time to prioritize something simple that can make a big difference: a wellness exam. Listening to your pet’s heart is quick, non-invasive, and surprisingly powerful. It can reveal changes you wouldn’t notice at home and help you make proactive choices that protect your pet’s comfort and longevity. If your pet is due for a checkup, or if you’ve noticed coughing, tiring more easily, heavier breathing, or anything that seems “off,” the team at Circle B Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Call today to schedule a wellness exam in Katy, Texas, and let’s make sure your pet’s heart is supported for all the adventures ahead.