Excersise for Cavalier- how much is too much?

[chopsuey 47]

Hi

Our vet has said that my dog Luka has a very slight heart murmur. ( I have asked for a cardio referral) He is 2.5 years and is very active. We give him lots of excersise which he seems to love. He always runs aroundd when he is off the lead. He never pants or seems breathless. Could over exertion have caused this early onset. I f so what levels should we now adopt.

Hope someone can help
Sue

[Karlin]

If the murmur is low grade then the goal should be o have a fit active dog. A fit heart is more efficient and works less hard to do the same job. This is reflected in the fact that athletes or anyone who exercises regularly will have a lower heart rate than average.

The best thing though is to talk to your vet, who knows the situation of your particular dog.

[chopsuey 47]

Thanks Karlin. I hoped we were doing the right thing. He is so happy to outpace me all the time. I will check it with the vet/cardiologist though.