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Why is my senior Shih Tzu breathing fast, wheezing, and has a heart murmur?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 11 years and 6 months old

My dog is breathing fast, extending her neck, and sorts sounds like weezing. I know she has a small murmur in her heart when I listen she is acting completely fine. 12 years old, shi-tzu, recently vaccinated.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2019

Hello, and thanks for your question about Jasmine. You are describing a dog in respiratory distress - if Jasmine has a history of a heart murmur and is now showing changes in her breathing, she needs to be seen by a vet immediately, as these could be symptoms of congestive heart failure. All the best to you!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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