Holter Monitoring for Pets | 4 Paws Imaging Center

Heart conditions don’t always show themselves during a 10-minute exam. Some issues, especially arrhythmias, can be brief, unpredictable, and easily missed with a standard ECG. That’s why Holter monitoring has become an essential tool in veterinary cardiology. At 4 Paws Imaging Center, we provide Holter monitoring for dogs and cats who need continuous heart rhythm evaluation in a stress-free, home-based setting.

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records your pet’s heart activity continuously—usually over a 24- to 48-hour period. Unlike in-clinic ECGs, which only capture a moment in time, Holter monitoring gives your veterinarian a complete picture of your pet’s cardiac function throughout daily activities, sleep, excitement, and rest. This is particularly useful for identifying intermittent arrhythmias that may cause fainting, weakness, coughing, or restlessness but aren’t visible during exams.

The process is simple. One of our trained technicians will fit the monitor to your pet using a lightweight vest or harness. We place small electrodes on the skin and secure the device in a way that doesn’t interfere with movement or comfort. Your pet then wears the device at home while you go about your normal routine, noting any unusual behavior in a provided activity log. After the monitoring period, you return the device, and we analyze the data in collaboration with a veterinary cardiologist.

Holter monitoring is often recommended for pets with suspected heart rhythm disturbances, unexplained collapse, or existing cardiac disease. It’s also used to monitor treatment response in pets on anti-arrhythmic medications or to screen at-risk breeds for inherited heart conditions.

The value of Holter monitoring lies in its ability to provide a real-world view of your pet’s heart health. With thousands of heartbeats recorded, veterinarians can detect rare arrhythmias, measure heart rate variability, and determine if treatment is needed—or if it’s working as intended.

At 4 Paws Imaging Center, we offer both in-center and mobile fitting services for Holter monitors, depending on your pet’s needs and your vet’s preference. We handle setup, data collection, and expert analysis, ensuring that your veterinarian receives a clear, actionable report.

If your dog or cat has been experiencing fainting episodes, irregular heartbeats, or other unexplained symptoms, talk to your veterinarian about Holter monitoring. With the right information, early treatment and better outcomes are within reach. Let 4 Paws Imaging Center help uncover what’s hidden—so your pet’s heart gets the care it deserves.