When your dog is in the end stages of congestive heart disease you will notice that your pup has difficulty breathing even while resting, experiences frequent bouts of coughing, develops bluish-grey color gums, possibly faints when standing and will become reluctant to walk.
Dogs with severe heart disease have more trouble breathing when lying down, and will often sit or stand for long periods of time. Fatigue, Inability to Exercise – Dogs with heart disease will tire out more quickly on walks and during exercise. They may sleep or rest more than usual.
In general, dogs that are diagnosed with congestive heart failure can live anywhere from 6 months to 1 1/2 to 2 years. Other factors that affect how long a dog can live with CHF include: The age of the dog. The severity of their condition.
Congestive heart failure is a common cause of these signs. Dilated cardiomyopathy may have a very sudden onset. Some dogs go into severe heart failure in what appears to be a matter of hours. Rapid, heavy breathing, a blue tongue, excessive drooling, or collapse may be the first signs.
Is congestive heart failure in dogs painful? Dogs in congestive heart failure typically do not display obvious signs of pain. However, humans in congestive heart failure have described chest pain as a factor, so it's possible dogs also experience some discomfort. Seek veterinary care if you feel your pet is in pain.
Many small breeds have a genetic propensity toward CHF, says Love to Know, including toy poodles, Pomeranians, dachshunds, and cavalier King Charles spaniels. Small dogs in general tend to be more prone to developing CHF because the heart valves tend to degenerate more than in larger breeds.
As heart failure progresses, pets will have more and more difficulty breathing. You may notice your pet's sides heaving in and out more when she breathes, or you may hear her wheezing in her sleep or otherwise at rest. She may also pant or breathe with her mouth open more often.
Is there a cure for Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs? Unfortunately, there is generally no cure for heart disease. However, with the right care, it is possible to manage, and most dogs do well with medications and treatment.
About 50% of heart failure patients will have died within 6 months of diagnosis. About 80% will have died by 1.5-2 years. Of course, dogs with murmurs and no heart failure commonly live normal life spans.
Pneumonia or infection of the lung can lead to symptoms that are similar to those of heart failure. Pulmonary fibrosis in dogs is the deposition of scar tissue in the lungs. Symptoms are similar to those of pulmonary edema.
Exercise Management
You will not want them to be running hard, leaping, and fetching intensely, or doing anything that will elevate their heart rate significantly. These dogs need to go on gentle walks each day and be careful not to get too excited.
In the final stages of heart failure, people feel breathless both during activity and at rest. Persistent coughing or wheezing. This may produce white or pink mucus. The cough may be worse at night or when lying down.
Do not use any salt, seasoning salts, etc in cooking. Don't give your dog any cereals (unless it's low-sodium puffed wheat) Avoid all milk products (small amounts of unsalted cottage cheese or low-sodium cheddar are occasionally permissible)
The symptoms of pulmonary edema will vary based upon the underlying cause of the condition, however the most common symptoms in dogs include: Coughing. Difficulty breathing. Crackling noises when taking a breath.
With a logical treatment approach, congestive heart failure in dogs can be controlled for many months with a good quality of life in most patients.
A dog with congestive heart failure may cough, have trouble breathing, experience fatigue, loss of appetite, or might die suddenly. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment can help reverse congestive heart failure, and medications are available to help relieve its symptoms.
Your dog will still need regular exercise to help keep them happy, healthy and in shape! If they can't walk as far as they used to, consider cutting their walks down but having a couple more throughout the day if they can cope and make sure to avoid hot weather.
In addition, significant ascites can lead to respiratory distress and discomfort which can indirectly lead to anorexia and/or inappetence. Some heart-failure medications, such as digoxin, may alter taste in some dogs or have adverse central effects on appetite.
Congestive heart failure is when a dog has edema of the lungs due to heart disease. Among other symptoms, this results in a wet, phlegmy cough caused by the excess fluid. A dog cough due to a heart condition indicates that the heart is no longer able to compensate and is a sign of advanced disease.
Degenerative Valve Disease, also known as Endocarditis, Valvular Regurgitation, and Valvular Insufficiency, is the most common acquired heart disease in dogs, and is thought to account for around 75% of all canine cardiovascular diseases.
Heart valve problems are the most common issue and typically affect small breed dogs that are five years or older. No matter what heart condition your dog has, it's important to spot the signs early. Since 95% of heart conditions in dogs come on as they age, it's easier to manage as soon as it develops.
What to expect and monitor in your pet with congestive heart failure: Some pets may experience increased thirst and urination.