Congestive Heart Failure & Enlarged Heart in Dogs 

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫. 𝐋𝐞𝐫𝐚'𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨. 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞. 𝐇𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗. 𝐇𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 & 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞'𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 & 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 𝐏𝐒: 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨, 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨. 𝐖𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞 & 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚.

My dog. Shitzu mix Maltese. Was diagnosed two months ago.. He's almost 16. Had him since 1. Love him with all my life. He's taking three meds, half a pill of each every 12 hours. He seems normal but my whole family always has eyes on him. Someone is always with him. I know I've given him a great life. A super life. I know we all wish we had more time, it's normal but that's life. We come and we go. He's laying right next to me right now but I just wished I had another 15 years with him but I pray I have this whole 2020 with him . Remember all dogs go to heaven. Just spend as much time with them

My terrier mix just passed away last night from this at the age of 11 as well. i wanted to watch this to see if i could have done more for her, we had her meds increased and she was still getting worse. The last 2 weeks she was in her final stages, loss of appetite, stomach was slightly bigger, lots and lots of coughing. She became very weak where she couldnt stand straight. On her last day yesterday , she gave my family and i looks that she never gave us before, looked me in my eyes with concern . I feel she knew it was coming to an end but could not tell us. Im very destroyed by this,but she is an angel now

Something I wanted to share because I had no idea.. they need low sodium diets. That was a game changer for my dogs. We even got to lower the does of furosemide because of it!

Well my Jack Russell foster fail has this. She was diagnosed at 6 years old. When I first rescued her she was an abuse victim. It took almost 2 years just for me to touch her. She found a safe spot under my bed so I let her stay there for a few days. Eventually now we’re inseparable. But she has heart disease. More drugs. I’m just keeping her as comfortable as possible. 💗I really in my heart believe it’s caused from overbreeding these little guys. 💔

Our Chihuahua was diagnosed with this 2 years ago. He is on all the usual meds snd a low sodium diet. 6 months ago he reached the point that we thought he may need to be put down. His lasix was increased slightly and Spironolactone added and 6 months later he is going strong. Is Spironolactone normally prescribed for chf?

I had to put down my 12 year and 5 month old Pomeranian about 2 weeks ago bc of CHF. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur about a year ago! And took him to the vet last month bc he was gagging and coughing a lot at night! He was first put on pimobendan and then as he got worse this year they put him on furosemide and enalapril but didn’t help much. I took him in and they told me his heart murmur went from a grade 3 to a 5! And then 2 weeks ago he collapse on me and was choking and gagging on his own blood. His gums turned really pale and rush him in to the vet but they weren’t as friendly! They seemed to care more about the money than my dog! They took him in and told me he would need to spend the night on oxygen so he did! The next morning I get a call that he was still breathing heavy and couldn’t breath comfortably outside of the oxygen cage. I asked the vet what could be done and they said nothing! I went to see him he tried to get up to pee and fell right back down! His gum still pale! It truly broke my heart and I sort of knew it was maybe time! Even though till this day I always wonder if I could have done more for him or not! It breaks my heart that my boy is no longer here! People tell me I did the right thing but I still feel so guilty about it 😞😭

Our 10 year old dog is experiencing chronic cough and she has CHF. We brought her to the vet yesterday and her meds were adjusted. I am hoping the meds will help with her breathing and coughing. Every time she coughs, its heart wrenching as she's my baby but I can't do anything to make the coughing go away. All I can do is cry.

My 13 year old Chihuahua died of congestive heart failure a few hours ago, by the time we realized something was off about her she was having trouble breathing then foam came out of her nose and her tongue turned blue ish. We rushed to the vet but she died in my arms before we could get there. She lived a long time and now I'm just sitting on my chair because I would always play with her but I can't anymore. It feels so much different without her, she came a long way from an aggressive dog to a loving sweet heart. I made a promise to her while she was struggling to breathe that I would always be with her and I will never forget her, now that the time has come it's time to keep that promise. She was the best thing to ever happen to me.

Hello there. I'm studying veterinary medicine in Turkey. We learn this topic in the internal medicine course. I found this video while I was searching for educational videos on the internet. really thanks. You have been very helpful.

We just put down our 13-year-old Shih Tzu yesterday because of this. (the day before thanksgiving) He survived a whole year, but he was on 3-5 meds and was extremely uncomfortable. I kind of watched this video to help me feel better and it did. We made the right decision. Seeing the x-ray and the dog panting made me realize that giving him peace was the best option. I'm thankful for the breakdown and visuals of this video.

Took my dog to the vet yesterday they told me he has CHF. He has an enlarged heart I was shown this in the xray they took. Jojo was a 14 1/2 year old Jack Russell who would swim everyday of the spring and summer in my pool. He died in my arms this morning at 10:15am PST, I spent 15 minutes trying to revive him. Both vets i took him to said he was fine and that his heavy breathing was normal. They prescribed him Vetmiden. I gave him his first dose last night. I spent most of the night rubbing him and talking to him. Why didn't they give me anything for the pain he was in? Why didn't they tell me he was in critical condition. I told them I want him treated at any cost. The vet lied to me and told me he would be with someone during the day and they never took him outside to urinate. When I got home he urinated for 30 seconds. Also I was told it would be only two hours and they would call me on my cell by noon. I had to call them at 1:00pm and was nervous because i thought something bad had happenned. They told me at 1:00PM that they were behind and would call me when he was ready to be picked up. They called me about 1.5 hrs later at 2:20. When I arrived to pick him up they told me it would be 15-20min wait because vet was in surgery. I said well then please let me have my dog back at least. The assistent said one sec i will ask. She came back and said ok come back with me and she stuck me in a waiting room for about 20 miunutes and never brought me my dog. It gets worse as they didn't do the xrays correctly and then the in house lab was closed for some odd reason so they told me i had to wait 24-48hrs for the blood work results which i never agreed to. The only reason i took him to the Vet was beacuse they had a in house lab with a 2-3hr turn around. It was heart breaking to watch my baby boy suffer and put his head up and looked at me right before he died as if to tell me it was time to go and then he got up and started hyperventilating and tried to throw up I had him in my arms and he was choking adnd couldnt breath. I got him on is back opened his airway and began CPR.I checked for a pulse and found none. I began chest compressions and continued talking to him and stopped after 20 minutes. My parents were with me and were yelling at Jojo to wake up and helping me with the CPR. I thought i saw his eyes move so I continued CPR for 15 more minutes. I hope know one has to go through what we experienced. It's so damn hard to find a good vet these days,they're all business first! It's sick how they front this, we love animals hype!

My dog was diagnosed with early stage heart disease after the vet detected a murmur. No medicine was prescribed. Fast forward 8 months, he is now coughing almost everyday. The coughing happens at rest or during excitement. Is a chest x-ray or heart echo better to check if the disease has progressed? What are the main differences?

My 3 Yr old collie has just been diagnosed with an enlarge heart. The vet wasn't expecting this at all, he went in because he has been drooling a little more than usual & they did quite a few tests mainly on his stomach & bowels & thought they would do his throat & chest. His throat is fine & then they decided to do his chest which showed an enlarge heart which is slightly pressing against his pipe. He has only just turned 3. But because they found this out he is being tested for heart disease as he has never had an xray done before especially when he was younger so they don't know whether he was born with it or not so decided to do bloods. He is also having his kidneys and liver looked at. Its really hard because at the moment over here it's been very warm for the last 4 months & I wasn't sure whether it was because its been very warm or he's anxious as he is quite nervous boy. But I kept thinking ive had him since 10 weeks old & he has never drooled during the summer months. Its not a lot but he isn't the sort of dog to drool except for car journeys. He was really unwell on Saturday because they gave him medication thinking it could be acid reflux, but he had a bad reaction to it, was sick 6 times on Saturday. Since stopping his meds he is no longer sick but now his bowel movements have changed so the vet decided two days ago to have him in to do testing. The vet wasnt expecting this & was quite shocked. I'm hoping he doesn't have heart disease and that he was just born with it. We were told if he doesn't have it they will keep an eye on him but will need more tests mainly on his bowels to make sure they are not missing anything. My old dog had an enlarge heart & a collapsed trachea. She lasted until she was 12 but died due to cancer. (We had to put her to sleep). But she still thought she was a pup until her last days.

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just found out our 10 year old toy poodle has this. we put her on meds but we’re devastated and feel it’s too late

My sweet baby is 2 years old. Just diagnosed with CHF and she’s coughing and her entire heart is enlarged. So young!!!

My dog never coughed before but suddenly got episodes of syncope and with X Ray we found out a heart murmur and within a week he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Thanks for this excellent explanation. My 15 year old terrier recently had to be put down because of this exact issue. Doesn't seem like there are really any great solutions to combat it.

Hi - my dog is a rescue, medium size street dog (in Ecuador). He was diagnosed with an enlarged heart in December last year - we can't be sure of his age but the vets say possibly between 11 and 15 years. He's on heart medication but he still does a wretching cough a few times a day and I've looked up this can be normal if there's fluid collecting or something. Basically I want to make sure I am doing EVERYTHING I can to give him the best life, but I am scared since the diagnosis. Just now, he made the loudest awful sound I've never heard before, then he hacked up a tiny bit of phlegm, but it was the noise that shocked me and I actually thought he was dying. It was a few seconds long and painful sounding. I am so worried about what will happen when he goes and what I can do for him to not have him suffer. One vet told me that it could be painful at the end, that he might have a heart attack, so I just want to be prepared to do everything I can to help him not be in pain. If there is any advice at all please let me know. He may still have months left - or years, I don't even know - some days he is so healthy, some moments he seems so playful and happy and others so tired and fed up. I really appreciate any help or advice at all. Thank you. Becky

My 11 year old Shih Tzu passed away from this 3 weeks ago. He’s had a grade 3 heart murmur for 4 years but his vet never mentioned starting him on heart meds. He stopped eating and drinking few days before he passed and when they did the X-ray his heart was enlarged and his lungs were filled with fluids. I don’t know if it’s related to his heart failure but he also had damaged spine. His hind legs quit on him night before he passed. We had to put him to sleep. I love him too much to see him be in pain. R.I.P my sweet boy. Mommy is so lonely without you 💔

Thank you. My schnauzer is in CHF, started Vetmedin and Lasix six weeks ago. He’s breathing harder at still times. Was slower, walks were terrible, ten minutes was enough down from 30 minutes before we found out why. He turns 13 on Jan 24, so glad hes still here. He’s suffered from a lupus disease and has had the lumpy fat all over plus the feet swelling so on four meds to control that for nine years. Great dog. We’ll keep him around as long as he is comfortable and happy. They get old way too soon!

Good video, matches my dogs X-Ray and symptoms, which I have been treating for about 2 years.

We lost our Shizu/Pom mix recently and I tell you if your dog has this dreaded disease . Love him now ! Take videos take photos take him to his favorite places. 😍

The part where the Doc said that increased panting rate when picking the dog up by his chest may be a symptom unsettled me a little bit, as this is what's happening with my (now) 12 yr old dachshund (picture). And sometimes he seems to be out of breath too for no reason.

Thank you for this info. I really appreciate hearing/educating myself on this since my dog’s diagnosis.

This was very helpful. I think my dog might have CHF. She's drinks a lot of water and coughs after it. Also, she's got some wheezing in the lungs, maybe some water is going down in lungs. But, we raised her bowl to head level and that kept her from drinking nonstop. She is on Apoquel, but we reduced the dosage (since it's not her time where the allergies are prominent). So, we're taking her to Vet tomorrow, but she has had a few syncope episodes (two that we know of). They are scary af, because we love her. Man, it's like she has 3 to 4 hour window after the syncope episode where she is like paralyzed, but just now, honest, she got up and acted freaking normal (almost). Very, very strange. But, she's older now, and she's had a good Vet for most of her life -- after 8 yrs old, we met good one at Petsmart. But, what you showed in the video, I would not doubt is her issue. Granted, she's had brochochitis for a while, but it's not really affected her until now. She's doing some of that dry coughing and acting like she's got a hairball. Nothing comes out. Anyway, I don't want to waste your time, but thank you for making videos and helping the Layperson try to understand / help diagnose what is happening.

My Yorkie is such a picky eater. She gets her meds put into a very small piece of ground sirloin but will not eat dry kibble. She has tried Royal Canin for Renal support but hates it. Any better ideas for dry kibble? Thanks

So should I avoid picking up my dog with this condition? Thank you.

Two Pomeranians different ages, different litters same food… Vet told us it was because we fed them grain-free. Both dogs were diagnosed with this horrific disease …if we only knew. One has passed the other is in her last days… it’s torture 😢

My chihuahua was born with a heart murmur. Later in life he developed CHF and was put on diuretics. His body shape changed, making him very rounded. The vet told me that's from an enlarged heart and more fluid build-up. He increased the dosage. For months the treatment was the same: rinse, repeat (increase the dosage) while my dog kept getting worse and worse and suffered more and more. Skip died at home early in the morning at the age of 10. Having since experienced that, and since we all know there is NO cure, I wish the vet had suggested euthanasia instead of increasing the dosage. I watched my dog suffer for months. The meds didn't help my dog. It prolonged the suffering. It seems the vet treats the symptoms to help the dog OWNER who may not be ready to part ways. I will never do that to a dog again.

It's nice to know I'm not alone. My jack baby vot diagnosed yesterday with CHF. Wish we could take it away. =( I love her so much.

My dog has been diagnosed With an inflamed Heart the vet X-ray and scan Shown the heart was pushing on The wind pipe She's on medication But doesn't seem to be getting any better with coffin and gagging She's a medium sized terrier age 9 I was thinking about giving a oxygen To help when she's struggling With her breathing , But don't know what to do for the best As the vet says there's not a lot they can do For her condition

I really appreciate this video! My little rescued Malti-Poo had some bad sessions of coughing last night after we came back from a long walk. I think it was too much for him. Ever since I got him, he squeals when I pick him up under the chest. He squealed badly last night when I lifted him. It is most likely congestive heart failure, though could be a bronchial issue. I will have a vet look at him today. I was relieved to hear that kennel cough may be treatable. Mikke is 14 yrs old and was very neglected in his past. I built him up with good food and exercise and expert care, but the damage may already be done. Thank you so much for this video. These are so helpful in making decisions about your pet and not needlessly worry.

My 10 year old chiweenie was diagnosed with chf a week ago. He is on 3 meds now , his tight belly has gone down some, but so far he still coughs terribly

Hello Dr🖐️😎 I have a terrier mix ,he is also 11yrs old, he's a very energetic, happy,,just took him in for what seemed like to us stomach problems, no coughing, heavy breathing ever, had some X-rays done, found some problems, his hip , and half his heart(left side), shows slightly enlarged, really scared and upset about it, blood test come back tomorrow, we had no idea !

Excellent video. My 11 year old jack russell terrier mix died this morning April 11, 2024 @10:08am. The worst part about it, I feel.. is that the doctor told us he has had this issue for at least 3 month’s minimum, but he just started coughing last week. By that time she said it was already too late, the heart has been over worked and was closing his wind pipe.

Thank you

My 15 yr old daschund was just diagnosed. With Chronic degenerative valve disease. Of course I blamed myself. Broght her to the hospital as soon as she was breathing heavily. Thanks for the video. Shes currently on 2 meds lasiks and a heart med.

My dog just died with Congestive Heart Failure, and everything Doc said is accurate.

My senior pug was just diagnosed today for enlarged heart. Thank you for the video.

Our 18 month old Newfie was just diagnosed with CHF and told we have less than 6 months with her.

Dog parents, don’t wait to get them the medical attention they need. This horrible disease took my sweet baby Knox Johnson, 11 yr. old Chihuahua on 11.25.2020. We did EVERYTHING possible to save his little life, but he was gone only 5 short months after he was diagnosed. Absolutely heartbreaking. I beg you, take your pet in NOW to be treated. They would do anything for you. Give them the same grace.

Thank you for this information. May I suggest you cover your mouth when you cough.

My 14 year old Pomeranian was just diagnosed with an enlarged heart and was told he was in the early stages of congestive heart failure. We were also prescribed medications to help prolong his life. Other than the cough, he acts like his normally little puppy dog self. With small dogs with this diagnosis, what is the average life expectancy for these little guys?

Any rare chances can happen to a puppy as well and can't do nothing about. My 6 week puppy died last night on my mom arms. We named him max and he was screaming in pain slowly because he knows he's gonna pass away from feeling the pain. He saw his last mother and brother one last time and right after he died... 😭 . I hate this enlarged heart cardiomyopathy problems! Rest in peace angel. You're up there and not suffering the pain no more.

My dog (25kg mutt) has stage 2 kidney failure (hiss creatine and BUN are under control now) and is 12 years old, the vet said that the heart valves have become weaker and is a irreversible damage. he has give me some supplements for heart called VenCard which contains 0.9 mg of magnesium as it's oxide in it i give 2 tablets per day (1-0-1). When he sleeps i do see irregular heart beat and heavy breathing in him. Anything i could do to help his situation ?

Hi, my mini schnauzer has been having this horrible cough. It comes and goes and there are moments where she does the panting. Vet care is super expensive in my area and I’ve looked into other options as well like the county clinics but they tell me they don’t treat stuff like this, so I was wondering if there is anything you could suggest we do? Is there any thing maybe even herbs I can help her with? I k ow this isn’t curable but I just want her to be comfortable. She’s 13, about to turn 14 next month. Thank you!

I have a 17 year old Pomeranian that has heart murmur. He’s been fainting almost everyday and due to the holidays I can’t take him nowhere because they’re closed. What can I do to help him I am worried about these daily fainting

My dog Cooper is 7 next month. He has been diagnosed as having a 15cm heart when 11cm is normal. He's a shih tzu. He stopped eating 2 days ago, has had very soft stools and has gone hiding under beds, bathroom sinks etc. Yesterday he vomited 4-5 times and had one coughing fit. He's been listless for an energetic dog. All this doesn't sound good and we are in Bahrain where vet equipment and their resources are not great. He's overnight with the vet surgery and as expected, we worried beyond belief. The vet says the outcome will be known in next 24-48 hours so does that mean if the situation doesn't change, he has 24-48 hours to live?

A question I have is... my Chi Pablo has been having the coughing attacks, fainting spells from lack of oxygen and is on three medications 2 times a day.... after his medication were increased a couple months ago... at first seemed to really be helping... then he began coughing a lot all the time.... all of a sudden the other day, he is now strangely not coughing at all... but seems tense and doesn't want to lay down... sleeps with his head up and mouth slightly open.... how will I know when it may be time to help him cross over before he is suffering too much 😔

My 7 lb Yorkiepoo was diagnosed in early March 2020 with both CHF and enlarged heart. She was initally prescribed Enalipril, but it caused her kidneys to fail, so now she in on Vetmedin, Furosemide, and Potassium. She goes 1-2 days every wk or 2 when she gets lethargic and won't eat, but they tell me if it last 3 days then I should bring her into the office. It's scary each time and I wonder if she's in pain or suffering. I wonder if it's all worth it. If this life of pills and "bad days" is okay for her. I have another appt on Tuesday to reassess her medication dosages. I also just purchased FETA Cardiac Support Supplement and based on the reviews I'm hopeful it will have an impact. Can you offer any help to know when enough is enough and what will promote less bad days for her? Any specific things to look for or questions to ask of our vet? Thank you!

I had a rat terrier mix she just died two weeks ago tomorrow she was my baby and had heart problems. It killed me inside to see her dead Thursday morning.

You’re video is helpful my dog has a bad cough I tried everything and he’s not getting any better I love my dog so much and he’s … Epilepsy he takes a pill everyday to control seizures. The pill is the cause for his heart in large. His lungs and heart are to big he has trouble breathing 😭 I pray that my dog gets better he’s getting old . He’s 12 years old. He’s Maltese poodle. ♥️ his name is Bear bear . Thank you doctor.

Help! My 13 year old, 14 lb. Schnauzer started with a non productive cough and syncope 2 to 3 times a day. On the second day we took her to the vet. X-ray showed an enlarged heart, 4 heart murmur, no fluid in lungs. Started her on Lasix, and a B/P pill. By the second night, no more syncope or coughing, eating and playing again. She said to start her on Vetmedin to be safe even though the other 2 pills worked so fast. What does her quality (time) of life look like? I *truly* appreciate any information you can give me.

Is there no operation that can be done? If no, why not? Our little Duke just turned 10 and has this heart issue. We want to save him!

Thanks for all the info. Both my smaller dogs have it and I’ve read stuff that link it to grain free diets. I’m not sure if that’s accurate but is there a specific diet you should feed a dog with heart disease?

Hello, my dog has been coughing badly since the last two months especially at night. I’m from North East India, lab equipments are hard to access here. There’s only one person who can do the ECG but he is out of town, won’t be back till 5 of next month. One vet said he has copd and right now i’m following his advice and he is on nebuliser and diuretics. He is having antibiotics also. What should i do? I feel like he has this heart issue. I’m helpless. I can’t wait for that another doctor so long. Please help.

Hi this is exactly what our Papillion has. The x-rays are exactly the same and the vet has said that this is the problem. I was concerned about carrying him because he can’t walk for too long. And to go outside he has to go down a whole flight of stairs about 75 steps and he has to climb them back up again. So we carry him. Is there a way you suggest we hold him when carrying him thank you

Back in sept 2020, my 7 year old chihuahua was coughing. The vet performed an xray and told me that he has bronchitis and that he MAY have an enlarged heart. but she's not sure because, admittedly, he's kind of fat and she told me he was at an awkward angle. His cough went away after about a week and a half with meds. Fast forward to two weeks ago he coughed a couple of times when I got home from work, but hasn't coughed since. Gearing him cough reminded me that he may have an enlarged heart. I was wondering if I should get a second opinion or wait for the 6th month appointment, which she made for next month?

My 13 year old Chihuahua went into ACUTE heart failure, OVERNIGHT. Before last night, I saw NO symptoms... he did cough occasionally.... but last night, he began having labored breathing, and his tongue is a purplish color.... he will just go down if he tries any activity.... I rushed him to our local vet this morning.... they could only get one xray, but it showed an enlarged heart and fluid in the lungs. They gave him a shot of lasix, but now it's afternoon, It's been about 5 hours... and I don't see any improvement. Yesterday, this little boy was running down to the barn with me, and barking his head off... today, he can't even bark OR cough. The vet didn't know much about what's going on... I have been through this with another dog years ago, so I asked for some lasix.... which he gave. I have meds from my previous dog including Vetmedn, and Enalapril, along with Lasix pills that I can give him. The vet won't get back with me to let me know if he thinks this is a good idea, but honestly, I doubt he deals much with this sort of thing... this is a very small town. I can't imagine how this happened so quick... and what I'm wondering is... could there be something else that could cause this type of ACUTE heart failure, and is there any hope of reversing it?

My 13 year old beloved dog Jimmy died on December 30 2020. He had heart murmur diagnosed 4 years ago, started medication Cardisure and Frusemide in 2019. Also medication for seizures Phenomav since 8 years. He developed coughs 4, 5 months ago and was put on nuelin tablets too. On that day after dinner around 5pm he started coughing but normally his cough stops after a while. But that day he coughed continuously and when the cough stopped started panting. So we took him to the emergency hospital around 8.30pm the vet immediately took him to the treatment room and gave him a needle on the report said mild sedation to calm him but he had seizure and his heart stopped then they performed CPR and he came back to live but was struggling to breath the vet said he needed oxygen but to give the mask need to sedate him again but there was a risk he might get heart attack again and die. But tried putting him in an oxygen box first but he was suffocating in that box. When the vet gave a second needle to sedate him his heart stopped and couldn't revive him. My precious boy died on the table. It has been more than a month and I am still grieving with guilt with so many unanswered questions. Like if I had taken him immediately to the regular vet would he have survived? The emergency vet did everything correct to save his life. In his medical report the vet said he had dyspnea.

My bull terrier has a heart enlargement and he’s only 5 years old. He’s on 3 medications 💔🙏🏼😢 I don’t know what else to do he seems to be getting week 💔

Not sure what is wrong with my best buddy frog but breathing fast at rest and consumes lots of water and vomiting thick white foam am very worried but also I'm unable to work and with out an income at the moment when I need the money more than ever he is a wonderful friend and worries me i might lose my best friend

Please try pet well-being young at heart my chihuahua was diagnosed with heart disease 5 years ago and she is 14 now and she's off of all her meds for the last 4 years and she's been only taking pet well-being young at heart

My dog is almost 16 year shih tzu. Last week he has syncope twice on Monday. We found out he got murmur. On T night and W morning he had 3 more. His vet said it could be related congestive heart failure. His lungs were clear . Next day F he got 5 episodes of syncopes or strokes or heart attacks plus coughing before each . His lungs started getting fluids buildup. With lasix his cough was gone and episodes stops. He is on BP meds and blood thinners since last M. He is good. Not sure if he will live long . Waiting for his Ecco test.

Just learned my dog has an enlarged heart the vet didn't act like it was not worried I brought him in because of his coughing which was bad since he was not eating (lost teeth but is eating now change to wet food) the vet gave him a pill not sure what it is and potassium twice a day I'm wondering I normal would take him on long walks a day in the past I'm just hoping I can still keep walking him twice a day

My 11 year old Boston was diagnosed today. Her heart is enlarged and she has a lot of fluid. He said she wouldn't be here in 5 yrs.

My 13 y.o. dog has (breast) cancer but also has valve disease and this breathing issue just popped up over the last day. Bringing her to the vet in the morning. I don't think I'll get another dog after this. this is the 2nd dog who has had CHF. It's a horrible way to go for these poor dogs.

Losing my 8 year old cocker spaniel to this condition. It is killing me that this has happened to her and she is only 8. All her life she has been so picky with food, the most picky out of all the dogs I have had the privilege to love. So feel I robbed her of years we should of had together by feeding her food she would eat like table scraps. I am old and she was supposed to out live me, I guess the horrible joke is on me.

My 8 year old Chihuahua Leia started to cough . I took her to the vet last week . They put her on antibiotics . Today she went back. They did a scan and said she had an enlarged heart . That I need to take her to a cardiologist for a EKG . It cost almost $1,000 . I’m 68 disabled on Social Security . She is my baby girl and all I have . She helps me control my panic attacks. What can I do for her ? I seen a video on You Tube saying Hawthorn Berry is good to give it helps the heart . Please will you help me help her ? She is the love of my life . I just can’t loose her . Please help ! May 7,2021

I have a 3 year corgi and I've noticed that her resting Respiratory rate is in the 60s, even when she's sleeping. Now that I think about it she's always breathed like that since she was a puppy, I'm afraid she might have CHF and I'm worried about her prognosis. I'm scared that I didn't notice it and that we are too late for treatment. I'm going to make a vet appointment asap. I feel so guilty that I didn't notice all this time. I am crying as I am writing this. Am I too late?

My mini Doxie coughing more and more. First it was only after drinking water , now it’s spontaneous all day and night. At age 15 tho, I am conflicted with lots of expensive testing and how much more time that buys him? I know that sounds cold , I want him comfortable, it’s just I know how costly this can get. Have 2 other dogs.

My English bulldog was misdiagnosed at 11 years old - I watched fantastic videos like this and managed to get her on vetmedin & furosemide and she's made it happily to 11 years and 8 months. Everyday feels like a blessing. In the last few days she has began to feint when she poo's and she is very lethargic. She isn't coughing and has been eating well until today. Is there any advice that may help? I do not want to euthanise early but I am also mindful of waiting too long.

my chiuaha cross is 11 yrs old. he started to cough/ gag during the day..its less during the day now and mostly at night. he still coughs/hacks during the day but not as much as night time. how is Harvey now? He is adorable.

My dog died last week due to heart failure he ws 12 years old popmerian .💔💔💔 I didn’t knew abut heart he cough a lot nd my vet gave him infection medicine . But it was heart failure 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

I think my dog just had a heart attack. She has CHF, and is on meds the last few months, today she feel over and got real stiff, peed and pooped and started to shack violently. lasted about 5 10 minutes. Now she is ok, but it was scarry.

Just wondering, we're fostering a very old terrier mix that has pretty bad CHF. I feel like it's just better to put this poor lass down. She has good days, and bad days. But, even the good days end up being hard on her. I think most people just wait until their pet passes, but I feel like it's probably better to put them down. I knew a large man who had CHF, and even just sitting at his desk at work, he was breathing and panting like how I do when I'm running hard up hills. He was fairly miserable. Will vet put down dogs with progressive CHF? Or does it have to be near end-stage?

Dr. Jones veterinarian on utube free remedies

Recently diagnosed, so if the dog is having trouble at night how can you help them?

My Simon is a 5 lb Chihuahua, 17.5 years old. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur at age 5, enlarged heart at age 15. His vet at the time did not think meds were warranted yet. I begged ti differ and took him to his original vet. She put him on vetmedin and furosemide , also gabapentin for pain in his spine. Last week she told me he had no more space in his chest for his lungs to expand and I should take him home, pamper him, feed him anything he wants and just love him. She said it would basically be hospice care. That was a week ago today. Can I get a round figure of our remaining time together? She did not want to say but I need to know. Thank you very much. This dog saved my life and my sanity years ago and I MUST do right by him,not by me.

My dog just got diagnosed with congestive heart failure as well. I knew he was getting old(15 yrs) but suspected something was wrong when he started loosing a significant amount of weight and passing out randomly, took him to the vet and they ran several test and he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and a pretty bad heart murmur. Unfortunately, there's not much you can do when things like this happen except comfort your dog as much as possible, as they will more than likely be taking medication for the duration of their life i kinda feel bad for him because the medication causes him to have diarrhea and loss of appetite, on top of him being a really picky eater so theres days where he simply wont eat witch further adds to his weight loss.

I really want to thank you for all you are doing for these animals, and for all the information you provide. It has helped more than you know. Hero's all !!

My dog has it time to time like he has something stuck on the throat but nothing comes out. But it is in some points during the day. Some days he doesn't have that cough at all. It is not like a continuous coughing. The vet medicated it for heart desease but i want to hear another point of view.

My dog died from it three days ago

Ur video was helpful thanks. My dog has this problem with all the symptoms u mentioned. When she coughs blood comes out of her nose n a hard time breathing. Can u tell me what that means? She’s taking two meds.

She also can’t breath out of nose well

My 15.5 year old JRT has this, she was diagnosed with a heart murmur 4 years ago and now it is level 5 at her July appointment. I bet it is higher now. she also has fainted a few times, and she pants for no reason. she is now coughing much more than before and sounds wheezie. Trying to figure out if she still has more quality of life, than not and I feel she does but it is going down hill, so not sure how long it will remain, thanks for the video, I learned alot.

Lorena Pines

We have an approx. 12-13 year old Carolina dog. He's a rescue and had a history of heart worms when he was a pup. He's in fantastic shape, especially for his age. Very active, too. Recently he started doing this thing where he retches before a single cough. It almost sounds like he's winding up before the cough. Kind of a hacking sound. Vet can't figure out what it is. I'm starting to wonder if those couple years of neglect he went through damaged his heart (along with aging in general) Thank you for this informative video!

My 11 (almost 12 yo) chi-pom got diagnosed with CHF in July of 2020. She’s currently on Vetmedin and Lasix. We also got told Salix is the same thing as Lasix? Is that true? The place I order her medicines from was out of Lasix, but said Salix was the same thing?

My 15 year old Cocker Spaniel passed away today because of this. im so sad he was an amazing dog rest in peace BUDDY

Excellent video, thanks.

My dog is a 13 year old Yorkshire terrior. Our vet has just diagnosed him with an enlarged heart, congestive heart failure. What can we do to change his lifestyle to accommodate this, with his food etc? And how long does he still have to live if he is on chronic medication? Thank you

The pain when you can save your dog but its a 50/50 and expensive so your parents decide to let them die

How do you know when you should send your dog to heaven I heard that congestive heart failure, is a very painful death? My little chihuahua has congestive heart failure. I don't want her to suffer. She is on three different medications. And is now coughing a lot. Just thought I would ask somebody different besides my veterinarian

Then how to treat this thing ??

My pup was diagnosed with CHF when he was 10 months old. He is a cane corso. He is now two and has been on four different meds since. This last 24 hours he seems to have developed a cough and then gagging ordeal. Does this mean he is getting ready to die soon or should I be putting him down? This has been such an intense 1.5 years.

How often will a liver problem result in chf?

Thank you. Great information. Any tips on how to relieve the coughing? My dog was diagnosed with CHF and his heart is also pushing against the trachea. He is on generic lasix, enalapril and vetmedin. I feed him mostly chicken and rice and sneak in some kibbles.. He coughs and wheezes and it seems as though he can't breathe at times and I don't know what to do for him. He is a 12 yr old Bichon. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. THX