Heart Failure in Dogs Explained

Congestive heart failure or CHF refers to a medical condition where the heart is no longer able to pump sufficient blood across the body. This condition causes fluid accumulation in the dog’s body along with a lack of oxygen in the various body tissues. That is why your dog must receive immediate treatment for heart failure to avoid further health complications.

Heart failure symptoms in dogs

The two common symptoms of heart failure are persistent coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are mainly caused by fluid accumulation or pulmonary edema in the dog’s lungs. Nevertheless, there are other heart failure symptoms that will vary based on whether the dog has right-sided or left-sided CHF.

Right-side heart failure

This backward heart failure affects the right side of the dog’s heart and it usually causes the following symptoms:

• Exercise intolerance
• Weakness or fatigue
• Abdominal distention

Left-side heart failure

This forward heart failure affects the left side of the dog’s heart and it causes the following primary symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent coughing
• Fatigue and general weakness
• Bluish color on gums or skin

Causes of heart failure

Heart failure in dogs is mainly caused by heart valve disease, which means that the heart valves stop working efficiently. Other causes of CHF include arrhythmias and hereditary or nutritional health conditions that affect the heart or the primary vessels surrounding the heart. That is why your veterinarian will treat both the root causes and symptoms when treating heart failure in dogs. 

Immediate care tips for heart failure in dogs

Here are a few practical tips to help you quickly manage heart failure before contacting your veterinarian.

• Start by checking your dog for a heartbeat or pulse
• Apply some pressure to your dog’s gums to check whether blood reverts back into the area once you take your fingers away
• If the dog’s gums are refilling with blood, it means that their heart is active and requires artificial respiration
• If the dog’s gums aren’t refilling with blood, then it means their heart isn’t active and requires artificial respiration and CPR
• It is vital to seek emergency veterinary care if you suspect heart failure in your dog

Your vet will conduct a diagnosis to identify whether your dog has right-sided or left-sided CHF. Since drug therapy and oxygen therapy are essential parts of treatment, your dog will require hospitalization.

Treating heart failure in dogs

Heart failure in dogs requires long-term care and treatment including drug therapy, surgery and dietary changes. The treatment helps to mitigate the symptoms and underlying disease while increasing the dog’s well-being. 

References: PetMD, SmallDoorVet, PetsWebMD