Are dogs in pain with heart failure?
Maye Gleichner
2025-08-26 07:35:59
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Your dog's heart has trouble pumping blood to the rest of its body. Heart disease can affect one side of the heart or sometimes both sides. It can progress slowly and may take years to spot. Your dog may have been born with a heart defect. Old age, injury and infection can exacerbate it. Diet and exercise play roles too. More symptoms may develop, as the disease gets worse, including: A swollen belly from fluid buildup in (called ascites) Fainting because of blocked blood flow to the brain Change in tongue or gum color to bluish gray because of poor oxygen flow Weight loss as your dog loses their ability to store healthy fat. Your vet may recommend one or more of the following: Medications to help the heart work and correct irregular heartbeats Medications to slow fluid build-up in the lungs. Dogs with congestive heart failure may benefit from vitamin B supplements, taurine, or carnitine. Antioxidants like Coenzyme Q and vitamin E may also help. Make sure to bring your dog for regular visits with your vet and stick with your treatment plan. Unchecked heart problems can make things harder on your dog and even shorten their life.
Elnora Reichel
2025-08-20 12:30:54
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Dogs in the final stage of congestive heart failure will have difficulty breathing even when they are resting. Fluid will likely begin to accumulate in various parts of your pup's body, leading to swollen legs or abdomen, which will make walking difficult and may lead to vomiting. 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. Your dog will also have difficulties sleeping or resting on their side. Many dogs reach a stage where they prefer to sit upright rather than lay down since an upright position can help to ease breathing. Sadly, the symptoms of late stage congestive heart failure cannot be well managed in dogs, and once this stage is reached you may wish to speak with your veterinarian about humane euthanasia. While this is a very painful decision to make, many pet parents feel that euthanasia allows their pet to pass peacefully without further suffering.
Trent Moen
2025-08-10 16:38:36
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Dogs are more prone to pacing and restlessness from heart failure than cats, although both may experience this symptom. Pets may pace because they are in pain from their heart failure or because the secondary symptoms associated with heart failure are causing discomfort. Additionally, pets may become restless when they have heart failure because they know something is wrong. They may not realize how serious their condition is, but they still recognize that they don’t feel well and are unsure what to do about it. If your pet seems to be in a lot of pain or discomfort from her swollen abdomen, it may be time to talk to the vet about euthanasia.
Maxwell Weber
2025-08-01 10:45:43
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Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is less common, but still affects around 5-10% of dogs. The symptoms of heart disease in dogs include: Lack of energy Fainting and collapse Frequent coughing Breathing difficulties Reduced appetite Sudden weight gain or loss Swollen stomach. DCM can have no symptoms at all. Sadly, heart disease can’t be cured, but with early diagnosis and treatment, dogs can still maintain a good quality of life. Several medications are available to manage and slow down the progression of heart disease and heart failure – your vet will be able to suggest the best option for your individual dog. Nutrition can also play an important part in increasing their quality of life despite their condition.
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