Congestive Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Management in Pets
As veterinarians, we sometimes have the tough job of telling clients that their beloved furry family member has heart disease or congestive heart failure (CHF). It’s news no one wants to hear, but with lifestyle adjustments and medication, pets can still enjoy a great quality of life after a CHF diagnosis.
We’re covering the basics of congestive heart failure—what causes it, what symptoms to watch for, and how we diagnose and manage it. The goal is to educate pet parents on this fairly common disease, especially in older dogs and cats, so you know what to watch for and can partner with your vet on the best care plan if CHF develops.
What Happens in Congestive Heart Failure?
In simple terms, congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when a pet’s heart can no longer pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. Blood and fluid can start to back up in the lungs and abdomen, causing failure in other organs as well. It can happen gradually or come on suddenly in an acute crisis.
The most common underlying culprits leading to CHF include:
- Mitral valve disease – small breeds are especially prone
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) – typically larger breeds
- Parasites like heartworms
- Existing congenital defects from birth
Symptoms to Watch For
As heart disease and eventually, congestive heart failure develops, you may notice:
- A new cough that comes and goes
- Quick tiring or heavy breathing during basic activities like walks
- Swollen and extended belly from fluid buildup
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
If you notice any of these red flags, bring your pet in to see us right away. Catching heart issues early, before CHF occurs, gives us the best chance of slowing disease progression.
This is why bi-annual exams at best or annual exams at least, are so important. They allow your vet to observe patterns and changes in your pet’s heart and lungs on a frequent basis to catch signs of CHF earlier.
How Vets Diagnose Congestive Heart Failure
If CHF is suspected based on symptoms, we have a variety of tools that let us peek at the heart’s pumping ability. Some of those tools include:
- Echocardiogram
- X-rays to check for fluid in the lungs
- ECG to evaluate heart rhythm
Our tools and testing help determine the underlying cause and degree of heart failure so we can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
Caring for a Pet with CHF
The good news is that CHF is a manageable disease these days, thanks to great advancements in effective medications. Treatment focuses on:
- Relieving excess fluid buildup in the lungs and belly with routine medication
- Improving heart pumping function with routine medication
- Adjusting lifestyle like lightening activity to reduce heart strain
- Diet changes by switching to food with grains or adding supplements like omega fatty acids and taurine. (We see pets on grain-free foods more commonly affected by CHF)
With treatment, most pets enjoy happy lives post-diagnosis. As your trusted partner in care, your vet will monitor for signs of disease progression and adjust medications as needed. The prognosis depends on the severity and how well the heart responds to treatment.
The most important takeaway? At the first sign of respiratory distress, lethargy, or other red flags, bring your pet in. Catching heart disease early is crucial for the best management. Our veterinary team is always here to support the health of your beloved pet.
