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My dog has heart failure, breathing issues. Can she get home oxygen?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Female | spayed | 9 years and 1 month old | 11 lbs

My dog is a 9 year old toy poodle/Pomeranian mix. She has a severe heart murmur and is in heart failure. She's coughing constantly and has a hard time breathing. Last time she went in to vet, they kept her in ICU and put her in oxygen therapy. It really helped her. We asked if they would send home an rx for oxygen tank and a doggie mask but they said the only do that for lung problems. I don't understand why bc she's having a terrible time breathing. Should I try another vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2017

Hi! I'm sorry to hear about Gracie's breathing problems! When dogs are in congestive heart failure, they are often on Lasix (to help dry the lungs), and Vet-Medin (to help heart function). Is Gracie on medication? If not, your vet can help her out with medications. If she is already on medications, and oxygen therapy is helpful, we sometimes will keep a pet on oxygen for a day or night, to give them a boost. Unfortunately, we generally don't have people treating their pets at home with Oxygen therapy, although it really probably would be helpful! My advice would be to call your vet and let them know that Gracie is really struggling, to see if more can be done to help her! Best of luck!

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry Gracie is having these issues. Unfortunately for dogs with heart disease supplemental oxygen is only necessary in the event of heart failure. If the heart disease is controlled with medications is not necessary. However some dogs can develop high blood pressure in their lungs which can only be detected by and ultrasound of her heart. If Gracie is doing well or medications alone you should continue with the plan outlined by your veterinarian. However if her breathing is still difficult she may need an ultrasound of her heart to check for the high blood pressure. Supplemental oxygen is usually not done and dogs just because they do not tolerate mask very well.

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