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My old dog coughs, pants, and struggles breathing. Is it heart failure?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 12 years and 6 months old

Hi. My dog is 12 years old and has a heart murmur. She has been suffering on and off with a nasty sounding cough and she heavily pants and struggles breathing at times. I have not got the money to pay the vets to tel me she needs medication for her heart. But she is showing the signs of heart failure the cough, pant, tiredness, and a heart murmur was confirmed by our vet previously. Please can you give me advice

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 5th, 2017

I'm so sorry that Jenny isn't feeling well. You are correct, it sounds like she is showing signs of congestive heart failure. Unfortunately there are no over the counter medications you can give her for this. She really needs to see a vet. She needs diuretics, ace inhibitors and a drug to help her heart contract better (pimobendan). With these medications on board many dogs can live for quite some time and have a good quality of life. Without the medications I am afraid she won't well. I found this website that may help you in finding some low cost vet care in your area: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/care/vetcare I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Jenny.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 2nd, 2019

    Poor Baby Angel! You are correct that congestive heart failure does cause coughing but pets can cough due to allergies, parasites, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, infections or something stuck in the throat. Unfortunately, it's impossible to know the underlying cause of the coughing without a physical exam and possible radiographs. Treatment is different for each of these conditions. It's not likely Baby is going to get better on her own. It's also impossible to know if you have waited too long without a physical exam and determining the cause of the coughing. If it is her heart, Baby Angel may do well with medication. I recommend to have her examined today by the veterinarian today. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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