My Shih Tzu has CHF. How do I know if she's losing quality of life?

Question

My little Shih Tzu has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure. We are giving her medication, but I worry at what point she no longer has a quality of life. I don't want her to suffer. Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 11 years and 5 months old | 16 lbs

Tomasz Wnuk · Accepted Answer

I am sorry to hear that. As long Sassy is stable with the heart failure, does not pant excessively and does not have episodes of collapse the quality of life is usually acceptable. However, some dogs suffer from refractory congestive heart failure and in these cases it is difficult to keep them comfortable as they have tendency to build up fluid in the lungs over and over again. I would say as long as Sassy is eating, drinking, going for walks (they can be very short) and enjoying her life it is worth to continue with the treatment.

My Shih Tzu has CHF. How do I know if she's losing quality of life?

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