My senior dog coughs, collapses, and has bad breath. What's wrong?

Question

I have a 16 year old Roosevelt terrier.......she is having bad coughing fits and a horrible smell to her breath.......she has had three episodes in 4 days where she coughs really bad the falls over her heart is stopping for a few seconds to up to a minute....is there anything that can be done or is it time to let her go join her parents on the rainbow bridge? Pet's info: Dog | Smooth Fox Terrier | Female | spayed | 14 years and 11 months old | 25 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Poor Misty! It sounds like from your description that she is suffering from heart failure, and it's quite severe if she is falling over and her heart is stopping. I would have her seen by a vet right away. While heart failure cannot be cured, it can be treated, and the vet can determine if her symptoms can be treated. It could be that her heart failure is so severe that letting her go peacefully is the best option, and given that your vet can see her in person, they would be best to help you make that determination. The bad breath is likely due to her teeth; severe dental disease is a common cause of bad breath in senior dogs. I would take Misty into a vet now, the vet can discuss if treating her is best or if it's time to let her go. I'm sorry she's so ill :-(

My senior dog coughs, collapses, and has bad breath. What's wrong?

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