My dog with CHF coughs. When is it time for an emergency vet?

Question

Dog has CHF. Respiration rate has been good but he has coughing fits. We give him tussigon. Sometimes he still coughs a few times. Here's able to get it under control, but sometimes it takes a few tries or a few minutes. How do we know if it's bad enough to take him to emergency? Because normally if we get him up and walking or distracted it stops. Like taking your car to a mechanic, it never does the problem when you're there. Advice??? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 13 years and 11 months old | 29 lbs

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

If his respiratory rate is normal, he's eating and drinking, seems to be feeling good (not acting lethargic), and recovers quickly from these coughing fits (within 2ish minutes), I don't think you need to take him to emergency. A mild degree of coughing is to be expected in these guys. Try to get a video if you can, that way when you do take him in, the vet can see the severity of what you are seeing at home. I would recommend you call your vet and see if you can increase the dose of Tussigon. Use the following guidelines for when to take him to ER: *respiratory rate at rest persistently above 40 breaths per minute *unrelenting cough or any coughing fit that causes his tongue to turn a blue or purple color *not eating, or acting increasingly tired and lethargic *any new symptoms arise (vomiting/diarrhea, change in the appearance of his belly such as appearing bloated, etc) I hope that's helpful for you! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

My dog with CHF coughs. When is it time for an emergency vet?

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