My dog with CHF suddenly breathing heavy. Should I increase meds?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Japanese Chin | Female | spayed | 8 years and 8 months old | 10 lbs
my dog is on 3 med for chf. sudennly today she is breathing heavy. up meds?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 13th, 2018
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Gelly is breathing heavier today - it is possible she is currently in congestive heart failure, meaning she has fluid building up in her lungs. If she is currently receiving Lasix (Furosemide), you can probably give her another dose of that and see if this helps. If she is still breathing rapidly and with abdominal effort, I recommend having her evaluated by a veterinarian right away. If she is unable to get the fluid off of her lungs, she will be unable to oxygenate her blood and can go into respiratory arrest and die. I hope this is helpful!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on July 16th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be serious as she may require not only higher doses of furosemide but also perhaps other medications such as pimobendan or other diuretics. If Minnie is struggling to breathe as it appears, I think it would be best to have her evaluated at as soon as possible as this could represent a medical emergency since she is possibly in heart failure. They would be able to check if she needs to have oxygen therapy and these medications added to her medication protocol. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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