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My senior dog with heart failure is coughing. Time to say goodbye?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 13 years and 8 months old | 9 lbs

Hi, my dog Smokey has been diagnosed with CHF enlarged heart for about 2 years now he takes medicine every day. For the past 3 days his cough has gotten really bad he’s coughing non stop and looks like he’s having a hard time breathing because he just keeps coughing... he is 13 years old.. I don’t know if I should put him down now I don’t know what to do :c should I put him to sleep ? Or is there anything else I can do

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2019

I'm sorry Smokey is doing so poorly. It could be there are adjustments that can be made to his medicine to help him, but if not, yes it may be time to let him go. Take him into the vet first thing in the morning to discuss the options. I'm sorry you are facing this.

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