Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Senior Chihuahua coughing, not eating, has heart murmurs. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Female | spayed | 15 years and 4 months old | 7 lbs

I have a 15 year old Chihuahua that started coughing a little over a month ago (I know I’m not the best person for my baby but I’m a single mother and we had a trauma that really requires having a small dog in our lives) She is fixed and has 2 small heart murmurs from birth. I plan on taking her when tax money comes but she started to turn her nose to moist food yesterday. She ate after a while but it took most of the day. This morning she didn’t touch it. Please help I don’t want her in pain!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 1st, 2020

Coughing and not really eating in a dog with a heart murmur(s) could point to congestive heart failure. Please take her to a vet immediately. You cannot wait. Maybe you can find assistance with vet bills through this link. https://www.dogingtonpost.com/need-help-with-vet-bills-or-pet-food-there-are-resources-available/ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=8501760

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored