Signs & Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's ability to pump blood is impaired. It can be the result of an abnormality within the heart, dilated caridiomyopathy, arythmia (abnormal beating) or narrowing of some major blood vessels.

  1. Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of CHF include loss of stamina, coughing and breathing difficulty. Additional symptoms occur depending on the cause and primary area of the heart affected.

    Left-Side CHF

    • Left-side CHF is the inability of the heart's left ventricle to adequately circulate the blood; that results in pulmonary edema (fluid build-up in the lungs). Left-side CHF causes coughing and breathing difficulty.

    Right-Side CHF

    • Right-side CHF in the inability of the right ventricle to adequately circulate the blood; that results in a build-up of fluid in the abdomen or chest cavity and interferes with the normal function of organs in those areas. The abdomen appears enlarged and swelling may occur in the legs.

    Dilated Cardiomyopathy

    • Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the heart muscle is thin and weak and does not contract correctly. Symptoms include weakness, fainting, irregular heartbeat and lethargy (intolerance for normal exercise.

    Advanced Symptoms

    • Advanced CHF will present with general lethargy, pale or blue mucous membranes, weight loss, excessive panting and anorexia.

      CHF in dogs is very serious and usually fatal; consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits any of the symptoms, as there as some treatments that can control some of the symptoms and extend your dog's life.