Poodles usually live for 11 to 15 years, and up to 6 percent of poodles perish due to cardiac problems. Older toy and miniature poodles are more prone to heart valve disorders that lead to congestive heart failure, or CHF. A debilitating progressive disease, CHF occurs when the heart cannot supply enough oxygenated blood to the dog's body. Oxygen-starved cells retain fluids, which build up in the tissues, lungs and abdomen. The increased workload causes heart failure. While there is no cure for CHF, early diagnosis and ongoing treatment can improve your poodle̵7;s longevity and quality of life.
Things You'll Need
- Pain medications
- Plywood or boards
- Bricks
- Non-slip decals
- Soft bedding
- Low-salt dog food
- Dietary supplements
Instructions
Recognize signs of pain in your poodle, including lethargy, decreased appetite, incontinence, aggression, withdrawal, restlessness, labored breathing and panting. CHF is a ̶0;frequently overlooked cause of pain,̶1; according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Treat pain with a medication recommended by your poodle's veterinarian. Pain medications, such as non-steroidal inflammatory drugs and others, are safe and effective ways to increase your dog's comfort and quality of life.
Add non-slip surfaces and ramps made from a board or a plywood sheet raised on bricks in your poodle̵7;s living, eating and exercise areas to reduce stair-climbing strain and promote safe movement.
Provide soft bedding and plentiful drinking water, and raise your poodle's food and water dishes to make them easily accessible.
Minimize stress by shortening your poodle's exercise routine, limiting exposure to excitement and extreme temperatures, and giving affectionate attention.
Feed your poodle a low-salt diet to decrease fluid retention and stress on the heart. Withhold high-salt choices like jerky, canned food or human food. According to Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital, ̶0;Just one half slice of bacon could cause a poodle to go into heart failure.̶1;
Consider dietary supplements. Veterinarian Ron Hines suggests trying mercury-free fish oil capsules or the amino acids taurine and L-carnitine to slow or halt progression of CHF.
Discuss medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors and other treatment options, with your poodle's veterinarian.