My dog with CHF is breathing hard. Can Mucinex or steroids help?

Steroids currently are not contraindicated for dogs with congestive heart failure; although there are claims that if used in cats it can lead to CHF, but even the data so far does not confirm this to be absolutely true for them either. The only concern here would be if it depressed your pets immune system. If the amount of steroids given was < 0.5-1mg/kg BID, then chances are it won't affect your pets immune system or cause immune suppression, but instead will mainly act as an anti-inflammatory on the body. If your pet has a bloated stomach and trouble breathing, then these could be a direct result of your pets congestive heart failure condition, especially if Sheba has both right and left sided heart failure. Right sided heart failure will lead to a congested liver which then causes ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen that shows up as a bloated abdomen). Left sided heart failure will lead to congestion in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Typically congestive heart failure to this degree is managed by the following: 1) X-rays of the chest and abdomen 2) Removal of fluid in the abdomen (if present) 3) Furosemide- diuretic that helps to pull fluid off the lungs 4) Heart medication- Enalapril + Pimobendan are the standard treatments, but there are others that may be needed if your pet has a detected arrhythmia as well.

I would not advise it. If he is in congestive heart failure, the cough is likely due to fluid overload for which Robitussin will not help. If he is on lasix, talk to your vet about rechecking him as his dosage may need to be increased. Sometimes, enlargement of the heart can result in the heart pushing on the airways which can contribute, robitussin isn’t likely to have any significant positive impact for that cause of cough either. Follow up with your vet soon, and if he’s in distress, or if his respiratory rate at rest is over 50, or if he is coughing very persistently, week emergency care. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Daisy Mae is taking a generally effective combination of medications to manage congestive heart failure. In cases of CHF, a change in coughing is generally indicative of changes in the heart size or fluid accumulation in and around the lungs. In these cases, cough suppressants are not likely to be effective. Do not give her any over the counter cough suppressants without speaking with your vet. If you cannot take her to an ER tonight, closely monitor her breathing for signs of distress and take her to your vet in the morning.

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!

It sounds as though Dixie is going through a lot at the moment! Yes, Dixie should absolutely continue taking the enalapril and furosemide, unless otherwise directed by the prescribing vet. The hydrocodone/homatropine medication is a cough suppressant, but may make her a bit groggy. The heart valvular insufficiency can progress to congestive heart failure, which can cause a cough to develop as a result of the fluid accumulation in and around the lungs. If her cough continues or worsens, Dixie may need to go back to her vet for another exam and chest x-rays, and may need additional medications to manage her heart disease. I hope that all goes well for her!

Hello there! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to post your questions regarding Maxx. It looks like he is on quite the combination of medications to try and suppress the coughing. I personally do not find that the cough tabs help much. I have had great success using hydrocodone or butorphanol tablets. The albuterol is good for a bronchodilator. You might consider talking to your veterinarian about using a inhaler called flovent. Fluticasone might be a better option to use. I would talk to your veterinarian about these other options and see if this would work best for Maxx. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available to talk with via text or phone using the consultation service

Hello. After 3 weeks I would be a little concerned as to why Tristan is not any better. I would not use the Mucinex as this can dry out the secretions & actually make things worse. If your veterinarian has not done chest x-rays, this would be the very next step to see if there is something else going on. In the meantime, I would try doing some steam therapy with him. Sometimes the warmth & moist heat will help ease the breathing, but please try to have him seen soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.