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My senior chihuahua with CHF is coughing and panting, adjust meds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | unneutered | 12 years and 7 months old | 10 lbs

My 10lb chihuaha is almost 13 years old. He has CHF and is currently on furosemide12.5mg(half a pill), vetmedin1.25mg, and enalapril2.5mg(half a pill) 2x/day. I believe he has a grade 3-4 heart murmur. Hes been doing fine for over 2 years but lately he has been coughing alot and panting even at rest. When he lies down hes ok but this morning i took him out and he was standing and panting and coughing. He hasnt been himself lately. . I want to ask if i should increase any of his meds?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on January 13th, 2017

Poor Tiny! Based on the signs you are describing (panting, coughing, and acting "off" recently), I would definitely be concerned that his heart disease may be getting worse, which may require changes in his medication doses. By law, the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach are not allowed to give any recommendations regarding dosages for any medication, since this requires a physical exam and a VCPR (veterinarian-client-patient relationship). I would suggest talking to the vet who is currently treating Tiny's CHF and who originally prescribed the medications to see what he/she would recommend - it would be best to do this today, or take Tiny back to the vet for an exam this afternoon, since worsening CHF can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 2nd, 2018

    I am so sorry to hear about Honey and her congestive heart failure. It is a difficult disease but one that can be controlled.

    The medications that you are on currently are a good combination of prescription treatments for this disease. It is possible, however, for the canine patient to develop a resistance to them. Therefore, the veterinarian may have to adjust the dosages based upon worsening of clinical signs like panting, coughing, etc.

    What I would suggest is to make an appointment with your regular veterinarian to have the following done: follow-up chest x-ray‘s to look for worsening of pulmonary edema or heart enlargement, ECG, pulse ox symmetry reading, and a full blood panel. With this information, they should be able to either change the dosages of your current medications or to start a completely new regimen of congestive heart failure medications.

    Thank you for your question. I hope I have helped.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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