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Why is my older pug mix with CHF hacking intensely overnight?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | spayed

Hello- My pug mix has congestive heart failure- she's older and on medication for it, but I know she won't last forever She coughed a lot at the beginning but the medication helped. She's still quite spritely but she's started hacking intensely overnight (deep chest hacking). I do live where it's quite cold at the moment and I've wondered if that's aggravated it when she goes out for pee. She's acting normal otherwise -would you have anything to suggest that might help to relieve her?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 27th, 2017

I'm sorry to hear Alice is having this issue! With Alice's history of heart disease the best option is to have her rechecked by your veterinarian. She may need X-rays to evaluate if her heart disease is still managed on her current medication dose.

Often dogs will need to have their medication dose increased to help control their coughing. These X-rays can also rule out issues like bronchitis or pneumonia.

Unfortunately without knowing if it is heart disease causing the increase coughing or infection related there is nothing additional I can suggest for you to do at home. My hope is that Alice may simply need an adjustment to her heart medication dose or possibly another heart medication started.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Alice is feeling better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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