My dog with CHF is coughing severely. What can I do tonight?

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.

If his respiratory rate is normal, he's eating and drinking, seems to be feeling good (not acting lethargic), and recovers quickly from these coughing fits (within 2ish minutes), I don't think you need to take him to emergency. A mild degree of coughing is to be expected in these guys. Try to get a video if you can, that way when you do take him in, the vet can see the severity of what you are seeing at home. I would recommend you call your vet and see if you can increase the dose of Tussigon. Use the following guidelines for when to take him to ER: *respiratory rate at rest persistently above 40 breaths per minute *unrelenting cough or any coughing fit that causes his tongue to turn a blue or purple color *not eating, or acting increasingly tired and lethargic *any new symptoms arise (vomiting/diarrhea, change in the appearance of his belly such as appearing bloated, etc) I hope that's helpful for you! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

There could be a medical reason behind Sophie coughing such as heart disease. Unfortunately that can be common in older dogs, and the coughing would be due to fluid build up in the lungs because the heart doesn't pump properly anymore. It could also be a respiratory infection. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain what is going on with her, so I recommend having her seen by a vet in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing her coughing, and the best way to treat her. I hope this helps!

Anabelle shouldn't wait until Monday to see a veterinarian. Not going to the vet may be riskier than transport if she has fluid buildup from her CHF. It may begin to affect her breathing which could make it a serious emergency. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending doses in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). If possible contact your veterinarian and ask, then medicate her as per your doctor and take her in.

You didn't mention if she is on heart medicaiton currently or not; however, I would either take her to your ER vet or to your regular vet as a walk in emergency appt. Spunky sounds unstable and should be looked over by a vet right away. They may be able to help stabilize her condition. Best of luck to you both. Take care.

Poor Dylan! Bring him into the bathroom with you when you take a shower or put him in a room with a humidifier. The steam from either may help with his congestion. Have him seen by a vet first thing in the morning. If he starts having difficulty breathing, rush him into an ER vet straight away. Best of luck.

Poor Lily! Given than you just increased the medication and she eating and acting normally, give it 24 hours to see how she dos. If things do not improve in 24 hours or she gets worse, take her into the vet. I hope this helps.