My senior dog with CHF has slimy diarrhea & cough. Is it an emergency?

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.

Poor Sophie. If her coughing is extremely bad, I would not wait until the morning to take her into a vet. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

It sounds like she needs to be examined and treated by a vet right away. She may be getting dehydrated and need some fluids, either subcutaneously or intravenously. Your vet can also run some blood work and other tests to help determine the cause and evaluated the function of all her organs. It is very concerning that she is not eating and is very weak. I don't think this is something that should be treated at home with OTC medications. If she has a gum infection then she may need an antibiotic to treat the infection. Call your vet or take her to an emergency clinic for treatment. Hope she feels better soon!

Hello, I'm sorry to hear about Spunky. It difficult when you receive news like that. It sounds like your vet is doing everything they can to remove the fluid from her lungs and support her heart health. CHF is unfortunately a serious condition and difficult to treat. I would consider her quality of life, and let that help you decide when to let her go. Keep a calendar of her good days and bad to help you visualize what her weeks are like. Also think about what you would want to live like, and if she's enjoying her life. I hope that is helpful. I have a senior dog and these decisions are never easy.

I sam so sorry that she’s not doing well. From what you describe, I’m very concerned about her and you need to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Call your vet’s office even if they are closed—they likely have a recording for either how to contact the vet in case of an emergency, or information for the nearest vet clinic. There are many possible causes for what’s going on, but it sounds like at the very least she needs some IV fluids and some lab work and possible X-rays may be needed. I am so sorry there isn’t something I can suggest you do for her at home at this point, but if she’s just lying there, she seems cold, and her breathing is labored, you have got to get her to a vet. Any treatment you attempt to provide at home is only going to delay effectively addressing the problem. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, best of luck with her.

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.

I recommend taking Poppy into an ER clinic. It sounds like she is getting dehydrated and likely needs fluids and other medication to make her feel better. She could have a stomach infection, pancreas issues or even kidney problems. Some cases need lab tests, some xrays, others both, to find out exactly what is wrong. Once the veterinarian diagnoses Poppy they can review a treatment plan to help her feel better.