My senior dog with heart failure is coughing. Time to say goodbye?

Hi. Is your pet on medications for heart failure? If so, and still coughing, your veterinarian may need to reassess xrays and possibly increase doses of medication. Prognosis for heart failure is guarded to poor. I'm sorry she isn't feeling well

Although rare a respiratory crisis is possible which is very distressing for both patient and owner. Given the severity of his numerous conditions and his symptoms during sleep I would agree that yes, euthanasia is a valid consideration at this stage.

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'm so sorry to hear that you and Sammi are struggling with end of life decisions. This is one of the most difficult and agonizing decisions that we make as pet owners. Anytime difficulty breathing is involved, suffering is occurring. Given her heart disease, it seems most likely that the breathing difficulty and coughing are a result of heart disease or congestive heart failure. Without examining her and seeing her chest x-rays, I can't accurately speak as to her current situation and if a change in medication may be beneficial to improve her quality of life and breathing issues for the time being. Finding blood around her stool is another concerning sign, and could be related to issues with her colon or anal glands. Given Sammi's difficulty breathing at this point, it sounds as though your best two options are either a) further evaluation by her vet urgently to determine if medications can be adjusted to improve her quality of life, or b) euthanasia to ease her pain and suffering. On a personal note, I understand the difficulty of this decision as I recently went through it with one of my own older dogs. Making the decision was difficult, but in the end, I felt a sense of relief knowing that he was at peace and no longer suffering. I hope this helps you and that all goes as well as possible for Sammi.

It could be cancer. Dogs who live in a home of smokers are believed to have a higher chance of developing lung cancer. It could also be heart disease. You need to take Tobius into the vet for this. He needs blood work, a urinalysis, and chest x-ray. I'd take him into a vet in the morning.

Oh no, your poor dog! It sounds like she is in really bad shape physically. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning to see if there are any treatments possible for her symptoms. If there aren't, it would be time to discuss letting her go peacefully. I know that's not something you want to hear, but it may be best for her given her symptoms. I recommend making a list of five things she loved to do, and if she's no longer doing at least two of them, then her quality of life has declined to a point where humane euthanasia should be considered. I work for a home euthanasia service, so if you'd like to discuss this further with me, I'd be happy to consult with you. Just click the "consult online" button under my answer. Otherwise, I hope this helps and you should take her into the vet in the morning.

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.