| Congestive heart failure (CHF) does not equal heart | | | | fact, they account for about 95% of all cases of |
| disease. CHF is the end result of a weakened heart | | | | canine heart diseases. |
| muscle caused by some form of heart disease. | | | | What are the Signs and Symptoms of Congestive |
| Specifically, CHF in dogs is the inability of the heart to | | | | Heart Failure in Dogs? |
| pump adequately so that the circulation does not meet | | | | Signs and symptoms actually depend on the underlying |
| the needs of the body. As a result, the health and | | | | heart problem. |
| proper functioning of major organs such as the liver, | | | | However, there are certain common symptoms which |
| kidneys, and lungs are greatly compromised, resulting in | | | | indicate that a dog may be suffering from CHF. |
| a problem involving not only the heart but also other | | | | In its early stage, the signs and symptoms are |
| major organs. | | | | unfortunately rather nonspecific, such as tiring easily, |
| Unlike heart attacks in people, CHF in dogs seldom | | | | restlessness, exercise intolerance, and coughing |
| causes the heart to stop functioning all of a sudden. | | | | (especially after exercise and at night). |
| Instead, canine CHF is a slow process. A weakened | | | | As the problem progresses, the dog develops |
| heart can continue to function for a long time (months | | | | additional symptoms, such as appetite loss, weight loss, |
| or even years) without showing any sign of failure. | | | | panting, difficulty breathing, and abdominal swelling. |
| Also, unlike heart problems in people in which the | | | | In the late stages of canine congestive heart failure, |
| build-up of fat is a major cause, heart failure in dogs is | | | | the symptoms are more pronounced and may include |
| seldom caused by fat build-up in their heart. | | | | labored breathing, irregular pulse, bluish gums, and |
| What are the Causes of Congestive Heart Failure in | | | | fainting spells. |
| Dogs? | | | | How is Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs Treated? |
| CHF in dogs is caused by some form of heart | | | | Treatment includes the use of conventional medication |
| disease, which can be congenital or acquired. | | | | such as ACE inhibitors, digitalis-type drugs, and diuretics. |
| Congential heart diseases are the result of a birth | | | | Supplements that are good for canine congestive |
| defect of the heart. This type of heart diseases is rare | | | | heart failure include Coenzyme Q10, L-Taurine and |
| and only accounts for about five percent of all canine | | | | L-Carnitine, and Vitamins A, B6, C, and E. |
| heart problems. | | | | In addition, dogs with CHF should be put on a low-salt |
| Acquired heart diseases are those that a dog acquires | | | | diet. |
| during his lifetime, which can be the result of injuries, | | | | Moderate exercise is beneficial to dogs with mild |
| heartworm infestation, bacterial infections, or just | | | | cases of CHF. However, if your dog is showing |
| normal wear and tear. Certain hormonal problems such | | | | symptoms such as coughing, panting, and easy tiring |
| as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease can also | | | | after exercise, then it is not advisable to allow your |
| cause heart disease in dogs. | | | | dog to engage in such exercise or activities that bring |
| Acquired heart diseases are quite prevalent and, in | | | | about these symptoms. |