Why is your dog coughing?
There are many reasons why your dog could be coughing. It's always best to see a veterinarian if your dog keeps coughing day after day. This is especially important if you can't readily identify a cause for their coughing, such as the presence of allergens in their environment.
Some dogs may cough briefly and stop. However, other dogs may cough and their coughing may be accompanied by difficulty breathing. It's important to see a veterinarian if a dog is coughing and can't breathe well. Persistent coughing along with difficulty breathing is a sign of congestive heart failure in dogs.
Congestive heart failure in dogs is a serious condition. However, if it's diagnosed early, your dog will have a better chance of living for several more years.
Dogs with congestive heart failure cough persistently because fluid starts to build up in their lungs. They also cough because their trachea is irritated. When a dog has congestive heart failure, their trachea can become irritated as their heart becomes bigger and pushes against their trachea.
If your dog is coughing and has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF), it's important to manage the condition carefully with the guidance of your veterinarian. CHF in dogs can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs, leading to coughing. Here are some general steps to take:
Medications: Ensure your dog is taking all prescribed medications. Common medications for CHF in dogs include diuretics (like furosemide) to reduce fluid buildup, ACE inhibitors (like enalapril or benazepril) to ease the workload on the heart, and other heart medications as prescribed.
Diet: Follow any dietary recommendations from your vet. This often includes a low-sodium diet to help reduce fluid retention.
Regular Monitoring: Keep regular vet appointments to monitor your dog's heart condition and adjust treatment as necessary.
Exercise: Moderate exercise can be beneficial, but avoid overexertion. Follow your vet's advice on appropriate activity levels.
Watch for Symptoms: Be vigilant for signs of worsening CHF, such as increased coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite. Contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.
Comfort: Ensure your dog has a comfortable resting place and try to minimize stress in their environment.
Always consult with your veterinarian for the best course of action for your dog's specific condition.
When a dog is diagnosed with congestive heart failure, veterinarians will usually prescribe diuretics that help to reduce the buildup of fluid. This helps to reduce the coughing.
A holistic veterinarian may also recommend natural diuretics for dogs that can be used as a part of their treatment regimen. However, natural diuretics for dogs should not be used to replace prescription diuretics when a dog has congestive heart failure.
