When our pets begin to slow down, cough, or seem short of breath, it’s easy to assume it’s just age catching up with them. But sometimes, those subtle signs point to something more serious — congestive heart failure (CHF).
At Grace Animal Hospital in Holly Springs, NC, we want to help you understand what CHF means, what symptoms to look for, and how we can help your dog or cat live as comfortably as possible.

What Is Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure happens when the heart isn’t able to pump blood efficiently enough to meet the body’s needs. This can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, abdomen, or other tissues, making it harder for your pet to breathe and move comfortably.

There are two main types:

Left-sided heart failure, which often causes fluid buildup in the lungs (leading to coughing or labored breathing).
Right-sided heart failure, which can cause swelling in the abdomen or limbs.

The most common causes include heart valve disease, dilated cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle), or congenital defects. Senior pets and certain breeds are more prone to heart disease, but it can occur at any age.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Because pets can’t tell us how they feel, recognizing early warning signs is key. You might notice:

Persistent coughing, especially at night or after activity
Rapid or labored breathing
Fatigue or reluctance to play and exercise
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Fainting or weakness during exertion
Swollen belly (from fluid buildup)

If your pet shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit with your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment success.

How We Diagnose Heart Failure

At Grace Animal Hospital, our team uses a combination of tools to evaluate your pet’s heart health:

Comprehensive exam and medical history to identify risk factors and physical changes
Chest X-rays to look for fluid in the lungs or an enlarged heart
Bloodwork to evaluate organ function and rule out other issues
Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) to assess valve function and measure how well the heart pumps
Electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood pressure testing, if needed

These diagnostics allow us to identify the underlying cause and create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment and Management

While congestive heart failure can’t usually be cured, it can be successfully managed to improve both lifespan and quality of life.

Treatment often includes:

Medications to remove excess fluid (diuretics) and improve heart efficiency
Drugs that relax blood vessels to lower the heart’s workload
Special diets with reduced sodium to help minimize fluid retention
Regular monitoring of breathing, weight, and activity levels
Follow-up appointments to adjust treatment as needed

Many pets respond well and can continue to enjoy daily life for months or even years with consistent care and monitoring.

How You Can Help at Home

Managing CHF is truly a team effort between you and your veterinary team. Here are some ways you can support your pet at home:

Track your pet’s breathing rate while sleeping — more than 30 breaths per minute can indicate a problem.
Give medications exactly as prescribed.
Keep your pet’s activity gentle but consistent.
Weigh your pet weekly to check for sudden weight gain from fluid buildup.
Keep follow-up visits and call right away if symptoms worsen.

Your love and attention play a huge role in helping your pet stay comfortable.

Partnering With You for Your Pet’s Heart Health

Heart disease can sound overwhelming, but with the right care plan, pets with congestive heart failure can still enjoy happy, fulfilling lives.
At Grace Animal Hospital, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from diagnosis and treatment to daily management and ongoing support.

If your dog or cat is showing signs of heart problems or you just want to schedule a wellness check, call us today at (919) 762-1145 or request an appointment online.

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