Congestive heart failure (CHF) is common in dogs. Small breed
dogs such as poodles, Yorkshire terriers and ShihTzu tend to
suffer from chronic valvular disease and this leads to
congestive heart failure. In large breed dogs, the problem is
generally with the heart muscle and is actually called
cardiomyopathy. With congestive heart failure the heart is not
able to pump efficiently so the rest of the body suffers because
of the heart’s weakness. Many times the first indication that
there is something wrong with the heart is a murmur that is
picked up by a veterinarian at a regular check up. Early signs
of CHF can include intermittent coughing that is worse at night,
tiring easily (especially after exercise), and decreased
activity. As the disease progresses, the dog may have weight
loss, lack of appetite, constant coughing, a swollen abdomen and
rapid breathing. Because the heart is not pumping the blood
forward there is a back up of the blood in the vessels. If the
left side of the heart is involved then the f