How Do I Know If My Pet Has Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

Congestive heart failure occurs when your pet’s heart is no longer able to pump blood efficiently. This causes blood to back up in the lungs, abdomen, or other parts of the body, leading to a buildup of fluid that can make it difficult for your pet to breathe or function normally.

There are two main types of CHF:

• Left-sided heart failure: the most common form and typically leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema), causing coughing, labored breathing, and fatigue.
• Right-sided heart failure: this type of heart failure causes fluid to build up in the abdomen or limbs (ascites or edema), often leading to a swollen belly and reduced energy levels.

CHF can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. Some breeds are more prone to heart problems due to genetics. 

Common causes of CHF include:

• Degenerative valve disease (especially in small dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is more common in larger dog breeds
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which often affects cats
• Heartworm disease, which can damage the heart and pulmonary arteries over time

Understanding what congestive heart failure is, and what causes it, can help you act quickly if your pet starts showing symptoms. In the next section, we’ll cover the most common signs of CHF in both dogs and cats.

Congestive heart failure can affect pets in different ways, but there are several telltale signs that pet owners should be aware of. Many of these symptoms develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging, so it’s important to stay alert to any changes in your pet’s behavior, breathing, or physical appearance.

Respiratory Changes

One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of CHF is difficulty breathing. You may observe:

• Labored or heavy breathing, even when your pet is at rest
• Persistent coughing, often worse at night or after mild activity
• Rapid breathing (more than 30 breaths per minute while sleeping or resting)

These symptoms may indicate fluid buildup in the lungs and should never be ignored.

Behavioral and Physical Changes

CHF often causes your pet to feel fatigued or weak. You may notice:

• Lethargy or lack of interest in usual activities
• Reluctance to walk, run, or play
• Loss of appetite or disinterest in food

These signs can easily be mistaken for other issues, so pairing them with respiratory symptoms should raise concern.

As CHF progresses, you may see changes in your pet’s body that signal serious heart trouble:

• Distended abdomen from fluid buildup (especially in right-sided heart failure)
• Pale or bluish gums, which indicate poor oxygenation
• Weight loss or visible muscle wasting, especially in senior pets
• Fainting episodes (also known as syncope), often triggered by activity or excitement

If your pet is showing one or more of these signs, it’s essential to seek veterinary care right away. The sooner CHF is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be managed. In the next section, we’ll look at how symptoms can differ between dogs and cats.

While congestive heart failure can affect both dogs and cats, the symptoms often present differently between the two species. Understanding these distinctions can help you spot trouble early and get your pet the care they need.

CHF Symptoms In Dogs

Dogs with CHF often display more obvious symptoms, especially related to their breathing and activity level. Common signs include:

• Frequent coughing, especially at night or after light activity
• Exercise intolerance, where your dog tires easily or avoids physical activity
• Panting or rapid breathing, even when at rest
• Restlessness or difficulty settling down, particularly when lying down

These signs usually result from fluid buildup in the lungs and the heart’s reduced ability to handle increased demand during activity.

Keeping a close eye on your pet’s day-to-day behavior is one of the best ways to catch early signs of congestive heart failure. While nothing replaces a professional veterinary diagnosis, there are simple steps you can take at home to monitor your pet’s health, especially if they are at risk of heart disease.

Check Your Pet’s Resting Respiratory Rate

One of the most important tools for early detection is monitoring your pet’s resting respiratory rate (RRR). Here’s how to do it:

• Wait until your pet is sleeping or completely relaxed—not panting or active.
• Count how many times their chest rises and falls in one minute (each rise and fall counts as one breath).
• A normal rate is typically under 30 breaths per minute for both dogs and cats. If the rate is consistently higher, it could be a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Consider keeping a daily log to track changes over time. There are also mobile apps that can help you record and monitor respiratory rates.

Subtle changes in behavior can be early indicators of CHF:

• Is your pet sleeping more or tiring easily after minimal activity?
• Are they breathing heavier or faster than usual, especially when resting?
• Has their appetite decreased or are they showing less interest in food?

These gradual shifts can be easy to miss but may signal that your pet’s heart is struggling.

Take Note When Symptoms Worsen with Activity or Stress

Pets with CHF often tolerate rest but become symptomatic during physical exertion or stressful situations. You might notice:

• Coughing after walks or playtime
• Heavy panting or collapse during excitement
• Difficulty recovering from even mild exertion

If your pet seems to get worse during or after activity, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian. In the next section, we’ll cover the warning signs that indicate your pet needs immediate veterinary care.

For pets showing signs of CHF, having emergency oxygen therapy available can be lifesaving—especially if you need to transport them to the vet. Portable pet oxygen systems, like those offered by Pawprint Oxygen, allow you to deliver critical support while on the way to professional care. Oxygen therapy helps reduce the strain on the heart and lungs, buying valuable time for diagnosis and treatment.

Veterinarians use several diagnostic tools to confirm CHF and determine its severity:

• Chest X-rays help visualize fluid buildup in the lungs or an enlarged heart.
• Echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) provide a detailed look at the heart’s structure and function.
• Bloodwork can assess organ function, detect other health issues, and measure biomarkers related to heart disease.

Accurate diagnosis is essential for creating a personalized treatment plan that improves your pet’s quality of life.

Catching CHF early opens the door to more treatment options and better outcomes. Medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments can slow the progression of the disease and keep your pet comfortable for longer. The earlier you act, the better your chances of giving your pet a happier, healthier life.

Next, we’ll talk about what to expect during the diagnostic process and how you can support your pet after a CHF diagnosis.

If your veterinarian suspects congestive heart failure (CHF), they will perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and assess how advanced the condition is. Understanding what to expect during this process can help you feel more prepared and empowered to make informed decisions for your pet.

Your veterinarian will begin with a physical exam, listening to your pet’s heart and lungs and checking for signs like fluid buildup, irregular heartbeat, or abnormal breathing patterns. From there, they may recommend:

• Chest X-rays to look for an enlarged heart or fluid in the lungs
• Echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess the structure and function of the heart chambers and valves
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect abnormal heart rhythms
• Blood tests to evaluate overall organ function and rule out other health concerns
• Heartworm testing, especially in dogs who aren’t on preventative medication

These diagnostics help your vet determine the type and severity of CHF and develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

While CHF cannot be cured, it can often be managed successfully with the right combination of treatments. Your vet may recommend:

• Medications to reduce fluid buildup, improve heart function, and regulate blood pressure (e.g., diuretics, ACE inhibitors, pimobendan)
• Lifestyle and diet changes such as low-sodium diets and restricted activity
• At-home oxygen therapy, especially for pets with difficulty breathing or during flare-ups, using tools like portable oxygen kits or oxygen concentrators (Pawprint Oxygen offers a range of pet-specific solutions)

Many pets respond well to treatment and can enjoy a good quality of life for months or even years with consistent care.

It’s important to understand that CHF is a chronic, progressive condition. Treatment is aimed at managing symptoms, slowing the disease's progression, and maintaining comfort. Regular veterinary check-ups, daily monitoring at home, and early intervention when symptoms worsen can significantly extend your pet’s lifespan and quality of life.

In the next section, we’ll explore how to support your pet emotionally and physically after a CHF diagnosis—because compassionate care makes all the difference.

Caring for a pet with congestive heart failure (CHF) may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right daily routine and ongoing support, you can help your pet live a comfortable and fulfilling life. Managing CHF is all about consistency, awareness, and providing both medical and emotional support.

Frequent check-ins with your veterinarian are essential for adjusting medications, tracking disease progression, and catching new issues early. Your vet may recommend:

• Routine lab work to monitor organ function and medication effects
• Follow-up X-rays or echocardiograms to assess heart size and fluid levels
• Adjustments to diet or prescriptions based on your pet’s response to treatment

These visits are an opportunity to ask questions, address concerns, and ensure your pet is receiving the best possible care.

Supporting a pet with CHF can be emotionally challenging. You may feel anxious, sad, or uncertain about the future—and that’s completely normal. Remember:

• You're not alone—many pet owners have walked this road and found support in their veterinary team and online communities.
• Focus on the quality of each day, not just the quantity of time.
• Celebrate the small victories: a wagging tail, a full meal, a peaceful nap.

Taking care of your own well-being is just as important. When you feel supported and informed, you can offer your pet the calm, loving care they need to thrive.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) can be a serious diagnosis, but with early detection and the right care, many pets continue to live happy, comfortable lives. By staying vigilant for changes in breathing, energy levels, and appetite—and acting quickly when something feels off—you’re taking the most important steps to protect your pet’s health.

Partnering closely with your veterinarian, following treatment plans, and making small adjustments at home can go a long way in managing CHF. Whether it’s through daily medication, monitoring respiratory rate, or providing at-home oxygen therapy, your commitment makes a meaningful difference in your pet’s quality of life.

If you suspect your pet may be showing signs of CHF, don’t wait—contact your veterinarian. The sooner you seek help, the better the chances of successful management and more joyful days with your furry companion.