Congestive heart failure can occur at any age, in any breed, or in dogs of any gender, but it happens most often in middle-aged to older dogs. In the early stages of congestive heart failure, your dog may show no signs at all. As the disease progresses, signs may include: Coughing.
What are the early signs of heart failure in dogs?
Coughing when at rest or sleeping, excessive panting, persistent loss of appetite, a swollen belly, and pale or bluish gums are also signs associated with heart failure. The dog will develop generalized weight loss and muscle wasting due to the effects of CHF on other body systems.
What causes sudden congestive heart failure in dogs?
Different pathologies can cause congestive heart failure in dogs. One of the most common is dilated cardiomyopathy, although it can also be caused by certain heart wall defects, heart rhythm abnormalities, heart valve deficiencies or an increase in blood pressure, among others.
Are dogs born with congestive heart failure?
Causes of Heart Disease in Dogs Heart disease can either be something a dog is born with or have develop during its life. Heart disease that develops during the life of a dog is a result of one or several of the following causes: Heartworm infection from mosquitoes. Genetics.
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