Congestive heart failure in dogs is a slow process, in which the heart fails to provide the body with adequate blood circulation. The heart slowly becomes weak and slowly the other organs of the body also cease to work. Congestive heart failure in dogs is common in older dogs and is sometimes genetic. You may never observe any signs of heart trouble for many months or years. The dog may one day suddenly collapse when the body fails to take any more strain.

Symptoms
The symptoms depends on the underlying disease and you should watch out for the warning signs. The dog may show decreased levels of activity. There may be intermittent coughing after the dog is excited or exerted. You may also observe the dog coughs more often in night and may pace around restlessly and find sleeping difficult.

The other symptoms the dog may develop are signs of appetite, rapid breathing and abdominal swelling with excessive weight loss. The dog may show signs of pulmonary edema, an indication of left ventricle failure. This is due to the weakened heart that is no longer able to pump the blood efficiently. The blood builds up in the lungs, liver, legs, etc., and the increased vein pressure causes it to leak into the lungs and peritoneal cavity. This leads to coughing and the dog coughs up a bubbly red fluid due to fluid retention in the smaller airways.

If the stomach is swelled up or pot-bellied (ascites), it may be an indication of right ventricle failure. The legs may also swell, that is known as dependent edema. Right sided heart failure will be seen with accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity called pleural effusion.

When the dog is suffering is in the late stage of congestive heart failure, you will find the dog siting with his elbows spread and the head in extended position. While standing the dog may stand with his front legs wide apart and the neck lowered and extended. This helps the dog to allow more air into the lungs. The pulse is rapid, thready and breathing labored. The gums and tongue turn blue or gray and you may feel a thrill over the chest. The dog may also suffer from fainting spells when over exerted.

Prognosis
You may see no symptoms during the early stages of congestive heart failure. When the symptoms do start appearing, the condition will be in its later stages. The life expectancy of a dog in the later stages is no more than six months after the diagnosis.

Diagnosis
The congestive heart failure in dogs is mostly detected with the help of electrocardiogram. This helps the vet diagnose any abnormality in the dogs heart. The vet may carry out ultrasound to detect an enlarged heart and a simple x-ray is also used to detect congestive heart failure.

Treatment
The congestive heart failure is an underlying condition that is very rarely cured. In small dog breeds and toy dogs the common cause is chronic valvular disease with mitral regurgitation. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the main cause of congestive heart failure in large breed dogs. The vet may recommend diuretics to help remove the excess fluid in the lungs or abdomen.

ACE inhibitors are prescribed to open up the constricted blood vessels that are used for hypertension and congestive heart failure. Low sodium diet supplements and regular exercises may also help in giving the dog a 'normal' life.

The vet may prescribe a number of other medications that may help relieve the underlying cause of congestive heart failure in dogs. You should visit the vet more frequently than ever before, till the dog is stabilized health-wise. You should take good dog care to help the dog live longer and feel better. You should try and improve the quality of life of the animal. The dog has always been by your side all his life, it is time you stay by his side when he needs you the most.