How can you tell if a dog has gone into heart

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failure? My Cavalier (Becky) has a heart murmur tat is quite bad and could go into heart failure at any time (hopefully much later rather than sooner). What are the symptoms of heart failure so that I can detect it, and when she is in heart failure does that mean that she will shortly die or will she still have some time left to live? If so, how soon would it beand how much pain will she be in? Can anything be done to reverse it/slow it down or is it better to just let her go at that stage? I don't really know what 'heart failure' exactly is, or whether it is gradual or fast. She means the world to me and I would hate to lose her.

[starlet108]

Sorry to be blunt but heart failure means death. Once the heart fails the body shuts down. It seems more likely that she would have a seizure - you would know as she would start fitting. Stay calm, do NOT scream or shout - sit with her and talk gently and calmly and call your vet immediately.If your dog developes a cough this is a classic sign of heart problems. Also heavy panting. If in doubt pop her down to see the vet. Maybe ask your vet what medication is available xx

[♥catsndogsrthebest♥]

My friends pomeranian has heart disease and he usually can't walk a long time so if you notice your dog fainting on a walk or just laying down on a walk that could be a sign his hearts under strain. Difficulty breathing, or any strange breathing or coughing sounds, is usually another sign.This website is helpful:http://www.homevet.com/petcare/heart.htmland this onehttp://www.dog-health-guide.org/CongestiveHeartFailureinDog.html{{{hugs}}}} enjoy the time with her now. her death will happen fast but might not be for a while to come. Like the above person said, she might have a seizure. It's scary and heartwrenching when it happens but just know your dog isn't in pain during it, she can't see or control her body, but your soothing voice and touch will help.

[RodiKenley]

There's all different kinds. Go see a vet if needed.

[Polar Molar]

Your dog will not be able to walk and she will be gasping for breath! Heart failure means the heart has stopped beating!! You will know when it happens!!There's nothing you can do except be with her at the end!! She won't be in that much pain because it happens sooo fast!! Sorry but when this happens she will go to a better place!

[Essie]

I am a former vet tech and have had two dogs that developed heart murmors. There is medication that can help her heart pump better. My dogs took it and lived happily for several years. I don't know how sick your dog is, but a heart murmor means that the heart chambers aren't pumpuing blood efficiently which results in less blood flow through the body. Heart failure means that the heart isn't able to pump enough blood to all parts of the body and back to the heart again. The result is that fluid begins to build up in the body's tissues and lungs. The fluid causes swelling in the body and as the lungs fill, they have less space availble to take in air. That can cause the dog to cough. Watch for the swelling and cough to know when this is happening. Fluid can be drawn off, but it is only a temporary measure. There is also medication that reduces the fluid accumulation. She may deteriorate slowly or quickly, a vet (there are cardiac specialists) can give you a better idea. There isn't a cure, but your dog may be comfortable and active for quite some time if given the medications. I don't think heart failure is especially painful. She will have more and more difficulty breathing as it progresses and you will want to watch how she does when she is being physically active. Plan ahead with your vet by discussing the process of putting her to sleep when the time comes. Don't be too discouraged. This doesn't necessarily mean you'll lose her soon. Best of luck!

[angeljillk]

I just lost my baby on Sunday. He was 11 years old. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur a few years ago. He was on enacard for his heart murmur. The Vet just started him on a new medication. I can't remember what it was called. It was a new medication and it was never used on small dogs, but he said that it was a great new drug. My vet was very worried about starting Buddy on it cause he was so small. It didn't work, but i believe that it was cause it was to late already. Buddy was already really sick. He was only on it for a few days before he passed. We loved him sooo much. He was a part of our family. We are all sooo sad. For about a month now he has been really sick. He just had surgery on his teeth and he did really well. There was a very big chance that he wouldn't make it threw surgery, but he did. He was a fighter. He was at the vet a lot this month and i felt so bad cause he really hated the trips there and back. He was so sweet. Our Vet tried so hard to keep him alive. He is a great Vet. Buddy passed away on Sunday and i called our Vet on his cell and he had us meet him at the clinic. Of course by the time we got there Buddy was already gone. He had fully passed about 5 min. into the drive there. All that i find myself doing is crying. I can't quit. We had him cremated so that he can be with us all the time. We just picked up his ashes today. Even thought a heart murmur is a bad thing it is not a full death sentence. There is medication out there that can prolong his death. It won't get rid of the Heart murmur, but it will help him live longer. Just make sure that you take your pet to the vet anytime that you think something might be wrong. You never want them to get any kind of infection because it is not good for a dog with a heart murmur.