Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of death in dogs, particularly small breeds. Modern medical management can maintain quality of life for months to years after diagnosis.
Congestive heart failure causes dyspnea, fatigue, coughing, and reduced exercise tolerance that progressively limit a dog's normal activities and enjoyment of life. The breathlessness associated with acute decompensation is particularly distressing. Welfare-centered management aims to minimize these symptoms through optimized medication, activity modification, and dietary management. Home respiratory rate monitoring empowers owners to detect early decompensation before crisis. As the disease progresses, honest quality-of-life assessment using validated tools helps owners and veterinarians navigate end-of-life decisions with the dog's comfort as the primary consideration.