I don’t know what’s going on with my sweet old dog, Baxter. He’s been my shadow for nearly 12 years now, but lately, things have taken a turn and I’m pretty worried. It’s been a couple of weeks since he started coughing more at night, and yesterday he seemed so out of breath after our usual short walk — we didn’t even make it to the end of the block. The vet mentioned something about congestive heart failure and a “stage c,” and now I’m spiraling a bit, wondering how much he might be suffering. I don’t want him to be in pain, but I can’t stand the thought of losing him just yet. Has anyone been through this with their pup? Any advice on how to help him feel more comfortable? I’m really feeling lost here.
I completely understand why you're worried. When it comes to congestive heart failure stage C in pets, it means their heart condition has progressed to a point where symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and sometimes swelling in the abdomen or limbs become noticeable.
The suffering for your pet can vary. They may experience lung congestion, which makes breathing harder, especially after exercise or when lying down. While this can be serious, you can help them at home by ensuring they have a comfortable, calm environment that minimizes stress — think about providing a cool, quiet place for rest, and avoid sudden changes in temperature or activity level.
Watch for signs like heavy breathing, refusal to eat, or persistent coughing, as these might indicate that their condition is worsening and needs immediate attention. If you notice these signs or if your pet seems particularly uncomfortable, it's important to schedule a check-up.
Consider booking a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet so we can evaluate your pet's condition and discuss the best ways to provide comfort and manage the symptoms more effectively. Your pet's well-being is our top priority, and we're here to support you both.
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