6 Signs It Is Time to Euthanize a Dog with Congestive Heart Failure

When dealing with congestive heart failure (CHF), the decision to euthanize is complex due to the progressive nature of the disease and its impact on the dog’s quality of life. As a veterinarian, I have guided many dog owners through the challenging process of managing CHF in their beloved companions (make sure you read my article about caring for a dog with congestive heart failure). In this article, I will guide you through this journey and provide you with the information you need to make a compassionate and informed euthanasia decision. 

6 Signs that You Should Consider Euthanasia

While every situation that I evaluate in my veterinary practice is unique, there are signs that may indicate it’s time to consider euthanasia.

Symptoms that indicate that this might be the case include:

1. Your dog is gasping for air.

This is a common symptom seen in dogs with late-stage heart disease, as they can’t get enough oxygen into their system. Heart disease is a progressive condition – depending on when your dog is first diagnosed, their symptoms might not seem too bad at first; occasional coughing and getting out of breath faster are the most common early symptoms. In the late stages of congestive heart failure, a dog may gasp for air due to severe difficulty in breathing, and euthanasia might be considered to prevent further suffering and provide a compassionate end to their distress.

2. Your dog is constantly coughing.

The fluid accumulation in the lungs of dogs with late stage heart failure results in almost constant coughing as your dog attempts to clear their airways. This can result in coughing fits that may seem painful, lasting for up to 5 minutes at a time.

3. Your dog is extremely weak and unwilling to take part in activities they used to enjoy.

In the last few days of a dog’s life with CHF, they may be extremely weak, barely able to move, and might even faint or collapse. Dogs at this stage of the disease will likely stay in their bed and be unwilling to participate in activities they used to enjoy, such as walking or playing.

4. Your dog lacks appetite and refuses to eat even tempting food.

Dogs with late-stage heart failure often lose their appetite completely, leading to dramatic weight loss, making the ribcage and spine visible. If the dog is no longer interested in eating or the activities they once enjoyed, it is a sign that their quality of life has significantly reduced.

5. Your dog’s gums appear blue.

A lack of oxygen can cause bluish-colored gums, indicating that heart disease has progressed to a potentially life-threatening stage.

6. Your vet’s treatments are no longer helping.

Medication can help manage the condition, but there often comes a point where heart disease can no longer be controlled effectively. If the dog’s condition does not show signs of improvement despite treatment, it may be a sign that their quality of life is diminishing with no option to improve.

Discussing euthanasia with your veterinarian is essential in the decision-making process, as they can give advice based on their expert knowledge and can help you evaluate your dog’s quality of life.

Life Expectancy of a Dog with Congestive Heart Failure

The life expectancy of a dog with congestive heart failure is contingent upon the severity of the disease, any underlying cardiac issues, and how they respond to treatment. Pinning down an exact average life expectancy is tricky because each case relies so much on individual circumstances:

Life expectancy of dogs with CHF: Generally speaking, most veterinarians estimate anywhere between 6 to 24 months post-diagnosis, depending upon the various aforementioned factors. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that the median survival time after the diagnosis of advanced heart failure in dogs was 281 days (a little over 9 months).

However, remember that this is a “median” time and many dogs will live well over 9 months.

Learn more about life expectancy of dogs with congestive heart failure.

Caring for a dog with congestive heart failure: a few veterinarian tips

In addition to medical intervention, making certain lifestyle changes also plays an important role in maintaining your dog’s health after they’ve developed congestive heart failure. Regular exercise (as tolerated), weight management, and feeding them a low-sodium balanced diet can support overall wellness, slowing down the progression of the disease. Learn more with my article about the Best Ways to Care For a Dog with Congestive Heart Failure.

Monitoring your dog’s quality of life

In late-stage heart failure, monitoring a dog’s quality of life is crucial to ensure their comfort and well-being. Here are some steps that owners can take to monitor their dog’s quality of life:

1. Regular veterinary check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with a veterinarian to assess the dog’s condition, adjust medications if needed, and discuss any changes in symptoms or behaviors.
2. Observe breathing patterns: Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s breathing, such as increased effort, rapid breathing, or coughing. These can be signs of worsening heart failure.
3. Monitor activity level: Keep track of your dog’s energy levels and exercise tolerance. If you notice a significant decrease in activity or difficulty performing everyday tasks, it may indicate a decline in their quality of life.
4. Assess appetite and weight: Changes in appetite, weight loss, or fluid retention (seen as a bloated abdomen) should be monitored. These can be indicators of heart failure progression.
5. Evaluate comfort and restlessness: Watch for signs of discomfort, restlessness, or signs of pain. This can include pacing, difficulty finding a comfortable position, or vocalization. Consult with a vet if these symptoms persist.