Monitoring Your Dog with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding CHF in Dogs

Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other tissues. Regular monitoring of vital signs, especially heart and respiratory rates, is crucial for managing CHF and ensuring timely veterinary intervention.​

Why Monitoring is Essential

Consistent at-home monitoring helps in:​

• Detecting early signs of CHF progression.

• Assessing the effectiveness of prescribed treatments.

• Making informed decisions about veterinary care - register historical data to share with your vet.​

How to Measure Your Dog's Heart Rate

1. Locate the Pulse:

   • Place your hand on your dog's chest just behind the left elbow.

   • Alternatively, feel for the femoral artery on the inner thigh.​

2. Count the Beats:

   • Use a stopwatch or timer.

   • Count the number of beats in 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get beats per minute (BPM).​

Normal Resting Heart Rates:

• Small breeds: 100–140 BPM

• Medium breeds: 80–120 BPM

• Large breeds: 60–100 BPM​

Note: Factors like stress, activity, and temperature can influence heart rate. Always measure when your dog is calm and at rest.​

How to Measure Your Dog's Respiratory Rate

1. Ensure Your Dog is Resting:

   • Wait until your dog is sleeping or lying calmly.​

2. Observe Chest Movements:

   • Each rise and fall of the chest counts as one breath.​

3. Count the Breaths:

   • Count the number of breaths in 30 seconds and multiply by 2 to get breaths per minute.​

Normal Resting Respiratory Rate:

• 15–30 breaths per minute​

Note: Rates consistently above 30 breaths per minute may indicate worsening CHF and require veterinary attention.​

Tools to Assist Monitoring

• Smartphone Apps: Apps like "Cardalis RR" help track respiratory rates.

• Wearable Monitors: Devices like the Invoxia Smart Dog Collar monitor vital signs and activity levels.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Seek veterinary advice if you notice:

• Persistent respiratory rates above 30 breaths per minute.

• Increased effort in breathing or labored breathing.

• Changes in gum color (e.g., pale or bluish).

• Lethargy, coughing, or collapse.

Conclusion

Regular monitoring of your dog's heart and respiratory rates is vital in managing congestive heart failure. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can ensure timely interventions and provide the best care for your canine companion.​

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.