Treatment Considerations for Congestive Heart Failure

It is important to remember that treatment for congestive heart failure does not cure the disease, but it can help your dog resume a more normal life.

 

Your veterinarian may recommend one or more of the following medical treatments:

 

• Diuretics are medications to remove excess fluid buildup from the lungs or abdomen (eg, furosemide)
• Inodilators are medications that both increase the strength of your dog’s heartbeat and open up constricted blood vessels, reducing the workload on your dog's weakened heart.
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors, are a group of medications that open up constricted blood vessels and are used primarily in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.

 

There are a number of other medications that your veterinarian may recommend for the treatment of your dog's heart failure. Other treatment possibilities include medications that improve the strength, the rate, or the rhythm of your dog’s heartbeat. These will depend on the specific needs of your dog.

 

Also, your veterinarian will closely monitor your dog's medication(s) to determine if adjustments need to be made.

 

Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any change in the behaviour or activity of your dog, particularly during the first few days of treatment.