References Close,WRITTEN BYAutumn Madden, DVM Veterinarian I am from Washington, DC, and I wanted to be a veterinarian since watching my uncle on his farm at 8. I graduated from Tuskegee University…,Congestive heart failure (CHF) is when the heart isn’t able to pump blood adequately throughout the body. This results in blood backing up into the lungs and fluid accumulating in the body cavities, which constricts the heart and lungs and prevents sufficient oxygen flow throughout the body. In most cases of CHF, the issue is not reversible. Here are some of the signs that your dog might be nearing a stage where they need hospice care or you would consider euthanasia. What Are the Signs of a Dog Dying of Congestive Heart Failure? There are several stages of congestive heart failure: Stage A: The dog is high-risk for CHF, but has no symptoms and no changes to the heart. Stage B1: The dog has a heart murmur but no other signs. Stage B2: The dog has a heart murmur in addition to structural changes to the heart, but no clinical signs. Stage C: The dog has a heart murmur, structural changes to the heart, and clinical signs associated with CHF. These dogs are typically treated. Stage D: The dog has CHF and is not responding to standard therapies. The dog will require special treatment strategies. The clinical signs for CHF are similar once a dog reaches Stage C and D. These clinical signs that a dog is dying of congestive heart failure are: Coughing Constant panting Issues breathing while indoors Rapid breathing, especially at rest Reluctance or refusal to exercise Easily tired after walking and playing Blue-tinged gums Distended abdomen Coughing up blood Collapse If you see these signs of late-stage CHF, it does not mean you must immediately consider euthanasia. A pet’s symptoms can resolve or be managed at a variety of stages. For example, cough, trouble breathing, and rapid breathing may be treated with bronchodilators, antibiotics, corticosteroids, cough suppressants, environmental modification (air purifiers), and even weight loss.