Clinical Signs
Some early signs can be subtle and tricky to spot as most Stage C dogs are older dogs that may rest more anyway.
Clinical Signs
One of the helpful things you can do is to measure your dog’s Sleeping Respiratory Rate regularly. This will help you to pick up when Stage C is beginning for your dog.
If your dog’s SRR is above 30 breaths per minute it can indicate that it’s becoming more difficult for them to breathe and that Stage C (heart failure) has arrived. If your dog is in Stage B2 it’s a good idea to take a SRR reading every week.
Call your vet if your dog’s SRR is:
• Over 30 breaths per minute
OR
• Readings are increasing each week
GOOD NEWS – with the right care dogs can live a long and happy life once in Stage C. The average dog lives for 19 months once they reach Stage C and some live much longer than this.