Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
My chihuahua with heart disease is breathing fast. Is it an emergency?
Updated on September 23, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | spayed | 12 years and 5 months old | 3.1 lbs
My chihuahua has congestive heart disease and is on vetmedin and Lasix. All of the sudden her breathing is extremely fast and she can’t rest. Can I give her more meds? She weighs 4 lbs. she takes half of a 1.25 mg of vetmedin and a half of a furosemide twice daily. Thank you
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on June 7, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Roxy!
If Roxy is having trouble breathing she needs to see a veterinarian right away. We have to assume she is in congestive heart failure. Just increasing the medication likely will not be enough. You can give her another 1/2 of furosemide while you find an open emergency room. Oral medications are not quick enough in situations like this. She likely needs oxygen and injectable medications.
I wish Roxy the best!
If Roxy is having trouble breathing she needs to see a veterinarian right away. We have to assume she is in congestive heart failure. Just increasing the medication likely will not be enough. You can give her another 1/2 of furosemide while you find an open emergency room. Oral medications are not quick enough in situations like this. She likely needs oxygen and injectable medications.
I wish Roxy the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful