Both of my Pomeranians, Coffee and Eva, had congestive heart failure — CHF.
It feels strange to write that in the past tense.
They were seniors. And like many aging dogs, they had their share of health issues. But it still hit hard when I heard those words from the vet. Congestive heart failure. Collapsed trachea. It’s the kind of news that lingers in your chest for days.
I want you to know — if you’re going through something like this, you are not alone.
Pomeranians with Congestive Heart Failure – How I noticed?
Coffee began panting frequently. She coughed more often than usual, especially when lying down. She seemed restless, like she couldn’t find a position that let her breathe comfortably.
It didn’t take long for me to realize this wasn’t just old age.
At the vet, they did a physical exam and imaging. The diagnosis came: enlarged heart, CHF, and a narrowed trachea. She stayed in the clinic for a few days. The first night, she couldn’t even lie down. By the second day, the coughing eased slightly — a small relief.
Then the vet suggested we examine Eva, too. And yes, she had CHF and a collapsed trachea as well. Two diagnoses, two fragile hearts.
What the Vet Recommended
The vet advised switching to prescription pet food with low sodium. No more kibble or commercial wet food. While I understood the logic, I decided to go another route — a more personalized, home-cooked diet tailored to their needs, with supplements and careful observation.
They were also prescribed medications to manage their condition:
Vet-Prescribed Medications:
- Pimobendan 2.5mg – ½ tablet, AM and PM (for both)
- Enalapril 5mg – ¼ tablet, AM and PM (for both)
- Prednisone – for Coffee only, 7 days
Supplements I Tried for CHF and CT
In addition to medications, I experimented with a variety of supplements for heart support, joint health, digestion, and immunity. Here’s an honest look at what worked for us — and what didn’t.
Heart Support
Dr. Mercola, Bark & Whiskers Heart Health
Expensive, but they loved it. I can say there were improvements in their daily activities. If I had extra cash, I’d get this. Otherwise, I’d switch to…
Morning – mixed with food
NOW Foods Cardiovascular Support
Cheaper alternative. They liked it too, though it hardened over time, even when stored properly.
Morning – mixed with food (Alternative to Dr. Mercola, Bark & Whiskers Heart Health)
Swanson CoQ10 (30mg)
A must-have in our routine — I will never skip this. Coffee would even take the capsule as is. But with their CT, I realized it is a choking hazard. CoQ10 improves cardiac function in small dogs with MMVD.
Evening – mixed with food
Joint and Trachea Support
Ready Pet Go
Turmeric & Collagen
Coffee wasn’t a fan.
Eva? She’d eat anything with a smile.
Switched to VitaPet Senior.
As a snack with a small amount of food or a treat.
NaturVet VitaPet Senior + Glucosamine
This was for their joints and trachea. Eva’s hind legs were pretty weak.
Coffee, on the other hand, had these wild Kung Fu Panda stretches that made me laugh every time.
Coffee hated this one. Eva approved.
I switched to Senior Advanced.
Evening – mixed with food
NaturVet Senior Advanced Joint Health + Collagen & Turmeric
This became a staple. I think it bought them a few more good years.
Evening – mixed with food
NaturVet Kelp Help
This one made Coffee cough every time. I’m still unsure whether it was the supplement or a reaction with something else. I eventually stopped it and just gave them fish once or twice a week.
Evening – mixed with food
Digestion and Enzymes
NaturVet Digestive Enzymes + Pre & Probiotic
As they aged, pooping became hard sometimes. This helped ease things. Whatever meal they have, this will not be skipped.
I also switched from a full home-cooked meal to a 50% low-sodium canned wet food and 50% home-cooked food.
Morning and Evening – mixed with food
Other Supplements
Herb Pharm Dandelion (Alcohol-Free)
A natural diuretic. Didn’t seem to make a noticeable difference.
Mix with a treat
NaturVet
Calcium-Phosphorus + Vitamin D
Important for balancing home-cooked meals. I adjusted the dosage depending on their stool (white, hard stool meant too much).
Morning and Evening – mixed with food
Eva’s Passing
I was at the vet clinic. I will post another blog about why we went home.
I brought Eva home so I could get an oxygen tank for her, and when I went home, I found Eva in the living room. She wasn’t breathing. Her tongue was violet. CT had finally taken its toll.
She wasn’t at the clinic that day. And I still ask myself why. Why wasn’t she there?
There’s no answer that makes it easier.
Coffee’s Passing
After Eva’s passing, we had already made the decision that when Coffee started having difficulty breathing and her tongue began turning violet, it would be time to say goodbye. It was still incredibly hard, but at least we were able to be there and say our goodbye. I believe her passing was peaceful — she fell asleep, and then, just a few minutes later, she was gone.
I’ll write a separate post about this, too.
The Final List
The ones we stuck with until the end:
- Pimobendan 2.5mg
- Enalapril 5mg
- Prednisone (for Coffee)
- Swanson CoQ10
- Dr. Mercola or NOW Foods Cardiovascular Support
- NaturVet Digestive Enzymes
- NaturVet Senior Advanced Joint Health
What I Remember Most
I loved those girls so much. They were still playful — at least in spirit.
I could see it in their eyes. They wanted to chase, to roll, to do those silly twirls. But their bodies had other plans.
A few steps… a small bark… and then the coughing would start again.
They weren’t just dogs. They were my family, my shadow, my comfort.
Even sick, they tried to protect me. Even tired, they wanted to stay near.
If you’re going through something similar, I know how much it hurts.
You’re doing your best. And your best — your love, your care, your presence — it matters.
You’re not alone.