Recently, I’ve had this dry cough, which starts as soon as I am awake. It goes away after a while. Getting up the stairs these days is a real chore. I’ve also noticed that I’m starting to feel bloated, even though I’m eating and drinking as usual. What do you think is wrong with me? (Sheeba, Collie, 10 years, Bodalla Estate)

Dr Alan

Sounds like you need to have your heart checked out Sheba. When you sleep, fluid builds up in your lungs. When you wake, you develop a cough as your body tries to get rid of the fluid. It may sound strange, but when your heart is inefficient pumping blood, back pressure builds up and the large veins feeding blood to your heart swell. Swollen veins in your chest and abdomen will “leak” the fluid part of your blood into your chest and your tummy. Vets call this congestive heart failure and it can be helped with medication. Use those eyes of yours to tell your owner you need some attention.