I know we have some veterinary moms on here, so I'm hoping one will chime in :)
My Boston Terrier has had a snotty nose since Friday. Cloudy white, not yellow or green. He's a bit lethargic, but not really bad you can tell he just doesn't feel like himself. Some sneezing and reverse sneezing. Occasional panting like he can't breathe through his nose. I've been giving him benadry but it's not helping. I tried 1 tsp of decongestant but am a little afraid to do that too often because I know you can poison dogs with it, and it doesn't seem to be helping.
When should I throw in the towel and take him to the vet? On the one hand it's just a runny nose and he's acting about 80% of normal so I don't want to overreact; on the other hand he's a dog and I don't have a lot of experience with dog colds - kids great, dogs not so much, lol. Is there anything else I can try at home to help clear him up? He just sounds so miserable!
ETA: he's eating and drinking fine, just not playing as much as normal - he's a 2 yo and usually quite playful. We sometimes give both our boston's benedryl per our vet's instructions since they have allergies. Thanks, guess I'll call the vet.
Thanks everyone! Took him this afternoon. Vet thought it was probably allergies and maybe an upper respiratory infection so he's on antibiotics and a different antihistimine. I'm sure he'll feel better soon!
Ah poor Bostie, I have on too, Named Boston. LOL For me anything that is not clear discharge goes to the vet. How old is he? I wouldn't give him anything made for humans unless discussed with you vet, especially this breed.
I have been lucky no respitory issue with mine, but he does have atopy alergies so frequent baths and rinses it is, with Benadryl as need(and prescribed).
I'd take him to the vet, or at least call and see what they say - sounds like he has a sinus infection or other upper respiratory infection and he may need antibiotics. Or they may be able to recommend other medications (OTC or otherwise) that might be helpful and would be appropriate. And FYI - a nasal decongestant is NOT one of them - ALWAYS call your vet and check with them before giving your dog anything!
ETA: We are not "being jerks" by telling folks they need to bring the pet in - sometimes we just can't give advice over the phone without seeing the pet because we could be totally wrong and things could go from bad to worse. And where I work currently, it is the practice policy that receptionists and techs are not allowed to give advice over the phone without checking with a doctor first - it's just too much of a liability issue.
My ex is a vet. He has a good relationship with his clients and wants the best for their pets. Sometimes you can't diagnose things over the phone. This might be one of those things. Don't wait too long to call your vet and discuss your options. Dogs sometimes can go downhill really fast.
Hi- I'm sorry your little guy is not feeling well. in my experience it usually takes a lot for a dog to show signs of sickness " not acting like himself". That concerns me a little. With a brachycephalic (smushy face dog) I worry about polyps, obstruction, tumors, kennel cough, upper resp. infection, allergies. but i also know that bostons can be a bit Dramatic! you just never know. i feel concerned about him not acting right, is he eating and drinking? how old is he?
ETA: Sometimes just calling the vet and asking IF there is anything you can do works. Sometimes they are jerks and tell u to just bring him in and sometimes they actually talk to the vet and get real advice, see what you can do. Good luck and keep us updated!
Our dog passed last August, but we could always call our vet and they would give advice over the phone if they thought he didn't need to come in. Maybe try that?
(I wouldn't give him anything OTC without recommendation from the vet!)
Hope he's better soon.
Glad to see you took him to the vet. We also have a Boston Terrier, such awesome dogs!
No ideas but I hope your fur baby feels better soon! Isn't it amazing how much we can worry about them, just like with our kids?
<<hugs>>
I recently got a Boston Terrier (she is 4 months today). Our vet told me they are prone to sinus/respiratory problems. I hope yours is feeling better soon, I see you went to the vet.
I have a dog. If they have a fever they should see a vet. They could have a infection. Sometimes a pet would have allergies(different types of pollen) My dog is also allergic to anything sprayed or bounce dryer sheets. Its best to see a vet and find out what is wrong. By the way if they have a rash or hives it could be from new food or a bee sting or spider bite etc. Good Luck
Our dog just had something a bit similar and had the sneezing and then got an eye that had stuff in it and then it cracked above the eye and the vet tells me it's allergies. I wonder if that's all it is but he is on medication for that now and we'll see what happens. I would take your dog in and see what they tell you and then maybe next time you can save a trip to the vet. If there is a next time. Better to get it checked out after the Benadry and other meds at home not working.
