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Pug is having severe breathing problem
I have a 5 year old pug who woke me up in the middle of the night unable to breathe out of his nose. He was pacing around the house and walking backwards with his head up, trying to blow snot out of his nose. He couldn't fall asleep because he couldn't breathe out of his nose so I took him to the emergency vet. They said he wasn't in respiratory distress and to take him home and come back in the morning.
I went back and was told he is having an allergic reaction to something. He doesn't have a fever or swollen glands so it is not a cold, so the vet gave him an antibiotic and an antihistamine, and recommended "Little Noses" for babies.
He was up again all night last night, and seems worse today. He is still pacing, blowing lots of snot out and unable to rest because he can't breathe. He seems very depressed, has no energy, won't go on a walk, eat or drink. He would only eat the watermelon I fed him by hand. I am very worried about him, and wonder if I need to take him back to the vet for more tests. Someone suggested it could be heart failure or pnemonia, but I don't want to rush to any conclusions if it's just allergies!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
I went back and was told he is having an allergic reaction to something. He doesn't have a fever or swollen glands so it is not a cold, so the vet gave him an antibiotic and an antihistamine, and recommended "Little Noses" for babies.
He was up again all night last night, and seems worse today. He is still pacing, blowing lots of snot out and unable to rest because he can't breathe. He seems very depressed, has no energy, won't go on a walk, eat or drink. He would only eat the watermelon I fed him by hand. I am very worried about him, and wonder if I need to take him back to the vet for more tests. Someone suggested it could be heart failure or pnemonia, but I don't want to rush to any conclusions if it's just allergies!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
Hi elisemburton...Welcome to the forum.....Here is a post that may help you...
OK, For starters, for any Senior Dog IMO, you DO need to rule out Heart Problems....The x-ray will not only show the heart, but also the lungs...This is important....
With Heart Disease, the weak heart cannot pump as well...Fluid builds into the lungs causing the cough..The cough is usually MOIST like they're choking on congestion...Actually, they are...The cough is worse in the mornings & during periods of running, playing & excitement....Fluid will show in an x-ray.....
Heart Disease is NOT a death sentence.....It's rather common in dogs! Dogs can live many ,many years on medications just like humans can.....Meds. to improve function of the heart & also lasix to clear fluid from the lungs......An EKG or ECG can detect what part of the heart is having a problem.....They usually run around $100.....Some Vets will suggest this test, some will not...They will just go ahead and treat...
Next- Kennel Cough- This is a virus and antibiotics will do nothing.....Cough syrup is very necessary to help this run it's course.....Lasts a few weeks & the cough is excessive!!!!
Collapsing Trachea- Common in small breeds- This cough is more like choke-gasp, choke/gasp....It sounds like a goose honking....Meaning like when your sucking through a straw & it collapses. Like it kinda sticks then opens, etc. It is actually doing just that.....The trachea collapses then opens back up...This ailment is treated by weight control & Medications for lung disease....Cough meds, bronchial dilators, Asthma meds., steroids when necessary, etc.
Respiratory Diseases cause coughing....Asthma & Bronchitis are treated with the same meds as Trachea Collapse. This is more of a dry cough with wheezing at times or both....With this, sometimes the Heart shows enlargement,but it is not a Heart Problem! It's from lack of oxygen through the respiratory system.....Steroids are useful as needed for allergy season that can be a trigger.....Dust mites in the house affect this a lot (Especially in the winter when the heat is on and the house is closed up tight).......It seems they breath better outside.....Something else: Dust Mites in DRY dog food alone can trigger this.....This disease can be controlled for years once you know what to do.....
There's a common cough called A "Reverse Sneeze"...You can google it to know what it sounds like.....I can't describe it....It kinda sounds like all the above, dammit!!! ;) Although it sounds awful, it's really harmless.....Lots of dogs do it their whole life...
Then of course, Heartworm Disease will cause a cough....ALso will show an enlarged heart....Will be seen on an xray....Can be ruled out with a blood test...
OK, good luck tomorrow...I hope you get it all figured out....Please come back and let us know what happens.....If I think of anything else, I'll let you know....Karla
P.S. I'm still surprised that your Vet did not prescribe Cough Syrup for a dog that was brought in for a cough!!!!!!
Oops.....I just thought of another one...Post Nasal Drip will cause a cough...As the fluid trickles down the back of the throat....It tickles....Thus the cough! The throat & tonsils will be red and irritated if this is what your dealing with....Can be worse during periods of excitement, also.....This is usually allergy related or can be linked to Stress...I know that sounds impossible, but it can happen......
Two more cough related tips:
Anyone smoke in the house? This will cause the respiratory cough...Can just be on your clothes or hands to trigger it...
My Vet told me this one.....If you feed your dog in the kitchen by the refrigerator, the dust mites that blow out from under from the fan, are inhaled by the dog while eating...They start coughing after they eat & then off and on the rest of the day....NO, I'm not kidding!!!!!!!!!! Karla
OK, For starters, for any Senior Dog IMO, you DO need to rule out Heart Problems....The x-ray will not only show the heart, but also the lungs...This is important....
With Heart Disease, the weak heart cannot pump as well...Fluid builds into the lungs causing the cough..The cough is usually MOIST like they're choking on congestion...Actually, they are...The cough is worse in the mornings & during periods of running, playing & excitement....Fluid will show in an x-ray.....
Heart Disease is NOT a death sentence.....It's rather common in dogs! Dogs can live many ,many years on medications just like humans can.....Meds. to improve function of the heart & also lasix to clear fluid from the lungs......An EKG or ECG can detect what part of the heart is having a problem.....They usually run around $100.....Some Vets will suggest this test, some will not...They will just go ahead and treat...
Next- Kennel Cough- This is a virus and antibiotics will do nothing.....Cough syrup is very necessary to help this run it's course.....Lasts a few weeks & the cough is excessive!!!!
Collapsing Trachea- Common in small breeds- This cough is more like choke-gasp, choke/gasp....It sounds like a goose honking....Meaning like when your sucking through a straw & it collapses. Like it kinda sticks then opens, etc. It is actually doing just that.....The trachea collapses then opens back up...This ailment is treated by weight control & Medications for lung disease....Cough meds, bronchial dilators, Asthma meds., steroids when necessary, etc.
Respiratory Diseases cause coughing....Asthma & Bronchitis are treated with the same meds as Trachea Collapse. This is more of a dry cough with wheezing at times or both....With this, sometimes the Heart shows enlargement,but it is not a Heart Problem! It's from lack of oxygen through the respiratory system.....Steroids are useful as needed for allergy season that can be a trigger.....Dust mites in the house affect this a lot (Especially in the winter when the heat is on and the house is closed up tight).......It seems they breath better outside.....Something else: Dust Mites in DRY dog food alone can trigger this.....This disease can be controlled for years once you know what to do.....
There's a common cough called A "Reverse Sneeze"...You can google it to know what it sounds like.....I can't describe it....It kinda sounds like all the above, dammit!!! ;) Although it sounds awful, it's really harmless.....Lots of dogs do it their whole life...
Then of course, Heartworm Disease will cause a cough....ALso will show an enlarged heart....Will be seen on an xray....Can be ruled out with a blood test...
OK, good luck tomorrow...I hope you get it all figured out....Please come back and let us know what happens.....If I think of anything else, I'll let you know....Karla
P.S. I'm still surprised that your Vet did not prescribe Cough Syrup for a dog that was brought in for a cough!!!!!!
Oops.....I just thought of another one...Post Nasal Drip will cause a cough...As the fluid trickles down the back of the throat....It tickles....Thus the cough! The throat & tonsils will be red and irritated if this is what your dealing with....Can be worse during periods of excitement, also.....This is usually allergy related or can be linked to Stress...I know that sounds impossible, but it can happen......
Two more cough related tips:
Anyone smoke in the house? This will cause the respiratory cough...Can just be on your clothes or hands to trigger it...
My Vet told me this one.....If you feed your dog in the kitchen by the refrigerator, the dust mites that blow out from under from the fan, are inhaled by the dog while eating...They start coughing after they eat & then off and on the rest of the day....NO, I'm not kidding!!!!!!!!!! Karla
Hi there,
I'm so happy I came across this post while looking for an answer for what is ailing my little guy (he is a pug/poodle mix but takes much more after the pug).
Karla, you mentioned something about coughing and this is what my Poco is doing! We have been through several rounds of antibiotics/antihistamines for what we thought were allergies. These always seems to help for a short time, but pretty soon he is back to coughing. We have tried everything!
Back in a week ago and got full workup of blood testing- everything looked normal but the coughing still continues and now he is seeming more lethargic and not eating as well as he used to.
He is an older dog (9), but otherwise has always been healthy (besides some dental problems about a year ago).
Any ideas?
I'm so happy I came across this post while looking for an answer for what is ailing my little guy (he is a pug/poodle mix but takes much more after the pug).
Karla, you mentioned something about coughing and this is what my Poco is doing! We have been through several rounds of antibiotics/antihistamines for what we thought were allergies. These always seems to help for a short time, but pretty soon he is back to coughing. We have tried everything!
Back in a week ago and got full workup of blood testing- everything looked normal but the coughing still continues and now he is seeming more lethargic and not eating as well as he used to.
He is an older dog (9), but otherwise has always been healthy (besides some dental problems about a year ago).
Any ideas?
Hi there,
I'm so happy I came across this post while looking for an answer for what is ailing my little guy (he is a pug/poodle mix but takes much more after the pug).
Karla, you mentioned something about coughing and this is what my Poco is doing! We have been through several rounds of antibiotics/antihistamines for what we thought were allergies. These always seems to help for a short time, but pretty soon he is back to coughing. We have tried everything!
Back in a week ago and got full workup of blood testing- everything looked normal but the coughing still continues and now he is seeming more lethargic and not eating as well as he used to.
He is an older dog (9), but otherwise has always been healthy (besides some dental problems about a year ago).
Any ideas?
I'm so happy I came across this post while looking for an answer for what is ailing my little guy (he is a pug/poodle mix but takes much more after the pug).
Karla, you mentioned something about coughing and this is what my Poco is doing! We have been through several rounds of antibiotics/antihistamines for what we thought were allergies. These always seems to help for a short time, but pretty soon he is back to coughing. We have tried everything!
Back in a week ago and got full workup of blood testing- everything looked normal but the coughing still continues and now he is seeming more lethargic and not eating as well as he used to.
He is an older dog (9), but otherwise has always been healthy (besides some dental problems about a year ago).
Any ideas?
Meghan, The only other thing I can think of (If his ailment continues) is to have the drainage (Snot) cultured. You would actually take a sample in, usually sent out to a lab, they grow the bacteria and then (The lab) makes recommendations on the CORRECT antibiotic to kill the specific bacteria. Although this sounds intense, it's done all the time and my Vet charges $40 for a culture of any kind (If it has to be sent out). It's possible that his antibiotic is not the correct one to kill the strain of bacteria that he has. Just a thought and something that can be done if he continues to be sick. Gook luck again, Karla
Karla:
One last quick update: Took him to the vet yesterday because he had a TERRIBLE night and it scared me. He was up allll night unable to breathe well, pacing, etc. So we got xrays and everything looks fine (now that I've spent my life savings!) Just to be on the safe side the vet is going to have them looked at by a radiologist, though.
I am pretty happy to say he seems to have completely turned the corner otherwise. And we both slept great last night, yay!
Again, thanks for everything. Hopefully I can end this thread now :) And glad you got Little Noses ,and good luck!!!
One last quick update: Took him to the vet yesterday because he had a TERRIBLE night and it scared me. He was up allll night unable to breathe well, pacing, etc. So we got xrays and everything looks fine (now that I've spent my life savings!) Just to be on the safe side the vet is going to have them looked at by a radiologist, though.
I am pretty happy to say he seems to have completely turned the corner otherwise. And we both slept great last night, yay!
Again, thanks for everything. Hopefully I can end this thread now :) And glad you got Little Noses ,and good luck!!!
Hey Meghan...So glad Claude's (Love that name) doing better...An infection, huh? Actually I'm glad. No, I don't want him sick, but I think infections are much easier to treat than allergies. :) I found the Nose drops...Wow, your right. I had more on the floor than I did his nose. They do work, I'm glad you told me about them. Thanks....Alright, looks like your on the right track...Thank you for taking such good care of him; I wish everyone would or could! Good luck to you both.........Karla
Hi Karla,
So I FINALLY just heard back from the vet about the blood work (long day, let me tell you!). Since the vet who saw Claude went out of town, I spoke to another vet. He told me Claude's white blood cell count was extremely high, and that it's actually not allergies. I told him that today he has been feeling MUCH better, a huge improvement from the last three days. He went potty, ate, drank, even skipped around a little. And he even barked at some noises just a few minutes ago! I can't believe I'm happy to say he barked, but he hadn't for days.
So the vet said he's very happy and surprised to hear how much better he's feeling considering how high his white blood cell count is. He told me to keep him on the antibiotics and antihistamines, and that most likely it is a sinus infection. There is a small chance it's walking pneumonia, and that if his symptoms get worse or just don't get better I should take him in for x-rays. I'm hopeful he's going to continue to improve, let's keep our fingers crossed. He's sleeping right now without the antihistamines, yay!
Little Noses is a nose drop solution for babies. It's in the regular medication section of the store, but I had to go to a couple places to find it. It really helps, but administering it is hell. Maybe your doggie will be more cooperative :)
I'll keep you posted about his improvement. Thank you again for all your support and help! Meghan
So I FINALLY just heard back from the vet about the blood work (long day, let me tell you!). Since the vet who saw Claude went out of town, I spoke to another vet. He told me Claude's white blood cell count was extremely high, and that it's actually not allergies. I told him that today he has been feeling MUCH better, a huge improvement from the last three days. He went potty, ate, drank, even skipped around a little. And he even barked at some noises just a few minutes ago! I can't believe I'm happy to say he barked, but he hadn't for days.
So the vet said he's very happy and surprised to hear how much better he's feeling considering how high his white blood cell count is. He told me to keep him on the antibiotics and antihistamines, and that most likely it is a sinus infection. There is a small chance it's walking pneumonia, and that if his symptoms get worse or just don't get better I should take him in for x-rays. I'm hopeful he's going to continue to improve, let's keep our fingers crossed. He's sleeping right now without the antihistamines, yay!
Little Noses is a nose drop solution for babies. It's in the regular medication section of the store, but I had to go to a couple places to find it. It really helps, but administering it is hell. Maybe your doggie will be more cooperative :)
I'll keep you posted about his improvement. Thank you again for all your support and help! Meghan
Hi Meghqan...Looks like you found a Great Vet. I'm glad....My first response was going to be, "Feed more watermelon". However, your already doing that and I'm sure glad he's eating alittle and drinking. My dogs love cantelope and it's full of moisture. Don't feed grapes...They are toxic to his kidneys. Glad your feeding canned food...He probably cannot smell his food, thus the Not eating. My suggestion was going to be one with fish in it. Maybe he could smell it...You look like your on top of this.....My favorite standby is Gerber's Graduates Wieners, In the glass jar. They come in turkey, chicken, & beef. They're hard to resist and I hand feed them them when I have a dog that won't eat. Great for snacks, too. Wanted to add that I have never had any luck with (Chlorpheniramine 4). I've tried it many times thinking it must work...It Does Not. I have one Vet that swears by it and another that agrees and says she's never had results with it. Maybe this is still allergies and you haven't got a handle on it, yet. (Not your fault, maybe the meds. aren't working). Ok, I think that's it. If you get a chance, would you tell me what "Little Noses" is and what it's for? Maybe, some of the ingredients, too. Is it in the baby section or the medication section of the store? I have a guy that might benefit from it. Thank you so much....I hope your furkid is much better, today. Please repost & let me know what the bloodwork reveals...I'll be wondering....Karla
Hey Karla. Well, the vet decided to do some blood work to determine if it's an infection. She doesn't want to give him steroids until they learn if it's an infection or not. They also gave him some fluids to keep him hydrated, which is great. I think he's had a better day, still struggling with breathing and seeming down, but there is a little improvement.
I also asked her about sinus x-ray, but she said she didn't want to do that because she would have to sedate him which would be dangerous because of his breathing.
Hopefully it's not an infection so we can get him on steroids asap. Interestingly enough, I actually have a perscription of Temaril-P from the last time we went to the vet when he had skin allergies!
He has been eating water-rich foods today (wet dog food, watermelon, veggies) which is excellent. And he's even drinking water. But any other suggestions to get him to drink/eat more are much appreciated!
He does just keep standing and staring off into space which is weirding me out, but I'm guessing that's just because he doesn't feel good? He also won't go on walks, he just stands there. Poor guy!
Thanks for all your feedback!!!
Meghan
I also asked her about sinus x-ray, but she said she didn't want to do that because she would have to sedate him which would be dangerous because of his breathing.
Hopefully it's not an infection so we can get him on steroids asap. Interestingly enough, I actually have a perscription of Temaril-P from the last time we went to the vet when he had skin allergies!
He has been eating water-rich foods today (wet dog food, watermelon, veggies) which is excellent. And he's even drinking water. But any other suggestions to get him to drink/eat more are much appreciated!
He does just keep standing and staring off into space which is weirding me out, but I'm guessing that's just because he doesn't feel good? He also won't go on walks, he just stands there. Poor guy!
Thanks for all your feedback!!!
Meghan
Hi Meghan, How did it go? I have some ideas about getting him to eat and drink. Getting him to drink is the most important right now......He can go without food for awhile...But, he MUST stay hydrated......Let me know...........Karla
Hi Karla. Well, we're off to the vet again in about 30 minutes. Last night he slept great until about 6am, then up pacing and blowing snot again. Took him in the shower with me and gave him nose drops and he was able to sleep a couple hours more. I'm waiting to give him an antihistamine (Chlorpheniramine 4mg) until after the vet so she can see his symptoms in all their glory. I also gave him his antibiotic (Clavamox 125mg) just in case it's an infection.
I'm just worried still because he is not drinking, still seems very depressed (I miss my happy pug!), and won't go to the bathroom. Are these symptoms of allergies??? Luckily I got him to eat a little today...
I will DEFINITELY ask about the steroids today and the Temaril-P. And I will look into getting a humidifier, since steam really seems to help. I appreciate all of your feedback and help, you are really easing my anxieties about all of this. It's so hard to see your pet miserable and sit aside feeling helpless! I'm such a nervous wreck!
Meghan
I'm just worried still because he is not drinking, still seems very depressed (I miss my happy pug!), and won't go to the bathroom. Are these symptoms of allergies??? Luckily I got him to eat a little today...
I will DEFINITELY ask about the steroids today and the Temaril-P. And I will look into getting a humidifier, since steam really seems to help. I appreciate all of your feedback and help, you are really easing my anxieties about all of this. It's so hard to see your pet miserable and sit aside feeling helpless! I'm such a nervous wreck!
Meghan
Hi Meghan....So glad to hear that he's doing better. I tried to respond last night, but the server went down and then it got too late. Sorry! He doesn't need a chest xray because it's not his lungs. I wouldn't do the sinus xray either, at this point. I agree, it's allergies.....It also could be a sinus infection, but you stated that he is on antibiotics from your 2nd. trip. What did they give him? You will notice an improvement in 36hrs.(From the beginning) if it's an infection. Yes, I have a dog that takes steroids. I'm surprised that at any of your Vet visits, he wasn't given a steroid injection. This is usually, the first line of defense, for any kind of inflamation. And YES, they work. They probably would give him a 5mg. dose of Prednisone 2@day to start with. Then once a day, then every other day. The side effects are increased thirst and FREQUENT urination. However, it gets better as the dose is decreased. My personal favorite Allergy med. is called Temaril-P. It is an antihistimine with 2mg. of Pred.(Steroid), given once a day. Less side effects and works beautifully. Ask your Vet about this one. It is prescription, only. I like it much better than just the Pred. alone. Another thing, you might try, is a vaporizer where he sleeps. OK, I gotta go mow the lawn......Let me know how he's doing........Again, I'm so glad he's better.......Karla
Thank you for your response! I am really starting to think it's allergies because we just moved here (L.A.) a month ago from New York and the seasons are changing, he's not used to all of this greenery, etc.
I freaked out and brought him to another emergency vet this afternoon because he was really struggling breathing, but of course when I get there he is happy go lucky, just panting like a normal pug and wagging his tail! So they looked at me like I was crazy and told me he was fine. I gave him another antihistamine tonight and we sat in the bathroom with the hot water running for the steam, and now he is passed out and breathing okay. He is not coughing and there is no gurgling noise.
He is definitely uncomfortable when I touch his nose, but this is nothing new. He walks backwards when he is trying to clear his nose, then he blows out snot.
I will definitely call the vet tomorrow and see about getting his sinuses/chest x-rayed. I think the blockage is just mucus, like a sinus infection.
I will keep you updated on what the vet says.
Have you ever given a dog steroids for allergies? That was suggested to me also. Thanks!
Meghan
I freaked out and brought him to another emergency vet this afternoon because he was really struggling breathing, but of course when I get there he is happy go lucky, just panting like a normal pug and wagging his tail! So they looked at me like I was crazy and told me he was fine. I gave him another antihistamine tonight and we sat in the bathroom with the hot water running for the steam, and now he is passed out and breathing okay. He is not coughing and there is no gurgling noise.
He is definitely uncomfortable when I touch his nose, but this is nothing new. He walks backwards when he is trying to clear his nose, then he blows out snot.
I will definitely call the vet tomorrow and see about getting his sinuses/chest x-rayed. I think the blockage is just mucus, like a sinus infection.
I will keep you updated on what the vet says.
Have you ever given a dog steroids for allergies? That was suggested to me also. Thanks!
Meghan
I have a couple of pugs....I have one that is a little over wight ...So her breathing is terrible...I would think its allergies...depending on where you live...My neighbor just had her dog to the vet...He gave her antibiotic and allergy med....He wouldn't eat and depressed...She stopped the meds on he ate....I think the meds surpresses the appetite....You culd call your vet to say there is no change...If you don't like the answers...You can go to another vet....
OMG! I'd be worried, too. Always on the weekend..............What antihistimine (and what dose) did they give you? (Important): Have you noticed, has it helped at all? If he's not in respiratory distress; I'm assuming by checking his lungs, then it's NOT his Heart or pnemonia. Heart problems or lung problems cause coughing. It will be a gurgling sound or actual fluid being coughed up through his mouth. Do you see any of this? Think...Think....Think. Look around... Can you find anything out-of-the-ordinary that he has gotten into? Have you fed him anything different? Even one bite? The backwards movement and snorting makes me think he has something stuck up his nose. Can you easily,push on his nostrils (One side at a time) does he flinch or show any sign of that being uncomfortable? I personally would take him back to the Vet and have his nasal passages xrayed. There is clearly some sort of blockage, here. This came on too quick to be any kind of growth or infection. You would have noticed alittle at a time if that was the case. Just my opinion, of course. Let me know more and if nothing else, maybe I can help you make a decision on what to do and ask about....Karla
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