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Expert: - 6/1/2011


Question
My sister & I recently moved to Roseburg Oregon and it seems our 16 (going on 17) year old dog (Chihuahua/Papillon mix) has allergy problems.  She does a lot of wheezing, sneezing, snorting, coughing and scratching (hot spots). Some times it sounds like she's having a hard time breathing and/or catching her breath.  Is there anything we can give and/or do for her to help?
Thank you
Sandy & Sherry

Answer
There are a lot of new plants that she is being exposed to in Roseburg. One of the largest ones there is the Scotch Broom plant (bright yellow flowers and they are all over the roads).

If her breathing is being affected you need to get her to the vets but for common allergens she will need antihistamines just like humans do.

Hot spots also should be treated at the vets so you need to get her in for a total check up and to get her some relief. Some vets will send them home with steroids (prednisone) to help relieve the breathing and inflammatory responses she is having.

A dog her age could also be having some heart issues so it's best all the way around for you to find her a vet and get her in for an exam.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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