Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 4/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hey I have just gotten my lil bulldog "Buffy" today and this evening her nose started runny clear. My question is that we had about a lil over a two hour drive, do you think that being in a vehicle and being in a new environment could be stressful for her causing that? Is she too hot maybe? Through the night, I had gotten out of bed and wiped her nose several times, she was kind of breathing a lil hard but I am just wondering if where she was in my bedroom,  (it is a lil warmer in there) if that is the reason? I have read about several things concerning heat for the bulldogs.. I do plan on contacting her previous owner and asking some questions, also taking her to the vet in a day or maybe even tomorrow.. She does have a health guarantee.. Thanks a bunch =) Jen

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer:  BEST wishes on the new baby bull dog!!!
The runny nose is most likely a little allergic reaction to the new environment.  The plane and then the changes in the heat / enviro.
It would be a good idea to take a visit to the vet.  For a health check... Can't hurt.

Let me know what kind of food your are feeding.  I may be able to make some suggestions on foods and vitamin supplements.

OK.


Marie of The Doggie Chalet Hotel and NuVET Plus
http://www.apluspetcare.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Me again, Thanks for your answer.. I did take her to a vet this AM and he did hear a heart murmur and he said also more than likely that going through the traveling etc. changes, just as you said that is probably why she has the runny nose.. The lady that had her said she is feeding her the Iams mini chunks so that is what I have bought and been feeding her.. I now have a question about the murmur, he says it is mild but it is still there. Do you think she will out grow it? Any good thoughts or suggestions about anything further?? Thanks a lot =)  Jen

Answer
Hi Jennifer:  I have a heart murmur too!  I have done well in my life with this.... No problems.

The vet will keep and eye on this.  If it get stronger then they may want to have an EKG and Echocardiogram done.  Many dogs can live with level one and two murmurs..... with no problems at all.

Only time will tell if this one will get better or worse. Sorry, her little body is growing and could correct the potential problem.

Iams is not a good food for her.  I would slowly change her over to Wellness formula ( WEE bits) - it is a much better food than Iams.
No junk fillers like Iams has...  At about 8 months old she can go from puppy to adult... ( as long as she is growing well)


NuVET Plus will be a great addition to her diet also...  She would only need 1/2 wafer per day ... ( they break in half easy- yum yum good too)


Marie
NuVET Plus
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html