Boston Terrier Pup Congestion?

Question

My husband and I are the proud parents of a 13 week Boston Terrier; named Carl. Carl has a problem with congestion. When he was 11 weeks old he developed breathing difficulties. The vet gave me a steroid shot and Amoxicillin. He was much better at the end of the antibiotics, but when we took him in for his 12 shots, the vet gave him another round of Amoxicillin because the congestion was still present. He suggested an operation to help open his airway. He is growing, happy, playful and othewise healthy. He does seem to have allergies ie, red eyes, itching, and the congestion which comes and goes. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

I own a boston terrier as well and ours needed nasal surgery with in his first year so he could breath better through his nose. Most Boston Terriers with smooshed noses usualy require this surgery. Does he sound like he's got a rasphy breath and such and hacking? Ours always has this and our vet even did x-rays during the nasal surgery and was confused at where the congestion was becuase he saw absolutely nothing on the x-rays. Pugs are the same as well. When the wether gets cold or after he's run around a bit he starts getting congested...there really isnt anything that we can do. It comes and goes but is nothing serious to him.

My vet had told me that if they go with out the surgery when its needed they will often have health issues with ther throats and upper pallets.

If your dog also starts to do some 'Reverse Sneezing' which is when they start to have spazms and will often stiffen and seem like their gasping for breath through their nose, put a finger over each nostril which will force the dog to breath through their mouth. This Reverse sneezing does not harm the dog though it seems like it would. You can also rub the back of their necks and such to relax them. Just figured i'd share that one with you becuase thats also common with BT's and scared the crud out of me until I found out what it was.

Answer 2

All dogs need shade and a full water bowl that cannot be tipped over. Boston terriers and other dogs with pushed-in faces (like bulldogs) are very susceptible to heat stroke. I would not leave a BT outside in temps over 80 degrees. I you don't have time to housebreak her, take her to doggie day care until she is trained - or find her another home.

Answer 3

Allergies wouldn't show up quite yet. It seems to be more of a cold or sinus issue. Look into the surgery.

Allergies will surface after age 1 usually.

Good luck