Welcome to Yorkietalk's heap of helpful information!
I really like the way you typed out your post. It is very easy to read!
Marchio, I know what you're talking about.
Try to have a video camera or a audio recorder ready to record - to show a vet what your dog does.
If you don't have access to a video camera or tape recorder, use your cell phone.
(Remain calm when you reach for this. You don't want your dog to develop a negative association with whatever device you are recording with.)
Practice using the device ahead of time, introduce it to your dog if it hasn't seen it yet. Offer praise and possibly a treat.
To learn how to use my cell's video function, I copied the menu numbers out of the manual onto a post-it to record my dog on the fly.
There are several reasons to cause your dog to react like he's congested.
The stiffness could be a reaction to being baffled by it's own body.
I look after a dog with allergies who has a terrible complex about sneezing. In holding back, she ends up having a 90 second fit instead of one quick sneeze!
So, there's one possibility - allergies. For immediate relief, brush it out in the main room that you both frequent. Then put your dog in another room while you dust and vacuum.
Another possibility - maybe he's just getting a hair from a toy is getting stuck his throat. Vacuuming and brushing will eliminate stray hairs.. All it takes is a couple of sneeze attacks to remind me to pull out the vaccuum.
Is your home damp or very dry? Moisture in the air soothes dry nasal passages. (PM me for what I use)
Our dog sleeps on our bed, so I wash the comforter in hot water frequently. Also, stuffed toys and dog bedding. (No fabric softener and an extra rinse)
It's a helpless feeling watching a dog go thru these episodes. I know that I feel better having some control over my dog's comfort.
Well, I guess this turned out to be my suggestions for immediate relief. I hope that the advice that all these smart yorkietalk members offer aids in relief for you both! They have taught me tons! |