13 August 2009

dogs get colds too?


Over the couple of weeks, Bentley hasn't been his usual self and sleeping an unnatural amount- even for him. At first, I thought it was because of the foster puppygirl Roux and his slight jealousy towards her. Roux demanded a lot of attention because of her age and the situation she came from and it was hard to even out the play time required amongst all of the 4-legged's. We tried and did a fairly good job of it. But, Bentley seemed a little put out since he was getting so much of his quality time with me. I chalked it up to the situation at hand. Five dogs is a lot and I give a big round of applause to all that do it daily. Needless to say, we enjoyed every second of our time with her while she was here and are happy to announce that Miss Roux has gone to her forever home with her new family as of Monday night! But back to the Bentman- he had developed over the last few weeks an odd sounding cough/snuffling sound and a lack of interest in everything. He perked up at walks but wasn't wanting to run with me and tired very easily. I verified that it was not kennel cough but some sort of wheeziness with a clear drippy nose and a total lack of energy; definitely not my goofy-acting Bentley boy. So off to the Vet. we go. No temp. and he has lost a lb. or two. Well- I knew that part because he's been off his food too. The nice Vet. lady gave him antibiotics for upper respiratory/allergies. Nothing stuck in his nostrils. Heart and lungs sound good- just a wheezy nose and sounds like he has sinus/ cold/ allergy stuff like a human. Interesting. We'll see. I'm keeping a close eye on him. I won't use any more essential oils on my vacuum cleaner filter even though it smells good because he may be reacting to those. Unfortunately, my boy has reacted to unknown irritants in the past and I keep children's antihistamine on hand. It is frustrating since they can't tell you what is wrong so everything you've ever read or heard about pops through your overactive imagination to frighten you worse. The Bentman does have a history of ehrlichia and babesiosis from when we lived in West Texas. Even went through a series of shots similar to what humans go through for malaria for the babesiosis. So I am constantly watching for any recurrence of problems that may present themselves due to his history. He finally got his voice back last night telling me it was time to go to the park. No inside voice for him- just non-stop loudness till I put his leash on him. It wasn't our normal walk/jog but it was a good start. And he did get out of bed earlier today than he has been. A little before 7:30 but still not his normal 5 to 6 am wake-up with the other Mama. Please send a little Aire-Zen his way.

5 comments:

  1. Get well soon Bentley lots of Aire zen and Welshie zen coming your way.

    Molly, Taffy and Monty

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  2. We're sending you lots of AireZen, Bentley! We hope you feel better soon!

    Love ya lots,
    Maggie and Mitch

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  3. We hope that Mr Bent is feeling better real soooooooon! Lots of Airelove,
    Inky and MOlly

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  4. So, now, maybe a day or two later, how're you feeling, Bentley? We're hoping you've made a turn for the better. There's nothing harder than playing a hundred questions with an under the weather dog. We're sending gobs of terrier love and best wishes. Follow the doctor's orders. And Mom's. And keep us posted.

    Love,
    Jake and Fergi

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  5. Hope Mr Bent is much better by now...
    I have 5 dogs, can sure relate when one of them isn't having the best time...
    Take care dear & wishing the best recovery!

    xo*

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