Q: Hi there! I have a 10 month old 13lb Shichon who has been having progressively worse respitory issues. She already has the â€œreverse sneezesâ€ when she is playing and when she is digging in the couch and what not. But almost once a week she will get so worked up if we come home, or on a walk and sees another dog that she begins to wheeze and struggle to get air for a good 20-30 seconds until she calms down. This has even happened in the middle of the night where she will start wheezing and trying to breathe and then it will subside after 20 seconds. Any ideas?

If the wheezing is actually a â€œreverse sneezeâ€ it is a common problem and is seen with more frequency during the â€œbloomingâ€ months typically April to November for most of the country. There would be concern of some other type of irritation to the nasal passage from infection or even a foreign body especially if it is accompanied by a nasal discharge other than clear, other respiratory signs or if she feels bad. Please let me know and I will advise on the best steps for you.

Question 1

Our 13 month old mini golden doodle threw up some bile last night while we were sleeping that has red specks in it. No physical contents in the throw up. She acted fine yesterday but did have a light appetite and only ate a portion of her dinner. 2/3 of her family is on vacation and this is the first time she hasn’t seen them for more than a day, but other than that her environment has not changed. Thoughts?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

I am not sure how many other changes took place with the change of family time.  As long as she feels good otherwise and there is no further vomiting it should be okay.  Let me know of other questions.

Question 2

Our 6 month old Cavapoo (11 lbs) eats 3 time a day, 3 tbsp per meal. Should we switch her to 2 meals per day and how much per serving. We feed her Royal Canin food.

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

Certainly for her age twice daily should be plenty but the overall volume of consumption is well below expected for her weight.  Maybe we should confirm the volume.

Question 3

I have a 9 week old Havanese puppy who weighs 2.17 lbs, how much and how often should I be feeding her?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

Here is some useful info:
There are a few guidelines of  adequate consumption that are just as important as the actual volume of food eaten.  During the transition to a new home it is extremely important that your puppy eats frequently, you should offer food at least each 1-2 hours during the day and each 4 hours overnight.  Allow your puppy to eat whatever it wants in about 5 minutes or so.  Keep in mind your puppy's appetite will vary during the day, and day to day,  just like us.  Leaving dry food available as nibble food is a good idea unless you have other pets that might take advantage too often.
  Once you are confident your puppy is eating regularly you can begin reduce the number of feedings.  By the end of the second week shoot for about 4 feedings per day.  
Your puppy's attitude will generally tell you if he is eating enough: if he eats regularly, eliminates normally, plays energetically for a while and then sleeps things can't be to bad.  If you feel there are changes to this pattern let me know as it could be a signal that something is up.  A decrease in consumption coupled with a decrease in activity spells trouble.

Question 4

Hi there! I have a 10 month old 13lb Shichon who has been having progressively worse respitory issues.  She already has the â€œreverse sneezesâ€ when she is playing and when she is digging in the couch and what not.  But almost once a week she will get so worked up if we come home, or on a walk and sees another dog that she begins to wheeze and struggle to get air for a good 20-30 seconds until she calms down.  This has even happened in the middle of the night where she will start wheezing and trying to breathe and then it will subside after 20 seconds. Any ideas?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

If the wheezing is actually a â€œreverse sneezeâ€ it is a common problem and is seen with more frequency during the â€œbloomingâ€ months typically April to November for most of the country.  There would be concern of some other type of irritation to the nasal passage from infection or even a foreign body especially if it is accompanied by a nasal discharge other than clear, other respiratory signs or if she feels bad.  Please let me know and I will advise on the best steps for you.

Question 5

My 9 month old Morkie has one ear that is red on the inner part of skin. When we come back from a walk in the cold he drops on the floor on the ear and rubs his head on the carpet. How can I help ease his symptoms ?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

Many ear problems will need sampling and medication selection by your veterinarian especially if they have been going on more than a few days.  There is some simple home care that won't hurt anything.  If you wanted to try that for a few days go to the "Home Demonstrstion" video on cleaning your puppy's ears.

Question 6

My puppy is now 12 weeks old.  I was giving her 1/4 cup food 2x day.  Should I stay with this measurement or give her more ?    Also when sitting on lap she jumps up and tries biting at face.  I have repeatedly told her NO but not sure how to really get the message across.  Biting is a real issue right now.

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

I can only give you a guestimate since I don't know how much she weighs.  1/4 cup 2x a day of a premium dry puppy food would be about right for 5 lbs.  There are a few guidelines of  adequate consumption that are just as important as the actual volume of food eaten.  Allow your puppy to eat whatever it wants in about 5 minutes or so.  Keep in mind your puppy's appetite will vary during the day, and day to day,  just like us.  Leaving dry food available as nibble food is a good idea unless you have other pets that might take advantage too often.
Your puppy's attitude will generally tell you if he is eating enough: if he eats regularly, eliminates normally, plays energetically for a while and then sleeps things can't be to bad.  

For the biting issue, if the primary problem is when she is in your lap then the direct way to deal with that is she cannot sit there.  Alternatives to that would be to use a short leash and she can sit there but she can't get up and turn around, she will learn her new place with a little time and second would be turn apply an immediate reprimand and put her down and she can't get back up for at least an hour.  Go to the Forum Q&A and type "biting" in the search box to review other members questions and their answers.

Question 7

Is puppy biting normal and should one try to correct a pup that is 10 weeks old?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

Biting is a problem with most puppies and like any training it should be addressed quickly and consistently.  Go to the Forum Q&A and type "biting" in the search box for discussions of this problem.

Question 8

Vet said my puppy still has giardia after 3 different types of meds.   She said she is a carrier.   Said sometimes they can clear up by themselves.   Wants to recheck her in 6 months.   Is it possible for a puppy to get rid of giardia on its own.

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

The answers to your questions depend on what tests were done.  Is there a convenient time and number to reach you so I can help?

Question 9

At six months, should I still be keeping my puppy in the play pen when we are not available to watch him?

Dr. Rybka · Accepted Answer

If you canâ€™t expect to follow the rules otherwise then â€œYesâ€ use the pen.

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