Wheezy and unsure as to why

[Tallulah Bee]

Looking back on this, I want to assume that it's the switch in food that's done this, but I can't be sure because I also recently shampooed the carpets.

Tallulah eats with two other dogs who are both much bigger than she is. She's three pounds, whereas Charlie and Kate are 30 and 65 respectively, so the big kibbles aren't an issue for them. The dogs were on Blue buffalo because our Goldie, Kate, has OCD and she needed a high-cal, high-nutrition diet to put up with the pacing.

And yet anyone who has fed their dog the Wilderness line of Blue Buffalo most certainly knows its cost... We tried Nutro Natural Choice for a bit, which I liked, but now they've got the dogs on Pro Plan with chicken pieces, which I don't like at all. Then again, last year this time they were plowing through Science Diet...gross.

But I'm wondering if the size of the kibbles she's eating isn't causing a wheezing problem because they're too big? My guess is that it's just allergies to something in the air if it isn't the food, but she does cough once in a while and sneeze and wheeze. It hasn't been frequent enough (I think) to warrant a visit to the Vet's office, and we'll be transitioning foods when she and I move out of my parents' house to something better and easier for her.

My query is: has anyone else had this problem before? And what is it? I mean, god knows I have allergies. Snow mold gets bad here in MN this time of year when stuff starts melting... Should I be concerned? I dunno.

[lynzy420]

I disagree, I think this does warrant a visit to the vets. Anytime there are sudden symptoms, especially coughing you should seek consul with a vet. Coughing alone is a symptom of many things and some of them are very serious.

Was the shampoo used on the carpet "pet friendly"? Why is your small pup eating with the bigger dogs? Smaller kibble with your pups size should be used. There are too many variables and not enough information to offer any real advice. I think you should see your vet regarding these sudden symptoms.

Good luck and let us know.

[Tallulah Bee]

Yes, the carpet cleaner was pet-safe, I made sure of that, but it occurs to me now that she's never done well with Glade products and I did use some carpet deodorizer made by them that was for pet odor elimination. Note to self: Get rid of that.

We'll call the vet in the morning. It's been a few days since I've heard any wheezing, but I don't want to trust that.

She eats with the bigger dogs because we partake in "free range dining" where the bowl is left out all day. I tried feeding her separately a year ago in our room, but that led to carpet beetle larvae and it was a disgusting situation overall... I won't get into the details just now because it still gives me the willies. But the big bowl in the kitchen is for grazing and since it's out there, it's what she eats.

I hate it, but I live under someone else's roof and they pay for the food right now.

[107barney]

I agree, let the vet check it out, better safe than sorry. Keep us posted!

[Tallulah Bee]

We spoke with the vet! She asked a few questions and agreed that it was probably the Glade stuff that did it. We're to keep an eye on things and see how it goes and if there's anymore wheezing, it's straight to the animal hospital for an exam.