Hi, I have a 3 year old Jack Russell Terrier and we are currently living in Singapore where there has been a bout of haze (smoky, foggy) for a couple of weeks now. As a result, my JRT, Blazer had an episode of an asthmatic type breathing (No wheezing).

Anyone knows what I can give him to relieve him? He is allergic to pollen. This is the most recent episode since the last one in Sept last year.

This type of dog is energetic and athletic dog. The common health problem of this dog is deafness and eye disease. But I never heard any allergy to pollen. I suggest to bring it to a vet.

My mother's Yorkie had asthma and was on medicine for it. Occasionally if it was really bad they had to use one of those machines that put the medicine into the air. Can't remember the name of it.

Originally Posted by carlar

My mother's Yorkie had asthma and was on medicine for it. Occasionally if it was really bad they had to use one of those machines that put the medicine into the air. Can't remember the name of it.

A nebulizer.



As for your JRT, Benadryl. Regular old Benadryl that you get at WalMart. You might want to check with your vet as to how much. Cubby is 50 lbs. and I give him one at a time every 4 hours. At a certain time of year, he has allergies. For a littler dog, I would use the children's Benadryl.

If there is a cough involved, use Robitussin. Plain Robitussin - no DM or anything. About 1/2 a teaspoon for a dog of that size. And you may want to go get one of those things you use to give a baby liquid medicine - kinda looks like a shot needle but without the needle and it has measurements on the side. Dogs don't like the taste of Robitussin any more than kids do.

Sounds funny to be using human medicine for dogs? That's what I thought, but these were both recommended for my dogs by veterenarians and they work with no ill effects. (Well, except for the bites and scratches you may get trying to give them Robitussin. ) Also, Vitamin E tablets are good for a bitch coming into heat - good for PMSing. And for arthritis, don't buy expensive veterenarian glucosamine, buy generic human stuff. A lot cheaper and just as good.

That is really good to know. Also you are right, it was a nebulizer. I have heard of giving dogs that for allergies. Never have needed to do it myself but I have heard of it. How would you come up with a dosage on the arthritis medicine?

Suki weighs 60 lbs. and her dosage is one a day of the generic brand. I don't think glucosamine will hurt if too much is given.

There is something else that I give my dogs when they need it - aspirin. It's not good for their stomachs if given too often, but it relieves pain in them just like it does for humans. It MUST be plain aspirin. Never give your dog ibuprofen or Tylenol or naproxen without the advice of your vet. When I was totally broke and couldn't afford Suki's arthritis medicine for a few days, I gave her an aspirin a day for the three days until I got paid per my vet. It wasn't as good as her arthritis medicine, but it took the edge off her pain.