Anyone ever use a nasal aspirator?

KimB3384 · Aug 11, 2014

Hi all! As the subject says: anyone ever use a nasal aspirator? Bisou has some nasal congestion and I'm wondering if I can help her out by aspirating it.

Quick background: we boarded her last weekend where we always do and where she goes to daycare. She came home on Monday night and did a fair amount of reverse sneezing all week long. Friday she went to daycare and seemed fine, but appeared to have a runny nose when I picked her up. Saturday morning she woke up with nasal congestion, a runny nose, a slight cough, and some eye discharge. But by late morning, she seemed fine and wasn't having any issues. I normally crate her at night but I wanted to keep an eye on her, so we slept on the couch that night, and at around 2 a.m. she started to have some issues with breathing. I was going to call the vet, but within 15 minutes she'd let out a big snort and was completely fine. She did well all day yesterday (no eye discharge, no issues with breathing, no coughing, but still a snotty/runny nose), and she was fine last night, but this morning she was pretty congested again. Still no eye discharge, and no coughing - just a lot of snot in her nose and it seems to be runny. I've been giving her raw honey and coconut oil, and I think I might get out the humidifier this evening and continue to run it near her bed tonight.

I'd like to avoid taking her to the vet if I don't have to because I worry they're going to automatically put her on an antibiotic and I just don't want to do that, especially if this is just something viral that will have to run its course. She's been on antibiotics three times in her first year, and I think they do more harm to her than they do good, making it harder to fight off any infection on her own. And I know how I am ... I can sit here and say that I'm not going to put her on an antibiotic, but once I get in the vet's office I will automatically defer to them because I always think, 'Who am I to question this person in the white coat?'

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated

FrenchieDante · Aug 11, 2014

The vet will most likely put the discharge under a microscope to see if it's something viral or bacterial. That's what they did for my guy. As long as the discharge is clear... She should be able to fight it off okay. As long as she is still eating and acting her normal self. I gave my guy some fish oil to help him fight it off in the meantime.

KimB3384 · Aug 11, 2014

Oh, that makes total sense. The discharge appears (to my untrained eye) to be clear, and she's still chewing on her toys and eating, but you can tell she's a little bit off her game. Just not quite as goofy or as playful as she normally is. Thanks so much for calming me down. I've been freaking out for the last few days. And I wound up calling and making a vet appointment for today at 1 - I'm not messing around.

The irony is that we boarded her to go to my brother's wedding, and my parents boarded their two dogs as well. Family friends had someone come in and stay with their dogs because they didn't want their dogs to 'catch something.' My mom and I kind of rolled our eyes - and both my dog and her one dog wound up getting sick! (Different kennels).

FrenchieDante · Aug 11, 2014

To help with the congestion - put her in the bathroom for a few minutes with a hot shower running. The steam will help clear her up. Just watch she doesn't get too hot, which you obviously already know. And I'm actually returning from vacation today -- I had a dog sitter come in and stay at my place for the duration of my trip. I had no choice since Danté hasn't had his rabies shot yet... But people looked at me like I was nuts. I was actually more comfortable doing it this way, and might not ever board my guy if I don't have to!

Jakeyjake · Aug 11, 2014

Well I am most likely no help here because I tend to take my pups to the vet whenever they are under the weather. I think having a good relationship with your vet is key and he/she should be able to tell you if this is something that will clear up on its own or with the help of antibiotics. My vet knows that I like to be very conservative with treatment/drugs but I also respect his opinion and he spends time discussing my concerns.
As for boarding...I don't do it. I opt for the dogsitter situation. Works for us.

KimB3384 · Aug 11, 2014

Jakeyjake said:
Well I am most likely no help here because I tend to take my pups to the vet whenever they are under the weather. I think having a good relationship with your vet is key and he/she should be able to tell you if this is something that will clear up on its own or with the help of antibiotics. My vet knows that I like to be very conservative with treatment/drugs but I also respect his opinion and he spends time discussing my concerns.
As for boarding...I don't do it. I opt for the dogsitter situation. Works for us.

You're absolutely right. I don't know why I'm so suspicious. I guess I'm taking my own personal experience with a questionable physician and transferring my anxiety to this vet, who has been nothing but wonderful.

In any case, the boyfriend took Bisou to the vet this afternoon and she has a upper respiratory infection, and her trachea is irritated. One week of Clamavox and we should be back to normal. She's already regained a little vim and vigor and wants to play.

Where do you go to find your petsitters?

KimB3384 · Aug 11, 2014

[MENTION=716]FrenchieDante[/MENTION], she's pretty good right now but if she's a snot-filled mess when we get up tomorrow I'm totally taking her upstairs with me while I shower. That's a great idea - thanks!

Jakeyjake · Aug 11, 2014

KimB3384 said:
You're absolutely right. I don't know why I'm so suspicious. I guess I'm taking my own personal experience with a questionable physician and transferring my anxiety to this vet, who has been nothing but wonderful.

In any case, the boyfriend took Bisou to the vet this afternoon and she has a upper respiratory infection, and her trachea is irritated. One week of Clamavox and we should be back to normal. She's already regained a little vim and vigor and wants to play.

Where do you go to find your petsitters?

Oh good, glad she is on the road to recovery. It's so hard because they can't talk and just tell us how they feel, right?!
I found my dog sitter through my sister-in-law, so it was basically word of mouth. We are really fortunate because he is soooo compassionate and patient. Sometimes the vet techs. will dog sit/walk on the side too. You could maybe check with your vet.
Wishing a speedy recovery to Bisou:doctor:

FrenchieDante · Aug 11, 2014

My sitter was a vet tech recommended to me by a vet tech at my hospital. Most will give lots of references and are bonded, so start searching for one you're able to trust for next vacation. Google sitters in your area and also try rover.com -- they do a screening process, and the rest of the screening is up to you.