Thistle (2 year old spayed lab) hasn't been herself since Sunday. She's eating and drinking OK and going for walks but she looks really sad all the time and is a bit listless. Also she is sort of grunting through her nose and sneezing a lot. I wondered if she mught have breathed in a grass seed but a lady at agility training said that apparently there is a virus like kennel cough about, but dogs sneeze instead of cough. She said they get over it on their own and it's not serious. I don't really want to take her to the vet unless absolutely necessary because she hates it.
Has anyone got any views or experience on grass seeds or this 'virus'.
Many thanks
Jane

Jane if it was me, I would keep a very close eye on her and give her a piriton tablet. See if that helps. Maybe she has a pollen allergy?

Here in Alberta, Canada we have had a different strain of Kennel Cough this spring. It too was not the usual coughing sound but a sneezing with snotty noses in young dogs. Sounds very much like a two year old child that you would love to tell them to blow their nose but they don't know how. It is a virus as is the regular Kennel Cough but the vets here are putting the dogs on antibiotics to stop the bug from dropping down into the lungs and causing pneumonia. A four-week litter of Std. Poodle puppies got it so it was imperative to get on top of it immediately.

I wouldn't wait around to long with this virus if it is the same one we had here in Alberta. There were a number of really sick dogs for a couple of weeks until the antibiotics kicked in.

Margaret :) Canada

Dear Margaret
Thanks for your help. I will keep a close eye on her.
I have another 'problem' that you may be able to help me with. Un-dog related!!
I have a 19 year old daughter who's been on a gap year to Australia. She's back now, supposed to be going to med school in Sept (clever girl). Fell in love with a Canadian in Oz and now wants to go to Calgary for another 'gap' year :-( Nothing can persuade her against it. Would you mind if I e mailed you to ask you a few questions about Alberta?
Jane

Jane

Sorry to hear Thistle is a bit under the weather. Do hope she gets better soon ! It does sound a bit like a pollen allergy. Moose has had a runny nose over the last few weeks but seems fine.

Good luck with yoru daughter ! When they are in 'love' they know what is best ! :D

Lucy
xx