How to Recognize and Treat Stenotic Nares in Dogs
- 1). Examine your dog for symptoms of stenotic nares. Dogs that have this condition may develop a bluish color to the gums and faint unexpectedly. You may also notice that exercise is difficult because the dog makes a loud breathing noise.
- 2). Call your vet for an exam. The only way to know if your canine suffers from stenotic nares is to request an exam. Your dog’s doctor will examine your canine’s nose to look for a pinched shape in the nostrils. It may be wise to request x-rays of your dog’s chest area to rule out issues with the lungs or heart.
- 3). Develop a treatment plan. Dogs that have this condition have a couple options for treatment. You can treat your canine by limiting activity or elect to have surgery. If you decide to have surgery your canine’s nostrils will be opened wider to allow easier breathing.
- 4). Watch your dog’s weight. If you decide to wait on surgery it’s important to manage your canine’s weight carefully. This will ensure minimal strain is put on his respiratory system. Eliminating table scrapes and switching to a low-fat dog food may help.
- 5). Monitor your dog closely when he is recovering from surgery. If your dog has surgery it’s important to monitor him daily for signs of complications. This includes difficulty breathing, blue gums or any behavior that seems out of character.
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