Question by CK: For cairn terrier experts: 3 questions about cairn terriers?
My cairn terrier puppy is full breed (pedigree) and according to the breed standards he is supposed to be around 14 lbs by adulthood. He is only 5 months and he is 14.25 lbs. He eats 2 times a day and goes on 1 to 2 walks a day. He is full energy so on top of those walks he plays, chases, etc (he never gets tired) his body looks as long as an adult cairn although he is shorter than an adult cairn and he still has his puppy face. Is this a good weight for him? If not, what can I do to help him lose weight? His trainer told me it was puppy fat and that dogs usually carry extra weight in the cold times (winter). Is there any cairn terrier expert that can tell me if this is normal?

My second question, he was just diagnosed with a skin allergy and a ear infection for which he is taking 3 medicines (omega 3 (2), temaril (4), clavamox (2) a day and now he seems very low energy, not his usual playful self, is this because of the medicine? Is it normal or should I be worried? I called the vet but I was told he’s in surgery right now…

My third question, my poor little guy seems to always be getting sick and I hate for him to be taking too much medication, is there anything to boost up his immune system? To decrease his chances of being sick? His vaccines are all up to date.
I wish I could put a picture of him here, so you could see him, but I don’t know how. He does not look overweight to me, just very long. He is full of energy we vary on walks sometimes when we go around the block we go on a 30 min walk, if we go to the park is at least 1 hour to 1.30 hrs walk, on weekends sometimes we go to the beach where he climbs and runs for at least 2 hours. He never gets tired, usually sleeps due to boredom or so it seems.
Thank you for the input on his ear infection and medicine, I think you guys are right.
Up until last week he was completely on Wellness Puppy food but he did not seem to like it. We are now slowly switching to Blue Longevity puppy food, which he seems to love. I was told these are top brands

Best answer:

Answer by Mama Tex
His skin/ear along with always sick are big signs of food allergies. As long as you are still giving him the same food it will continue to be an issue. Antibiotics can make dogs especially puppies sluggish. They can actually be up to 17lbs. Seeing as your trainer can see your dog and we can’t I would accept his weight judgment or ask your vet.

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Question by Crystal: Is OTC Benadryl safe for pets?
I have had some conflicting information regarding this. I want the best for my pet, however, I can’t afford to take him to the vet over every little neurotic concern I have with him (I am worst than a lot of parents about being paranoid about their human child)

He’s a 6 year old chih x I adopted 5 years ago and We have has some allergy issues as well as back issues. I have taken him to the vet several times and spent entirely too much money. But I want him to pain free and safe! To the point…I have had some conflicting answers when asked this question so I want to try to narrow it down. I have had a few people tell me that it’s okay to give my dog a half benadryl and I have read some info online saying this isn’t safe to do. His eye seems to be giving him problems and I have taken him before about his eye watering/staying shut and his skin allergies. I can’t remember the name of meds they gave him at the time but did refer to it as “the same thing as benadryl” so his eye is doing it’s thing again waterying/he’s holding it shut and I want to give him benadryl to see if that helps before I take him to the vet but I don’t want to harm him in anyway.

Best answer:

Answer by a.
Yeah, it’s fine. I gave Benadryl to my cat while flying from Alaska to back east and it just makes them drowsy. I would probably only give the animal a half of one to start and see if that works but I wouldn’t exceed 1 tablet just to be safe.

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Question by JohnS: OTC Antihistamine therapy in dogs, anyone have luck with this?
I have a 13ya mixed terrier (~15#) with food and seasonal allergies. Hypo-allergenic diet alone is not good enough. She is on Venison & Rice (van patten) at the present-seems to be helping. But antihistamines are needed. I have tried bennadryl, chlortab, and tavist (not D).
The vet route has only proved to be just an extreme cost and a major inconvenience. The vet put her on a steroid temporarily. It works great-but will not let her continue for health reasons.
Anyone have a better idea???
Thank you -

Best answer:

Answer by junebug
Never give your dog OTC meds without consulting your vet first.

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Question by APBT Rocks!: My dad mixed Blue Buffalo with Purina Puppy Chow!!?
So we have an American Pitbull Terrier 5 month old right now and when we first got him he was about 2 month and his previous owner fed him Purina Puppy Chow. Well I noticed that he had allergies so I changed it to Blue Buffalo for Puppies and I have been feeding him ever since and he barely had any allergies but today my dad being very cheap took the left over Purina Puppy Chow which was kind of a lot and mixed it all in with the Blue Buffalo. I didn’t notice it until he told me and well my puppy again is scratching himself a lot so now I am pissed off. The fact is I AM THE ONE WHO BUYS THE DOG FOOD NOT HIM. I SPEND $ 40 ON IT AND NOW IM JUST WTF. There was like half of Blue Buffalo and now the bag is almost full mixed with Puppy Chow. So I was wondering should I keep feeding my puppy the mixed dog food or should I buy a brand new one? I don’t care if I have to buy a new one but my dad would get pissed for spending MY money on it and I am not going to just sit in my garage picking out individual pieces of Puppy Chow.. Thanks in advance and sorry I am very pissed right now..
I don’t buy Puppy Chow it was the left over from the previous owner.
I think my ignorant dad knows but he just did it to save money…

Best answer:

Answer by Legion
its alright. it’s not gonna kill him. just feed him what you have. just don’t buy any more puppy chow

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Question by ~Proud Mama of 3~: I just adopted an 8 month old pit bull?
Who need I say is the sweetest dog in the world!! She loves my kids and is soo gentle!! The lady who we adopted her from said she had gotten into some insulation….so now she has a bald spot on the top of her back *the hair is growing back* and on her side. Under her neck is red and missing hair. I however think its due to food allergy. She is blue and white and pit bulls are prone to skin allergies anyways. I switched her food to nutro lamb and rice………….is there anything else I can do???

Best answer:

Answer by SBoone
feed it flesh and blood, or just give it to Michael Vick

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