Boston Terrier Help Needed

by John Landrum
(Monroe, LA USA)

I have a 7 year old male Boston Terrier. In the last year, he has started drinking about 12 cups of water a day, put on about 4-5 pounds, his nose is drying out on the top, and he is losing hair on parts of his body.

A few points, he has always licked constantly (vet occd), he licks my 2 year old sectional couch in his sleep or awake, he doesn't get a lot of exercise, his diet is science diet food(healthy brand), he snores LOUD, he snorts while awake some.

Please help with any ideas, it may be two or three things going on at once. John in LA

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Boston Terrier Help Needed

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Nov 29, 2010
 Drinking lots of water..
by: Stephanie

The first thing I thought about when I read your post was diabetes! In dogs, they will drinks boat loads of water, pee ridiculously around the clock, and have you notcied their pee will be sticky? They will also eat more. I would ask the vet to test for Cushings and diabetes as well.
Nov 13, 2010
 Sounds like cushings syndrome
by: Dena

My 12 year old Boston was diagnosed with Cushings when he was about 10 years old.
He drank large amounts of water and became pot bellied even though his food consumption did not change.
I would take him to your vet immediately to get all the tests done to diagnose this disease, as it can be controlled and make your dog more comfortable.
Good Luck
Oct 26, 2010
 possibility
by: Kelly

Hi John,

I'm certainly not qualified to answer this..but you may look into cushings syndrome. The thirst and bloating sound like a symptom of this. As for the licking of the couch, the snoring and snorting.. pretty sure those are just Boston traits! =) Every Boston I know does all of those things!
I wish you the best of luck!
Oct 25, 2010
 Thirsty Boston
by: mary

+
Sounds like something is up but I'm not a vet. I would definitely see one. In the mean time...about the hair loss: try Fish Oil capsules. You can cut the end open and squeeze it onto his food. We put one cap a day on our boston's food and their coats are pretty shiny and healthy. Also, we put one teaspoon of plain yogurt in their bowl too. One of ours gets a little itchy from time to time during the Spring, but she still looks pretty good. The more you can do for their immune system, the more they can "help themselves" if you know what I mean. Hopefully there is no smoking in your house, not a lot of chemical use (aerosols, bug spray etc...), good healthy food, vitamin supplements for your pup...
Oct 24, 2010
 BT help
by: Linda Galway/TurnerME

Has he been tested for diabetes? The water drinking is a red flag for diabete ? so is weight gain or loss. Seems as though a vet visit is in order. Good luck.

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