Snoring Akita, Chewing Wood & Foxtail in ear
Answered by
Dr. Gregory Herndon

Q. I have a 6 1/2 mo. old Akita mix puppy- smart as a whip, sweet and friendly. But, from day one, she's a snorer.

I thought perhaps she would outgrow it, but it's starting to seem the older she gets, the louder the snores. This doesn't bother me so much as it does worry me- is this normal for some dogs? Do I need to worry about her air intake or something?

A. The snoring may be due to an elongated soft palate, unusual for this breed, but it can occur.

If you are truly concerned you should have a veterinarian perform an upper airway exam to evaluate her, which will need to be done under sedation.

Q.My terrier just picked up a foxtail in her ear. I put oil in the ear and can't see the foxtail.

What's the best way to get it out?

A. The best way to get a foxtail out is to visualize it with an otoscope and remove it. This can be done by your regular veterinarian.

Do not attempt to blindly remove it because you could damage the ear canal and/or rupture your dog's eardrum.

Q. My husband allows and encourages our 6 month old GSP to chew on wooden items such as branches from trees (not twigs) and wooden boards. I'm concerned this practice could lead to serious health issues for the dog.

Is it safe to give a dog chews made from real wood?

A. I discourage the use of sticks and wood as a chew toy, due to the fact that I have seem them get lodge in the mouth, splinters cutting into gums and the back of the throat.

I am always worried about treated wood and causing GI upset or possibly a reaction for the pet.