bichon frise very subdued with dry nose

Question
Hi our 3 month female bichon frise is normally very lively and active and normally is very lively when a person enters the house. She has been very subdued recently and we have noticed she has a dry nose we are worried because this is not at all like lottie. She did today have a Rawhide Pressed Knuckle Dog Bone for the first time we are wondering could this be the cause?? she also has been very quiet and has slept most of the day, we have never seen her behave this way so any advice would be appreciated as we are worried thank you

Answer
Hi Jen
personally I dont give my dogs rawhide as it has a tendency to stay within the stomach or stay within the intestines and may cause obstruction. I much prefer to give real meaty raw bones which is a natural healthy way to feed our doggies. At 3 months it would be normal for her to sleep a lot , a dogs dry nose is no indicator of illness, just means that the air is dry, I take it that you have placed the central heating on which does affect doggies and makes them lethargic.
At 3 months she must be getting into a routine, ie wake feed outside for poops n pees back inside for play and small amounts of exercise. It is very important not to allow her on the back legs for long periods, try keeping her on all fours until after 12 months of age as this is one sure fire way to induce slipping patella or cruciate ligament injury. She at this age should not be stair climbing or jumping off furniture which will keep you on your toes for most of the day.
Her meals should consist of 4 per day in small amounts to avoid obesity. Her crate training is imperative at this age as she will now be wanting to investigate her surroundings and this is were they can fall foul and chew or become injured.

If your doggy is still eating pooping and weeing then she is fine, if not I do suggest a trip to the vet to reassure yourself that she is OK , always try to remember that rawhide although is for sale everywhere is not the best for our doggies.

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