desperate I need help for my Boston terrier!!!

Question
I need help badly. i lost my job no money for me to go to doctors also my boston has been weekly he gets soooo much phlegm stuck in his throat that makes him pass out i have to rush and stick my finger in his throat to clear it and then rub his sides and belly to get him breathing again. his tounge turns purple from lack of oxegen, the vets wont bill me or give me any free informatikon. Can you help me. I am terrified. he did this for several years my vet told me just to keep him excerising to loose weight. thats it. It never got any better at all help me please, I am so terried that if i am not home and he does this he would die no one would be around to revive him!! help please!   cathy

Answer
Hi Cathy,

If your vet has told you that your dog needs to lose weight to be healthier, you need to do just that. Obesity can accentuate respiratory problems! Over feeding your dog to the point where it impacts on his health is not love. Your dog is 100% dependent on you for his food, if he's overweight YOU need to get it under control!

I can't diagnose your dog. Only a veterinarian can do that.

Sometimes, when a dog has breathing difficulties, it can help to put him in the bathroom with the shower running hot water, so the room becomes steamy. If your dog is distressed by being alone in the bathroom, stay with him. You should do this for about 15 minutes every day. Running a vaporizer or humidifier near where your dog spends a lot of time can be helpful too. Breathing humidified air can be helpful.

Do not allow your dog to get short or breath with activity. A slow short leashed walk is better than no walk at all!  

If your dog needs to be seen by a doctor, try calling your regular vet, and ask if you can work out a payment schedule over an agreed upon period of time. If you can't do this, contact your local animal shelter or Humane Association to see if there is a reduced cost vet clinic in your area. Ask friends or family for a loan. There isn't an excuse for not providing care for your dog, if it's ill.

Best of luck,
Patti