[sparkygirl]

I have a nine month old dachshund/pomeranian mix. Since he was a baby he has had constant tears in his left eye and somewhat less in his right eye. We recently had him neutered, and the vet even flushed his eyes to make sure there was no blockage. It's still as bad as ever, and I'm really concerned about it. The vet said it may be allergies, but he left it at that. How can I help my puppy? I'm also looking for people's opinions on the best food out there for small breed dogs. He's only ten pounds. I recently changed him over from Bil Jac to Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy. We were wondering if it was safe for him to eat the Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach formula even though he's only nine months. He really seemed to like it when he tried it at a friend's house. I'm just trying to find the best possible solutions for him. I welcome all advice.

[labman]

The Pro Plan adult chows are excellent foods. An early switch to adult chow will slow growth, but that allows stronger joints to develop. Perhaps that is as important to a Dachshund as the larger breeds. The highly experienced dog guide school I raise puppies for, has us putting their puppies on adult Pro Plan at 4 months. Nobody knows more about giving dogs a long, active life than the service dog schools. Over weight is extra hard on Dachshunds. The puppy may have come too fat. Even puppies should have a waist. Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest.
You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is
Different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog
Must have its food adjusted to its individual needs. See
http://www.purina.com/dogs/nutrition.asp?article=292.

Allergies are a tougher problem. In switching chows, you may want to try a different protein source. If you find something that helps, stick to it. You might also try Benedryl, a capsule or to a day.

[tfonti]

I just wanted to let you know that I also have a Doxie/Pom mix. I got her when she was just 8 weeks old and she also had the watery eye thing going on. It lasted awhile and then one day it was just gone. I feed Heidi Nutro Max Adult, and as a puppy she got the puppy mix. The vet also thought that she could have allergies, so it's a matter of trying a few foods and watching how she reacts to them.

The watery eyes did clear up for me, but now we have some breathing issues that need looking into. She's been a great dog though. I'm lucky to have found her and hope to find more like her.