very loose stools

    • Gold Top Dog

    very loose stools

    I've been away on holiday for a week and Louise went to boarding.   I picked her up today and she seems fine (completely normal, behaviourally) except for the fact that she's had very, very loose stools since she came home, she's pooped three times in 5 hours and once it was mucus-y.   This was her first time being boarded 'for real' (she only did a trial night before this) and I'm wondering if this can be normal, stress-related stuff or if I should make a vet appointment ASAP.    
    • Gold Top Dog
    I am by no means an expert, but I think it could be stress related and maybe even from a change in food and/or treats especially if she is normal otherwise.  Try putting a dollop of pure pumpkin, not the pie mix, the pure pumpkin (We use the Libby's brand) on top of your dogs next meal and see if that firms the stool up.  You could even give them a little spoon full if they have already eaten.  I find the best thing to do with the excess is to put it into an ice cube tray and freeze it, then transfer to a ziploc bag.  My dogs both love it and when either of them have an upset tummy I nuke a cube for 20-30 seconds and it is the perfect size and consistency.

    Also, do you know if your dog was outside at the boarding facility and had access to eat anything that it is not used to?  That can also cause tummy upset.  If it doesn't stop soon, I would at least call the vet and see what they say.  I would probably do that anyway.  More than likely it will clear up in a day or two. 

    Izzy had this problem last month when she go ahold of a crab apple or something like that that was growing in the yard I guess but I have still not figured out where.  I just know b/c she came running in the house with it in her mouth, half eaten.  [8|]
     
    A little pumpkin can do wonders for soft stool though....     
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thanks for the advice.   Last night was horrible!   Up every 2 hours with her.   Today she is better.   She's still runny, but she hasn't had to go in about 5 hours and I'm giving her pumpkin mixed with some yogurt.    I'll see how she is tomorrow and then call the vet if things don't improve.
    • Gold Top Dog
    I would call the vet anyway I think.  That is alot of loose stool.  She might have caught a little bug at the boarding facility and the vet may want to put her on antibiotics or even some doggy pepto.  Make sure she is drinking plenty of water too so she doesn't get dehydrated. 
     
    You might want to ask about this in the health section where you may get more specific responses.  Best of luck to you and your pup. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    She's back to normal now, so I'm not going to bring her to the vet.   She's having a stool sample done in a week when she's spayed.   I think the combination of the stress + excitement + having her schedule disrupted probably caused it.   Anyway, what a relief!