Dog with bowel problems

16 years ago

I could really use some help with this one!! We have a 8 year old American Bull Dog that we adopted when she was 1. She never had any problem with bowel movements until about a year ago. She started by having a difficult time pooping, and when she did go, it was hard round balls. We took her to the vet, and he said there was really nothing to do for it. So we lived with this for a while, also, when she was sleeping she would poop out these hard round balls just randomly. We took her to the vet again, and again nothing. Now she seems to be just leaking poop everywhere! When she sleeps, when she is just sitting outside, everywhere! We love this girl to death, but she constantly smells so bad, and I can't help but think somethings really wrong. We bathe her as often as we can, but this breed has dry skin also. Please help, we don't know what to do. We love her so much, but can't stand to see her like this!

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Comments (5)

moonie_57 (8 NC)
16 years ago
I have only one suggestion... a different vet!

There could be any number of problems, all the way from diet to disease to a parasite. Did your vet do any testing on her? If so, what?
ines_99
16 years ago
I agree with moonie, more testing should be done.

I just adopted a dog with the not-being-able to go issue, though he didn't do it in his sleep, thank goodness. Whenever I tried something with a laxative effect, like pumpkin or some bran flakes, he'd wind up with diarrhea...from one extreme to the other. Pumpkin is supposed to work for both extremes, but I don't know what advice to give you for your current issues. Poor dog, it probably isn't doing much for her dignity. I now have my dog on about a tsp of olive oil a day (he's small) and it seems to be helping but still not perfect. If I can't get it straight by the holidays, I am going to take him to the vet too.

For the bathing, my dog has dry skin too and gets very stressed out during a bath...I just recently bought a waterless foam pet shampoo from Paul Mitchell - it works great and leaves a nice almondy scent - Oobi doesn't even know he is getting a "bath" he just thinks he is getting another one of my great doggy massages.

Look for it on www.jppet.com, you'll see their whole line if pet grooming products
(works on cats too)
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cynthia_gw
16 years ago
While I agree that your vet doesn't sound engaged based on what you've written, can you tell us what food your dog is on, what her exercise routine is (eg frequency and length of walks), and what tests she had at the vets? Does she have any other medical problems? Did your vet recommend any dietary changes or supplements?
elphaba_gw
16 years ago
Your poor puppy. I also would find another vet. We did when we weren't happy and I think it saved our dogs life.

I just did a search in Google on "canine constipation" and came up with lots of hits. If you haven't done this already, you might consider though I know advice from the web should be evaluated carefully.

My first thought was pumpkin, can't hurt though I read where it doesn't help all cases of course. Also, what about supplements for omega 3s or acidopholus? or add fish to her diet (sardines is what we use?)

I know you have to be careful about dietary changes with dogs. They seem to be especially sensitve with diahrea often the result. If you do make changes, try to introduce only one new thing at a time and let them adjust before moving on.

I'm sure some here will recommend trying her on a raw food diet. Our dog has numerous teeth removed so we didn't go that route.

Our vet has prescribed Tylan powder for our dogs loose stools and it has worked but think your dog has some other issues. Try to find a vet who is "holistic", i.e. is known to prescribe vitamins as well as prescription medicines. I used the web to find our vet but then we live in a large city. If you live in a small city, not always easy to switch.

Good luck and keep us posted. (If you live in Houston, let me know. I know a GREAT vet.)
mazer415
16 years ago
seek another vet - or go to a nearby teaching college for assistance

Dog with bowel problems

Comments (5)

moonie_57 (8 NC)

ines_99

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