new dog.... upset stomach?

stellanyc · 10-06-2009, 01:02 PM

Hi all, i posted this ion the food section, but perhaps this is a better place:

we recently brought in a 2 or 3 year old rescue dog (cocker/terrier mix) and have been trying to find a diet that keeps her happy and healthy.

Both the foster mom and rescue people said that a dry food is best, and for the last week she has been eating solely Wysong Maintenance. She seems to enjoy it, but her poops are very soft... not runny, but certainly not solid. I would think that it is an indication that she's not digesting the food very well?

How long would you keep her on this food? I know she should have a consistent diet. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Kathyy · 10-06-2009, 04:06 PM

Try cutting back on the amount by 25%. Maybe it is too much food for her. If it works you will know in a day or so.

stellanyc · 10-06-2009, 04:32 PM

Thanks, that's an easy thing to try. The rescue people thought she seemed thin and encouraged a cup of dry, twice a day (she's about 18 pounds)... but now i hear that she should only eat once a day.... it's all pretty confusing...

Kathyy · 10-06-2009, 07:07 PM

Ah, I know this one. Feed more to the poor skinny dog. I tried that and poor skinny dog was thrilled but the poop was huge and soft! Then that smart skinny dog showed me the way. She delicately regurgitated the food that didn't fit in her tummy right after she finished eating. It was just about 1/3 of the food offered. I got the point after 3 of these episodes and started feeding her 3 times a day. Now I can offer more food and she will gain weight. And the poop is fine too. Now this particular ex skinny dog is very old but I suspect it will work with any dog. Remember how puppies get fed 3-4 times a day? That is because their stomachs cannot hold enough food for growth on fewer meals.

Try the cutting back first. If she doesn't gain weight but the stool is fine then try adding another meal. It could be the food doesn't suit her but this little trial couldn't be easier, safer and cheaper!

stellanyc · 10-06-2009, 07:32 PM

Thanks Kathy!

Siberian Husky Lover · 10-06-2009, 08:40 PM

It could be the new environment it is in. It also can be that the food that your changing her diet could be also. It all depends on the dog. If it doesn't approve in the next few day or so, I would contact your vet for more info.

GottaLuvMutts · 10-06-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stellanyc

a cup of dry, twice a day (she's about 18 pounds)

That sounds like WAY too much food to me. My 38-pound high-energy dog gets a cup of kibble twice a day (2 cups total per day). Remember, unless the dog is in danger of starving to death, you don't want to put on weight too fast. Better to do it slow and steady and have the dog put on some muscle in the process. I'm also not a big fan of feeding once a day, particularly if your dog eats quickly.