I have a 1 1/2 yr. old Lab mix that we got from the SPCA almost 3 weeks ago. We have been battling diarrhea ever since. She was on antibiotics for kennal cough, but those have been done for almost a week now. She seems to have one good day, eats, well poop has at least a little bit of form. Then the next day its back to diarrhea, not eating, sometimes throwing up and being lethargic. I called the vet, they want a fecal sample. I hope to get it there tomorrow morning. I have also tried going to the holistic pet center. They gave me food Burn's I belive it is, and something called Phytomucil (sp).
I was also told to mix her food with pumpkin and plain yogurt which I have been doing. I'm really worried that there is something seriously wrong with her. She is also extremlly skinny. Two weeks ago the vet said she should gain 10 lbs. I don't think she has gained an ounce in that time. I'm afraid she may have even lost a bit. I am trying every trick in the book to get her to eat. Yesterday she ate great! Today she threw up this morning and hasn't eaten since, doesn't want to do anything but sleep. I mixed the Phytomucil in with peanut butter and put it on the roof of her mouth just to get that and a tiny bit of food in her. If anyone has any suggestions or idea, I am all ears!! Please, I don't know what to do the vet doesn't want too see her until they have done the fecal test!
TIA!!
I would get in to see another vet immediately. Puppies can't wait. They go downhill quickly and their bodies are too small, not enough reserves, to wait even a day more.
I agree with the others, go see a different vet. And try to take a stool sample with you is a baggie. I'm sure the vet will still want one.
My previous old lab suffered with food alergies all his life, mostly with just vomiting, no diahrea. But he never got listless like your dog is. With your dog vomiting and having diahrea it will get dehydrated fast.
Hi I would cut out all the pumkin and yogute at the monment and any other products take your giving your dog, take it all down to the set dog food meals..You May find adding the extras are over loading your dogs tummy. If your using a complete dog food like Burns , Everything is in the food for the dog. I tend to add a small amount of water to the food myself. Labradors are knowen for been down right greedy dogs. Some human self control to thoughs beautiful sad eye.
You dog maybe thin due the dogs natural breeding if comes from a working bloodline. May reason for everything with a Labrador. How is your dog coat in general dull or shiny?. This could also be a sign of worms that may be treated.
Good luck hope your dog better soon.
Regards Pam
p.s measuring and weighing the dog food from the bag, also helps make sure every meal is the same amount to get dogs tummy into a routine. Hard work . Sorry
Our Lab pup was very sick but we were able to put pedialyte in him and it made all the difference- you can buy it at any drugstore, and dogs like the taste. If you can't get him to lap it up put it by dropperful into his mouth.
If you take her to the vet they should be able to run a fecal. The only problem with lots of diarrhea is that there might not be anything for them to loop out and thats why they want you to get a sample when she goes.
For now just treat the symptoms. Make sure she gets lots of fluids and get her to eat the best you can. Make sure to keep her hydrated? Is she doing ok on fluids?
Also my friend told me a parasite is going around in their area which causes these same symptoms. Including the eating ok one day but not the next and also firmer poops sometimes and then diarrhea other times. This could be the case and you might want to mention that to your vet.
Thank you all! I appreciate the responses and advice!
I did get a stool sample in this morning, they called and said she has hookworm. So I will pick up the wormer this afternoon.
She finally did perk up yesterday and eat some. Thankfully! I am most certainly going to find a new vet. I knew she had been wormed in the shelter, but my vet never mentioned that it should be followed up, that she might need a 2nd treatment.
One thing she has never stopped drinking, so I wasn't extremly worried about dehydration.
I need a new vet and a good recommendation for a basic dog care primer. Even though I asked and let it be known that I was new to dogs. Neither the SPCA or the vet gave me tips on basic dog care. I'm learning as I go. Thankfully I found this forum, and I love to read and research things. So I will learn but I just don't want her to suffer my ignorance.
Monday the kids and I are headed to the library to find some books!
If the wormer doesn't help, I will definately check into that parasite!!
Thanks!!
Shelter dogs often have more than one thing going on. Sometimes you just have to start with one thing, and if there are more symptoms then move on to the next until the vet gets everything resolved, one by one.
However, I would ask friends and families with pets who they use for a vet and try to find omeone that can give you all the information you need. Always make a phone call first to check fees for annual visits, shots, after hours emergencies, and how long it takes to get an appointment if your dog is really sick.
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