Dog w/ Ongoing Digestive Issues Since Owner Fell Ill

[HA! Support]

This is Kim from Support, posting on behalf of new member, MaryF. She shares a dog with her friend, who is no longer able to interact with the dog anymore. The dog has lost interest in walks except for the first one of the day, and has been experiencing alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Might these be related to the dog's emotional state? Should she try an elimination diet to see if one of his foods is causing distress? Increase fiber? Thank you. @Dr. Jeff @Dr. Christina

• Tyson
• Male
• 9yrs old
• Neutered
• Boxer/hound mix
• 90lbs
• Lightly Cooked and raw chicken, lamb, turkey, salmon, beef with sweet pot and peas and carrots or green beans and topper of honest kitchen or badlands ranch, treats dog jerky, bully sticks from pawstruck one ingredient
• Only vaccination prior to the age of 3
• No meds
• Diarrhea/constipation
• Unknown cause. Food finicky eater
• No vet

 

[GinnyW]

@MaryF Diet sounds fine to me. I'd bet on emotional upset and sense of duty, if deep and invisible. Could you take the guy elsewhere for a short walk? Perhaps a dog food store? A nice park? I'd also sit down with him, get him comfy, and explain to him what's going on, that he is still loved by his friend, and that she wants him to go be happy, and then to come back to her to get/give more love. Along that line, an animal communicator could be of great assistance, too. I'd like to be kept posted on his frame of mind...

 

[Dr. Jeff]

who is no longer able to interact with the dog anymore. The dog has lost interest

I agree with Ginny. It sounds like Tyson may feel like he has lost his best friend. And along with it, some of his joy and purpose in life.

Should she try an elimination diet to see if one of his foods is causing distress? Increase fiber?

Sure, it's not going to hurt. But may also be unnecessary, A probiotic such as one from Adored Beast may be a better bet.

Pre & Probiotics

Pre & probiotics are an essential part of a healthy supplement regimen. Probiotics encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut, helping to crowd out harmful, disease causing bacteria. And prebiotics feed probiotics, allowing them to thrive! To keep your animal healthy, you want to help...

adoredbeast.com

Fun activities flower essences and homeopathy should help bring back Tyson's joy.

 

[HA! Support]

@MaryF Diet sounds fine to me. I'd bet on emotional upset and sense of duty, if deep and invisible. Could you take the guy elsewhere for a short walk? Perhaps a dog food store? A nice park? I'd also sit down with him, get him comfy, and explain to him what's going on, that he is still loved by his friend, and that she wants him to go be happy, and then to come back to her to get/give more love. Along that line, an animal communicator could be of great assistance, too. I'd like to be kept posted on his frame of mind...

From MaryF:
Hi the dog had issues b4 the man's accident. No he is not able to go anywhere he is bedbound on vent either trach, feeding tube foley cath. We do take him outside once a month but Tyson does not want to stay outside when he is out.

 

[NancyK]

Does the dog's diet contain raw meaty bones either whole or ground? Or some other source of calcium? Too much bone can cause constipation and too little can cause loose stools. I believe this applies to bone meal as well.

Nancy

 

[GinnyW]

It's wonderful that you are caring - but I stand by my recco: perhaps a communicator for the guy as well as Tyson. Once a month, for owner or dog, is just not in either of their best interests. If you can't do better, then at least "speak" to them, one way or another. Engage Tyson in some sort of contact or play, grooming, healthy treats, petting, reading him stories, even if he is indoors. Tell him - either plain ol' speaking, or through a telepath, that you are grateful, as is his owner, but eventually, when he is ready, he is encouraged to move on, a little at a time - and that this is what his owner wants, too. "Visit" the owner, put his hand on Tyson while you are speaking to him, perhaps get him to "offer" a treat.
A dog's loyalty is an amazing thing, and it will be what it will be - but worth a try. Bless you.

 

[HA! Support]

Does the dog's diet contain raw meaty bones either whole or ground? Or some other source of calcium? Too much bone can cause constipation and too little can cause loose stools. I believe this applies to bone meal as well.

Nancy

Mary's Response:
Hi
Yes raw chicken necks on occasion not often. Can you recommend probiotic, prebiotic, and something for joints. He limped after laying on his left side for a long time. Can you tell me name brand of supplements only pure supplements. @Dr. Jeff

 

[NancyK]

Mary's Response:
Hi
Yes raw chicken necks on occasion not often. Can you recommend probiotic, prebiotic, and something for joints. He limped after laying on his left side for a long time. Can you tell me name brand of supplements only pure supplements. @Dr. Jeff

Both my dogs will get loose stools if not fed enough raw meaty bones. Having bones occasionally does not work for them. They do better with smaller amounts of RMBs more regularly vs larger amounts less often. Bones sort of act like fiber and help firm up the stools. The balance over time philosophy does not work for my dogs when it comes to bones, however I realize all dogs are different. RMBs also contain nutrients that support joint health.

Nancy

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Can you tell me name brand of supplements

Julie's Adored Beast probiotics and other products are wonderful:

Pre & Probiotics

Pre & probiotics are an essential part of a healthy supplement regimen. Probiotics encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut, helping to crowd out harmful, disease causing bacteria. And prebiotics feed probiotics, allowing them to thrive! To keep your animal healthy, you want to help...

adoredbeast.com