Diet Help

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Greetings,

I am new to this site. We have a 4 month old goldendoodle puppy,Sully,who is having occasional vomiting and loose stools, similar symptoms to many of the posts I have read on the site.  He is currently on Royal Canin, which was what the breeder started him on.  He seems to be very sensitive to any type of dog treat and will vomit after eating them, in addition he often vomits after car rides (or during car rides).  He has been treated twice for worms as well. Poor guy.

Can you all offer any suggestions as to where I should start, as far as changing his diet? Our vet has suggested barium swallow, endoscopy, but I don't want to go that route, especially given what I've read about doodles thus far. I would much prefer to try a switch in food first.

Many thanks!

Noelle

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Noelle, go to the 'food group' here and post this there, there is lots of good advice and many who will have shared the same issues you are having with Sully.  Royal Canin is not a good food and is not on the recommended list which is posted in the 'Food Group"  Puppies do often randomly vomit for various reasons but if this is prolonged or on-going and the puppy is not gaining weight there may be medical reasons.  Have all parasites, including Giardia been ruled out?

Some very knowledgeable people will also reply to this.  You are definitely in the right place good luck with Sully he is very cute indeed.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I second the advice to join the Food Group. Here's a link to the Recommended Brands list. You will want to use a Limited Ingredient formula for sensitive stomachs. You should also check out our discussions on treats, since the ones sold in gorcery stores, Walmart, etc. are made in China and have sickened and even killed many dogs.

However, if the vet is recommending barium swallows and endoscopy, there may be more going on. To me, that would indicate that the vet suspects a serious problem, and if that's the case, I would want to catch it as early as possible. Most vets are only too happy to try to sell you an Rx food for sensitive stomachs, and do not normally recommend invasive, expensive tests that require anesthetic unless there is a very, very good reason. My own guy was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease last fall after several weeks of trying different tests and diets, and endoscopy was the absolute last resort. At that point, he had lost almost 15% of his body weight and developed a B12 deficiency.

The barium swallow is much less invasive and less expensive, and I think if it were my puppy, I would go ahead and schedule it. I hope your pup just has a senstivie stomach, but if it should be something more serious, the earlier you catch it, the better.

 

[Christine & Camus]

I agree with Karen.  The barium swallow is not terribly expensive or invasive and can rule out or identify problems early on.   

[Lucy , Alex and Madison]

I found using dog treats from same brand as food works better. If your dog is panting and anxious in a car ride, try taking short trips to a fun place like dog park. The pet then associates the ride as a happy experience. I did this for a week and now I can take her on highway trips with no problem.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This discussion is from 2012. 

[Lucy , Alex and Madison]

For loose stools I put a tsp to tbsp of rice in with food. Don t over do it. Can cause constipation.