When to introduce treats?

[LarryL]

Hey guys!

Oliver is 4 months old tomorrow.
We've been battling giardia for about a month, and after 9 days of metro he seems much better.
No more sad puppy, no more late night squirts lol

We also have recently been changing from RC Mini Puppy to Orijen Puppy.
Since his metro, his stool has gotten much better - it's not hard - it's still fairly soft - but has shape to it, unlike when he was really feeling the giardia effects.

I think it's still a little soft as he's adjusting to the orijen.

Doc now told us, two weeks off and then another 5 days of Panacur to be sure.


My question is - I want to introduce orijen treats to him.
Is it too early to start? He's been eating the orijen food for almost a month.
Do I wait a little longer to give him some - or is now safe?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Larry, after all that you have gone through with the giardia, the meds, the food change, and Oliver's diarrhea, it would be beyond a disaster to add any new treats or foods right now. It is extremely common for the dirrhea to return after metronidazole is discontinued. You absolutely must wait until he has been off the metro for at least two weeks, he has been retested and found negative for giardia, and his stools and digestion are perfect. You have the next 12-15 years to give him treats. Right now, you must leave everything alone and not make any changes in his diet at all. 

[LarryL]

Thanks!

I love this site, and am also super anal lol - which is why I came here to ask and get advice before I do anything with my baby :)

I will take that advice and hold off for a while.
On a side note, how long can it take for him to adjust to the orijen ?
Can that sometimes take a while?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, it can take 3-4 weeks. Which is another reason not to add anything else.

I know i have said this before, but it's important: Make only one change at a time. 

And you must continue giving the probiotics for at least a few weeks after the metronidazole is finished. 

[LarryL]

Thanks again,

Yesterday was his last metro pill - and I have exactly 14 days left of proviable dc

Doc wants to give Panacur in two weeks just to be safe.
Should we?
And should I buy a little more of the proviable?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, and yes. 

[Marcia & MoneyPenny]

You can always use the puppy food as a treat also.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, use the plain chicken or pieces of his kibble for treats, things he is already eating. Do not introduce anything new right now. 

[Deborah Brown]

That was going to be my advice.  I use Orijen kibble as training treats all the time.  :)

[Gail and Bailey]

Larry, glad things seem to be looking good for little Oliver!  

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

We  just started giving our puppy Maxi treats (and she is over 6 months old)..we went through 2 bouts of giardia..Until now, we did like the others have said,,and gave her food, Acana..and also boiled chicken breast.