Time to visit the vet?

[Rebecca, Kandy & Murphy]

We got a new adult, sort-of-rescued labradoodle about 6 weeks ago.  Very long story, but the short version is "rescued by breeder from bad home placement the first time".  When he arrived he had very loose smelly bowel movements, which I put down to stress/travel/new place/new food.  He had seen the vet about a week before he came and he said everything was good.  But its been 6 weeks and no improvement.  We are feeding "Taste of the Wild", which my other labradoodle loves and does exceptionally well on.  We use Orijen treats, bully sticks and greenies as treats.  He also gets more people food than is good for him because he's a counter surfer and "table snatcher" -- which we are working on but not perfect yet.  I'm beginning to think there is more going on than just travel stress.  Or am I being too optimistic about time to recover from stress of a totally new life?  My other dog is so healthy that I don't think it's food, but it could be.  I hate to start messing around with food changes since that impacts both dogs and Murphy, the new one, is just beginning to look like a normal labradoodle and not "skeleton dog".  Thoughts?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Your dog needs a fecal test done, and he needs it yesterday. The odds are very good that he has giardia.  

[Rebecca, Kandy & Murphy]

OK - vet appointment it is.

[Lori (Wilson and Woody's Mum)]

I think a fecal test is a good place to start.  But I also don't think 6 weeks is a long time for transition.  It could still be decompression, nerves, stress, etc.  Perhaps he has a more sensitive tummy than your other dog.  Maybe the bully sticks and greenies are causing him some discomfort.  My two dogs have been on the same diet for the past 4 years and each of them react differently.  One always has firm poos; the other always has looser ones - always has, despite his diet.  One has an iron stomach - the other a more sensitive one.  

While I understand wanting to feed the same, the new pup may require a bit more transition time.  

[Rebecca, Kandy & Murphy]

I'm not sure it's a matter of "want" to feed the same.  I don't think I could keep Murphy from eating Kandy's food frequently if I tried -- he can open doors, jump through screens, jump over baby gates... You get the picture.  And Kandy won't eat all of her food immediately after I put it down -- she likes to nibble more daintily than her "little brother" (who is only about 1/2 a foot taller.. though much lighter).  These smart dogs are in interesting challenge sometimes.  I never expected a dog who could open a door knob!

[Doris]

I have no food advice, but I would like to see pictures!! :-)

[Leslie J]

I would first get the fecal test. I'd also refrain from bully sticks until the tummy problems are resolved- they can be difficult to digest.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

"He had seen the vet about a week before he came and he said everything was good"
I've heard this before, and I wonder if you ever saw the vet records?  At that time, " everything was good" was everything done?  We often go to the vet and never have a fecal done unless we request a yearly fecal or there is some problem.  Otherwise, no fecals.

On a side note-Greenies are known for loose stool, but I still dont think it would be case. Just not a good snack at all when it comes to stool.

As for counter surfing, until you have it perfected, keep those counters nice and food free.  Some dogs, never get over that stage.

Poor little guy. It takes awhile. They sure do feel the stress of rehomes.  So sensitive.  With your love, it is going to be so good for him. He will know that soon

Hope all goes well and real soon.  Good luck to you and Congratulations!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I would take him and a fecal sample to the vet to make sure there isn't any cause other than stress.  Too much of a bully stick give my dogs loose poo. When we got Clancy (rescue at age 2) he had loose poo for quite a while but once it firmed up, it got loose again if he was stressed.  He still has a bit more of a sensitive tummy than my other dogs.