Lincoln has soft poo - updte after vet visit

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

Lincoln is 20 months old and has never had tummy issues.About a week and a half ago Lincoln started with soft poo.  Called the vet and she gave him provialbe paste and pills and said to give him white rice and boiled chicken.  that has not helped.  He is acting fine and eats. Called her again on Friday and she said to try giving him some of his regular food and the chicken.  He is still on the pills.

We have another call into her today.   He only goes once a day, so it is not diarrhea.   the only other thing he eats is a treat at night that I make.  

 He does chew on sticks outside, has not been to the dog park.  He was neutered a few weeks ago.

 any suggestions of what could be causing this or what to ask the vet.  

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Was he on antibiotics after the neuter? That can cause a bacterial imbalance in the gut; the Proviable should help with that. 

I think I'd have a fecal done just to be on the safe side. If it's negative, I'd continue with the Proviable, it may just need a little more time.

(Also, many dogs don't do well with rice; I usually suggest using sweet potatoes instead when you feed a homemade "bland diet" for digestive issues.)

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

He was on an antibiotic, but the soft stools didn't  happen for about a week after.  He has an appointment this afternoon, so I will ask her about the fecal and more proviable.  I only have 3 of the pills left.  they did suggest the metronidazole, but I think I will ask them for something else.  

It is so frustrating, thanks for the advice.  

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

Went to the vet.  No blood in his stool, just soft.  she doesn't think it is parasites, but we have to collect a sample to test.

she said to use Metamucil since I didn't want to use the metro.  she had another golden that responded well to the Metamucil.

I stopped the rice on Saturday and she said to give him the chicken with some of his regular food.  Should I give him some sweet potato too?  How much chicken can I give him?  I have been giving him 2 tenders 2X a day with a cup of his food.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Instead of Metamucil, try pure psyllium fiber. It doesn't have the flavorings and sugar that are in Metamucil. Konsyl is the brand name, but most drug stores sell a generic version. I get it at CVS, and mix a quarter teaspoon into a small amount of mashed sweet potatoes, then add that to his food.

Chicken breast meat contains about 200 calories per cup, which is less than half of most kibbles. You might try mixing the chicken with mashed sweet potatoes (50/50) mix. That mixture also contains about 200 calories per cup, so you could give one cup and then feed his regular amount of kibble less 200 calories' worth. 

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

Hi Karen, wondering if you can help.  It has been about a month. Stool sample was Ok per vet. 

I have been giving Lincoln his regular food (Fromm Gold adult) and 1/4 sweet potato or 1/4 C  pumpkin mixed with 1 Tbsp. metamucil (husband bought a huge tub before I saw your answer about the psyllum) He was getting better poo, so i switched to the mixer in only once a day and it went soft again. Not as bad, but softer.  so back to both feedings with mixin.  

Is this a normal amount of time or should I do something else?  He is Ok other wise, playing, eating etc.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Are you still using the Proviable? If not, I'd start it again. And continue with the mix ins twice a day.

It may be that Lincoln would do better with an LID formula that has a higher fiber content. Fromm is a good brand, but they don't make an LID formula, and the Adult Gold has a fairly low fiber content (as well as a fairly low protein percentage). If you want to stay with Fromm, you could try the Heartland Gold or the Gold Coast formulas; both have twice the fiber content of the regular Adult Gold. 

Or you could consider going with an LID formula from another company. I'd suggest Wellness Simple Solutions or Zignature (avoid the Zssentials formula, any of the others is fine). Maybe try the turkey formula with either one of them. 

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

What is an LID formula?  

Do I get the proviable on line is it nutramax brand?  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

LID= Limited Ingredient Diet. They usually contain a single animal protein, a single starchy carbohydrate, and very few other ingredients. They're meant for dogs with food sensitivities, sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. They are nutritionally complete just like any other dog food formula we recommend, just easier on the digestion. 

You can order Proviable DC on-line; I wouldn't go through the manufacturer's site, it's usually cheaper elsewhere. I think a lot of people get it through Amazon.

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

thank you, sorry to keep bugging you.  

I will order the proviable now.  I am not sure i want to change to a grain free food yet.  He is kinda picky and he is liking the Fromm gold for now.  

do I keep giving him the metamucil too with the proviable?   

 How long do you think I should have him on the proviable - not sure how much to order.  they have a 30 day and a 80 day which costs less than two  30 day packs.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Not all LID formulas are grain-free. Some of them contain oatmeal. I just think that based on what you've posted, the Fromm Adult Gold is too low in fiber for him. It's only 3.5%, and the other formulas I mentioned are between 5.5 and 7%. 

Jack loves the Wellness Simple Solutions Salmon formula, and he's a pretty picky dog as well. And the nice thing about most LID lines is that as long as your dog doesn't have any food allergies, you can rotate formulas, which helps keep picky eaters interested. 

I'd get the 80 day supply of Proviable. I'd keep him on it for at least a month, and there's really no reason not to give it longer. Some dogs (and people too) take probiotics every day forever. :)

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

thanks again.  I'll keep you posted of any changes  

I'll check out that food too next time he needs a new bag.  

[Mary ann & Lincoln]

Hi Karen, not sure if you will see this......

Lincoln is doing much better.  I have him on the proviable and his poo has been good.  i still have him on the Fromm but no toppers at all and he is eating just fine .  No more sweet potato or metamucil.  Fingers crossed that this will do the trick.   

thanks for your help.