Diarrhea

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Hello! (As I write hello my auto correct is trying to change it to "Help!" Which is also extremely appropriate haha)
I was wondering if anyone with experience or knowledge could help me out with the protocal on diarrhea. I know it can be caused by a multitude of things, however what I'm fuzzy on are the exact measures to take when experiencing a bout of loose stools with your dog. I also know that diarrhea can mean some potentially serious medical issues, so it's best to have your puppy checked out the the vet if it lasts a certain amount of time. I've tried to search DK to see it there was already a similar post, which I'm sure there is, but for some reason when I search a topic I can one get a few hits to come up. I've made a list of questions I'm curious about below.
1. Is there a food I can have on hand incase of a random bout. I know pumpkin is good, and ultimately sweet potatoes and chicken is our go too if he starts having a series of loose stool. Is there anything else I can have ready for him to have? I've heard green beans are good for diarrhea. How much do you give him and are they okay to maybe give him as a snack?
2. Water. I'm terrified of a dehydrated puppy. I've been up every 2 hours tonight with Yeti being sick. I've been really encouraging him to drink water after each potty trip. Is that okay or will it upset his tummy even more? Is forcing him to drink a bad idea?n
3. How long would you wait to take your dog to the vet when it comes to diarrhea? As I stated earlier I realize it can be pretty serious, but sometimes I feel I don't let it try to "run its course." (If that's even a thing for dogs haha)
4. When dogs have diarrhea, do their tummys get upset? Is there anything I can give them to help ease the tummy ache? I feel so bad when he is having to get up throughout the night to go.
5. What little I could find in my "dehydration or diarrhea" search told me we need a high fiber food without grains. Yeti eats wellness core puppy (he is 6 1/2 months old and weighs ~30lbs). Is there a better food for him to be on? We have had him 4 1/2 months and this is our 4th (if I'm remembering right) bout of diarrhea. I feel that is probably not normal.
6. Is there anything to do at the first sign of soft stool to possibly prevent it from turning into full blown diarrhea?
7. What are signs of dehydration? I know our vet looked as his gums the last time we went in for this problem. Is there anything else I can lookout for and be aware of? I know what he eats and how much exercise he gets plays a huge factor, but is there any set amount of ounces of water he should be drinking a day? When he is sick I do mix water with his meals to make sure he's getting at least a little.

I know this is long, but I find myself completely unprepared when he gets sick and I want to be able to help/comfort him as best as I can. Thank you to anyone willing to read this long post and willing to offer advice or share their experiences!!

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

I'm sorry after all this you don't have pet insurance? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No, I stated that way up near the beginning of this discussion. And I regret it greatly, which is why I advocate for it. No matter how much the premiums cost, it would have saved me thousands and thousands of dollars.

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

You can get pet insurance still. It just won't cover any pre-existing issues.  

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

I truly love dogs.  I didn't mean to upset you and I'm sorry that I had.  I actually do spend a good deal of time on this forum looking through the past posts.  It has been tremendously helpful and as have you. Again, I was never meaning to be "negative" but my opinion is just different from yours. I was under the assumption that people can share their opinions. 

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

The cost is heavily dependent on the stage and the type of cancer a dog has.

Article explaining cost of cancer treatment. 

https://www.petcarerx.com/article/managing-costs-of-cancer-treatmen...

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Chen, I just don't understand why your premiums were so high. I have been tracking mine since I got Fudge and Vern and the premium is nowhere near $100/month. I have Pet Plan. I also know that Karen has experienced the hardship of NOT having insurance for her dog and is only trying to help others not go through the same thing. I don't like the high prices of paying for medical insurance, but after having a daughter born prematurely and seeing the amount of her bills, I wouldn't be one day without it. I am so thankful we had good insurance for her or we would have been bankrupt. I feel the same way about Pet Insurance. I want to know I can afford anything that comes up for my dogs. If you don't want Pet insurance and have the money to pay a huge bill, then more power to you, but most people do not have that luxury. I also have had no problems when I used the insurance on Fudge and Vern.

These are my dog's yearly premiums. My rates include a 15% discount and my coverage is for vet fees of $8000, 80% reimbursement level and $200 deductible. I got the policies as soon as I got my puppies. 

Fudge

2009    143.56

2010    143.56

2011    167.69

2012    206.60

2013    246.40

2014    308.00

2015    385.00

2015    349.68 (we moved in October 2015 and PetPlan changed our policy plan from March to                                   10/14/2015)

Vern

2010    143.56

2011    167.69

2012    182.93

2013    221.07

2014    276.34

2015    345.43

2015    304.02 (see above. my policy plan switched from beginning in April to 10/14)

[33bn7f8evnuyd]

I understand why so many of you would come to Karen's defense. Insurance has been a sore spot of how my last rescue passed away from cancer. The insurance company did ABSOLUTELY nothing! The policy would not cover a pet with an "incurable" condition. After paying thousands of dollars, they decided cancer was incurable "pre-existing condition" and I've been a member since 2011. My dog was put to sleep, they did not pay a dime.  How can that be?  

This was very very difficult for me. 1) I've attached a past reimbursement they paid since Sahara passed away at the end of July 2016.  Please note it says 90% coverage and $50 deductible.   2) I stand corrected. I apparently paid more than $100 not the $65 I stated. Please note I did have Healthy paws which was rated at the time as the best health insurance on the market. 

[a.k.a. Rodney]

Interesting convo....I know I'm coming in after this is a closed case....but I would like to add my 2 cents... First and most importantly...my hubby was a CEO, & Chairman of a 'people' insurance COMP. NY stock exchange. & a global business. He ran a highly ethical org. They paid claims and did it quickly. However, he was regulated by the states & countries they sold in..not sure what/ whom regulates pet insurers. That was just to offer my back Grn knowledge...I know enough about how insurance Comp work! My experience most recently with pet INS has been disappointing....I had a $500 claim from an emergency vet visit. I chose $100 deductible & 80% coverage...
I received $106 back....and 1 week later my premium was raised...Healthy Paws was the comp. My DH, the insurance maven was shocked they raised the premium that fast and paid so little of the claim. I have researched before choosing the comp and found this to be a well respected one...Often there are items you don't expect to find not coveted..lab work, fecal tests etc. esp. in an emergency situation. So, I agree with both you & Karen...in catastrophic conditions..it is a help and can save thousands ...otherwise in smaller cases you are buying peace of mind protection and receiving little vs. the premium paid. BUT that is what the BUSINESS of INS. Is.,.Peace of Mnd based on actuarial tables that help keep the companies profitable.....I rest my case. Insurance made my household fall into the now famous '1%' category....but the truth is the truth....it's a business and in most cases quite a profitable one.......The veterans on this site are very experienced & knowledgeable....whilst some also are condescending & arrogant....ask the questions....listen to the opinions and form your own conclusions....which they help you with, but don't want to hear your possible opposite approach...you see from the get go..you announce right off the bat that you are a newbie, somewhat helpless and possibly in this particular category know less than them....ooops..you are vulnerable and set them up to be the authority figures....
ASK, LISTEN, GLEAN....then go for it your way....good luck

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

A very close family friend used "petplan family" for their dog. He said he did a lot of research at the time because they lost their family dog when he was less than a year old and wanted to make sure they could provide for the next one appropriatly. Does anyone have any experience with them?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, quite a few members here have it. There's a recent discussion about the rates having been raised significantly for older dogs, and there are some comparisons and experiences with other companies in the discussion as well. 

[Haley, Yeti, and Phin]

Awesome! I'm happy to hear it's a good company! I'm going to have to try and find the discussion! Thanks so much!!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/petplan-insurance-has-chan...