Dog with dodgy tum

trolleyrun

My lovely terrier cross rescue Pipsqueak has a dodgy tum. I've no idea what's caused it as usually she has a very strong stomach, apart from a bout of colitis a couple of months ago.

I noticed her tum problems on thursday as she had 6 squitty deposits (sorry about the description). I took away her food for a day/night and then gave her boiled rice and turkey for a day. This morning she had a normal deposit but later on and this evening she's had very runny deposits. She even peed on the rug in the lounge :eek: (I've not told her off for this).

She seems ok at times but she's an expert in looking sorry for herself. I'll keep her off any grub until tomorrow night and I'll then give her some more boiled turkey and rice, possibly with some egg in it.

My question is: how long do I leave it until I take her to the vet? I don't want to be over-anxious mum but I don't want to cause her any harm. She doesn't seem to be in pain, she's drinking as usual, she's had no treats as she's refusing the charcoal biscuits I'm trying to give her. Thank you.

Buffythedebtslayer

Could she have eaten something that is causing an obstruction? (mine eat tissues and baby wipe.....big problem!) only saying that cos of the not normal/normal/not normal poo. It maybe that something has er moved?

I would say vets Monday if she still isn't ok and if she gets worse today I would emergency vets it. Mind you this is based on shihtzus and they have all kinds of tummy issues!

Katiehound

A teaspoonful (or 2) of Slippery Elm powder or slippery elm food sprinkled over food is always a good standby- generally settles tums, and if it doesn't then... vet trip.

In your case it started on Thursday so I wouldn't be leaving it too much longer. Main thing - is she drinking? more important than food

trolleyrun

She is drinking and is fairly bouncy today. She hasn't had a motion yet today but am taking her out for walks shortly so we'll see what happens then. I doubt she's eaten something she shouldn't as she's always on lead and she doesn't steal indoors, whether it's food or tissues or anything.

I'll keep her fasting until tonight and will then give her some boiled turkey and rice with egg. If no better by tomorrow morning I'll get her into the vet. They're usually very good and she'll get seen within the hour.

I've not heard of Slippery Elm powder - where would I get that from?

Person_one

I'd be wary of home remedies as she's had colitis quite recently. I think your plan to see how she goes with plain food and head to the vets if there are any more episodes is the right thing to do.

Fosterdog

Usually best not to feed a full meal at once after fasting and a dodgy tum, give a few smaller amounts fed over the space of a few hours.

elliesmemory1

It's not recommended to starve dogs for diarrhoea anymore.
Feed little and often. A,little plain natural yogurt may help.
Vet would be best as you probably need feacal test. Would be a good idea to collect a sample to take with you.

Katiehound

Slippery Elm powder/ slippery elm food should be available from any health food shop. Used to be sold at Holland & Barrett but no more.
I always keep some in the cupboard

I was also going to suggest a plain live yoghurt- to restore the good bacteria.

trolleyrun

Thanks all. Pipsqueak had a semi-solid motion earlier this evening and she's had some turkey and rice, just a small portion. I'll take her out before bedtime and will then give her another small portion. We'll then see what happens with ablution time in the morning and I'll make my decision. If it's vet time I'll ask them if they want a sample and bring it in. She's quite content under her blankie this evening so fingers crossed she'll be ok by morning.

trolleyrun

We have been to the vet and have some tablets. She'll be on turkey, rice and scrambled eggs for a few more days and then we'll have to try her on a brand new food. I'll be trawling the tinternet for a few hours...

pinkteapot

I know a lot of people are anti Hills dry foods, so feel free to ignore, but after months of squiffy tum and trying new foods, our cat finally settled on Hills Science Plan for Sensitive Stomachs. They do both a feline and canine version.

Even if you don't want to use it long-term, you could try it for a bit and then gradually introduce (and move onto) other food.