Hi all those moms with dogs,
I need some advice regarding my pups. I have a six month Yorkie and 2 1/2 year old German Shepherd. For the last few days they have had mustard yellow runny bowel movements.
They are not lethargic or dehydrated. Their activity level is still alert and playful.
This started with the Yorkie. I had switched the big dog's food, and she got into it. I thought that was what was up with her. Now he will not eat and has had the same color/style poos. I am offering them rice for now.
The vet tech at the office I have used for years quit unexpectedly. She was very honest about what was needed and not. This office has a tendancy to have unnecessary (and expensive) tests done which I cannot afford. I have lost faith in them and want to avoid the vet if possible. I did call and ask if dogs can catch a flu or cold like virus and they did say yes, but want me to bring them in.
Both dogs are current on shots and healthy otherwise.
If anyone has had any experience with something like this please let me know because I am worried about these dogs.
Thanks.
it could just be from the different food. puppies like your yorkie have sensitive tummies that dont do well with change. if it doesnt change in a few days or their symptoms worsen i woiuld get them checked out.
Hi C., I also have a German Shephard and I love her to pieces! I was wondering, you said that you switched their dog food, did you switch it slowly. Usually if you switch a dog's food it's best to slowly switch and mix in some of the new food with the old food, That way their stomach's can get used to the new food. It is really hard on their stomach's when you switch foods. Also I was wondering what kind of food are you feeding them? If you are feeding them really, really cheap food there are really no nutrients in them and can give them diarrhea. I hope this helps!
C.,
If you decide to take your dogs to the vet, and would like a referral, let me know. I have an excellent vet that is very "conservative" on procedures and tests and is just a very nice person - he hugs and kisses every dog and cat that comes in...he really loves the animals and doesn't push for you to do expensive stuff.
Send me a message if you need a referral.
Hi C., dogs eat all kinds of stuff on the ground, table scrapes, a lot of things can change stool color. my one year old shepherd mix snatches flies out of the air, she eats those greeb beatles, those things change stool color in her. I would give them their original food that they were used to. I did read before that changing their food can cause stomach issues. Don't take them to the vet. They won't answer to many questions over the phone cause they don't make no money that way. I would watch them, as lons as they appear healty I wouldn't worry to much. You can go on the enternet and see what they say about yellowish stools, thats what my husband does when it comes to our pets. J. L.
If you still need the advice, it is probably the food. When you want to change food for any animal you first give half old food, half new food. Over the course of a week, gradually put more new than old until you can phase out the old all together. Food change or just plain eating stuff out in the yard is the most common reason for diarrhea. Of course if they are still having the problem after 3 days you need to take them in, they may be dehydrated from the problem.
For the most part, if dogs are still active & drinking water they are fine. Some dogs will stop eating for a few days for a number of reasons, but they shouldn't be without water for longer than a day without a trip to the vet. You do need to make sure you are using quality food, there are lots of great brands out there, but they can be costly. What I do to offset the cost is buy a less expensive brand that is okay nutritionally like Walmarts Ol'Roy or Costcos Kirkland brand and combine it with a really good brand like Nutro or Science Diet. Then make sure that all treats are very good nutritionally like Greenies. They are expensive, but I only give my dogs these treats 2-3 times a month. I use their regular food to do any day to day treating and they are just fine with that.
As far as the vet, look around. There are tons out there. I have to say, they are all expensive, but find one that you trust and will be straight up with you. For any procedure always ask, "Is this necessary? What will happen if we don't do this?" If something doesn't sound right to you, trust your gut. Go home, do some research or go to the library, there are great books out about dog health. For the most part, things are not an absolute emergency and can be put off for a day or two until you feel more comfortable making a decision and when it is an emergency it usually is very obvious. I was a vet tech so I know how expensive it can get and no, you won't get advice over the phone for many reasons, the biggest being that if they give advice and something goes wrong, they can be liable. It is hard to diagnose without actually seeing the animal and running a few tests like temp, hearing breathing, etc. Don't be afraid to even walk out of an office if you don't like it. I went through 4 vets in my area until I found the one I liked. One I left simply because I didn't like the front desk staff. Remember, you are paying them a lot of money and you should be treated with respect, in a timely manner, honestly and all your questions should get answered without you being rushed out the door. My vet does do that on really busy days, but if I have a question I stop him and politely remind him that I am not through and when I do I can see a kind of light bulb go off in his head as he realizes what he's doing and it slows him down.
Good luck and I hope the pups are feeling better.
