I'm a new chihuahua owner and could use your wisdom: This morning I took Roscoe out of his kennel and he had very loose stools that were yellow in color. He had to use the pad 3 times to relieve himself fully. Then I wiped him clean and he rubbed his tush along the carpet a little bit. Now, 5 minutes later, he is acting like normal.
He is 14 weeks old. I've been feeding him dry Innova puppy. We do tend to give him lots of treats during the day, but this is the first time I've seen him have this problem.
Poor Guy, I hope he doesn't have more stools like that! We've had that happen once to Jax, but when taken to the vet they thought he had ate something that kinda messed him up, maybe a bug even. They gave him meds and he got better. I'd keep an eye out and if he keeps having that problem, I'd certainly call the vet. I know it must be uncomfortable for him. Wishing and praying for the best for your baby!
you may need to take him to the vet it could be Coccidia.
Coccidia are small protozoans (one-celled organisms) that multiply in the intestinal tracts of dogs and cats, most commonly in puppies and kittens less than six months of age, in adult animals whose immune system is suppressed, or in animals who are stressed in other ways (e.g.; change in ownership, other disease present).
In dogs and cats, most coccidia are of the genus called Isospora. Isospora canis and I. ohioensis are the species most often encountered in dogs. Regardless of which species is present, we generally refer to the disease as coccidiosis. As a puppy ages, he tends to develop a natural immunity to the effects of coccidia. As an adult, he may carry coccidia in his intestines, and shed the cyst in the feces, but experience no ill effects.
What are the symptoms of coccidiosis?
The primary sign of an animal suffering with coccidiosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea may be mild to severe depending on the level of infection. Blood and mucous may be present, especially in advanced cases. Severely affected animals may also vomit, lose their appetite, become dehydrated, and in some instances, die from the disease.
Most infected puppies encountered by the authors are in the four to twelve week age group. The possibility of coccidiosis should always be considered when a loose stool or diarrhea is encountered in this age group. A microscopic fecal exam by a veterinarian will detect the cysts confirming a diagnosis.
I think that I would keep an eye on him and if it is not "normal" again by monday morning, I would get him to the vet just to be safe. Please update us on how he is doing. I hope he gets better soon!
Thanks for the advice everyone. I put him on a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice for a day which cleared up the diarrhea. Then this morning after giving him Innova puppy, he had runny stools again. I'm convinced it was the food. Called the Vet who suggested prescription Science Diet and then a diet of Eukenuba. I really thought these weren't the best foods.
On the one hand, why would a vet recommend a food brand that would make a dog sick...then again, what do vets do? They care for sick dogs.
I'm stuck now, don't know what to feed to get him back on track. Thought Innova was top fo the line, but it may be too rich for him???
Innova Puppy actually gave my chis horrible gas and diarrhea as well... I switched to another holistic brand, and everything cleared up. Wellness was what we switched to, although my chis are now on Timberwolf Organics and I love it. Innova is known to be too rich for certain dogs.
Vets recommend brands like Science Diet because they get a kickback... and Science Diet donates a ton of money to vet schools. The first ingredient in Science Diet is ground yellow corn, and then by-products. Corn is actually the #1 food allergin for dogs.
Oh poor baby, how horrid for him! And for you too!
My guess, from hearing others experience is that he is seneitive or even allergic to Innova. Mostly I would listen to the Vet's advice, but if Jessie's right about the ingredience I wouldn't go near it with a barge pole! Perhaps look around for a holistic food. As we're in different countries it's hard to recommend any particular brands, but I hear there's lots of choice in the States. Jessie is knowledgable about holistic foods over there, you should ask her!
Just one piece of advice, if Roscoe continues to have loose stools be sure he is getting plenty of liquid (water) as it'll make him dehyrated and depleted. If it is still a problem in a few days call your Vet.
Good luck, and let us know how you get on, wont you?