Dog with Bowel Problems

Thank you~~Tina

Expert Reply

Hello Tina,

I need to preface my comments with the fact that I am not a veterinarian, and I always seek my vet's council in these situations.

Blood in the stools can be caused by a number of things, including worms, something obstructing the bowels, or a fissure caused by a bout of constipation. Any continued blood loss can lead to anemia, so I strongly encourage you to take your pet to the vet to find out the cause of the bleeding.

If you are not confident with prior diagnoses you have received from your vet, it may be time to try out a different veterinarian. Be persistent that you are looking to find out what is wrong with your dog's bowels, but also be aware that any vet will also be looking at your pet's overall picture of health, and side diagnoses to the main problem are part of the bargain. This is especially so with geriatric pets.

My best wishes for your pet's recovery~~Kelly

Dog Has Frequent Eliminations

Visitor Question

I have a four-year-old German Shepherd who has been on Wainwright organic dry food for the last nine months after our vet said he has allergies. He also enjoys fresh, raw carrots as a treat.

Recently, he's been urinating more frequently and passing more stools than usual. There doesn't appear to be any blood, etc., but they're slightly softer and a bit more smelly. Basically, every time he urinates, he passes a stool. Roughly how many times can a dog pass urine/stools before it is deemed abnormal?

He's drinking about two pints daily, but he seems a little reluctant to eat at the moment. He's lacking a little bit of the sheen that he's had since being on the organic food but seems fine otherwise.

He doesn't appear to have lost weight, but his brisket feels a little more bony than usual. Should we be worried?

Thank you in advance,

Hazel

Expert Reply

Hi Hazel,

When did you last take your dog in for a veterinary check up? I'm not familiar with Wainright dog food, but I'm guessing it might be a bit lower in fat, and therefore your dog's coat is a little duller, and his brisket a little leaner.

I recommend you bring your vet a stool sample and discuss the frequent eliminations. I wouldn't be overly worried at this point, but I do think these symptoms are worth checking out. They may indicate a larger problem.

~~ Kelly

Trouble Passing Stools

I have just adopted a long coat Chihuahua. I don't know her age, since she was left on my front porch. I am taking her to the vet this week for a full check-up, but I have noticed that she can't seem to "pinch" off her poo when she is done. She runs away afterwards like something hurt her. I have to clean her bottom and then give her a bath. What could be the problem? The stool isn't runny or too hard.

Thanks~~ Jamie

Expert Reply

Hi Jamie,

That is a wonderful thing you're doing taking in that little orphaned Chihuahua.

If I understand you correctly, although the poo doesn't seem excessively loose, she's still getting staining on her rear. That, coupled with the little startled movement at the end of the stool may indicate that her anal glands might need some attention.

Since you already have an appointment scheduled with your vet, bring in a stool sample as well, and explain to your vet what's going on. He/She will do a fecal exam to check for the presence of worms, and will also determine if your dog's anal glands need to be manually expressed.

In the meantime, rather than giving your dog a full bath, you might be able to use a baby wipe to clean off the area. This is a much easier and quicker way to deal with the soiling.

I'm sure you and your vet will have the problem figured out very soon, and then you'll be able to relax and enjoy your new pet.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly