HELP: On and off diarrhea

[janeno]

My puppy developed diarrhea at about 14 weeks after receiving 3rd shot of DHPP. So we took her to the vet, we received 7-day course of metronidazole for diagnosis of intestinal bacterial overgrowth. As soon as antibiotic was stopped, diarrhea developed again. Vet told us to do another 7 days of metronidazole. We completed this course, and her stool became hard. But now one week later, she is having diarrhea alternating with hard stools.
This is what we feed:
Free feed of Froom's duck and sweet potato dry food (recommended by our vet) + one tablespoon of Fromm's beef canned food in the morning and evening;
Her training treats are Zuke's mini naturals;
Her treats/chews are bully pizzles; pig and sheep ears, barnsdale farm humerous bone (all made in US and Canada).
Absolutely no human food, and occasionally she steels cat food (we usually keep it behind locked doors).
I try to add probiotics leftover from the metronidazole treatment.
Has anyone had this issue before? Is it somethind that we are feeding her? Any other suggestions?

[107barney]

I think some of the things you're feeding are rich. The first thing I would toss are all the treats. Keep her on the dog food only and see if there is an improvement. Pizzles, bullies, and the like can be laden with bacteria and in a pup that is having diarrhea, especially one so young, this would be the first thing I'd get rid of. Cat food is higher in fat, I'd make sure it stays out of her reach. Fromm is a food that many here like, but duck may be too rich also. As for the probiotics, I am not a fan, and would not bother. If this were my pup, I would remove all the foods you listed, and I would feed bland chicken and rice until the issue completely resolved.

[MandiesMom]

The alternating hard/runny stools indicates a digestive track problem (either not digesting properly or getting constipated and then finally able to go). I think probiotics are the way to go for sure.

I'd do the same as above..just start fresh with probiotics and chicken and rice.

Gradually add back a puppy kibble (maybe chicken based instead of duck). I might even give a tiny bit (maybe a tablespoon) of canned pumpkin with the kibble if runny stools start up again.

Has she been tested again to make sure all infection is gone?

[janeno]

She has not been tested since completion of metronidazole but it's usually very hard to differentiate what bacteria caused diarrhea as stool has various bacteria in it even in healthy pups. She has been tested prior to the second metronidazole course, and they could not differentiate what bacteria was a causative agent.

I will limit her chews but she is teething. Is there anything I can give her to chew on? She gets bored really fast by just chewing on staffed animals.

She does not eat rice as I tried rice and chicken before. So maybe I'll give her a little chicken together with her kibble. Should I just hold on wet food for now?

I really appreciate everyone's advise as this is my first puppy. My fiancee owned a dog (not Yorkie) before but they never had any GI issues.

[MandiesMom]

For chews, try a nylabone or an antler. And, I would hold off on wet food for now until her poo firms and stays firm.

Praying she feels better soon!

[mimimomo]

Originally Posted by janeno

She has not been tested since completion of metronidazole but it's usually very hard to differentiate what bacteria caused diarrhea as stool has various bacteria in it even in healthy pups. She has been tested prior to the second metronidazole course, and they could not differentiate what bacteria was a causative agent.

I will limit her chews but she is teething. Is there anything I can give her to chew on? She gets bored really fast by just chewing on staffed animals.

She does not eat rice as I tried rice and chicken before. So maybe I'll give her a little chicken together with her kibble. Should I just hold on wet food for now?

I really appreciate everyone's advise as this is my first puppy. My fiancee owned a dog (not Yorkie) before but they never had any GI issues.

White rice is what binds the poopie, so no need to give her the chicken w/the kibble...she might get picky (since they're so smart!) & only eat the chicken & not the kibble. If you were to give her chicken, you can give it to her separately as a training treat. How about some plain pumpkin? Also, canned food has a higher fat content, so it can cause soft/runny poopies if it doesn't agree w/her.

I would eliminate all treats for now like 107barney mentioned. Bully sticks & ears tend to have salmonella & bacteria like e.coli. Have you tried himalayan chews (since she's teething)? They last a long time. FAQ's: Himalayan Dog Chew

[concretegurl]

I use brown rice boiled chicken mixed with canned pumpkin to ease upset stomach.

I'd cut off all else.

I noticed you mix a lot of proteins, try sticking with one at a time and if there is a lessened effect it may be a genuine GI issue.

Pigs ears are raw ride-yes?

Discontinue raw hide, we use antlers here, however my dogs are on the BARF diet, although I supplimebt with a bit of grainfree foul Fromm for a couple easy vitamins.

My dogs love shredded jeans tied in knots, the oetstages rag rope ball or other rope dental chews.

[concretegurl]

*isn't a lessoned effect.

For puppy teething I really suggest the Vulli brand infant toddler toys and dental ropes

[107barney]

Originally Posted by janeno

She has not been tested since completion of metronidazole but it's usually very hard to differentiate what bacteria caused diarrhea as stool has various bacteria in it even in healthy pups. She has been tested prior to the second metronidazole course, and they could not differentiate what bacteria was a causative agent.

I will limit her chews but she is teething. Is there anything I can give her to chew on? She gets bored really fast by just chewing on staffed animals.

She does not eat rice as I tried rice and chicken before. So maybe I'll give her a little chicken together with her kibble. Should I just hold on wet food for now?

I really appreciate everyone's advise as this is my first puppy. My fiancee owned a dog (not Yorkie) before but they never had any GI issues.

Ok lets start again. Eliminate all treats and chews. Feed a bland diet. Bland meaning not dog food. Rice and boiled meat. If she won't eat rice, try well-cooked sweet potato with skin removed. Chews aren't needed in a dog with these problems and after two rounds of flagyl she's a likely a dog with GI problems - common in yorkies. Antlers and Himalayans crack teeth and I would not use. Probiotics are a waste of time.

You could determine the causative effect as you say, but this will be back because I'm certain that if this is a healthy puppy, the on and off diarrhea is due to all the garbage you're feeding her.

[107barney]

BTW the reason for rice isn't to bind her up, it's to rest the GI system. As I mentioned sweet potato is usually ok also. Not a fan of pumpkin here.

[janeno]

Update: I removed all of her chews for the past two days, and her stool is solid now. She has been eating kibble too so I am pretty sure that all these chews were causing diarrhea. Thank you everyone for the advice!

[107barney]

Originally Posted by janeno

Update: I removed all of her chews for the past two days, and her stool is solid now. She has been eating kibble too so I am pretty sure that all these chews were causing diarrhea. Thank you everyone for the advice!

That's wonderful news! Sometimes they just need to have a rest and get on track. These little guys can have sensitive digestive systems.

[MandiesMom]

So happy to hear she is on the mend.

[concretegurl]

Chews are seeming to me to be more and more problematic.

Glad she's feeling better!

[janeno]

Arrgg... she had one diarrhea overnight again. This is so weird: her stool was solid last evening and overnight she had a diarrhea. I am putting her on sweet potato and chicken diet for a few days to see if that will prevent any future diarrhea.