Quote:
Originally Posted by MillisMomma  Would anyone have any suggestions for how best to help little Milli when she's got an upset tummy due to stress?
We've noticed that she seems to have a delicate gastrointestinal system that reacts to days when we're on the go or in new circumstances. The night after she'll have a really rumbly little tummy and then she'll have loose stools for the next 24 hours or so. We've taken a stool sample to the vet just in case and they said there's no sign of any worms or protozoans or anything. The only thing they noticed was a higher concentration of bacteria in her system than normal. They said that's a normal reaction to a dog's gut in stressful situations. (I'm defining stress as 'change in routine'...being out to the park, traveling, being left here alone for a short time, in daycare, when company comes over, etc.). She's perfectly healthy otherwise and always seems to be well adjusted when we're out. The loose stools usually subside within 24 hours or so and she's back to the 'tootsie roll' shaped poopies. Her tummy's reaction tells me that at least her SYSTEM is being stressed even if her mental state isn't. Odd??
We were reading about pumpkin to firm up the stools. Does it make sense to simply give her pumpkin the morning of any 'eventful' days as a proactive approach to the loose stools? |
Quote:
Originally Posted by MillisMomma Okay, so you're saying that even though she's not showing abnormal outward reactions to stress there's likely psychological stress there (which would eventually show up in behavioral signs)? If so, that's good advice. I'll search the forums here to look for more information on training and begin implementing more training strategies.
Thanks! |
No, no eventual behavioral signs. If I understand correctly, Milli's upset tummy is from the stress of doing things like going to the park, being left alone, going to daycare, having company and more. The training I'm suggesting is to help Milli to not be physically stressed with these situations so that her tummy won't be upset and she won't have loose stools. You indicated that Milli appears well adjusted. Is it possible she gets overly excited or anxious when she does the things that cause tummy upset?
Another thought -- is it possible Milli is receiving unusual treats (not typical in her diet) at daycare or when you have company or during other activities that are tied to loose stools?