Upset Tummy Due to Stress

[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?

[Maximo]

My younger boy has a sensitive system and has occasional reactions to nervous excitement. Maturity and training have diminished these reactions.

While pumpkin may help, I would also work on alleviating the stress through training. Do exercises to help your dog feel more comfortable and confident in various situations.

[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!

[Maximo]

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?

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?

[MillisMomma]

Thanks for your reply!

As far as treats go, the answer would be 'no'. We're the only ones that give her treats. I try to keep treats limited and consistent so that they're more useful in training.

Yes, she does get excited. Typically it's a 'happy' excited. Like when Daddy comes home and she greets him...tons of licking and tail wagging and snorting and just all around excitement. That excitement, however, can certainly be affecting her digestive system. She also has periods of excitement through the day when she plays with her doggie sister. They run through the house chasing and tugging and otherwise acting silly until the two of them wear out. I wonder if that contributes to the problem?

Can you give me some words for the training you're thinking of - to keep Milli from being physically stressed? If I know what to search for, I can look through the forums or elsewhere to see which training exercises we should be focusing on.

Thanks again!
Sabrina

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MillisMomma

Thanks for your reply!

As far as treats go, the answer would be 'no'. We're the only ones that give her treats. I try to keep treats limited and consistent so that they're more useful in training.

Yes, she does get excited. Typically it's a 'happy' excited. Like when Daddy comes home and she greets him...tons of licking and tail wagging and snorting and just all around excitement. That excitement, however, can certainly be affecting her digestive system. She also has periods of excitement through the day when she plays with her doggie sister. They run through the house chasing and tugging and otherwise acting silly until the two of them wear out. I wonder if that contributes to the problem?

Can you give me some words for the training you're thinking of - to keep Milli from being physically stressed? If I know what to search for, I can look through the forums or elsewhere to see which training exercises we should be focusing on.

Thanks again!
Sabrina

Milli sounds like such a happy girl! The running and playing with her sister are great. I'm sorry to sound vague about training, and I can't think of where to direct you in the training forum.

The training that helped me with Teddy is first, establishing a daily routine. It's great to do different things or to have surprises as long as there is a basic schedule. For instance, it's comforting to the dog to know when to expect a meal, a walk, bed time.

Second, I make sure not to fuel Teddy's energy when we do things that are exciting, or things that may cause a little anxiety. I maintain a calm, confident demeanor. You don't have to be dour like a funeral director, just happy calm.

Third, I trained Teddy to do tricks. Following instructions like sit, stay, down, shake, and more can focus a dog and have a calming effect. When we have company, I focus Teddy by having him do his tricks.

Like your Milli, Teddy is a very happy, confident boy. However, he is still more sensitive than my older boy, and that sensitivity usually manifests itself in his digestive system. I think being young and thin also contributed to his problems, because maturity and a little of weight have lessened the episodes.

How old is Milli? What food does she eat? Sounds like you are really good with monitoring intake and consistency, and you did a really good thing having the vet check her stool sample. Overeating can also cause loose stools, and heat can be a factor too. The heat has been unbearable this year.

[MochaBoyMom]

Dog probiotics helped my Mocha's sensitive stomach. I strongly advise it. He has not had an episode since I put him on that. It comes in a capsule. Just open up and sprinkle the tastless powder on the food.

[MillisMomma]

Milli just turned 6 months old last week. She eats Holistic Select Small and Mini Breed 'Nourish Puppy Health' formula. The treats she mainly consumes for training are Zuke's. She does enjoy chewing on a bully stick before bedtime. And....her guilty pleasure...licking my yogurt spoon once I'm almost finished with a container! (She doesn't get an awful lot...just a taste!)

Thanks for the suggestion about probiotics. I suspect she gets a touch of active yogurt cultures from licking my spoon but maybe not enough to truly help. I just called the vet to see if I should get probiotics through them or try to order some online. They'll call me back here in a little bit when the vet gets out of surgery.

She and Skye both have loose stools today...although Skye's seems to involve the consuming of my sock a day or so ago. I found a wad of purple sock as I cleaned up some Skye poo this morning! Silly Skye!

[MochaBoyMom]

Originally Posted by MillisMomma

Milli just turned 6 months old last week. She eats Holistic Select Small and Mini Breed 'Nourish Puppy Health' formula. The treats she mainly consumes for training are Zuke's. She does enjoy chewing on a bully stick before bedtime. And....her guilty pleasure...licking my yogurt spoon once I'm almost finished with a container! (She doesn't get an awful lot...just a taste!)

Thanks for the suggestion about probiotics. I suspect she gets a touch of active yogurt cultures from licking my spoon but maybe not enough to truly help. I just called the vet to see if I should get probiotics through them or try to order some online. They'll call me back here in a little bit when the vet gets out of surgery.

She and Skye both have loose stools today...although Skye's seems to involve the consuming of my sock a day or so ago. I found a wad of purple sock as I cleaned up some Skye poo this morning! Silly Skye!

Do you have a PetSmart around? They sell probiotics so there is no need to buy online.

[MillisMomma]

Yes, we do have a PetSmart and a PetCo. Although, to make things easier today I'll run to the vet's office and pick their recommendation up. They recommended FortiFlora for both girlies...so, we'll see how it goes! Thanks for the suggestion!

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by MillisMomma

Yes, we do have a PetSmart and a PetCo. Although, to make things easier today I'll run to the vet's office and pick their recommendation up. They recommended FortiFlora for both girlies...so, we'll see how it goes! Thanks for the suggestion!

Hope this is the solution.

[MochaBoyMom]

Originally Posted by MillisMomma

Yes, we do have a PetSmart and a PetCo. Although, to make things easier today I'll run to the vet's office and pick their recommendation up. They recommended FortiFlora for both girlies...so, we'll see how it goes! Thanks for the suggestion!

Good! Let me know how this works out.