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Changing food question

thelady_v2010

Well-Known Member
Something else I was wondering. When I got him, he was finishing up a round of antibiotics. No one was clear with me on what it was for. There was a discussion between the vet tech and store manager in which the manager won. She wanted me to take a dose of AB with me for the morning, said it was strong and I needed to wear glvoes, but the manager said no. The next morning when I took him back to the store (and ultimately bought him), the manager (different one), said she was mistaken, he finished up his round and was done. He said it was upper respitory and woudn't give more info than that. I also knew at the time it was a bit shady and not ideal, but I had to get him out of there and knew that I could afford to get him treatment, etc. I took him to the vet 3 days later and he said it sounded like kennel couch (which he has since been vaxxed for). I would think that an AB so strong that you have to wear gloves to administer would really mess with your gut flora?
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Very very likely. ANY antibiotic will screw with your gut flora really. So its entirely possible thats part of his problem.

FYI, the kennel cough vaccine only works on a small selection of strains of KC, he can still get sick from it (I've had it happen personally with a vaccinated dog).
 

mx5055

Well-Known Member
He went from 4-5 big poops a day to 2 small poops a day.

OK...Can I jump in here with a question? I have been following this thread for the learning experience, and now I have a question. Bella eats Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast, and I have been very happy with how she has been doing on it. Slow steady growth, firm poops, good shiny coat, etc. My only question is this.....She has about 5 good sized poops a day...is that too many? She is fed 3x a day...in the am she gets fish oil capsules with her food...at lunch she gets a tablespoon of yogurt on top...and at dinner she gets just enough broth (salt and fat free) to moisten her food. Is this too many poops for one day, and if so, how do I fix it?
 

thelady_v2010

Well-Known Member
Very very likely. ANY antibiotic will screw with your gut flora really. So its entirely possible thats part of his problem.

FYI, the kennel cough vaccine only works on a small selection of strains of KC, he can still get sick from it (I've had it happen personally with a vaccinated dog).

I figured it wouldn't get them all, but I knew he was going to be boarded this month and I knew most places require that they have it, so I went ahead and did that.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
OK...Can I jump in here with a question? I have been following this thread for the learning experience, and now I have a question. Bella eats Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast, and I have been very happy with how she has been doing on it. Slow steady growth, firm poops, good shiny coat, etc. My only question is this.....She has about 5 good sized poops a day...is that too many? She is fed 3x a day...in the am she gets fish oil capsules with her food...at lunch she gets a tablespoon of yogurt on top...and at dinner she gets just enough broth (salt and fat free) to moisten her food. Is this too many poops for one day, and if so, how do I fix it?

Well, this where its a judgment call. As a general rule, if the dog is pooping that much, then I have to wonder if they're REALLY getting enough out of the food or if its just all passing through. It CAN happen with great foods as too, though I find it less common. If she's OTHERWISE doing well on it, and you're happy with her progress, then I see no real reason to switch her food, but its something to keep an eye on. Its possible that as she grows, and you switch her to two meals a day, that the frequency will drop.

I figured it wouldn't get them all, but I knew he was going to be boarded this month and I knew most places require that they have it, so I went ahead and did that.

Yah, alot of boarding places require it. My vet requires it before planned hospitalizations too (ie: neutering).
 

mx5055

Well-Known Member
Well, this where its a judgment call. As a general rule, if the dog is pooping that much, then I have to wonder if they're REALLY getting enough out of the food or if its just all passing through. It CAN happen with great foods as too, though I find it less common. If she's OTHERWISE doing well on it, and you're happy with her progress, then I see no real reason to switch her food, but its something to keep an eye on. Its possible that as she grows, and you switch her to two meals a day, that the frequency will drop.

Thanks Ruth...This is where I sometimes have difficulty with the judgment call....This is my first ever giant breed dog, so there are so many new things to consider and learn. She has an appointment tomorrow just for 2 last vaccinations, and I will get the 3rd weight on her since I've gotten her. I guess I will evaluate it after that. Do you think changing to a different flavor of the Earthborn would change this issue? I really hate to change brands on her since in every other aspect of this food she is doing so well.
 

thelady_v2010

Well-Known Member
He is now 100% on the Earthborn Coastal Catch. His poop is solid and looks okay, but he is back up to 4-5 poops a day, but they are smaller than they were before. He is back to aving gas as well! We will be staying on this for now to see how it goes.

Thanks so much for all your help!
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
It can't hurt to add it, just keep in mind that some dogs get spoiled, and later won't eat their kibble without that additive!