Holistic remedy for diarrhea?

[JodyO]

Our puppy (15 weeks) has been having diarrhea pretty much since we got him. When he arrived to us he had solid stools and was acting very normal he was on a wet/dry mix of Evolve.

About a week after we got him he started having diarrhea. We gave him pumpkin and rice to firm them up, but nothing helped. So we took him to the vet and he had a bacteria. She put him on one week of Metronotozole (sp?) and he started to improve a little. Still no firm stools. It has been two weeks since the medicine finished and he started having projectile diarhea last night. SOOOOO back to the vet. They found no parasite, worms, bactieria, but put him back on Metronitozole (higher dose longer period of time) anyway.

My question is this: Is there a more natural solution to a puppy with diarrhea? I have had accupuncture suggested by a "natural practicing" friend. What have you all tried?

My vet is pretty much an idiot. She had never heard of Evolve, Wellness, Canidae dog foods. I just don't want to pump my puppy full of meds if it is not necessary.

Any suggestions are welcomed!!!

Jody

 

[zoltanniki]

hi!
MY PUPPY HAS A SAME PROBLEM. HE ALSO 15 WEEKS OLD. WE FEED HIM WITH EVOLVE TOO,BUT WE DON'T HAVE ANY PROBLEM BEFORE. HE'S ON THE MEDICATION SECOND DAY NOW. THE VET GIVE US SOME HILL'S BRAND,PRESCIPTION DIET,FOR HE'S STOMACH.
I HOPE YOUR PUPPY WIL FEEL BETTER SOON.

 

[Jan]

Slippery Elm bark. You can get it at the health food store.

 

[JodyO]

What does slippery elm bark do? Is it a vitamin? Do I sprinkle it on his food? How much should I give a 20 pound boxer baby?

 

[Krikkit]

I like Slippery Elm too - always carry it with us when we go away, great for dogs and humans for all sorts of things

Here is a little about it:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/elmsli09.html
and at
http://www.herbalmanac.com/slipperyelm/

A previous thread (in the BARF forum) with some info on Slippery Elm:
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46039&highlight=slippery

I think you can purchase it in tablet (capsule?) or powdered form.

Jody, has he been on Evolve all this time?

Will be thinking of him and hope you can sort out what the problem is soon - poor little boy - these things are just so frustrating.

Sharon

 

[JodyO]

When he started the diarrhea we cut back on the amount of Evolve and added rice. When it did not improve after a week, we removed the Evolve all together and did a pumpkin, rice and boiled chicken mix and the vet put him on Metronitazole. After he finished that medicin we had a few good days of semi solid poop. I think I forget what real poop looks like.....

Anyway, we started to add (slowly) his Evolve back in because he was dropping weight and clearly needed more than the mixture we were giving him. and it all started again...

Now after a vet visit on Monday, we fasted him yesterday and did a higher dose of Metronitazole and we got a good poop yesterday. Gave him rice, chicken broth (low sodium) and chicken breast this morning.

It is really frustrating. If this does not get him on the right track, we are going to need to switch foods. It just seems strange to me that he was fine on the food when we got him from the breeder. Our two year old is on Wellness, but I am afraid it might be too rich for the baby.

I just want to try something with more natural ingredients. I am having trouble pumping a bunch meds in a puppy so young. I don't want to screw with his immune system.

Thanks for all the advice...much appreciated!!!!!

Jody

PS what dose of slippery elm would be good for a 20 pound pup?

 

[Krikkit]

I buy it in bulk powdered form, and the dosage info that comes with it says to sprinkle a teaspoon on the food for a dog that weighs 20 pounds. This probably varies depeding on what form you buy - should come with some info on quantity

Have you thought of consulting a holistic practitioner about this?

I hope this sorts itself out soon Jody, am thinking all good thoughts for your boy.

Sharon