I have tried everything, but the diarrhea won't end!

[1FlashyFan]

It's all very frustrating, isn't it? I've been in your shoes and it's not fun. Natural Balance is a high quality food, and many people with allergic dogs have found success with a change to a non-traditional protein source, i.e. duck. However, duck tends to be higher in fat and could be too rich for some. Does Murphy show any signs of allergy (itchy/scratching, hives, etc.)? His diarreah may be an intolerance and not necessarily an allergy if there aren't any other symptoms. Hopefully, the pumpkin will do the trick and you won't have to make any changes in diet, particularly if he's enjoying the Natural Balance.

As for the EVO, it is very high in protein compared to traditional kibble. It is promoted as way to feed a natural diet in that there are no grains (there is potato in the ingredient list as well as fruits and vegetables). Natural Balance has a grain free product now as well --Natural Balance RAW (only available in Calfornia and Nevada for now) http://www.naturalbalanceinc.com/products/RAW.html. However, if any type of grain is a problem, it may be worth considering going to a natural diet where you can control exactly what Murphy eats.

As for the sulfasalizine, how long was Murphy on it? I read somewhere it could take a few weeks to see long term improvement. http://www.marvistavet.com/html/sulfasalazine.html However, one of the side-effects of longer term use is dryness in the tear ducts so you'd need to keep an eye on that. Of course, if you can turn the situation without meds, that's always the better route.

 

[Ianatch]

Murphy doesn't show any signs of allergies as you described. Perhaps it is an intolerance, which I guess may be a little better?
Murphy was on the sulfasalazine for about 2wks. It worked instantly, however the draw back was that he drank lots and lots of water which made him have to wake up in the middle of the night to make outside, which got pretty annoying.
Do you think that EVO would be a good possibility? Are there any negative drawbacks from feeding him this food? I would probably have to give him a flaxseed supplement with it, correct? Is too much protein a bad thing for a puppy? I heard it was. Sorry for the millions of questions, but you seem to know about this stuff. Thanks!

 

[1FlashyFan]

Actually, I think even the manufactuer of EVO doesn't suggest it for a puppy as a high protein intake could cause Murphy to grow too rapidly which could lead to health problems later. http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=561690&postcount=16 I believe the moderators have brought up some good info on this exact question about EVO here: http://boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71762

For now, I'd try the pumpkin and see if it helps. Also keep in mind the BM's will become looser when Murphy's most active (after playing) and firmer when resting (overnight) and that's very normal. I'd avoid the meds too if I were you. Sounds like you are doing a great job with Murphy and I'm sure you'll get this all figured out very soon.

 

[Hoagie]

Maximus had the same problem. We changed his food to Science Diet Puppy Lamb meal and rice and he's doing fine with that. We do give him pumpkin from time to time if we see things are loose. After everything we went through with Max we feel like poop experts. We do have to watch what kind of bones and treats we give him, they still affect him.
In the beginning though (when he was about 4-5 months old, he's 8 months now) he was on several different prescribed meds as well as immodium ad, because the diarhea was so bad. It turned out he had both cocciadia and giardia (spelling?). His own immune system should have been able to kick both out but it wasn't able to that's why all the meds for so long. And they also didn't pick up on the giardia until well after the cocciadia.
Now, like other people stated if he is real active or if he eats something out of the ordinary things may be loose but nothing like the pure water you were talking about, or what we have experienced. Hope this helps.

 

[Ianatch]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and stories, they have been very helpful.
I am going to try feeding Murphy some pumpkin in his food, but how much should I be giving him? Right now we feed him 2 1/2 cups of food 2 times per day. Thanks again!

 

[gmacleod]

Just a tablespoon or so is plenty

If that doesn't work, you might like to look a little further into the idea of a natural raw diet. There are just some dogs that will never tolerate a kibble diet well, but can still thrive on raw food. So if nothing else is working, that one might be worth a shot

 

[Ianatch]

He pooped and it actually had some shape to it. We'll see how that works tomorrow and so on.
We are going to try Innova's EVO formula but wait until Murphy is about 10 months to a year, since that diet isn't the best thing for puppies. I'll keep you posted for usre. Thanks for your help everyone! It's pretty amazing that everyone is so helpful on this, really means alot.

 

[MMKids]

My boy used to have the same problem. We changed his food to Wellness Fish and Sweet Potato as his mother had the same sensitive stomach. He is fine now. The only time he really seems to get an upset tummy now is when he rides in the car. I think he gets car sick. When we finally stop the car he really has to go. Hope you figure it out.

Koda's Mom

 

[Max&Murphy]

I just saw this post and thought I'd add my two cents... I actually have a 7 months old puppy named Murphy also! He also has a bad case of diarrhea. We did try the EVO food and it actually seemed to make it much worse. When we got Murphy as a tiny puppy, he was eating Pro Plan and doing fine. We wanted him to have better food, so switched him (slowly) over to Nutro Ultra and he had diarrhea. Then we switched him, slowly again, over to the EVO and it was worse. It's better now, since the vet has him on Science Diet prescription high-fiber food, but we're thinking about putting him back on the Pro Plan. I'd be really interested in what works for you!

 

[gmacleod]

Max&Murphy: I realise you're off the Evo now, but that food should not be fed to puppies (and even the manufacturer says it). It is far too high in protein for a puppy and likely to result in growth problems. It's a great food with excellent ingredients - but suited to very active adults, never a puppy that's still growing. It is not surprising that it would cause diarrhoea in a pup either - it's just too 'rich'.