posted 11-29-2003 07:35 PM         

Just one quick question for you. Are you feeding your puppy the same food that your breeder was feeding him? I only ask because sudden changes in a puppies diet, such as switching food brands or food, can cause such problems as those you are experiencing.
I know there are some other remedies to your problem, but unfortunately I am not familiar with them. I am sure there are others on this board who would be willing to help you out with some of their suggestions. Also, some puppies are a little nervous in their new environment/home, which can also lead to some diarrhea problems as well.

These aren't the only issues that can cause diarrhea, but they are couple that I am familiar with.

Although, if the problem does persist, I would highly recommend taking your puppy to a vet if you haven't done so already. (Plus, it is a good idea to take him to the vet to check and see that he is healthy and has no other problems even if he wasn't having the diarrhea.)

Best of Luck,
Kristi

posted 11-29-2003 09:52 PM         

Well, at least you know that the food brand change is not the cause.

Glad to hear that you are taking your pup to the vet on Monday. He/She will be able to better diagnose the problem and give you some helpful pointers. And like you are already doing, have fresh water available at all times, the last thing you need is a dehydrated puppy to add to your problem!

As far as taking your pup to a veterinary ER, it all depends on how you feel. Does the diarrhea seem severe? If yes, then you may want to consider going to a vet. ER; and if not, then you are probably safe in waiting till Monday.

I know when I first got my two shih-poos I was a nervous wreck about everyting! Lets just say I was a frequent visitor in my vets office I can definitely relate to your feelings of nervousness! My two dogs actually had a diarrhea problem as well when we first brought them home. So, of course, being a nervous new dog owner, we did bring them to our vet. He mentioned to us that it was not an unusal problem in puppies, and that it usually clears up in a short amount of time (for us about a week). But, that is not to say that there could not be a more serious problem.

Thus, your nervous feelings about your baby are perfectly normal! Just give Coby lots of love and attention and have fun!!!

Sorry I couldn't be of any more help!

Let us know how things turn out,
Kristi

posted 11-30-2003 11:17 AM         

For the first month with my two puppies, I fed them both dry and canned mixed together As a matter of fact, the dry food (for puppies) alone was too hard for them to chew!

posted 11-30-2003 06:47 PM         

I absolutely agree with you about eventually phasing out canned food from a puppies diet (except using it as a treat once and awhile). Yes, canned food does contain high levels of fat, and for that very reason I do not continue using canned food in my dogs diet beyond one month. Having used canned food mixed with dry food on my two puppies for their first month, I can personally attest that their teeth are in superb condition and have had no health problems to this day! It is my conviction (as well as the numerous vets I have spoken to) that canned food (mixed with dry) does in fact provide adequate nutrition for a puppy. This is especially true for small breed dogs. For larger breed dogs, a dry food only diet is an excellent option due to the greater caloric density.

Everyone has their own opinions on this issue, and everyone is entitled to his, or her, own opinion! It would be awfully boring if we all thought the same

posted 11-30-2003 07:29 PM         

PS ...I told them this back " The problem with that is where I live where the 60's is just arriving ,so now I gotta wait 50 yrs to get an old hippy vet" LOL !
They helped me with my problem and were correct in all they told me to do .Research is the key .

posted 11-30-2003 08:17 PM         

I definitely agree, second opinions (and third, fourth, etc if necessary) coupled with research are the best route!

I doubt this particular issue will ever be able to come to one firm answer one way or another due to the multiple opinions regarding it. Like you mentioned, seeing one's own vet and making a decision from there is probably the best bet!

The vets: Jones, Jerome, Watts, Bloss, Seidler, just to name a few.

I think I have completely exhausted this subject, so I will try and leave it alone now! LOL

Kristi

posted 12-01-2003 02:51 PM         

Hopefully someone can help us out!