Frazier seems to have some on and off "poop issues". The vet described the consistency best by calling it soft serve ice cream. We have gone through several different quality kibbles over time, and he will have firm poo for a while, and then they loosen up again.
This last time, we switched over to Wellness venison allergy fromula. We have been on that for 4 weeks now, with NO variation of his diet. No treats etc. Only this kibble. He had a bald/itchy patch on his neck (looked similar to a hot spot), runny eyes, frequent ear infections, terrible gas and runny poo. All of this has gotten better, even the poo for a while...but now he's soft again.
I have to add, just from all the reading, that he also seems to shed a bunch at times which I just chalk up....but it says it can be an allergy issue too.
Just looking for ideas....He is up on all shots, heartworm etc. vet visits. Haven't taken any poo in....
I'd take in a stool sample to rule out any of these issues. Then perhaps a blood panel. I always err on the side of overdo with my guys, just in case. Zammi has always had a looser stool, formed by very soft and much larger than the other two. It's just Zammi, I now give him a tablespoon of low fat yogurt with his kibble and this has really seemed to help in the firming department. I hope that it is nothing to be concerned about and an easy fix.
__________________
Beverly Red Rocks Zam I Am (Zammi) CD, RE, CGC Dusty Road's Walk'in on Air (Pilot) RN, CGC U-CH/CH Naughty DeNevi at Red Rocks RN, CGC (Denee) Forever in my heart" Red Rocks RIMPAC Warrior (Tanner) CD, RE, CGC Tanner, Zammi, Pilot & Denee Red Rocks Boxers
I agree with the fecal sample. Ask if you vet tests for giardia and how they test. If the use a snap test, then a sample from the yard will do. If they look for it under a direct smear, then they need a sample direct from the source. Those nasties die within minutes to seconds after a bowel movement and are hard to find.
Once a fecal sample is cleared... I would add some yogurt and either canned pumpkin or applesauce (low sugar) to his diet to see if the additives help firm up the stool.
__________________
Susan
**Boxers... not just dogs, they're an adventure!