Two weeks ago, I had no idea what canine stress colitis was.
Didn’t even know it was a “thing”…
Turns out it’s real.
Colitis in dogs is an irritation of the colon and is a common malady. It isn’t actually a disease itself, but a symptom of several other diseases and problems. The big ones are stress, infection or parasites, allergies, or any of several bowel diseases. Source: Pet Care RX Inc.
THE BEGINNING –
When I think backwards, their stool changes actually began while we were on our Just the Three of Us tour…
They weren’t pooping regularly but that’s not unusual with the food they consume.
The week prior to our departure, my son and husband had started tearing up the house in preparation for the contractors arrival the following week…
When we returned home, the apocalypse was in full swing and their once – rock hard – throw it up against the wall excrement changed to custard.
For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what was happening. I’d not introduced any new foods, they were both eating, drinking, and playing as usual. Yet they were both having issues with their stool consistency.
TIME FOR THE EXPERTS –
I called into the holistic vet and told her all about our troubles. She prescribed Rx Clay…
It’s a vegetarian and hypoallergenic supplement to keep your pet’s gastrointestinal tract healthy, resulting in clinical normalization of the stool quality.
I used it for a few days, but when I stopped – our progress stopped as well.
Could the culprit be from a parasite or an infection? This was baffling because – this is happening to two dogs at the same time. #whyme?
I called their conventional Doodle Doc and he suggested a five day antibiotic. When that failed, we went in. The exams were costly, but I needed to know what in the Doodle was going on.
Canine Stress Colitis.
COMMON SIGNS OF COLITIS –
- many small, loose or watery stools – this was the symptom we were dealing with 🙁
- straining before or afterwards
- passing bright red blood or mucus with the stool
- vomiting
If your dog suffers from any of these symptoms – chances of colitis is probably high. A vet visit is encouraged.
TOP CAUSES OF COLITIS –
- Stress
- Infection
- Parasites
- Allergies
After a thorough exam, we were able to rule out three of the four and zero in on one – stress!
Eliminating the others and having a better understanding of the true culprit – Doodle Doc and I discussed the plan ahead. He suggested a good natural probiotic to reinforce the gut and perhaps add some rice to their meals for a couple of days.
WHEN I GOT HOME –
I blamed my husband!
Why?
Dunno really, but since he’s home with them during renovation madness, I felt he was responsible. I stressed #punintended to him that despite how much we think they understand all of this confusion – they really don’t.
I asked him to please take them along if he runs errands while I’m at work. So far, he’s been very compliant. 🙂
After my discussion with the Vet, and based on their diagnosis, I immediately re-ordered more Olewo Carrots!
WHAT’S OLEWO CARROTS? –
Olewo Carrots are –
known to cure dog diarrhea fast, but the product is more than just a remedy. Adding it to a dog’s meals daily helps boost immunity, and the nutrients in carrots support many organs in the body to work properly and to prevent health issues. Source: Olewo
If the Boys needed something to promote gut health – they were going back on Olewo Carrots!
ALL IS TIGHT AND RIGHT –
Two meals with rice and three meals with Olewo carrots and all is tight and right with their world LOL
I will probably continue adding the carrots a couple of times a week. Completion of our first floor renovation is scheduled for the end of May.
Treating them “naturally” with these carrots eliminates their diarrhea.
Good news is the fence is up so soon there will be a yard to romp in again. #stressreleaser
During the week they travel many places together…
And for right now, the weekends are all about them…
NOTE –
I am not a veterinarian nor am I writing a product review for any of these products. I’m a Doodle Mom sharing experiences living an everyday life with two Goldendoodles. If you believe your pup is ill, please, please, please seek medical advice from a professional immediately.
ONE MORE THING –
Stop by and sign up for our latest give-away. It’s an Urban Walk’r leash and it’s the best one I’ve ever used!
This weekend make some memories to share on Monday ❤
May 5, 2018
Glad you were able to get to the bottom of the boys’ issues. I’m not surprised that they could be experiencing some stress. I’m sure the humans are too. 😉
Honey had something similar going on when Mike went back to work in NY leaving just the two of us on board for a month in Florida. Feeding her cooked turkey and pumpkin helped clear things up in about a week. But I like the idea of dehydrated carrots. They’d be easy to keep on board since I don’t always have access to canned pumpkin on board.
May 7, 2018
Life is “tight and right” finally. I am happy I spent the $$ to figure out what this actually was. I was afraid since it was both of them that it had something to do with the construction (dust, etc…) But that’s not the case. We’re really keeping them close and it seems to be helping a great deal. The carrots are definitely something you want to look into next Chewy order you place. I got the referral from Kimberly and she never steers me wrong. I like to give it to them on the weekends – it’s like their special treat. How are you all doing? Coming back this way before long?
May 5, 2018
Sam suffers from stress colitis on occasion. It’s the pits when your sensitive pup gets stressed out but probably a good reminder to take it easy and make it easy on the pups. Glad things are all tight and right now.
May 7, 2018
This was super scary because it was the both of them. Didn’t want to go to the vet, but I have no regrets from going. I’d rather be knowledgeable then not. We’re back to normal now, so all is well here in Doodleville.
May 6, 2018
We’ve heard of this before and it has happened with some of us, just for a few days, when things get stressful, and then it goes away. Hope the boys are all firmed up soon.
May 7, 2018
Emma, I had no idea so many pups suffer from this. It was an eye opening experience for me because they both got it at the same time. Life is back to normal now, thank the Doodle!
May 6, 2018
Poor Shadow has had more than her fair share of stress colitis over these last few years. And to make matters worse, sometimes it wasn’t just stress. But, with excellent vet care and pretty-good Mom and Dad care, we got her over those “episodes”. Now it’s just an occasional bit of stress that lasts only a day or two. (Thank Doodle!)
Glad the Doodle Boys are “right and tight” again! And that DoodleDad is doing his part to keep their stress under control!
May 7, 2018
After writing this post, I’m really finding out just how common this really is. Had no idea. Things here are firm, tight and lovely LOL Hope all is “tight and right” at your house too!
May 8, 2018
Poor Doodles! I can imagine how stressful the construction is for them. We try to put our dogs in day camp during short term renos – long term would be too expensive. I’ve never heard of these magical carrots!! I’ll have to look into them. I’m glad they’ve recovered and are back to their old rambunctious selves!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
May 9, 2018
The carrots are truly magic – It took two days and they were back on track. Renovations are on-going, but now they seem comfortable with it, plus Doodle Dad has them with him during the day. We’re adjusting…