Dog passing quite hard stool

[Junemason1973]

Hi,
My dog Jyn has been doing really well on enzorb, pre and pro biotics and a gastrointestinal food.
But the last couple of days he's been passing hard dry stool, I haven't changed anything regarding his meds or diet so I'm at a bit of a loss as to why this might be happening.

Any ideas ?

June

[Eddiespaghetti]

The most common reason is constipation. The common causes of constipation are dehydration or low fiber intake. The easiest way to see if those are the causes is, get a can of raw pumpkin and add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon to each feeding. Depending on the size of the dog. If you add too much it can go the opposite way. I would try the canned raw pumpkin over powder because it also has moisture in it compared to the pumpkin powder. So it should help with both causes. If the pumpkin doesn't help within a couple days, there might be a more serious issue going on.
When the weather changes, sometimes my dogs do not drink as much water as they should. It's really hard to get a dog to drink water if they don't want to. To check for dehydration you can rub their gums and if they feel sticky, or are a light pink color. You can also pull up on their scruff and it should snap back quickly. You can compare to yours by pulling up on the skin on the back of your hand for reference.

[Olesia711]

Hi Jun,

I agree with Jeremy's suggestion.... tried pure canned pumpkin first.... if your dog is large, like the size of a German Shepherd, mix 1 tsp of canned pure pumpkin (unsweetened) in the meal. If the dog is medium size.... start with 1/2 tsp.....if the dog is small start with 1/4 tsp.

But i also REALLY think it could be not drinking enough liquid (water) and Jeremy gave you great tips on how to check for this.
If you do suspect dehydration..... get some unflavored PEDIALYTE and give it to your dog to replenish electrolytes, etc.... that are lost when dehydrated... Pedialyte is found in supermarkets or drugstores in the children's section... or... you can make your own recipe on the internet.. just skip the "flavoring" ingredients.

[Junemason1973]

Thank you both, I forgot to say that he's on steroids too for allergies, so he drinks and pees more than usual, I don't know if that is affecting him.

I'm not sure where to get canned pumpkin in the UK , I actually don't think I've ever seen it.

He passed some slightly too soft stool this evening, so I'm not sure what's going on with him.

[Eddiespaghetti]

It is more than likely affecting him. If possible try some allergy medicine instead of steroids. Better in the long term of things. Talk to your vet if you do want to switch over.
I have never gotten my dog to drink Pedialyte. No matter the flavor or scenario. Always try to get the reduced sugar ones if possible. I am unsure about the UK but in America a lot of stores have raw pumpkin in the baking sections, and some pet stores usually carry it as well.
Another option is to get small wet food packs and add them to their food.
Another another option, is a subdermal saline shot/IV. This is usually reserved for worse cases of dehydration (if that is what is going on)

[Tuckaboo Pam]

Steroids can be constipating, of course, so that may be the 'why'.

June, if you can't find pumpkin you could feed some baked sweet potato. I give more than 1 teaspoon, probably 1 rounded tablespoon, but Olesia is the true expert.

For hydrating, my vet has me make turkey wing broth. I believe her video is available somewhere on this website, but basically you use turkey wings, a bit of vinegar, sea salt & a lot of water, bring to a boil & simmer for at least a couple of hours. Dogs love it, and it also provides glucosamine. If turkey wings aren't available, chicken feet are a good substitute.

One caveat, though, some EPI dogs don't do well eating poultry. My Tucker does fine, and he also tolerates the fiber in the extra pumpkin I give him. They are ALL different! Take Care---Pam

[Patsy]

Hello from Yorkshire
I missed your long post in August thanks to grandchildren chaos. You are certainly in the early throes of epi. I think we all despaired and wept. Once the weight goes on , it will get better as the body regains normality from the inside, then the muscles.
Your vet, surprisingly, is following a protocol which is good. But don’t hesitate to refer them to the medical information and research on this forum . Sometimes we know better simply because of the wealth of experience by so many global members.
Re hard stools, I hope it is a blip and settling down . Good advice given .
No canned pumpkin in the uk, so I microwave a sweet potato instead.
All my dogs loathed tasteless hydrolysed food. I used Millie’s Wolfheart food (online)and soaked it . It’s naturally hp. Epi dogs need extra food to gain weight. Also never soak uK/Eu enzymes or they will digest the food before the dog eats it.
Do let us know any progress.

[Barb]

I,too had good luck with pumpkin, Hopefully, when the steroids are finished, you will see improvement.

Let us know.

Barb