Expert: Delores Beck - 7/5/2010

Question
My wonderful 7yr. old female(spayed) Cocker Spaniel has had loose bowel movements.  Our vet is closed for the long holiday weekend.  She eats Science Diet small dog %26 regretfully my husband feed her from the table when I am not looking....I know she has not been her spunky self, very slow & panting too...  What can I do for her until I get her to the the vet.  I was hoping it would go away...no suck luck.  My poor girl!  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Okay...don't panic :)..this happens from time to time.

The first thing to do is fast her for at least 8 hours.  This will allow her tummy to settle down.  Just leave her water bowl down.

After that, begin feeding very small meals of plain scrambled egg (use no milk/oil) & plain white rice.  Use extra water and overcook.
To that (4 eggs & 1 cup white rice) I'd add 1 tsp. of Metamucil.  Plain, unflavored "No Sugar Added".  Mix the tsp. in 1/4 cup water and then mix well into food.  Give her very small amount every two hours. (A couple of tbsp.)


But how long has this been going on?  And I have to say, Science Diet is the worst food on the planet.  I'd love to talk to you about feeding her something way better.  Nutrition is the key to health.

I do hope she's just had a "dietary indiscretion" (aka - a garage raid :) and will be fine.
That's usually the case.

Please tell your husband that some human food is just fine to feed dogs, but depending on what it is and how it's cooked, you can cause BIG trouble.  If he can't resist, put some raw green beans on a little plate for him to give her.
Delores