Expert: Delores Beck - 5/29/2011

Question
QUESTION: So I've written to you before and you helped so much! Thank you. My pup is now almost 2 yrs in august and he is for the past 3-4 weeks been eating only canine caviar the split pea & venison meal... I switched him from Sojos because I am so busy sometimes that I would forget to prepare his meal on time, forcing him to wait a few hours before he could eat. I know that sounds horrible but I found this new kibble hoping it be great for him. Now yesterday I come home from school, release him from his crate and he immediately dumps on my new carpet. I wasn't upset because this is the first time he has ever done this so I naturally freak out wondering what could be wrong him! But first I ran him outside so he could finish while I cleaned. Today in the morning his crate is dirty. He couldn't hold it despite the fact that I got up at 7am to let him out because I know he has the runs. So I walk him and notice he has a red nose! I freak out again I am really worried now. He hasn't gotten into anything but summer is starting to show in Chicago so I'm wondering if its allergies to the weather, could it be his food? Please help Delores, I'm going crazy.

ANSWER: First of all - anytime a dog has diarrhea the first thing to do is fast him for about 8 hours (leave the water bowl down).

Then make up the following:
4 scrambled eggs (only scramble-use no oil, no milk)
1 1/2 cups of overcooked (and use extra water) plain white rice.  Mix all together well.
Keep refrigerated but do not serve cold.  Feed multiple very small meals.

I don't think it's the food since he was fine on it for weeks.

I suggest confining him (and put papers down)and not crating him until this clears up.

You can make up Sojo's Complete the night before...and you can make up enough for a couple of days.  The longer it rehydrates, the better.

Your subject line mentions hair loss..can you go into that in detail for me.  I'm mystified by the red nose.

After he's fasted (which allows his tummy to rest) then begin giving multiple small meals.

If this doesn't clear up quickly (48 hours) you'll need to see your vet.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: His hair length is about 3 inches long. He is due at the groomers this sunday. And I thought he is loosing hair because its so long so its obviously more noticeable. But thinking back to the other time he's had his fur this long... he didn't shed this much so I don't know  what could've caused this to change....

Now his nose .. its red and it looks sort of raw .. I think it looks like its bloody but he won't let me touch it and is constantly licking it :( this wasn't there last night....

ANSWER: Summer is coming...get him a "puppy cut".  It's the cocker cut but with skirt & legs about 1/2".

All I can think of is that he's injured his nose somehow...in his crate, possibly?
How long is he crated daily?  How much exercise does he get...and does he still have runny stool?
Have you fixed the egg & rice?


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So I've fed him the rice with eggs, cold. Can I give him his kibble again? If so, should I resume feeding like before?  He gets daily walks for an hour at least, everyday after school.

Answer
Cold?  Never feed a dog food straight from the fridge.

Keep feeding him small meals of the egg/rice until you see a normal stool.

Then you will add a tiny bit of kibble..slowly..

I did ask "how long is he crated"?  I'm glad he gets an hour of exercise but if he's crated all day you're going to have problems.  Plus it's SO boring for him.