AboutLabman Expertise housebreaking, chewing, feeding
Please do not send me questions on medical problems or AKC standards
Experience Through my volunteer work with a large dog guide school, I know a little about all the breeds they use including Goldens. I have extensive experience with the closely related Labs. The service dog schools have acquired a wealth of knowledge about raising well behaved, healthy dogs with long, active lives. They do not share it with the general public, but pass on the best of it to those like me that raise puppies for them. I am part of a group that has raised dogs for 6 different service dog schools. We meet monthly for training and share information.
Question Max has had loose stools for two weeks. Breeder recommended that we change from Diamond Large Puppy food to adult. We did so 2 days ago. His diarreah is much worse today. 5-7 loose runny - not liquid - more like pudding to runny pudding. Do we feed him today? If so, boiled rice & chicken, or do we go 24 hours without food? Then do we go back to adult or mix the two?
Thanks so much for your help.
Craig
Answer Has the vet done a fecal check? Quite often you need to clean our any parasites.
Try the 24 hours without food, then the rice and chicken until he firms up. If he doesn't firm up in a week, see the vet. If he does, slowly work back in the adult food.
I doubt changing the food would have helped, but it is a good idea anyhow. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.
Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You
should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different.
Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its
food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good
illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx
