Food,/diarrhea, tear stains and sniffles

Question
Hi.

I have an english bulldog who is now 7+ months old. When I got him from the breeder he was 4 months old and eating Eukanuba Puppy Growth. I switched him to EVO's Turkey, Chicken & Rice Formula and did so over a period of over 10 days since I had a ton of Eukanuba left. He seemed to be doing fine although his stool has always soft once I switched. Lately he's been getting diarrhea. It happened first on Friday the 9th and then again yesterday.. so 10 days in between.. Poop was all watery. After he got sick the first time I fed him rice and broth for a while and then slowly started introducing the food in the chicken. I would say he was back on eating just his kibble for 4-5 days when he got water poop again. I've gotten him checked for parasites and he doesnt have any. Could it be the food? Maybe its too rich for him? Any suggestions? He is otherwise great. Really smart, playful and very sweet.

One thing I should mention is that this started after weather got nice and I started taking him to the dog park near me more often. Could it be something he is eating there? I've seen him lick rocks a few times. He is on heartworm pills once a month.

2) About tear stains... they've started to get bad recently so I went from once a day cleaning to twice a day. Ive read some people recommend putting a bit of white vinegar in his water which I started doing (but stopped yesterday when he got sick). Any suggestions on what else to do to prevent them? I am cleaning him twice a day with a wet cotton ball (warm water) and then drying it with a dry cotton ball....
3) Finally, he's had a bit of a runny nose. Its watery with no color so just like sniffles. He had a bit of phelgm last week but its done. I heard some people use a couple of squirts of lemon in his mouth to help him release the phlegm. But what about the sniffles?

Thanks so much for your help

Answer
English bullie tear stains and allergies:  
HOW are you two doing?  Did you need anymore help?


Hi Andrea!  Well, first thing --- your bullie may have a parasite in the belly or intestines.  It is very common for Dog Parks and other places dogs frequent to have parasites in the soil.
( from old feces).... So, Let's get your boy to the vet and take a stool sample with you.
I bet he does have something in that stool.....

I would not make any food changes yet.  See the vet for a stool analysis and testing.

Next, the tear stains and sniffles are from Seasonal Allergies.  MOST of my bulldog clients take 1  to  (1 1/2) NuVET Supplement Wafer treats per day.  Please call the NuVET folks and get your NuVET Plus bottle for this bullie kid.  It will help with the tear stains and phlegm plus sniffles.
1-800-474-7044
Tell them Order code 81098 so you can get the 15% off program.

http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

Give my name:  Marie

You can also add a Dash of Garlic to your dog's food each day -  Buy the Cooking Garlic powder and give 1/8 of a teaspoon or a Dash.  Garlic will help with allergies and keeps the fleas and other bugs, AWAY...
Don't do more than a good  pinch per day.


For tear stains, just use the unscented baby wipes on folds each day -  I like to add a little water and Witch Hazel to the baby wipes.

HOPE this all helps!

Marie Peppers LPN MA

YES, Lemon can help, too...