Loose Stool Movement

Question
Good Afternoon, I have a fourteen month old Working Cocker Spaniel he has always had a very loose stool movement but recently it has gotten a lot worse and he seems to be passing a loose stool and then really straining to the point where bright red blood is being passed along with the stool.He is currently being fed Chappie dried food 2 x a day. I am taking him to the vet today but just thought I'd ask for some extra assistance. there is no change in his character he is still as busy and active a ever! Currently we are living in Germany.

Kind Regards
Lesley

Answer
I'm glad you're taking him to the vet today.  If you can take a stool sample with you, that would be helpful.  Don't panic about the bit of blood.  The straining may have burst a tiny blood vessel or he could have a bit of an infection.

If he's always had loose stool, he may need a bit more fibre in his diet.  I'm not familiar with Chappie dried food 'nor what else would be available in Germany.  But I do think this food isn't agreeing with him and I'd switch to a better brand (slowly). Supermarket food for dogs is usually very low quality and if you can find out what is available through pet stores there, I'd be happy to advise on a choice.

But what I use for soft/loose stool is some Metamucil (psyllium).  You can make up the following recipe:
4 scrambled eggs (use no milk or oil)
1 1/2 cup (cooked) plain white rice (use extra water & overcook a bit)
1 tbsp. Metamucil mixed in 1/4 cup water.

Mix all together and feed 4 smaller meals per day until stool firms up.

You can't use the Metamucil with dry food since it has to be mixed in water...but you can add it to wet food.  Ask your pharmacist about plain psyllium..NO SUGAR ADDED..no flavoring..just plain psyllium.  On a daily basis, once his stool firms up, you'd only use one teaspoon.
Delores