How much water

Question
QUESTION: We have just got 2 10 week old cocker spaniel dogs one is much bigger than the other he is drinking a lot more water than his brother they are both on dry food is this normal also his stools are a lot looser than the other one he is fit and healthy

ANSWER: I'd be more interested in how much this puppy is urinating?

If it seems excessive - get a urinalysis done (just take a urine sample in a sterile container in to your vet).  A urinary tract infection is so common in puppies.  Either take it directly in or refrigerate until you can.

But yes, they will drink more on dry food.  As far as the stool being "loose" - is it just a little or more like diarreah? On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being perfect and 10 being diarreah - where is he?)

What are you feeding them and how often?  At this age they need to eat 5 or 6 times a day.
Delores

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QUESTION: Thanks Delores the stool is on a scale 6-7 he is fed 3 times a day he urinates the same amount as his brother who does not drink as much water thet are fed dry food which is a hollistic brand called Burns

ANSWER: What I'd suggest trying is a day or two of scrambled egg & plain white rice.

Scramble 4 eggs (use no oil or milk)
1 cup white rice (use extra water and overcook).
Mix together.  Divide into as many small meals as you can.

This is very binding, very digestible and will let his tummy settle down.

Some dogs need more fibre than others.  I don't know what's available to you but here I'd use plain, unflavored SUGAR FREE Metamucil
and mix 1/2 tsp. in a bit of water (1/4 cup) and mix that into the daily supply of egg & rice.

Metamucil is just psyllium but the egg & rice might do it.

It's not good for a puppy this age to have such loose stool as they can get dehydrated - luckily he's drinking well.

He may need a change of food - I know Burns is well regarded but any dog can have a reaction to any food.

But try the egg & rice - if things improve - slowly add some of his kibble to the mix.
Delores



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

QUESTION: Thanks again Dolores I have another query regarding the puppies fighting all the time I believe this is normal with 2 male dogs but sometimes it seems they are really hurting each other should we seperate them or leave them alone

Answer
Yes, it is normal.  They're kind of like human toddlers who can be happily wrestling around one minute and the next minute someone is crying (or hurt) because things got out of hand.

Supervision :) and only step in if it's gone too far.  Their own Mum would just pick one up by the scruff and simply remove him.  In other words "you" are top dog - neither of them are :)

Cockers can be dominant - so let me know at the possible first "growl" at you.  It may not happen - but there's a simple response to this.
Delores