Constipation...

[Mutzie's Mom]

We have had Shepard with us for since Friday afternoon. He has not eaten (besides a few morsels here and there) and can't go poop. I have had him out in the yard for hours. He really strains like something is going to come out and then nothing does. He kind of looks in pain when he does it. I know part of it is because he's in a strange place with strange smells. It also doesn't help that he won't eat either. We are feeding him exactly what he was used to eating. It's Eukanuba for small puppies by Iams. I don't like it. It is so small and really stinks! My husband and I think Shep is a tweenie, his is soooo long! But, he is so thin, too. I know he is only 8 months old but I think he weighs less than 10 pounds. I will know for sure when I take him to the doggie doctor today. She seems to think he could have parasites. Who knows! He's a great big constipated mess right now. He's also very excitable and hyper. His new hobby is barking at himself in the mirror. Isn't that cute?

If anyone knows anything that would make him eat or poop, please let me know!!

Thanks!
Sherry

[Mandy]

Canned pumpkin (NOT canned pumpkin pie filling) works to normalize defecation...i.e. it helps firm up diarhea and helps loosen up constipation.

Maybe you could mix some of his current kibble with some canned pumpkin. He might eat it then...or try putting something else in, too. I've heard of success with sprinkling parmesan cheese, gravy, chicken broth, etc.

[Wally's Mom]

I've had luck in getting doggies to eat if I hand feed them, but only for a short amount of time, as that can become a habit and I'm sure you don't want to be doing that for the rest of your life.

We feed our dogs Eukanuba too, and they seem to really like it, and it helps make their mess firmer and produces less gas from what we have noticed.

Maybe you could try a small amount of human food mixed in the dog food to get it to eat. Our vet told us puppies need a lot of protein and that if you need to give them something else, you can give them a little bit of canned tuna or chicken instead of canned food, which many dogs consider a treat. Like Mandy said, we've added a little chicken soup on top of the regular Eukanuba to encourage eating, but again, I wouldn't do this but only a short time or the dog will expect it all the time.

P.S. Cute story about the mirror. We have a dachshund and a pekingese, and our pekingese has just discovered the wonder of the mirror. He tries to attack the "other dog" he sees.

[Mutzie's Mom]

Thanks for the advice! Sheppie seems to be fine now. I chased him around the house for about 20 minutes trying to get his leash on so we could go outside to potty. He darted behind the recliner and up the stairs so fast that by the time I caught up with him, he was in the process of relieving himself on my daughter's Barbie car. I guess he doesn't like Corvettes! Then he started jumping up and down, so proud of his poop! I did not give him a treat for that. This is a secret. Neither my husband nor my daughter know about this incident. <img border="0" alt="[Devil]" title="" src="graemlins/devil1.gif" />

On a positive note, he has been going potty outside on the leash. We monitor ALL his outside activity. He has a beautiful fenced in back yard, but he hasn't proven himself trustworthy yet. I can still see horns on that precious little head. He also slept in his crate, by my bed. I feel kind of guilty putting him in his crate while we're in bed. Mutzie always slept with us. However, the crate was designed for a 50 pound dog and Sheppie on a good day is 10 pounds. He has a plush bed, blanket and tons of toys in it. I call it the doggie hotel room.

Sheppie will be neutered on March 21st. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers...me, too! <img border="0" alt="[Angel]" title="" src="graemlins/angel1.gif" /> He is my most precious gift. I adore that little man. I can't begin to describe the bond we've developed. I just get nervous thinking about him going under...the same week my 18 month old human son gets tubes in his ears. I will be a mess.

I am one proud dachsie mama!! Thanks to everyone who encouraged my endeavors to make Sheppie a part of the family!!

Sherry & Sheppie

[dutchman]

One quick word of advice. Chase in a dog's mind is a reward. Try to avoid chasing Shep around when it's time to get his leash on. By running after him you are rewarding his bad behavior. Instead of chasing him try using a bribe to get thim to come to you. Puperonies are good for bribes since they can be broken up into many small pieces. Nutro also has some small square training bits (agin should be broken into smaller pieces for a dachshund. I'm glad to hear you are making progress. Frank had the big snip the day before I picked him up at the local shelter and it's didn't eem to phase him. Like I said in an earlier post all he could think about that first night was snuggling very close.

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)