Lab - Not sure what to do next - UPDATE

Our lab is 7 and has always been able to hold himself for at least 8 hours. The last month I have come home to poop piles on the carpet (and labs poop BIG). The first two were runny (sorry TMI) the 3rd one which was yesterday was normal.

He gets let out before I leave for work. The days that this has happened DH was at school and Jackson was left anywhere btwn 5 and 8 hours.

I changed his food to Evo about 3 months ago. I was mixing Canide and Evo until last month when I gave him just EVO. I transitioned him off of his old food as recommended.

Within the last 3 months I noticed that he has lost weight and is eating less but, pooping more in the house.

I have no idea if its the food or his age and not being able to hold himself. I was debating on adding the Canide back to his diet. WWYT?

*********Update*********

We took Jackson to the vet and he has IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). Dr. put him on meds. Hoping he will be feeling better soon.

Either he ate something or its the EVO. Since the vet I started mixing his EVO with Caniade. I think the EVO might be too rich for his belly!

Thanks again girls!

Message edited 7/28/2010 12:29:13 PM.

Re: Lab - Not sure what to do next

Is it possible he could have a parasite? Some can cause loose stool and cause them to lose weight. I would speak to the vet. It may not be because of the food change at all.

Re: Lab - Not sure what to do next

We actually had the opposite happen when we switched to Evo - weight gain, less poops, and smaller ones too. Every dog is different though. I think enough time has elapsed that it might not be the food. The suggestion to check with the vet on a parasite is definitely a good one.

You say you're letting him out but you don't know if he's really pooping or not, right? I can't imagine he would poop first thing, and then have another huge one later after you've left. I would try going outside with him and making sure he poops. When he does, make a big deal and say POOP! in a happy voice. Make sure he knows you're very happy with him. I know this is basic training, but when there's a problem, you have to go back to basics, right?

Better yet, can you walk him before you leave? I don't know about yours, but my male Lab can't resist an excitement poop on a walk. Even just once around the block is a sure thing and only takes 10 minutes.

What does he weigh and how much do you feed him? You said he eats less - how come, is he overweight? Do you free feed? Our 75 pound girl is on 3 1/4 cups and our 65 pound is on 2.

Re: Lab - Not sure what to do next

I hope its not a parasite!!

I did cut back on his feedings after I was told he wont need that much on the EVO. I used to free feed him and now he get 2 cups of EVO a day. But, he usually doesn't finish the one cup I give him in the AM so I dont refill until its gone.

I would have to guess his weight now since he lost and I would say he is now 70 lbs. He was 78 lbs.

Re: Lab - Not sure what to do next - UPDATE

Bump for update

Re: Lab - Not sure what to do next - UPDATE

Wow, I'm so glad now that you went to the vet! It's always the first thing I think of, so you're not trying to treat something that requires medical attention, you know? I'm sorry he has IBS. Did the vet say what types of ingredients are better or worse for that condition? I guess you have to consider treats too and any snacks he gets in between meals, right?