I can no longer stand dog diarrhoea

[OldGirl1]

We have had our dog for 9 wonderful years. However, his stomach issues are really affecting my life and mental health (that sounds crazy when I write it down). We have tried everything the vet suggests, but nothing seems to stop his frequent diarrhoea. Kids have left home and I am the one who walks him twice a day and cleans up both on the walk and in the house/garden. It really gets me down. I know those who judge will tell me dog is for life etc, but this is not a life I choose for me or him. He has other health issues which require medication and I do it all. I am not seeking medical advice as we have tried everything and had every test under the sun. I need to convince the rest of the family that for my sake (I am a perfectly sane woman who is now seeking therapy due to this issue!) and the sake of the dog, he should be pts. He has had a good life but I am at the end of my tether. I wake in the morning wondering what has "happened" overnight, my house and garden smell of poo and we rarely go away due to the difficulties of leaving him with anyone else. please don't respond if you are just going to tell me how cruel I am - I just need some reassurance that I am justified in doing this

Better a day too early then a day too late. Pets are lucky in a way that they can have death with dignity, unlike us humans who have to drag on long after our quality of life has gone.

Your situation sounds awful for both you and your dog, your adult DC don't get a say as they aren't living with the situation. As you are doing the clean ups you get the deciding vote, if your DH disagrees he needs to get up before you and clean up to see what you are dealing with.

I completely agree with @IkeaMeatballGravy. To me, your situation sounds utterly intolerable and it must be very unpleasant for your poor dog too. I'd pts, I honestly would.

Oh and DH would need to take on the meds, vet trips etc as well as get up in the morning. I can't stand when people want to keep their pets alive longer than they should for thier own gratification but don't want any part in the animal's ongoing care.

Just wondering whether you have tried raw feeding? I'm not a raw feeder but would definitely consider it in your situation. It makes the poos almost chalky in texture and much, much smaller. Also has he been tested for Guardia? My puppy had this and the vet didn't even suggest testing for it; it was horrendous. I actually had to hose the lawn down every time he went to the toilet as nothing could pick it up. It as only my own research that suggested it. His poor bottom must be so sore. Whatever you decide, I wish you well.

I totally sympathise. I'm awake yet again because my dog has yet another upset stomach. It's colitis and pretty bad so vets tomorrow. Dog unsettled and wont leave me alone. I'll be kept awake all night, stress levels through the roof worrying that shel'l poo all over the house. Shes already messed all over the bathroom floor 3 times tonight. My neighbour throws bread and cake out for the birds and lots of it is dropped in our garden. My dog then eats it and gets an upset stomach or worse, colitis. I love my dog but I can't go on with no sleep and having to be up at 7am to face a full day at work and look after my daughter. It doesn't sound crazy at all when you say it's affecting your life and mental health as its totally understandable.

For what it's worth my dog was exactly the same for months after we got him (rescue).

Eventually a vet suggested he might be allergic to chicken. We removed all chicken & chicken products from his diet and with a month he was much better.

Have you tried raw?

Very few dogs have runny poo on raw. It makes the poo very brittle and small.

I would give it a try as 9 isn't that old really and if the poo problem was solved it seems like he could continue happily with you?

Feeding raw to a dog with undiagnosed gastric issues could be a big mistake and isn't recommended

When the alternative is him being PTS I think it's worth the punt...

Our pup would do 6/7 poos during a walk and 3 onwards would be diarrhoea. Vets said it was nothing to worry about.

After some accidents in the house and a stroke at 8 years old, new vet discovered IBD, PLE and an allergy to chicken. Change in diet and medications and he's been diarrhoea free for 4 years now. I would suggest another opinion at the vets.

I know you didnt want advice on diet - but - i had a dog just like this and moved to hypoallergenic diet (purina ha) and lypex tablets and its been life changing for all of us. My pup was also allergic to chicken (which they put in ALL dogfood) along with all other meat. Worth a try?