collies & digestive problems

[Dawn]

I have a collie (Lassie dog) that seems to have slight digestive issues. He's fed a high quality dog food (Nutro Naturals). He had worms when I got him but has had a clean fecal since then. Otherwise he seems completely healthy. His droppings are occasionally not well formed. And when going on walks, he will try to use the bathroom multiple times after he is through.

I did not know if collies were prone to digestive issues? Or perhaps the symptoms rung any bells with anyone?

[Dax]

I don't know about collies, but both Ariel & Dax get occasionaly "less than formed" poop and both are on Nutro as well.

I do believe that stress or excitement could be partially to blame. I find adding a 1/4 cup vegtable to one meal a day helps a lot. I like frozen brocolli or peas for their convenience. (less than 5 minutes in microwave & ready to go)

[whimzikal]

I took Dax's advise with the raw veggies. I give all of mine frozen veggies every other day. They LOVE them! If it's real cold out I warm them, not cook them tho... most days I let them have it frozen-they LOVE it frozen!!! Weirdo dogs!

It is GREAT advise, works well and they all thank Dax!

[Dawn]

That's interesting, never heard of that. It does make sense though. My other dog is on the exact same food with no issues at all.

His is like this almost all the time. Occasionally he will have a pile that is normal.

I will try the veggies and perhaps have another fecal ran on him to check for worms.

[RoughCollies]

OMG! YES! collies have TONS of digestive issues. I wouldn't be too worried about it, though. Mine is fed Natural Balance Fish and Sweet Potato. Ever since I put her on it, her problems almost vanished. She is SO much better now.

I have tons of collies and most have very sensitive tummies.

[Dawn]

I was beginning to think that. I might try putting him on a different type of dog food and see if it helps. He's currently on large breed lamb and rice. So perhaps he has issues with either the lamb or the rice?

[Shelteez]

Originally Posted by RoughCollies

I have tons of collies and most have very sensitive tummies.

I had a feeling collies have sensitive tummies too, shelties have very sensitive tummies as well so im pretty familiar with that. Just make sure that you never change their foods too much, if you HAVE to change their food do it gradually, it took casey nearly 2 months to switch over to his new food ( mixing his old and new kibbles together then gradually adding on more of his new kibbles). It takes awhile because i'm just paranoid of him getting a tummy ache. Like someone else said, i also give casey some veggies, like green peas, & carrots. Yogurts are great for their digestive system too!, ( casey gets that every day in the mornings with his kibbles, low fat or non fat yogurt).

[Shelteez]

Originally Posted by Dawn

I was beginning to think that. I might try putting him on a different type of dog food and see if it helps. He's currently on large breed lamb and rice. So perhaps he has issues with either the lamb or the rice?

Wouldn't rice be considered a filler?

[SalemWitchChild]

I think it is common for collies to have sensitive tummys. Kota can't have any people food at all or she will get the runs. I feed her a lower grad food..(purina beneful) but she does well on it. As long as she doesn't get anything else she has no problems. Finally my 4yr old understands why Kota can't get her left over foods. We were having so much trouble with that before.

[adoring_paws]

Originally Posted by SalemWitchChild

I think it is common for collies to have sensitive tummys. Kota can't have any people food at all or she will get the runs. I feed her a lower grad food..(purina beneful) but she does well on it. As long as she doesn't get anything else she has no problems. Finally my 4yr old understands why Kota can't get her left over foods. We were having so much trouble with that before.

I know what you mean, i have younger siblings that feelds our 13 yr old dog their food, and he gets the runs big time!!!! i don't know if we will ever break them from it..