Anxiety Diarrhea

[Sweet72947]

So, for a dog who has diarrhea when something happens to make him anxious (i.e. a vet trip, Skittledoo's friend coming over to do a training session, basically anything new), is there anything you can give them? Like, is there anything you can give a dog before going into a situation you know will make them anxious, like a trip to the vet?

I'm just wondering because this happens to Norris all the time. We had our training session today (got some good advice and a gentle leader), and afterward he had a bunch of liquid diarrhea. His stool was normal prior to the visit. I'd like to take Norris to training classes someday, or do agility, or something fun, but I know that taking him anywhere new will result in diarrhea. I know that pumpkin and chicken and rice are good for tummies, but I was wondering if there was any preventative measures out there.

Ideas? Suggestions?

 

[BostonBanker]

Imodium? I know of people who have used it on their dogs (although I believe it's on the list of drugs that some dogs have sensitivity to). I'd want to ask a vet first, but I would think you could give it as a preventative.

 

[*blackrose]

You could also try a probiotic, maybe? And have you looked into herbal supplements for anxiety at all? We have a few clients that keep their dogs on something called...oh gosh...brain fart...um...composure! I think. Anyways, when they start up a week or so before the dog boards, then keeps them on it for awhile after and it helps with the dogs anxiety (and thus presents the stress diarrhea).

 

[Elrohwen]

Pumpkin? I always give my dog pumpkin on the morning of a dog show because all the excitement can give him loose stool. It works to prevent as well as treating it later.

I agree with the probiotic as well. I like Dogzymes digestive supplement and it's popular with some show dog people.

 

[straw]

You can try Rescue Remedy before any stressful or exciting events. I've heard it's pretty much 50/50 though... some dogs respond well, others don't really show a difference.

Melatonin is another option that I've seen work great on dogs with mild anxiety.

I've heard good things about L-theanine (marketed as Anxitane) from last fall's APDT conference, but as it's not yet sold in Canada (I don't think) I haven't seen it used myself. I believe it's over the counter.

Those are some non-dietary options. Otherwise, ditto what everyone else said about pumpkin, probiotics, whatever. We used to recommend kaopectate (similar to Immodium) at the clinic I worked at for diarrhea, if that helps.