Thank you guys so much for the kind words and food recs! We walked up and down the street slowly for a while, but he kept just sitting down so we came back home to rest. Hopefully the vet can see him tomorrow and help him get some more out, but keep your fingers crossed for a big poop tomorrow morning. Poor baby. He's still uncomfortable but at least we knw why and have a plan. I'm really glad I took him in, so thank you to everyone that urged me to. I'll just make sure he has access to lots of water and a little bit of plain food tomorrow til we can get in. Sooo many people told me SD was great food, I can't believe it. Thanks again, so much.
Poor puppy. Don't feel bad about Science Diet, sometimes I think Nesties are crazier about dog food brands than anyone else ever. Like, more particular about pet food than even the crazy dog show people. I would switch to Kirkland, but also suspect it was probably the pumpkin clogging him up, not the Science Diet.
The vet couldn't tell you he was constipated without $500 in tests?
You are NOT a bad dog owner! Your pooch showed fairly subtle signs of distress, and you noticed them, asked for advice, and immediately took him for expensive care. Gold star for you, mama.
Sorry your dude is hurting, but hhopefully the worst is over!
Poor puppy. Don't feel bad about Science Diet, sometimes I think Nesties are crazier about dog food brands than anyone else ever. Like, more particular about pet food than even the crazy dog show people. I would switch to Kirkland, but also suspect it was probably the pumpkin clogging him up, not the Science Diet.
The vet couldn't tell you he was constipated without $500 in tests?
I think you are probably right, I did give him just some dry food for breakfast and he was like, what's this shit, ma? Haha. I couldn't believe he just needed a $480 dollar poop. Seriously, this would only happen to my dog. I think because his tummy wasn't hard or rumbly, she didn't think it was a digestion issue. So of course I was sitting in the waiting room sobbing like a lunatic on the phone to my husband, certain all of his organs were failing. Nope, just poo.
i'm glad he's okay! and i'm actually glad you shared your experience, because i never would have guessed he was just backed up. signed, a fellow dog mom who always assumes the worst
You are NOT a bad dog owner! Your pooch showed fairly subtle signs of distress, and you noticed them, asked for advice, and immediately took him for expensive care. Gold star for you, mama.
Sorry your dude is hurting, but hhopefully the worst is over!
Thank you and al dente for this. Ugh I felt so dumb last night at the vet and she was looking at me like I was truly an idiot. Sigh. I'm trying. I sureove that munchkin. Good thing he's pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen.
He was literally full of shit. So backed up. He poops every day. He gets at least 2 walks a day, plus we play ball with him in the house so he runs around. I'm pretty sure the vet thinks I keep him cooped up, lol. He had so much poop in his little colon. I'm going to follow up with a regular get to talk about changing his food, he eats science diet small breed with a little pumpkin mixed in now, which is what his foster was feeding him. Any suggestions?? I seriously have no idea how this happened. I feel awful. Poor pup. But, he's alive and was immediately back to his happy, insane self.
Thank you so much to everyone who responded, and for the good vibes! They helped us!
Oh geez! I just saw this now, but Ozzie started pooping easier once we switched him to Blue Buffalo Basics. It's higher quality than Science Diet and not much more expensive.
And as far as food goes, Science Diet isn't poison. If you stayed on that the rest of his days he would be fine. My mom has fed SD to all of her dogs and they lived long lives. It's just not one of the "better" brands out there. But it's definitely better than bottom of the barrel Walmart brand, you know? Vets sell it (even though I'm sure they get a profit/kickback) and I don't think they would if it was terrible.
But I would suggest feeding a dry food no matter what you do. The dry kibble will be better for helping to keep his teeth clean than wet food. Teeth health can actually affect his overall health more than the brand of food you're giving him, so I would start with dry, then work in the food that is most comfortable for you and your budget.
P.S. And you're not a bad dog mama! It happens to everyone. I once gave my dog cheeseball because she was acting the way yours was and I thought it would cheer her up until we could get her to a vet (it was Christmas night). Turns out she had pancreatitis and the cheeseball was about the worst thing I could give her. I felt like such an asshole.
You're a good mom for getting him checked out as quick as you did and paying to have the tests done to help him feel better.
And as far as food goes, Science Diet isn't poison. If you stayed on that the rest of his days he would be fine. My mom has fed SD to all of her dogs and they lived long lives. It's just not one of the "better" brands out there. But it's definitely better than bottom of the barrel Walmart brand, you know? Vets sell it (even though I'm sure they get a profit/kickback) and I don't think they would if it was terrible.
But I would suggest feeding a dry food no matter what you do. The dry kibble will be better for helping to keep his teeth clean than wet food. Teeth health can actually affect his overall health more than the brand of food you're giving him, so I would start with dry, then work in the food that is most comfortable for you and your budget.
P.S. And you're not a bad dog mama! It happens to everyone. I once gave my dog cheeseball because she was acting the way yours was and I thought it would cheer her up until we could get her to a vet (it was Christmas night). Turns out she had pancreatitis and the cheeseball was about the worst thing I could give her. I felt like such an asshole.
You're a good mom for getting him checked out as quick as you did and paying to have the tests done to help him feel better.
Thanks for the food rec! I'll start there maybe. they can mess with your mind, can't they?? Lol. Even as I was coming home with him when I first got him, I had no idea how important he would be to me. I would do anything for this little furball. Haha