Sorry to be posting about Dogs and their toilet habits again !!

As some of you will know I have a 13.5 yr old Bedlington Terrier who was diagnosed with Colitis about 18 months ago - initially we had a horrid time and could not settle him.  However he is now doing really well on one steroid a day and foodwise -  Burns Fish and Brown rice dry food, the occasional helping of Nature Diet Fishy stinky food and his only treats are James Wellbeloved Ocean Fish and Rice treats.

He has always had an issue with itchy feet and has Malaseb shampoo which I use every now and then to settle his feet down - the issue at the moment is he has a really itchy bottom but it seems to be tied in with him not going for a poo very well !!

Today he has had a monster grass munch and this seemed to go through quite quickly resulting in some rather grassy poos !  the grass was still green so knew it had not be inside for long.

I think he may be constipated and was wondering what I could give him to help that is not likely to set off his Colitis again ? 

As usual - many thanks if you have read my lovely post about poo and thanks in advance for any advice

AJ

have you tried some fruit?? might get his poo moving

My Mum's dachsie gets Lactulose 2mls daily[bought at human chemist] to keep her bowels ticking over following surgery for a liver shunt over 7yrs ago.

If you want something more natural then steamed/stewed pumpkin[ apparently butternut squash is the same family but I haven't tried it] works for constipation and diarrhoea.

I use Isogel (bought from the Chemist) 5ml per meal. It is a natural product and no side effects.  My dog also had intermittant colitis and then  developed very severe constipation which was eventually diagnosed as a perineal hernia. Following the surgery my vet recommended he stayed on the Isogel (rather than the Lactulose) for life. It really does seem to help although he did suggest that I didn't disclose to the Chemist that it was for a dog!

I found prior to the surgery that giving sweet potato appeared to help too.

Thanks for your comments guys - as always very helpful.  I have given him some olive oil  on his meals for the last week and things seem to be much better - have stopped inspecting the garden presents now much to the Dog's relief !!  will look for Isogel at the chemists - is that a UK thing ?

AJ

Isogel is a UK product made by 'Potters'. It might need to be ordered in though. It is Ispaghula husk and the pack says give as a drink but my vet said just sprinkle the granules on the food. Seems to do the trick!

Glad you have got things sorted,my vet used to recommend liquid parrafin?

Sheila

He really loves his food now with a bit of olive oil on it - the funniest thing is him barking at it as I put warm water on it and reckon he thinks I am trying to scald him !!!!

His coat is going lovely and soft - definate bonus !

AJ