dog mystery

[lisa2007]

hi my 9 yr old staff gets a bad belly every now and then his belly makes really loud noises and he wont eat anything and just walks round and seems really uncomfortable can anyone tell me what they think is causing this many thanks lisa xx

[jules77]

sounds familiar - my three year old rough collie used to have same problem - similiar to what I call a colicky tummy. I have cured my girls problem by using Protect and Rebuild from Fit and Fertile.
sixth item down on this link
http://www.fitandfertile.com/shop/all-products .html

[garner]

Could I just add to lisa thread, does your dog have access to grass? when they have an upset tummy they like a certain grass which helps their digestive system and will eat it and be sick its back to their nature and they know what is good for them.

[garner]

Sorry I should have said Jules.

[lisa2007]

thanks 4 the advice yes my dog does have access 2 grass and when he has eaten hes fine again i just wondered if anyone knew what could be causing it ? at 1st i thought it might be certain foods he was eating but now im not so sure do you think it could be a problem with worms ?

[wolf63]

A few years ago I had a dog with a similar problem. The vet said that dogs with deep chests and narrower abdomens were prone to problems - something like IBS.

I know that staffies are sturdy little dogs - maybe it's his shape that makes him prone to problems.

Then maybe not...

[lisa2007]

what is ibs ?

[jules77]

irritable bowel syndrome - in dog terms colitis
http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/colitis.html
I think your dog just has a sensitive tummy

[leelapops]

Hi lisa, poor woofer. My dog is gluten intolerant (as I m sure everyone on AB must know by now, sorry!), and for a few months he was ill as you described. It might be worth trying him on a gluten free food, if it is dry dog food you normally feed him. Otherwise, especially if it's only periodic, I would probably leave his diet be: too much change will probably make it worse, not better. I am sure your vet could probably help out too if it's starting to affect him in his everyday life. x

[lisa2007]

thanks jules 4 the link found sum really interesting things on there lisa x

[lisa2007]

hi leelapops actually hes on tinned food coz he wont eat dry dog food so any suggestions gratefully received xx

[jules77]

have you tried cooking your own food for him, either some breast of chicken with some rice, and vegetables if he will eat them, or minced beef or if you have a good local butcher, he may well be able to provide doggy bags which are off cuts that he would otherwise throw away - much better than the stuff they sell at the pet store - at least you know then what you are feeding. However, I would introduce any new food gradually as it will make the problem worse. Again, I can only re iterate the benefits of Protect and Rebuild from Fit and Fertile, it has had some marvellous write ups in the dog press and I have recommended it to numerous people who have been really pleased with the results.