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Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
17,330 posts, read 33,032,639 times
Reputation: 28903
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Hi to you smart folks!
I've got a question for you. As most of you already know, Artie's had numerous poop problems (most of them being soft poops) but that's all been taken care of. He's been consistently pooping firm ones, with the exception of when he's had a stomach bug and then antibiotics cleared it up.
This one is interesting, though, but maybe the "problem" is actually easy to see. It just seems counter-intuitive to me, although maybe it does make sense.
Here:
We recently moved from a single-family home with a fenced-in yard to an apartment back in my hometown. Where we lived before, he ONLY went out in the yard -- no walks. He's almost 10 years old so he didn't get a lot of exercise in that yard -- he'd go out, he'd do his business, he'd lay around, maybe chase a squirrel if one was around, but no real exercise.
* When his only outside time was in the yard, with little exercise, he pooped once per day. Sometimes he'd even skip a day. On the rare occasion, he'd poop twice, but that was a novelty.
Since moving, we have no choice: we go on walks, typically four times per day. We don't walk far, just a few blocks and back, but it's more exercise than either of us did in the last two years.
* Since this move and the walking, which has been just over a month, he's been pooping twice per day at least. Many days, he "donates" THREE poops.
No food changes. He's not stressed from the move -- I know that because when he's stressed, his poop is soft. In fact, I think he's liking this change -- he enjoys the walks and he's becoming a "normal dog" and instead of lunging and barking at people, he actually INTERACTS with them. (Amazing.)
It seems counter-intuitive (to me) that he'd poop more, but maybe not? Is the additional exercise the reason? When there was no exercise, was his body just absorbing the food? I don't understand the elements of calorie and fat absorption, so maybe you can enlighten me if that's the case.
There's no real "problem," per se, I'm just mostly curious as to the reason for the additional poops.
Let's see, no sign of stress, no blood in the stools correct? Guess what? Artie IS normal
All kidding aside it is not uncommon when fed a proper diet for dogs to move their bowels 2-3 times a day and yes with getting more exercise, his system is becoming regular.
As you know, I inspect everything that leaves Nanners' body in the interest of catching problems early so as to keep the vet bills manageable. Before we both adopted our "walk more and lose weight in the process" lifestyle, she defecated (sorry, can't bring myself to use the "p" word... I'd much rather use the "s" word) once a day. Since the exercise regimen kicked in, she's defecating two to three times a day on LESS food. Same food (Avoderm and a small serving of canned pumpkin) with the only addition being a Pet Tabs Plus b.i.d.
Dawn, I'm sure you are aware that people doctors advocate exercise to help keep us regular and to keep "things moving". I've found it definitely works for me. When I'm a slug my body kinda shuts down too. Artie is doing what comes naturally. So happy to hear he is enjoying life and you are happier with his behavior. Change does not have to be bad.
Toby is only 6 lbs and the little guy poops almost every time he takes a walk- about 4-5 times a day. I was astounded he could poop so much with only 2 small meals a day but he goes at least 3 times a day pretty regularly. I think it's good for him. Lucy on the other hand is 11 years old and weighs 15 lbs and she goes definitely once a day and maybe twice but rarely. She and Toby go on walks together and are fed at the same time and the same thing. Dogs are as individual as people.
Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
17,330 posts, read 33,032,639 times
Reputation: 28903
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fontucky
As you know, I inspect everything that leaves Nanners' body in the interest of catching problems early so as to keep the vet bills manageable. Before we both adopted our "walk more and lose weight in the process" lifestyle, she defecated (sorry, can't bring myself to use the "p" word... I'd much rather use the "s" word) once a day. Since the exercise regimen kicked in, she's defecating two to three times a day on LESS food. Same food (Avoderm and a small serving of canned pumpkin) with the only addition being a Pet Tabs Plus b.i.d.
Jack, you know me... I also prefer the "s" word.
So very interesting. It's the exercise that's making them p/s/d more. Fantastic! Really! I'm thrilled that Artie's body is doing what it should be doing.
Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
17,330 posts, read 33,032,639 times
Reputation: 28903
Quote:
Originally Posted by talloolla
Yep - my girl eats twice a day and poops twice a day like clockwork. Canada must agree with Artie, or maybe it is new found fame!
He's going to start talking French soon, T!
Quote:
Originally Posted by no kudzu
Dawn, I'm sure you are aware that people doctors advocate exercise to help keep us regular and to keep "things moving". I've found it definitely works for me. When I'm a slug my body kinda shuts down too. Artie is doing what comes naturally. So happy to hear he is enjoying life and you are happier with his behavior. Change does not have to be bad.
Toby is only 6 lbs and the little guy poops almost every time he takes a walk- about 4-5 times a day. I was astounded he could poop so much with only 2 small meals a day but he goes at least 3 times a day pretty regularly. I think it's good for him. Lucy on the other hand is 11 years old and weighs 15 lbs and she goes definitely once a day and maybe twice but rarely. She and Toby go on walks together and are fed at the same time and the same thing. Dogs are as individual as people.
You're right. It does make perfect sense. YAY!!! Thank you!
Location: Montreal -> CT -> MA -> Montreal -> Ottawa
17,330 posts, read 33,032,639 times
Reputation: 28903
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fontucky
Feed him some poutine once in awhile fercrissakes.
Bahahaha! You know how Artie is, though -- it comes out looking the same as when it went in. I can't have that image burned into my retinas.
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