[chiclet]

Friday my dog woke up in the middle of the night and pooped on my carpet. I cleaned it up and put him outside in case he had to do more. He had not done this before, so I figured something was up. When he did go out, I could see he had diarrhea and was also straining to poop with no result.

After a trip to the vet, he came back with Sulcrate Plus and Metronidazole and Medi-cal Gastro. His stool has firmed up and no more unproductive straining, but he now has really smelly gas. It is reminiscent of the gastro food, but concentrated.

What I wonder is if I can give him something like fennel tea for the gas. Or any other suggestions?

[CorkyMax]

Do you know what caused the problem? Did your vet have some idea at all? Here is something off the net:Adding to His Diet
If upgrading your dog's diet doesn't help, it may be time to look for other solutions. A teaspoon of low-fat yogurt with each meal will reduce internal gas, thanks to the bacterial cultures in yogurt.

Ask Your Veterinarian
If all else fails, it may be time for a check-up. Regular veterinary check-ups are a must anyway. Your dog's anal glands may be the culprit of rear-end woes. Impacted anal glands cause noxious odours and discomfort. It is a good idea to have them checked every time you are at the vet's, just in case, or your groomer will be able to help also. If these are a frequent problem, have either your vet or your groomer instruct you in expressing the glands at home on your own. I personally wouldn't express the glands on my own--too many things could happen--infection for one thing. I have read in a couple places--Not a good idea!

I found this on the net too. I know your problem is prob. not worms --which this was the subject for the following info--but it does sound like fennel tea is indeed safe, and good for the dog.---> Fennel: Fresh fennel seeds has immense benefit! It helps in worm expulsion. It is extremely beneficial for baby dogs or a dogs with colic. You can give your dog a cup of fennel tea every day after meal to ensure proper digestion. For pregnant bitches fennel tea has immense benefit, as it enhances milk production.

This was on the net also: Gentle herbs that may help the digestion include cardamom seed, fennel seed, and small amounts of ginger root, and barberry bark. Marshmallow root is said to help soothe soreness in the gums. Purple coneflower decoction may be recommended as a mouthwash both for oral health and for general condition.

This paragraph was also from the same link: Allergies
If the absorptive lining of the small intestines has been damaged and is "leaking", gentle herbs such as fennel seed, Foeniculum vulgar, and cumin root, Cuminum cyminum, are given. Turmeric root, Curcuma longa, is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and to aid digestion of protein. Echinacea before the allergy season may boost the immune system. Oil of peppermint, Mentha piperata, is said to clear nasal congestion. The Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskholii is said to dilate the bronchi as powerfully as some prescribed drugs. Ginkgo, aloe vera (which is said to have anti-inflammatory abilities), and khella, Ammi visnaga, are said to reduce bronchial constriction.

Decoctions, tinctures, and infusions are more appropriate than topical preparations for dogs because they are made from herbs that are known to be safe if taken internally. Decoctions are prepared by boiling in water the tough parts of plants such as bark, roots, and berries. The liquid is strained and consumed either hot or cold. Tinctures are made by soaking a herb in alcohol and water, usually for a few weeks, and then straining it. Tinctures are usually stored in dark bottles and can be kept for up to two years. Infusions are made like tea, from theI LOVE DOGS! leaves and flowers of the herb.

Here is a link to a thread done in this forum previously that you may find helpful. Note Mr. Vega's post--He would know what he is talking about as is going to vet school.---> Gassy and runny stool

[chiclet]

Thanks for all that work. Vet took him to the back and checked his temp, and she would have done a rectal since she said something about loose stool in there. So I think I can rule out anal glands. The medication is used for things like Giardia, she didn't say it was or that she suspected it, so he should be covered that way.

I steep fennel seed, anise seed and some other seed I can't remember the name of and drink that when I have an upset, gassy stomache. Pretty much the same ones used in gripe water minus the alcohol.

He already eats the top quality foods canned and dry. He seems to be getting better at least, but I will make the tea for him.