My sisters toy poodle, "Millie", has been having digestion or elimination problems lately. She can't seem to poop all the way and runs around with half a turd sticking out of her butt. Naturally, this is upsetting and I have to grab her and give her a bath. She has had problems before which we attributed to eating Steak bones, (which she doesn't chew much), She'll eat about anything, including kleenex, and loves cat food. We've had her to the vet three times already. They prescribe a laxative and a high priced crunchie diet which she does'nt want at all. She'd rather lick out plates or finish up the cat food that the cats don't eat. Does anyone have information about a good layman's book on digestive problems with poodles? Anyone with similar experience, please share with us. Art Gottlieb

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002

Answers

Hi Art, Your poodle needs to stop eating cat food. It is not made for dogs...too high in fat. Put the cat food up out of Millie's reach but in a place that the cats can get to it. Dogs should not be eating cooked bones (the left over steak bone after you are done). These are dry and brittle, they could cause an internal tear in Millie's system. Dogs love them, but the bones don't love them back! I'll bet with these few suggestions and a regular dog food diet, Millie should be eliminating normally. If you are interested in alternative diets, you might look into the "barf diet." This is raw meat. It means preparing meals for your dogs and having the refrigeration to keep it all as fresh as possible. Those who use this diet, swear by it. Good luck!

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002