Morning people,

I'm just after some more of your opinions please.

Danny the dog is poorly with terrible runs which started late last night and are still on going this morning (2trips out in PJ's with him in the middle of the night & 2 messes on the floor where we didn't quite make it).:gag:

I don't want to be melodramatic and whip him off to the vets if it's just something he's eaten & will shortly pass, but how long should I wait if he shows no improvement before I take him?

Otherwise he is fine by the way, he doesn't look particularly sorry for himself and has just had a good run when we went on the field.

I normally starve them for 24 hours and then give them a light diet for a couple of days, chicken/rice/scrambled egg that sort of thing. If he is well in himself it could just be something he has picked up whilst out.
I also use in the warmer weather rock sulphur which is broken up into their water. It is relatively cheap and you can buy it from the pet shop and lasts for ages. You just break a big lump off and put it in their water and it keeps them fresh and cool, and less likely to get a gippy tummy. My german shepherd in the hot weather would have the runs just because it was hot and he was overheating, this kept him cooler and less likely to have the runs. It might be worth a try....
Always make sure he has plenty of water though during the 24 hour starve - I am sure he will be fine after the initial starve and then the light diet, if not, if after he starts with the light diet again and he is still running then it might be prudent to take him to the vets just to be on the safe side.

24-48 hours, but keep an eye out for signs of dehydration - if his gums are dry and sticky, or he starts to lose energy, best get him checked out.

Thanks guys, his gums do feel a little sticky but he has just had a drink for the first time today.

There hasn't been any more mad dashes to the door yet since this morning so hopefully it's passing but I am going to do a 24 hour fast and keep an eye on him as suggested :thumbsup:

This is where it's really useful having a dog who drinks on command.

I'm in the starving them camp too- unless there's something else really bad going on there's no need to take him to the vets at this point.

Molly does tend to sick up stomach acid and bile if she's not eaten for that long though, so it's worth noting that this is not necessarily a worsening of his condition, just a product of not eating.

Just a little update.

The patient was a little "off it" until teatime but has spent the last hour laid on his back, legs kicking like he's riding a bike and chewing his hoop happily. He's just taken a light snack of porridge and has come and snuggled up for a love.

I think he's ok.:D