Pumpkin, Coconut Oil, Probiotics oh my!

CarrotTheFrenchie · Oct 9, 2016

Question for everyone. Been dealing with Giardia for three months. Just finished the last round of medication. Fingers crossed!! While Carrot was on Flagyl for 15 days I also had to switch out her food (she's currently on Orijen puppy) So for the last two weeks I've given her a semi/heaping teaspoon of plain pumpkin, which she LOVES. so basically her daily intake is half a cup of Oijen twice a day and two teaspoons of pumpkin. She gets limited treats die to concern over Giardia diahreaa. Well her poo lately has been FABULOUS. firm as opposed to soft serve. I think previously I was feeding her too much? Anyway, how long can I continue the pumpkin? Can I give it every day? And should I be switching to coconut oil? And if so, how much and how often? And what about Greek yoghurt instead of a probiotic? I think Orijen has a probiotic already? Not sure.
So many questions but i want my puppy to be healthy and happy!!

CarrotTheFrenchie · Oct 9, 2016

Also, wondering if coconut oil helps with yeast issues? Carrot used to have gunk in her ears constantly until I switched from Acana to Orijen. I'm wondering if she's allergic to potatoes? Anyone else have this potato/ear connection?

Honeys Owners · Oct 9, 2016

Coconut oil is good for yeast, but can cause diarrhea, so I would start slow and not give her too much. I've been feeding my dog a teaspoonful of coconut oil daily and she smells less doggy after a few days. I looked at my Acana Pacifica bag- don't see any potatoes listed as ingredients, but it does have a higher amount of carbs compared to Orijen I believe. My dog has a lot of gunk in her ears too, so maybe I'll try switching to Orijen ( regional red or six fish ).

CarrotTheFrenchie · Oct 9, 2016

Once I started looking for grain free and potato free kibble, I realized how FEW there are! I was thinking about switching her to Fromm, but most of their dry food (like the puppy gold) contains potatoes. I'm not positive that the potatoes are connected to the ear gunk, but normally whenever I get her ears cleaned, they gunk up again after a couple of days! It wasn't until recently when I switched food and had her ears cleaned that they've stayed (relatively) clean the last two weeks. Can only assume it's the food?

Honeys Owners · Oct 9, 2016

When I first rescued my dog ( who is 5-6 years old ), the vet said one ear was very dirty and the other ear was infected. I used the Surolan ear drops that the vet prescribed for a week, and it didn't seem to do much. Since then I've been using Zymox otic ( an enzymatic ear drop ) but it's been getting expensive, since I live in Canada, so now I'm onto home made products ( 2 essential oils in witch hazel, or a povidone solution, vinegar, and boric acid powder in witch hazel ) . My dog is on Acana, but I think I'll try the Orijen and see what happens since it's got more protein.

Jakeyjake · Oct 10, 2016

You can check out Dogfoodadvisor.com to look for a quality food. I use a freeze dried base mix and then add the protein for my dogs. A few brands are Sojos, Grandma Lucy's, The Honest Kitchen. We use freeze dried treats as well (salmon, chicken, cod skins, etc)

davidh · Oct 10, 2016

You can give the pumpkin everyday if you wish, it is a good fiber. The Coconut oil os good also, but watch for the diarrhea. But you just cut back a bit and the poops should get better. Also Greek yogurt is good, but if you can find Greek yogurt made with goats milk, that is best.

WeeDex · Oct 12, 2016

Dexters yeast problems (ears, feet, mouth) are completely connected to carbs and sugars. He can't tolerate them. Potatoes, rice, root veg etc. We have to avoid them all. He hasn't had one ear infection since I switched him to raw, and he was getting them all the time prior to this. He loves coconut oil & if I cook with it comes running through when he smells it!

2bullymama · Oct 12, 2016

CarrotTheFrenchie said:
Once I started looking for grain free and potato free kibble, I realized how FEW there are! I was thinking about switching her to Fromm, but most of their dry food (like the puppy gold) contains potatoes. I'm not positive that the potatoes are connected to the ear gunk, but normally whenever I get her ears cleaned, they gunk up again after a couple of days! It wasn't until recently when I switched food and had her ears cleaned that they've stayed (relatively) clean the last two weeks. Can only assume it's the food?

could be environment too.... but my Bulldog, Lambeau has ear issues and what I started using (vet suggestion) is 50/50 ACV and witch hazel in a spray bottle... wow what a difference. Spray in the ear or on a pad and wipe -- it has really helped lessen the ear gunk

Honeys Owners · Oct 12, 2016

Apple cider vinegar in the ears is a bit controversial since it will soften the skin in the ear, so I think it's safer to dilute it 1 part vinegar with 2 parts witch hazel. That would make 5% acetic acid end up as 1.7%. Malacetic wipes use 2% boric acid and 2% acetic acid as a comparison.