New here with new rescue

[mehpenn]

Awww.. I'm jealous. LOL.
Keep trying the suggestions you've gotten here, they're great suggestions and also keep in mind that she's got a lot of adjusting to do and it may take time.
Congratulations!

[Precision]

Thanks everyone!!

How long should/can we keep her on the rice and chicken before mixing in dry food?

[gsdraven]

I would do a day or two on the chicken and rice and see if her stools firm up and then go back to kibble.

It's really important that you get her checked by a vet too. My lost foster had diarrhea for a week straight and it turned out it was because he had whipworms and it wasn't just an upset belly.

[Stosh]

What's her name? She's really pretty! I would add 1/2 cup of dry after a few days and she might need some Gatorade since she's been having diarrhea that much- mine prefer the orange. Stosh just had a bought with giardia, a bug he picked up from drinking out of a creek. Since your girl was found in a rural area she may have gotten water from standing water and may have it too. Your vet can check her for that and any other parasites. Sounds as though she's making progress!! You might also try sitting in a lawn chair in the garage, not really looking at her and just let her get used to your presence after you walk out there. She'll respond to your gentle love and kindness- lucky girl!

[CaliBoy]

I think the poor thing has just been through a lot. If she was wandering in a rural area, that might explain why she hates outings. It could be that she was abandoned that way, and does not want to be taken out for fear she will be left again to fend for herself.

As far as the rice and chicken, you may want to consider using brown rice, as that has fiber and will firm up her stools. Or, some folks will boil chicken and use the broth and meat (no bones) mixed with kibble to entice their sick dog to eat the kibble again. I'm glad she is with you Precision. You folks sound very caring and thoughtful of her.

[Stogey]

Congrats on your new doggy ! Patience and Love go a long way with these animals. She'll come around before you know it .... Good luck and welcome to the forum !

[Whitedog404]

Poor baby. But, good for you! Add some cooked sweet potatoes to her food. And brown rice. No reason not to always add some homemade food to her dry.

[Dawn]

Metronidazole probably will help. I would def. get her checked out a vet.
Did they worm the dog before they adopted it to you. We automatically worm all animals before they leave our shelter.
If not check for parasites.
Feeding just canned food will not help the problem with loose stool, infact can make it worse....maybe start mixing in white rice and boiled chicken with alittle dry food. Also Science diet IM will help but it is not a long term food. You can get it at your vets.
I think the best for you to do is go to your vets and have the dog competely checked out!
good luck!!

[Mac's Mom]

Precision - I'm so glad you found each other. She's beautiful and sounds really sweet. You and your wife are great people.

[SylvieUS]

Hi there and welcome to the forums. Pretty girl you have there! It will get better from here!

I have had a foster for 5 weeks now, going thru some of the same issues.

If you got her from a shelter, remember that most shelters feed...well..whatever is donated, and often a rotating diet. Also, I know that the dye in some foods, particularly some GSD's, causes 'the runs', and they don't clear up right away.

Like others have said, I would try boiled chicken and rice, slowly introducing quality kibble that is a good mix of protein and fat and healthy starch.

Also, to make her more comfy/less timid...

Try putting a reaaaaaaaaaaaally soft, old blanket on your bed a few nights, let your and your wife's scent get on it, then put it in the garage for her to sleep on. If treats aren't working, try some toys. She may not know how to play with toys/tugs. But give her something to explore when you leave her alone.

Good luck, more stories, more pics, as you get to know her better please!!

Best,
-Yvonne