new puppy has loose stool

[Simba]

Hi there,
We just got our first Rottie last weekend. His name is Simba and he was 7 weeks old on Sat. when we picked him up from the breeder.
For the last couple of days his stool has been very loose, has had to go poo at least 5 times a day and he had an accident in his crate last night about an hour after being taken out in the middle of the night (poo). We are using the same food the breeder was using (Purina Pro Plan Growth) and all his vaccinations are up to date. I was thinking the loose stool is from the change in water as we are in a different part of the Province that the Breeder. Any other ideas what could be causing this? He also has to go pee imediately after all naps.
Also was wondering how much food he should be getting a day at 7-8 weeks of age., I am currently feeding him 3 times a day.
Thanks for any help. Its been almost 3 years since we had a puppy(my parents dog), and we were lucky in that she was housetrained and crate trained almost from day one.

[godfreyc]

Just a couple of things. Puppies can get a little stressed. Handling them the change in environment can both cause upset tummy IMO. 8 weeks is a little too young to expect no accidents in the crate. Although they will try to avoid it, as the saying goes "If ya gotta go, ya gotta go" As long as your taking her out on a regular schedule and cleaning up after her quickly she'll get the hang of it. Make sure she doesn't get ahold of anything but her food. Things like table scraps can really cause diahrea. Others here will tell you to change food but I think that's up to you if it's working for you then it should be ok.

[Judy Chrusch]

Hi Simba, there are many reasons for diarrhea, stress, worms, food etc. What do his stools look like? Make sure there's no slime or blood in them. How is he eating, if he becomes lethargic and doesn't seem to want to eat and isn't playing as usual it's time for a trip to the vet. Have you had him checked out by a vet and also his stool checked for parasites? Sorry for all the questions but like I said there are many reasons for diarrhea. At that age I fed 4 times a day, make sure you soak the kibble for about 15 minutes in warm water. Until the diarrhea is under control, perhaps you should feed a bland diet, boiled hamburg and rice drained so there's no grease. Also go get yourself a can of PURE pumpkin, NOT pie filling and put a spoonful in his food or plain yogurt. As far as peeing after naps, that's normal and after each nap is when you get them outside right away and don't forget to praise. In between that they should go out every half hour or so but after each meal and naps:D is a must. The amount of food you give varies, what did your breeder tell you, they should have sent you home with a packet and full instructions of how to care for your baby? Call him back and ask him questions when need be. Let us know how things are going and congrats on your new puppy:D Best of luck to you.

Judy

[Judi W]

It might even be something as simple as how much you are feeding. Check with your breeder as to how much they were feeding. Too much can cause diahrea in a young pup.

[sumo]

Not too sure about the diarrhea issue, but I can assure you that it is normal for a pup to want to pee after every nap...When Sumo was that age, we'd have to bring him outside every half hour or so and definately after every nap and meals...Good luck!

[myandromeda]

I agree with Judy Chrusch. You may want to have the pup checked for parasites. When we first got our boys, they too had loose stools because of roundworm. It is not uncommon for pups to have roundworm, since it is usually passed to them through the mother in the womb.

And as Brent (sumo) said, frequent potty breaks are too be expected. I can't remember the numbers again, but I think it's something like for every month a pup can hold it's bladder for an hour... Bad memory, sorry! I know that Judy W has the answer to that one. She set me straight last time! :D

Have fun with your new boy!

[Simba]

Thanks for the replies,
Looks like everything is okay today. Simba only had to go pee twice last night and slept from 11:30 to 4:30 like a dream. He was dewormed and checked by the breeders Vet 2 days before we picked him up. Guess he was either just stressed or adjusting to the water. Boy you sure do have to be quick when he wakes up from a nap, just 1 extra minute putting your shoes on and I got a piddle. Now I try to hold him while getting ready.
Glad I found this board, I am sure that I will have more questions.