I have started slowly switching the kibble for my puppy this week from Solid Gold puppy formula (what the breeder was using) to Taste of the Wild - the Prairie version. I did notice a difference in the poop; it was looser but not really runny. Yesterday she got into some bunny poop. Today it was moor like pudding.

#1 Do you think the loose stool is simply because I am switching or because the new brand is not the right fit for her or because of the bunny poop?

#2 Do you think it was too early to switch?

Also, she has always been a big water drinker - a bit unusual to me - not just thirsty but inhaling it, but she doesn't usually cry for it. It's almost like a habit when she's around it. Today she has really been drinking a lot (more than usual) and panting. She's also seemed a little out of it - not running around as much and very content in her crate. And yes, she pees a lot too - about every hour but I think that is typical for an 11 week old puppy.

I have a vet appt tomorrow morning for the loose stool and the lethargy and the huge water consumption. I don't know if they are connected.

I'd have bloodwork done, too. And it will save some time if you take along a "clean catch" urine spec from the first pee of tomorrow, if possible.

No, it isn't normal for an 11-week-old to pee every hour.

The loose poop could be caused by bunny poop, or not...

The lethargy you are noticing falls into the "NQR" realm - not quite right. Owners always seem to know when their dog is... NQR. You are right to take her to the vet.

In addition to what Connie has suggested, bring along a sample of the poop.

Thanks. They did ask for a poop sample. I'l try and do this "clean catch" also. I can only imagine how to do this. I'll do my best.

Trying not to worry.

 Quote: lisa harvey

.... I'l try and do this "clean catch" also. I can only imagine how to do this. ...

A true clean catch can save the dog from an invasive procedure for collecting urine that has not been contaminated by bacteria present around the urethra.

What you want to do is catch the urine midstream, after the beginning of the stream has washed away the normal bacteria around and in the opening.

With a female, I've had success using something flat to slide under the squatting dog just after the stream starts.

A pie pan, etc., works great. A disposable one works really well because it's easy to create a pour-spout by slightly bending the aluminum-foil-type edge.

Have the covered container ready, though, to transfer the spec to s that you're not trying to walk a distance with the flat pan or urine.

Personally, I'd care more about not forcing the vet to "go fishing" for the urine than the fecal material.

But of course the fecal sample is very easy to collect, so I would do it.

About the blood work: one thing is that depending on whether they do their own lab work, you could have the blood sugar results very fast. Even sent out, you could have that the next day.

Another idea for the urine catch (althought Connie's looks real good and I had never heard of it) is a long handled ladle like you use for dipping soup from the kettle. Bend the handle backward to get a good angle.

Of, course, you can't use it again except for this purpose. lol

 Quote: Nora Ferrell

Of, course, you can't use it again except for this purpose. lol

I would consider that to be a worthwhile investment if I still had any female dogs.

Things like that (canned plain pumpkin, Ice Pup mix, white rice, a thermometer just for the dogs, emergency antihistamines, rags that were on the way to the trash saved for diarrhea/vomit -- then dumped, empty screw-top glass jars for urine specs and poop specs, and the like) are things that hardly seem worthwhile to collect --- until you need them.