C. Rathjens, DVM

Hello, thanks for using PetCoach. First off, thanks for including the picture of the active ingredients in the supplement, that's very helpful! It sounds like Romeo has been taking the NaturVet Quiet Moments Plus Melatonin for a while (more than a week), and there are no ingredients in there that I would expect to cause soft stool, so I don't think the supplement is at all related to the stool changes. If anything, anything that helps with calm will help resolve soft stool, since many anxious dogs also have some intestinal issues. On the other hand, the purpose of lactulose is to soften stool, so your vet's recommendation to stop that makes complete sense. That said, you're going to want to keep a close eye on Romeo's stool because he may need to go back on the lactulose in the coming days/weeks. If he's been on the lactulose long term, I would expect him to need it again once whatever is causing his current loose stool is resolved. Have a day or two of mild diarrhea/loose stool is common, and we often never find out why. As far as the food, I'd strongly recommend not changing it. Changes in diet often causes short term diarrhea in dogs, so you could actually make it worse by switching. It sounds like constipation may be a recurring issue for Romeo, in which case just keeping him on the wet food all ways makes the most sense. Finally, there are many possible causes of diarrhea, so if Romeo's stool gets softer, or says soft over the next few days, I'd recommend a check up with his regular vet to rule out some new issue. I hope that answers all your questions!

We always take breathing problems quite seriously. I would recommend seeing if you can drop Chuy off at the vet clinic without going in (curbside vet care --- this is very common at clinics near me right now), so he can be evaluated and you would just talk to the vet over the phone. Another possible option would be a telemedicine appointment with his vet - this is generally less available I think. If neither of those options will work for you and Chuy, I'd encourage you to submit another question with as much detail about the issue as possible. We won't be able to diagnose or treat it via this forum, but can probably give you a good idea of the seriousness of the issue with a few more details. It would be helpful to have a description of the breathing problem, how long ago it first started, how it's changed (or not) since starting, how Chuy's appetite and energy level are, and how many breaths a minute Chuy takes while resting (count for a minute while he's just laying down resting). I hope your adorable little guy is feeling better soon! Stay safe out there and thanks for using PetCoach.

At that age, she may possibility still need some manual stimulation for a bowel movement - basically imitating the mother dog licking the entire rear end under the tail. I say that just in case the problem is that she's not going at all. There are other issues that can result in a puppy having no bowel movements at all, such as not connecting the large intestines to the anus properly. Definitely seek out immediate vet help if she's not having bowel movements. However, if she's have bowel movements but they are very hard, I would advise trying to get more liquid in her by offering wet food with some extra water mixed in, or even low sodium chicken broth (home made without salt would be even better). I wouldn't recommend a laxative, however gentle, without an exam by a vet at this fragile age, because you run the risk of making her very ill. I hope she's feeling better soon!

Since this just started, as long as she's comfortable and breathing normally, there isn't anything you need to do right now. Make sure she has access to water and don't offer her any more food tonight. If the vomiting/diarrhea continue tomorrow, I'd recommend a vet visit. You can make boiled chicken and rice for her for meals tomorrow if you have time, but her regular food is also fine if you don't!

It's fine to go ahead and start the bravecto. I would also recommend being aware that it's possible fleas are in the environment (outside or in your house) and treatment may be required there to clear up the issue. And make sure you're treating all the animals in the house, not just the ones you see fleas on. Good luck with this frustrating issue!!