Fall is
the season of the pumpkin. Pumpkin
treats are everywhere from desserts to coffee, and of course pumpkin carving
for Halloween. But did you also know it
serves as a great remedy for dogs with upset stomachs?
Diarrhea
and constipation are common ailments that plague dogs regularly, and there isn’t
a whole lot they can do about it when it happens.
Diarrhea
can happen for many reasons, such as a food allergy, a bacterial or viral
infection, or a parasite problem (worms or Giardia); but most commonly it
happens from a sudden change in diet or eating something that didn’t agree with
them, and they simply need to pass it.
Constipation
can also occur for many reason, such as from a lack of exercise or a blocked
passage (i.e. enlarged gland; ate something that won't pass easily; matted hair
around the anus; etc.). But most commonly it happens from getting too much or
too little fiber in their diet.
In those more common cases of diarrhea and constipation, where
there is no serious underlying issue, there is a simple solution. Canned pumpkin.
Canned pumpkin,
found at your neighborhood grocer, is a great source of fiber as well as
Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium.
It is also a healthy supplement low in Saturated Fat, Sodium and Cholesterol.
These characteristics make pumpkin an excellent source of natural relief in the
digestion process, helping cure an upset stomach, solidify runny stool, and
also soften stool causing constipation.
Some
vets even recommend pumpkin for help with weight loss because the high fiber
content will make your dog feel fuller despite any reduction in the amount they
eating. But always consult your vet before making that sort of dietary change for
your dog.
If you
are going to give your dog pumpkin to help stop diarrhea or constipation, here’s
what you need to know:
Use only
canned pumpkin (which can be found in the baking section of the grocery store) or
cooked pumpkin. Do Not use Pumpkin pie
filling or mix – It’s not the same thing.
·
For a small dog: Give 1 – 2 teaspoons of pumpkin (mixed in with
their food, if they’ll eat. Otherwise just a treat to lick).
·
For a larger dog: Give 1 - 2 tablespoons of pumpkin mixed in
with their food, if they’ll eat. Otherwise just a treat to lick).
·
For medium sized dogs, which can be a broad measurement in the
dog world, give them an amount between the two options, depending on if they
are closer to a small size dog or a larger dog.
Normal diarrhea
and constipation are usually cured quickly with pumpkin, so you don’t typically
need to give them very many servings.
But, pumpkin is still a beneficial supplement for a dog and worth
hanging on to, so if you find yourself with leftover pumpkin you have 2
options:
1.
You can split the remaining pumpkin up into baggies of 1 - 2
tablespoons and keep them in the freezer for future use.
Or
2.
Continue to add pumpkin to your dog’s food until you finish the
can. Or, if you like, continue to give
pumpkin even after that, to aid in healthy digestion. This
can be a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs who tend to have loose
stool regularly.
