Canned pumpkin is an effective digestive aid for dogs. The high fiber content helps bulk up stools while simultaneously encouraging healthy bacteria.
Make sure to use plain cooked pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling which contains sugar, spices and nutmeg (which could lead to hypoglycemia and liver issues in dogs). Furthermore, when administering this remedy be sure that plenty of water is available so your pet remains hydrated.
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How to Give Your Dog Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin can be an effective addition to your dog’s diet for treating diarrhea, constipation and other stomach conditions. Before making any dietary adjustments for your pet, however, always consult with their veterinarian first.
Make sure to select plain canned pumpkin that does not contain added sugars or spices, as this will reduce stomach upset in your dog. Any pumpkin pie filling contains high levels of sugar which could upset his or her digestive tract.
Pumpkin contains both soluble and insoluble fiber that helps dogs digest food more thoroughly, as well as potassium which aids muscle function and metabolism; Vitamin A which supports eye health as well as skin and fur health; beta carotene which gives poop its orange hue; and Vitamin C to strengthen immunity. When adding pumpkin to your dog’s diet it should be done gradually, with small increments each day until reaching a daily allowance. It’s also wise to remove stems or seeds as these may prove challenging for digestion or may aggravate their digestive tract.
Symptoms
Tummy aches are often indicative of an upset digestive tract in your pup, whether caused by diet change or consumption of something that wasn’t approved of. They could also indicate infection or illness in their system.
Pumpkin is rich in soluble fiber, which helps bulk up stool and prevent diarrhea. Furthermore, its probiotic benefits promote gut microflora growth that assists your pet with digesting his meals more easily.
However, excessive pumpkin or any dietary fibers may decrease the amount of protein and other essential nutrients your dog can extract from food sources, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Always check with your vet prior to making major dietary changes for their own safety.
Make sure that only pure canned pumpkin is fed to your pup; avoid canned varieties containing spices and sugar, as these could contain harmful chemicals like xylitol that could prove fatal for his or her wellbeing. Offer small amounts of water along with their treat, without overdoing it!
Causes
Every now and then, most dogs experience stomach issues; typically in the form of mild indigestion or diarrhea. However, there may be cases that require veterinarian assistance; for instance if your pup hasn’t pooped in several days and straining when doing it this could be an indication of constipation.
Pumpkin can help loosen stool, so using plain canned pumpkin without spices or pie fillings may be effective in relieving constipation issues in dogs. When giving a dose of pumpkin to your pup it’s best to start slowly so you can gauge their response – just like when trying any new food item! For optimal results it should only take teaspoons for small breeds and one tablespoons for larger dogs to start seeing results – also consider slowly introducing new food items (including pumpkin) gradually so as not to risk diarrhea in any given doses! When giving any new food item such as this to ensure its effectiveness!
Treatment
If your pup has diarrhea, try giving her some canned pumpkin. Packed full of soluble fiber which helps bulk up stool more easily for passing, this food also feeds healthy bacteria within his digestive system and may provide support.
Many pet parents keep canned pumpkin on hand to help ease mild cases of constipation in their dogs, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Simply adding one to four tablespoons of pumpkin into their meal can ease symptoms of constipation – just be sure to increase their water intake when giving more fiber-rich foods such as canned pumpkin.
However, if your dog’s stomach troubles are persistent and severe, seek advice from a veterinarian before giving anything new. If their constipation coincides with other symptoms like vomiting and blood in their stool, this could indicate more serious conditions that need immediate medical intervention from a veterinarian – they can prescribe medication and make diet recommendations to help your pup feel better faster.
