Canned Pumpkin - A "Must Have" For Sick Dogs & Cats

Canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) is a great home remedy for treating constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, indigestion and vomiting in both cats and dogs.  It’s also good for hairballs—much more healthy than the oil-based hairball formulas.  I always keep a good stock of canned pumpkin in the pantry.  It has saved me lots of money on vet bills!

Besides being high in fiber, pumpkin is a low calorie source of valuable vitamins and minerals.  The calcium and magnesium are very soothing on an upset stomach, plus pumpkin is a healthy source of Vitamin E, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium.

Most dogs will eat pumpkin without hesitation.  Cats—well, it depends upon how finicky they are. Dogs and cats that eat only dry food can often become constipated.  The high water content and fiber in pumpkin should get things moving.  ;-)

Just mix the pumpkin with wet or dry food.  For a large dog, mix about 1/4 cup of pumpkin with dog food.  Small dogs—just a few tablespoons.  Cats— a teaspoon or 2 should do it. I buy organic pumpkin from Amazon.com or the baking section in your local grocery store.

Warning:  Do not give your pets pumpkin pie mix.  Some of the added spices can be toxic to dogs and cats.

Be aware that both diarrhea and constipation that continues for more than 24 hours can be very dangerous.  If adding pumpkin to the cat or dog food does not solve the problem, take your pet to the veterinarian ASAP.

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Dog Diarrhea Treatment: Caring for Your Sick Pooch

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to diarrhea. In most cases, the condition is not serious and can be treated at home. Here are bits and pieces of useful information on dog diarrhea treatment. 

Diet

Most diarrhea in dogs is diet-related so before you look into possible dog diarrhea treatments, you should first check whether the disorder was caused by something your dog ingested. Have you suddenly changed your dog’s diet? If you want to feed your dog new food items, do so gradually. Otherwise, their system may be unprepared and that could lead to digestive problems. 

Garbage, rotten food, and inedible objects, such as plastic will not only cause diarrhea but will also affect your pet’s overall health. Some table food items, such as milk shouldn’t be given to pets, especially puppies, because most dogs are lactose intolerant. 

Parasites and viruses

Puppies are particularly susceptible to viruses and parasites. If they don’t receive medical attention right away, the condition could lead to dehydration, decreased immune system function, and even death.

Medication and Vaccination

New medications and vaccine shots can cause diarrhea as a side effect. If vomiting and other reactions accompany the diarrhea, it’s best to consult your vet because your dog might need medical attention.  

Emotional disposition

Excitement, stress, and anxiety can also cause diarrhea. If these are the reasons, your dog’s condition should improve in the next 12 hours with the help of first-aid dog diarrhea treatments.

Toxic Substances

If you suspect that your dog has ingested poison or toxic substances, take him to the vet immediately.

Dog Diarrhea Treatment

If your pooch is suffering from diarrhea, take note of the following measures to help your pet recover quickly: 

•  Refrain from feeding your dog for 24 hours (12 hours for puppies) to give the digestive system a chance to empty itself.

•  Make sure your dog is drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Flavor the water with some broth to encourage drinking. If your pet doesn’t want to drink water, bring him to the vet immediately.

•  Consult your vet regarding the possible medications to treat your dog’s diarrhea.

•  Give your dog 3 to 4 small meals (consisting of non-fatty foods) for the first two days.

•  Take note of the bowel movements and observe the stool.

•  If everything seems to be normal, then you can feed your dog his regular diet.

If the diarrhea persists for more than 24 hours, the stool is bloody or black, or the dog is vomiting, despondent, and has a fever, take him to your vet right away.