Upset stomachs and dog diarrhea are some of the most common reasons pet owners bring their furry best friends to the veterinarian. Diarrhea and loose stools are common in dogs, especially if your dog doubles as an expert floor cleaner, eating every crumb or speck of food that doesn’t reach your plate. In some cases, mild cases of dog diarrhea or abnormal stools, especially those lasting less than 24 hours, do not necessitate a rushed DVM visit.
Understanding how to adjust your dog’s diet and relieve it at home is essential for pet parents to ensure their pup’s comfort. However, it’s critical to remember that dogs with diarrhea that persists longer than 24 hours must seek immediate veterinary care if it is accompanied by other more serious symptoms like vomiting and lethargy.
How to Use Pumpkin for Dog Diarrhea
Pumpkin is a popular, fiber-rich food often advised by veterinarians to alleviate symptoms of mild dog diarrhea or constipation in some cases. Pumpkin contains various nutrients and properties that can aid digestion and help return your dog’s bowel movements to normal. When properly prepared, pumpkin can help alleviate mild diarrhea by providing an excellent source of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can add bulk to your dog’s stool by absorbing water, supplying energy to the cells, stimulating intestinal absorption of sodium and water, and lowering large intestine pH levels.
Fiber-rich pumpkin can also provide prebiotics, which feed and help the growth of good gut bacteria essential for a balanced, well-functioning digestive system. Dogs with mild digestive issues may also benefit from a prebiotic and probiotic supplement, like Native Pet Probiotic Powder, to support proper gastrointestinal (GI) tract function and health. Pumpkin is a superfood that contains a variety of vitamins and nutrients that can help support your dog’s overall health, including:
- Vitamin A - Beta carotene in pumpkin is converted to vitamin A in your dog’s body. This essential vitamin supports various functions, including muscles, nerves, skin, coat, and eye health.
- Vitamin C - This antioxidant vitamin can support your dog’s overall immune system health.
- Vitamin E - This vitamin helps promote healthy liver, skin, heart, and immune system health.
- Potassium - This mineral is essential for proper heart, nerve, and muscle function and aids in maintaining proper hydration.
Canned Pumpkin vs. Pumpkin Powder
Although pumpkin everything is associated with the fall season, canned pumpkin is available year-round in most grocery stores. Plain, canned pumpkin puree can be an excellent way to provide your dog with added fiber to support their mild digestive issues. However, it’s critical to carefully read the labels to ensure they do not contain unsafe ingredients for dogs, including sugar, xylitol, spices, or other preservatives that may be toxic and exacerbate your dog’s GI problems.
Never feed your dog pumpkin pie filling or other pumpkin-flavored desserts, as these can cause severe GI distress, potential toxin ingestion, or pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening illness in dogs. Additionally, once canned pumpkin is opened, it should be properly stored and refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth and spoiling. Discard any unused, opened canned pumpkin after a few days. While generally safe, plain, canned pumpkin puree is not specifically formulated for your dog.
If your veterinarian advises supplementation with pumpkin, consider choosing a veterinary-formulated pumpkin source, like Native Pet Pumpkin Powder. These supplements are formulated specifically for dogs, with precise dosing instructions indicating the amount of pumpkin to offer your pup based on your dog’s weight. Additionally, powders tend to have a longer shelf life. They can be reconstituted with water to increase the moisture content of your dog’s food. Proper hydration is essential for all bodily functions, especially when your dog is unable to poop or when they are experiencing mild constipation.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Baked pumpkin seeds are a popular fall tradition for many people, so it’s natural for pet owners to want to share them with their pups. Pumpkin seeds are fiber-rich and offer numerous health benefits due to their vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and calcium. However, they are also high in fatty acids, which can put your dog at risk for weight gain, GI upset, or pancreatitis in sensitive dogs. Plain, cooked seeds, although not toxic to dogs, should only be fed as an occasional treat. Monitor your dog closely, as they can also be a choking hazard, especially in small dogs. The safest way to feed your dog pumpkin seeds is to plain roast them and grind them into a fine powder that can be sprinkled over their kibble or added to a homemade treat.
When to Feed Pumpkin to Your Dog for Diarrhea
Feeding your dog pumpkin should never replace proper veterinary care for your pet’s digestive issues. However, dogs who experience the occasional bout of diarrhea, constipation, or loose stools may benefit from adding a natural fiber supplement to their diet. If your dog is otherwise healthy and not experiencing additional digestive issues, like vomiting or bloody stool, providing them with some pumpkin may help calm your dog’s digestive system. The occasional homemade pumpkin dog treats can also be a great way to boost your dog’s fiber intake while providing them with a nutritious snack.
What to Do if Pumpkin Doesn’t Resolve Dog Diarrhea
Bring your dog for a veterinary examination if they are experiencing digestive issues that last more than 24 hours. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and may be the first sign of a more severe underlying illness. Seek immediate care with your DVM if your dog is showing the following signs associated with diarrhea:
- Blood in the stool
- Watery diarrhea
- Diarrhea episodes that are occurring every hour
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Decreased appetite
Fresh, plain, cooked pumpkin or veterinary-formulated pumpkin supplements can be an excellent fiber source for dogs with mild digestive issues, like the occasional loose stool. Adding a fiber supplement, like pumpkin, can also help reset their GI tract health. However, changes to your dog’s diet should always be done under the direction of your DVM. Additionally, pumpkin should never be used in place of proper veterinary care, especially if your dog is experiencing chronic digestive health issues.
For more information and tips on your dog’s health, check out the Native Pet blog.
