How To Give A Puppy Pumpkin For Diarrhea

Puppies chew on slippers, knock over lamps while racing in the living room, and have potty training accidents all over the house. But the worst mess is probably diarrhea — not only because it's a huge nightmare to clean up but also because this gastrointestinal condition means your pup is in distress. Luckily, there's not always a need to head to the emergency room, because diarrhea medicine for dogs can actually be found right in your pantry. When used as directed (always check with your pet's vet), pumpkin dog food is known to ease a case of diarrhea.

Before switching up the food you give your young dog, it's best to talk with your veterinarian, especially if you're faced with diarrhea that's profuse or tinged with blood. The reason is because diarrhea may be an indicator of serious sickness or disease. It's more likely that your pup simply ate something that didn't agree with him, or he could be suffering from an upset tummy, which is often just a mild illness and treatable with a home remedy, like pumpkin dog food.

Why is canned pumpkin a healthy, inexpensive, and fast diarrhea medicine for dogs? Pumpkin is a good source of soluble fiber, which is the type that's easier to digest, plus it's a food that's loaded with potassium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and, E. You can usually find canned pumpkin in the stores much of the year, though savvy dog owners will always keep a can or two in the pantry.

When you're shopping for this item, be sure to read the label carefully. The can you want is 100 percent pumpkin puree — and that's all. If canned pumpkin is hard to come by in your neck of the woods, seek out pumpkin powder, which is another option that's made specially for cats and dogs. Don't pick up pumpkin pie filling because the added sugar and spices may exacerbate your dog's tummy woes. Definitely don't feed your dog a pumpkin product that contains xylitol, as this sweetener can be toxic to puppies.

Using pumpkin for dog diarrhea isn't the only way to employ this canned good. When it comes to constipation (yes, cats and dogs get stopped up too), look to pumpkin again. The same amount of pumpkin in your dog's dish at each meal can also ease this GI condition.

When it comes to treating your puppy's diarrhea with pumpkin, start with small amounts. Experts recommend that dog owners add between 1 and 4 tablespoons of pumpkin puree to each meal. Pumpkin can also be worked into your dog's diet via treats like homemade dog cookies. These one- and two-ingredient recipes can be mixed up quickly and kept on hand to use as needed.

Just be sure to check with your vet as to how often you should offer treats and other meal add-ons. Too many treats or high-calorie extras can lead to excess weight gain and obesity in cats and dogs. A good rule of thumb is to be sure treats make up only 10 percent of your dog's daily diet.