Fall is rapidly upon us and with it comes some of our favorite dog treats: EVERYTHING pumpkin spice. From pies to lattes, pumpkin truly is a staple of Fall. But, what most pet owners might not know is that pumpkin also is very beneficial for dogs.
Within this post, we’re going to go over all the ways pumpkin for dogs ought to be the latest addition to your pup’s life.
Pumpkin: Is it Good for Dogs?
Absolutely! Pumpkin is, indeed, good for dogs. That is right. Pumpkin may assist in treating a string of conditions from digestive problems to eliminating intestinal worms to giving your dog a healthy, shiny coat.
Here’s the best part: pumpkin may be given all year long to help your dog stay happy and healthy even when it is not autumn.
Pumpkin: What is it?
Pumpkin is a lot more than just a delectable filling for one of your favorited pies. It’s really a squash plant that’s native to North America. If you ever have carved a pumpkin for the Halloween holiday you know first-hand that the interior of the pumpkin is comprised up of a pulpy consistency and full of seeds.
Pumpkin Seeds: What are they?
Speaking of pumpkin seeds… Most folks might not know just how beneficial these seeds are. These flat, oval seeds are full of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and fatty acids. The seeds also are robust in lipids.
Advantages of Pumpkin for Canines
Let us take a look into all the ways pumpkin might have the ability to help your dog.
Pumpkin for Diarrhea
One common use of canned pumpkin for dogs is for dogs experiencing diarrhea. Canned pumpkin is a great soluble fiber source and has essential minerals and vitamins.
Canned pumpkin also has iron, potassium, and vitamins A, E, and C. The essential vitamins and natural fibers of the pumpkin aids in slowing digestion down by adding bulk to a canine’s stool by absorbing water.
How much pumpkin to give dog? Specialists advise blending the dog’s normal food using a Tbsp. of canned pumpkin. Most pet owners report that they’re surprised by how rapidly the pumpkin works to clear up their pet’s loose stools.
And with that being said, it’s vital that you recognize if your pet’s diarrhea persists after the supplement is added. If that’s the case, Innovet Pet Products encourages you to immediately take your pup to the vet. Dog diarrhea is what’s referred to as a non-specific symptom.
Diarrhea in and of itself is not an illness yet instead, a symptom of something else and non-specific symptom might be an indication of an entire plethora of conditions. If the diarrhea continues on, don’t use pumpkin as a “band-aid”. It is vital to get to the heart of what’s causing it to begin with.
Constipation Treatment for Dogs
Interestingly enough, as pumpkin is an excellent diarrhea remedy, it’s also efficient at easing constipation. Naturally boosting the quantity of soluble fiber within your pet’s diet also will assist in moving things along in a more convenient way.
As you utilize canned pumpkin puree to aid your dog’s digestive problems, your pup will not be racing to the grass to go to the bathroom. Pumpkin is very gentle, unlike traditional drugs which help to alleviate constipation.
If you have had to handle medication for constipation relief, you understand how… messy… it might be.
How much pumpkin to give a dog for constipation? Professionals suggest adding one to four Tbsp. of canned pumpkin to your dog’s normal food. Plus, always ensure that your dog has plenty of water.
Dehydration may be a direct link to constipation and certainly will make existing constipation even worse than it actually already is.
Dog Upset Stomach Treatment
There are numerous reasons why your pet might be experiencing an upset stomach. One common reason is a change in diet. Firstly, if you’re switching your pet’s food, be it meats, brands, raw food diet, etc., always do it slowly. There are few dogs whose tummies are able to deal with an instant change.
How much pumpkin can I give my dog? Gradually introduce the new food by blending it with the old in gradual increments. Besides slowly presenting the new food, pet parents may add pumpkin to help comfort and ease the digestive tract.
Again, one to four teaspoons ought to do the trick and the majority of pet owners say they witness results almost right away.
With that being said, an upset tummy is yet again an additional non-specific symptom. Thereby, if constipation, diarrhea, or upset stomach seemingly come out of no place or continuously happen, we suggest seeing a vet for the proper diagnosis.
An upset tummy might be due to gastrointestinal dysfunction, ulcers, allergies, etc. At the end of the day, it is vital to know precisely what’s going on to appropriately treat the condition.
