Constipation, Diarrhea, Pets and Pumpkins

Anyone who has suffered with constipation or diarrhea knows how uncomfortable it can be. If your pet shows symptoms of either diarrhea or constipation, a simple can of pumpkin puree is a safe and natural home remedy for treating both conditions.

If your dog or cat is experiencing constipation or diarrhea, one of the things that could help is canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin in its pureed form makes a great natural stool softener, which also makes it a good natural home remedy for the constipation your pet may be experiencing. Constipation is a very common problem seen in pets, which often happens when a pet ingests too much grass, has hairballs, or may have eaten small bones.

Pumpkin is a great source of fiber and has high water content. If your pet is constipated, the fiber in the pumpkin will soften the stools. If your pet is experiencing diarrhea, the fiber in the pumpkin will absorb the water in your pet's digestive system, which will help make the stools firmer.

During my years working as a vet tech, whenever my dog was having either constipation or diarrhea, I would ask my boss what I could do at home because my dog was so big and hard to handle in the car. Whenever I notice my dog or cat having difficulty eliminating, I give them a teaspoonful of pumpkin and whenever they do go to the bathroom, they were able to do their business with no problems within just a few hours. Since the dietary fiber in canned pumpkin absorbs water, it also helps a cat or dog that is experiencing diarrhea. One to two teaspoonfuls is all that is needed no matter what breed of dog you have and no matter what size your dog and or cat is.

Instead of storing the canned pumpkin in the refrigerator, freeze individual portions in an ice cube tray. When the pumpkin has frozen, just give one cube to your pet when a bout of constipation or diarrhea arrives. Frozen canned pumpkin cubes make it much easier to administer to your pets.

If your dog or cat has been suffering with constipation or diarrhea for more than 24-36 hours you should bring your pet to the veterinarian to check for intestinal blockages or parasites.Both diarrhea and constipation can both cause very serious health problems in pets if left unattended to. A veterinarian should also immediately check any pet that appears lethargic for the possibility of dehydration, which can happen very quickly.

Note:

Be Sure That You Use Canned Pumpkin Puree & Not Pumpkin Pie Filling. Pumpkin Pie Filling Has Far Too Much Sugar For Their Systems.

Sources:

I worked as a veterinary technician for 10 years & learned a lot of valuable information.

DISCLAIMER:

I am not a licensed vet but I did learn many useful tips and information during my years working for one. The above information is intended for educational purposes only and shall not take the place of seeking professional medical advice from a licensed veterinarian.