Is Pumpkin Safe for Dogs?

During the fall pumpkin pies, jack-o-lanterns and gardens full of ripening pumpkins often peak the curiosity of the family pet. So, is it safe for dogs to chew, nibble and ultimately eat a little of the fall treat? What if my pet steals the Thanksgiving pie off the kitchen counter? Will he get sick?

Well, yes and no. Pumpkin--plain, unflavored canned or fresh--is not toxic to dogs, but some pumpkin products (pie, muffins, dessert bars) can cause a disruption in the pet's digestion system or serious illness.

A Small Taste of Pie
Many pet owners don't blink an eye at giving the family pet the last bite of a meal. When friends and family gather for a holiday meal, it's likely someone will slip the family pet a few bites of turkey, mashed potatoes and even some pumpkin pie.

According to veterinary toxicologist Dr. Eric Dunayer, a bite or two of homemade pumpkin pie will not harm the dog. However, too much of the dessert can cause diarrhea, an upset stomach or even pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.

If the pumpkin pie was commercially prepared and sold as "sugar-free", check the ingredient label for the presence of the artificial sweetener xylitol. This sugar substitute is toxic to pets and can cause seizures, liver failure and a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. Call the veterinarian's office immediately if the pet has eaten any product containing xylitol.

The dog ate my jack-o-lantern!
If the family pet has a penchant for grazing in the family garden or playing with a carved pumpkin, there's no need to worry. David McCluggage, D.V.M., C.V.A. from the Chaparral Animal Health Center in Longmont, Colo. recommends feeding dogs fresh foods, including pumpkin. When introduced into the pet's diet gradually, the squash becomes a healthy addition to the dog's meals.

But, if the holiday decoration was painted, embellished with toxic permanent markers or contains a candle, it should be taken away from the pet immediately.

Pumpkin Cures Dog Ailments
Actually, your veterinarian may recommend pumpkin as an all-natural cure for diarrhea. The fibrous vegetable helps restore the balance of moisture in the dog's intestines, making his bowel movements more regular, according to VetInfo online.

Pets that turn around and consume their own feces--a condition known as coprophagia--may also benefit from pumpkin. The Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW) recommends adding plain canned pumpkin (2 to 4 tablespoons) to the pet's daily diet to add an unpleasant aroma to the animal's feces--in hopes of deterring coprophagia.

Sources and Suggested Further Reading:
Partnership for Animal Welfare (PAW), "Stopping Dogs from Eating Poop", Partnership for Animal Welfare
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_PoopEating.php

David McCluggage, D.V.M., C.V.A., "Feeding Your Dog", WellVet.com
http://www.wellvet.com/feedingdogs.html

Dana Farbman and Dr. Eric Dunayer, "Animal Poison Control Chat Transcript ", ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/online-community/transcripts/animal-poison-control-chat-transcript.html

Sharon Kopinak, D.V.M., "Natural Diet and Natural Medicine for Pets", Consumer Health Organization of Canada
http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=20060228185653

VetInfo.com, "Which Dog Diarrhea Medicine Has Proven Results?", VetInfo.com
http://www.vetinfo.com/dog-diarrhea-medicine.html

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