Seeing our beloved furry friends in pain is never pleasant, especially when there feels like there’s nothing we can do. Constipation is a common ailment in dogs, and whilst you may feel totally helpless, there are a number of things that you can do to help matters.
Often, a simple dietary change or a digestive system boosting snack can really help get things going, if you get our drift! As such, we wanted to use this article to share one of the best tips we have learned over the years to help a dog through constipation come out the other side (no pun intended).
Before we begin with our tips and tricks, we want to make it clear that any serious constipation should be assessed by your dog’s veterinarian. If it has been a few days then they should be checked over.
Our tips and tricks are great as the first port of call only. Alternatively, you can use this method after your pet has been checked out by the vet if they advise a dietary change is necessary.
Now, let’s get down to business and explore whether pumpkin (yes, that bright orange Halloween cuisine) can make your dog poop and whether it can aid constipation.
Can dogs eat pumpkin?
Yes, we are pleased to be able to report that dogs can indeed eat pumpkin. Pumpkin is a member of the gourd family which also includes different types of squash. All squash and pumpkin are safe for dogs to eat and can actually play an important role in their diet, as well as providing a delicious treat or snack for them.
Pumpkins are full of healthy nutrients, as well as being jam-packed with fiber to help promote a healthy digestive system. Cooked pumpkin can be used as a treat, as a way of bulking out their meal, or simply as an addition to their meal.
We recommend that you only feed your dog the flesh of a pumpkin, ensuring that it is soft and cooked well enough for them. You should also take care to cook the pumpkin for your dog without salt and oils for your dog.
The skin or indeed any raw pumpkin will be very difficult for your dog to chew and digest. Fresh, organic pumpkin is always best, of course. However, if you have a canned pumpkin or pumpkin puree that is just fine too, provided it is plain and has no added salt, sugar, oils, or spices.
Does pumpkin make dogs poop?
Yes, it is true! We can tell you that pumpkin can definitely make dogs poop. Due to the fact that pumpkins are full to the brim with fiber, even a small amount of pumpkin can help move your dog’s bowel movements along. It is for this reason that pumpkin should only be fed to dogs in small amounts.
Fiber plays an essential role in the digestive system in all living beings. You may know the importance of eating fiber for that same reason. We’ve all heard the stories of elderly people saying the key to their long life has been prunes every day as they ‘keep you regular’. Well, the same can be said for dogs.
Whilst prunes are very harmful to dogs (they are toxic and should not be fed to them), pumpkins can have the same effect but in a safe, non-toxic way. Pumpkins, even in small amounts can keep a dog regular and make them poop. Just be careful not to give a dog too much otherwise you may have a dog with diarrhea on your hands, and trust us when we say that no one wants that.
This does also mean that you should not feed pumpkin to a dog that is prone to diarrhea or is currently experiencing a bout of it. You should also take care when feeding pumpkin to a puppy as their smaller bellies may not yet be equipped to handle it.
Does pumpkin help constipation in dogs?
Yes, pumpkin can indeed help constipation in dogs. As you may know from the previous selection, pumpkin is a food that is packed with fiber. This can help to keep a dog regular as it can promote a healthy digestive system and encourage the passing of stools. As such, it makes sense that pumpkin can be used if the dog is struggling to pass tools (also known as being constipated).
As we mentioned at the beginning, if your dog has been struggling to poop for a few days then you should take them to the vet immediately. However, if this is just something that has happened today or for the last 24 hours then some pumpkin may help to move things along. As always, you should consult a veterinarian if you are unsure.
How much pumpkin does a dog need?
If your dog has constipation and you want to try feeding it some pumpkin to help make them poop, the amount you need to give them will depend on their size and weight. The pumpkin should be cooked before being mashed or pureed. Do not use salt, oil, or any other additives in the pumpkin as this could worsen the issue.
As a general rule, one tablespoon of cooked, mashed, or pureed pumpkin should be given per 10lbs in weight of a dog. Therefore, if your dog weighs 30lbs, then they should have 3 tablespoons of pumpkin. This can be given alone or mixed in with food or another favorite snack.
Do not give any more than the recommended dosage, even if it doesn’t seem to be working. It can take up to 10 hours for it to work. If, after this time, your dog still hasn’t managed to poop, you should not give anymore pumpkin but instead, seek advice from the veterinarian.
How fast does pumpkin cure constipation in a dog?
Based on how long it can take a dog to digest food, you can expect to see results from the pumpkin in around 8 to 10 hours. It may be even quicker than this, though, as your dog’s body is unique and the need may arise much sooner. If it takes longer than this you should take your dog to the vet as it could indicate an issue that needs medical attention.
Remember, too much pumpkin can actually have an adverse effect, causing diarrhea in your dog. Diarrhea after a bout of constipation is common anyway, and so you should never exceed the amount of pumpkin specified above, even if 8 hours seems like a long time!
Does pumpkin turn a dog’s poop orange?
If your dog’s poop looks orange, do not be alarmed! Pumpkins are rich in beta carotene and so it is not uncommon for poop to be orange after pumpkin has been consumed. Be aware, however, that this may be an indication that you gave your dog too much pumpkin.
You should also ensure that you are not mistaking red for arange. Red in the poop may be blood and is a sign that medical attention is needed. Make sure you investigate your dog’s poop after any digestive issues to check that it looks healthy.
