This article was updated on January 15th, 2024
Are you looking for a speedy remedy to help a dog with diarrhea?
If your puppy or adult dog is sick with a case of diarrhea, there are plenty of steps owners can take that will quicken their recovery. One great option is to feed them unsweetened, canned pumpkin – as recommended by our veterinarian team here at Senior Tail Waggers.
Pumpkin Can Help Within 24 Hours
Naturally, when our dogs are sick, we want them to feel better ASAP. The good news is that pumpkin can have results pretty quickly: pumpkin can help your dog within 24 hours – although it depends on several factors as explained in this article.
Canned pumpkin may help get results within hours, but remember to be patient. It’s not a miracle cure! Nothing will magically be fixed within an hour or two. That’s because it takes time for a dog’s stomach acids to break down the pumpkin serving added to their food.
- For a moderate case of diarrhea, your dog’s next poop might show some signs of improvement within 4 – 6 hours.
- However, 24 – 48 hours is a more reasonable timeframe to expect a full recovery. It is also not uncommon for a dog to have diarrhea for several days.
Factors Impacting Speed of Recovery
How quickly your dog recovers from diarrhea depends upon a few factors:
- The major determinant in how quickly a dog’s diarrhea resolves is the underlying cause. Cases of stress diarrhea or dietary indiscretion (eating something new or foreign) often will resolve on their own. Parasites, however, will need to be successfully treated to resolve diarrhea.
- How severe the diarrhea is.
- How much pumpkin the dog is fed.
How Much Pumpkin Should I Give My Dog For Fast Results?
When considering giving canned pumpkin to your dog, keep in mind the dog’s size. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends adding between 1 and 4 tablespoons of pumpkin or pumpkin powder to a dog’s meal to see results within 24 hours.
But of course, exact amounts will vary based on a dog’s weight.
Here is an approximate breakdown:
- 10 lb dog: 1 tsp
- 20 lb dog: 2 tsp
- 50 lb dog: 2-4 tsp
- 100 lb. + dog: 2-5 tsp
Be Careful: “Too Much” Pumpkin Can Have the Opposite Effect
Yes – be careful about how much pumpkin you feed your dog. Too much pumpkin will actually have the opposite effect, resulting in deficiencies elsewhere. In a worst-case scenario, pumpkin could also be toxic to your dog, since pumpkin is high in vitamin A. Large quantities of vitamin A can result in vomiting and other clinical signs (Learn more on VCAhospitals).
For Fast Results, Mix Unsweetened Canned Pumpkin With Your Dog’s Food
Feed your dog unsweetened, canned pumpkin – as recommended by our veterinarian team here at Senior Tail Waggers. Canned pumpkin can be given alone, but it is a good idea to simply mix it into the dog’s daily meals at feeding time. We suggest adding pumpkin to your dog’s meals for 24 to 48 hours (1-2 days). During this timeframe, pay close attention to your dog’s stools. Is there any improvement? Loose and watery stools should eventually firm up once the pumpkin effects start to take hold.
What Else Can I Do To Help my Dog Fast? 4 Proven Tips To Help With Diarrhea
“If one of my dogs has more than one episode of diarrhea, I give probiotics for a couple of days. If the diarrhea continues and they are still eating, I start feeding a bland diet of chicken and rice in small amounts 3-4 times a day. If the diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or if their signs get more severe, it’s time for a workup.”
Are you looking for even more ways to help your sick dog? Here are four ideas that have proven to be effective:
1. Withhold food for 6 hours: This will give a dog’s stomach a much-needed opportunity to settle and calm down.
2. Offer a bland diet: Garbage, rotten food, something in the backyard: dogs often get diarrhea from eating something bad. Bland foods like boiled chicken and white rice both help with diarrhea.
3. Consider over the counter medications: Mild diarrhea can be treated with Immodium, which are generally safe to give a dog. Call and ask your veterinarian if you want to try Immodium (always talk to your vet before giving your dog any new medication). PeptoBismol and Kaeopectate should not be given to dogs (or cats) as they contain salyicylates that can have side effects similar to aspirin.
4. Probiotics: Gastrointestinal diseases often result in harmful bacteria forming in a dog’s intestine. An easy solution is to replace these nasty bacteria with probiotics.
And there you have it, pet parents!
When Should I See the Vet if my Dog’s Diarrhea Doesn’t Resolve Itself?
Don’t forget! If diarrhea lasts for longer than 2 or 3 days, a trip to the veterinarian’s office should be arranged. Canned pumpkin is great for diarrhea caused by diet changes, stress, and allergies. But parasites like roundworm, coccidia, and giardia require a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How Does Pumpkin Help Stop Dog Diarrhea?
Canned pumpkin contains micronutrients and fiber: these ingredients will help firm up loose stools, providing relief from diarrhea in the process. Pumpkin also helps to absorb excess water while also promoting good bacteria in the digestive tract.
For more information on dog diarrhea causes, symptoms, and treatments, please read:
Dog with Diarrhea But Acting Normal: 8 Easy Tips from a Vet
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