Pumpkin's

[GermanSheperdlover]

I have a buddy of mine

[dogtrainer1507]

From what I've read they say it helps with digestion. And some vets even prescribe it for intestine malady. Some people swear by papaya too.

[RawFedDogs]

If you need to add pumpkin to a dogs diet to keep his stools solid, there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. All pumpkin does is mask symptoms.

To answer your question, it's only use is to solidify stools. It absorbs water in the intestines. It has no nutritional value to a dog.

[Todd]

If you need to add pumpkin to a dogs diet to keep his stools solid, there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. All pumpkin does is mask symptoms.

To answer your question, it's only use is to solidify stools. It absorbs water in the intestines. It has no nutritional value to a dog.

agreed. i used to recommend pumpkin to help firm up stools, but from my time here spent on this forum, I have learned that pumpkin does nothing buy cover up symptoms, it doesn't cure the underlying problem (just like RFD said).

[gabbie]

From what I've read they say it helps with digestion. And some vets even prescribe it for intestine malady. Some people swear by papaya too.

I'm brand new here but will put in my 2 cents worth anyway. One of my tzu has chronic HGE (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis), having had 2 episodes since I rescued her 2 years ago. The first time I did not know what it was but fortunately rushed her to the emergency vet in the middle of the night, where I was told quick action saved her life. They stated she would be susceptible to it in the future and to again get her to a vet quickly if it recurred. They recommended pumpkin for the added fiber.

She did have another episode 8 months later and I got her to a vet within 15 minutes. He confirmed the HGE and gave me a printout about it which said there is no known cause for HGE, therefore there is nothing to treat. He reiterated the use of pumpkin for added fiber. Thankfully, she has had no further episodes since then.

In doing further research on my own I confirmed that there is no known cause so there is nothing to treat, and that pumpkin is recommended for added fiber for dogs with HGE. HGE is fatal unless there is rapid intervention, so if your dog ever has a stool that looks like raspberry jam, get them to a vet immediately.

[dogtrainer1507]

Im not to familiar with it I personally have never used it, those were just a couple things I remember reading about. Sad that your puppy had to go through that.

[gabbie]

Im not to familiar with it I personally have never used it, those were just a couple things I remember reading about. Sad that your puppy had to go through that.

I tagged onto your reply since you mentioned you had read and heard that pumpkin and papaya were good for digestion. Probably should have actually responded directly to the OP - sorry for any confusion!

[DaneMama]

I'm brand new here but will put in my 2 cents worth anyway. One of my tzu has chronic HGE (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis), having had 2 episodes since I rescued her 2 years ago. The first time I did not know what it was but fortunately rushed her to the emergency vet in the middle of the night, where I was told quick action saved her life. They stated she would be susceptible to it in the future and to again get her to a vet quickly if it recurred. They recommended pumpkin for the added fiber.

She did have another episode 8 months later and I got her to a vet within 15 minutes. He confirmed the HGE and gave me a printout about it which said there is no known cause for HGE, therefore there is nothing to treat. He reiterated the use of pumpkin for added fiber. Thankfully, she has had no further episodes since then.

In doing further research on my own I confirmed that there is no known cause so there is nothing to treat, and that pumpkin is recommended for added fiber for dogs with HGE. HGE is fatal unless there is rapid intervention, so if your dog ever has a stool that looks like raspberry jam, get them to a vet immediately.

I'm curious what the ER vets do to save your dog once she gets an episode like this? I work at a vet clinic and I have never heard of this until now...? Scary though.

Do you give pumpkin every day or just when she has an episode?

I have seen and heard of a lot of dogs with terrible gastroenteritis problems do fantastic when switched off of a kibble diet. Some ingredient, or combination of ingredients, irritate dogs intestines horribly to the point where they have constant diarrhea and occasional bloody stool. There are a few members on here that can provide a better account of their stories!

[dogtrainer1507]

No problem. I just wanted to clarify

[gabbie]

I'm curious what the ER vets do to save your dog once she gets an episode like this? I work at a vet clinic and I have never heard of this until now...? Scary though.

Do you give pumpkin every day or just when she has an episode?

I have seen and heard of a lot of dogs with terrible gastroenteritis problems do fantastic when switched off of a kibble diet. Some ingredient, or combination of ingredients, irritate dogs intestines horribly to the point where they have constant diarrhea and occasional bloody stool. There are a few members on here that can provide a better account of their stories!

She was immediately placed on IV fluids with Flagyl and something else (I'll have to check her record) and kept for nearly 24 hours both times. She was sent home on the same meds orally. I had not heard of it either until the first episode, and am grateful that both the emergency vet and the regular vet knew immediately what it was and how to treat it.

She gets 1 tbl pumpkin in each meal (which is twice daily). If her stools seem a bit too firm I add 2 tsp mineral oil until back to normal. I have actually started adding pumpkin to all of my dogs' food and their stools have been softer, easier to pass, and regular.