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If you've ever worked at an animal shelter or fostered critters, you probably know about the benefits of pumpkin. And no, delicious as it is, I don't mean pumpkin pie.
If your dog or cat has diahrrea from a new medicine or eating something that didn't agree with his system, a bit of raw pumpkin can help slow the flow. Strangely enough, if the animal is constipated, raw pumpkin helps, too. The natural fiber provided by a teaspoon or two (depending upon the animal's size) works wonders. And since most critters look at pumpkin as a delicious treat, you shouldn't have much trouble getting them to eat it. For the more finicky, try mixing the pumpkin into the animal's food.
NOTE: If your animal has other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, lethargy, or doesn't seem to be bouncing back from the problem, don't rely on pumpkin as a cure-all. Animals (especially puppies and kittens) can become dehydrated quickly. Contact your veterinarian for advice.
Remember to look for 100% pure canned pumpkin, NOT canned pumpkin pie mix.
Because this isn't a cooking lesson!
5 comments:
Excellent advice. Pat. Thanks!
I'm tucking away that tidbit of information for future reference--though my craft canine has a cast-iron digestive system. Yesterday she sneaked into the kitchen and helped herself to half a pan of fresh apple crisp! (And she slept like a baby!)
Hi Pat,
News to me, but some I'll remember.
Thanks for posting such great advice.
Donna
Interesting. I had no idea. I'm gonig to share with my sister who experienced a bout of diarrhea with her one dog this past spring. I know for a fact her vet never recommended raw pumpkin. Thanks for sharing this.
That is a really great tip! My hermit crabs will eat fresh or dried pumpkin. But no pie for them!
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