How Fast Does Pumpkin Work For Dog Diarrhea?

The Short Answer is:

You should notice an improvement in your dog’s bowel movements after four to six hours, but it can take up to 24 hours to get rid of the diarrhea problem completely.

The purpose of this article is to explain the “How Fast Does Pumpkin Work For Dog Diarrhea?“.

We have all dealt with bouts of diarrhea in our faithful canine companions which makes them miserable not to mention the mess they make.

This is where the pumpkin comes in. Before you can even think about the causes you need a quick remedy. In this article we’ll examine how much pumping should you feed your pet in what form and how quickly it works.

How and why does pumpkin help cure dog diarrhea?

Pumpkin is very good for dogs (and people) who have diarrhea because it is high in fiber and adds mass to the stool. Pumpkin also absorbs water while in the GI tract so your pets stools become less runny and less frequent.

Furthermore pumpkin contains many nutrients that are essential to your dogs health such as Vitamins A C and E as well as minerals like potassium and iron. 

Should raw or cooked pumpkins be fed to your dog?

Although fresh pumpkin is very healthy for your dog you should give him cooked pumpkin when he has diarrhea. When diarrhea strikes unexpectedly maybe you do not have the time to cook so you should always have canned pumpkin on hand. 

Its better to use canned pumpkin than fresh ones because it contains more fiber. A fresh pumpkin contains too much water which is not what your dog needs when he has liquid stools.

You should however make sure that the canned pumpkin you purchase is plain. It is important to check the label carefully to ensure it does not contain added salt sugar or spices.

How to cook pumpkin for your dog

You should bake dome pumpkin at 350F (180C) for 50 – 60 minutes if you wish to cook it yourself. It should be pricked with a fork. If you want you can cut the pumpkin flesh into small cubes or puree it. 

When you’re busy cooking make sure your dog does not try to eat the pumpkins shell stem or leaves which are not suitable for dogs. 

You can store puréed pumpkin in the fridge for two to three days or freeze small portions to have at the ready when your pet has an upset stomach again. 

How many pumpkins should you feed your dog?

The canned or cooked pumpkin is a good remedy for doggy diarrhea but it cannot replace a complete meal. 

Your dogs food should contain 1 to 4 tablespoons of pumpkin according to the AKC. This is also dependent on your dogs weight and how sensitive his stomach is. Mix in a larger quantity to his next meal starting with a small amount no more than 1 tablespoon.

In the case of an upset stomach what food should be served? Commercially available food is certainly not what you should serve. As soon as you notice that your dog is having runny stools stop offering him dry or wet food. 

Its best to withhold food for a few hours unless your dog has diabetes in which case you should consult your veterinarian.

You can let a healthy dog go without food for several hours or even a whole day if necessary. However make sure he drinks plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

You should however put your dog on a bland diet since we’re talking about regulating his digestion. The majority of experts recommend plain boiled rice as a treatment for diarrhea. A little canned pumpkin should speed up the process. 

How fast does pumpkin ease your dog’s diarrhea?

A pumpkin is an effective natural remedy for diarrhea but it isnot a miracle cure. Dogs do not bounce back to their old happy and healthy selves within an hour. 

It is important to remember that while your dogs stomach will break down the pumpkin in roughly 60 minutes it can take up to 24 hours for it to be fully digested and ready to eliminate. 

You should notice an improvement in your dogs bowel movements after four to six hours but it can take up to 24 hours to get rid of the diarrhea problem completely. 

Its best to keep your dog on a bland diet for a few more days even if he feels better the next day.  

What other vegetables could help cure dog diarrhea?

There are other human foods that can also help with diarrhea that your dog may get bored with such as rice and pumpkin.

Your ailing pet might benefit from eating mashed carrots or sweet potatoes. Mashed banana is also a good option for upset stomachs.

If your pet is having diarrhea you can add some bone or chicken broth to the veggies which not only add flavor but also help combat electrolyte imbalance.

Additionally you can add some boiled chicken breast to your dogs diet but make sure it is skinless and unsalted.

How else can pumpkin help your dog?

It may seem counter-intuitive but canned pumpkins can be helpful if your dog is constipated. Its the high fiber content in pumpkin that makes this possible. 

The pumpkin also acts as a prebiotic promoting the growth of good bacteria in the intestines which regulate gut health. In contrast to probiotics which are actually good bacteria found in yogurt. 

Because pumpkin absorbs water from the GI tract make sure your dog is properly hydrated. Constipation is caused by dehydration and you do not want to worsen it. You can add some water to the canned pumpkin to ensure your pet stays well hydrated. 

Can you give pumpkin seeds to your dog?

You can do that but preferably not when he has stomach issues. As well as antioxidants vitamins and fiber pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium iron phosphorus zinc and manganese. 

The seeds spoil easily however so you should not give them to your dog raw. You should shell the seeds roast them in the oven and grind them before serving them to your dog. Remember that pumpkin seeds are full of fat which is why your dog can only have a limited amount. A few ground seeds can be sprinkled over your dogs regular food. 

Pumpkin seeds can improve your dogs heart health sleep reduce inflammation lower blood sugar levels and promote urination.

Additionally many dog owners give their pets pumpkin seeds to combat intestinal parasites especially tapeworms. Although the issue has been hotly debated for years a recent study shows that pumpkin seeds do act as dewormers. As a result pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin an amino acid that has been proven to paralyze and eliminate parasites from the GI tract.

To deworm your dog naturally give him a quarter of a teaspoon of ground seeds per 10 pounds of body weight twice a day. The dogs stool should be examined to see if he does eliminate squiggly little monsters. Continue to treat him until there is no longer any evidence of parasites in his stool.

What should you do if your dog still has diarrhea after a couple of days?

Despite its excellent and fast-acting properties pumpkin does not cure the underlying health issues your dog may have. 

Runny stools in your dog may be the result of something he ate a change in his diet or simply stress. In those cases the pumpkin might completely solve the issue.

Diarrhea can be a symptom of many health problems beginning with parasites and ending with parvo a very serious disease. 

Seeing a vet should be your first priority if your dogs diarrhea persists for more than two to three days. Moreover if your dogs stool contains blood do not wait to take action. You should consult a veterinarian immediately as your dog might have a serious problem that cannot be treated with rice and pumpkin.

Regardless of whether your dog has a serious issue remember that prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration especially for puppies. 

The risks of diarrhea for puppies

Diarrhea in puppies may result from diet changes stress or bacterial infections which are quite common in young dogs with an immature immune system. It is important to call the vet if the pup still has runny stools after 24 hours due to dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance. 

Symptoms of dehydration include sunken eyes dry gums loss of skin elasticity and lethargy. 

Try forcing spoonfuls of water into the dogs mouth or use a plastic syringe without a needle if he refuses to drink. 

Final thoughts on using pumpkin with your dog

Pumpkins are a superfood for dogs (and humans) since they have high fiber content and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Add one to four tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin to your dogs meal which should include rice and boiled chicken breast. Results should appear within 24 hours but keep your dog on a bland diet for at least two more days.

The diarrhea of your dog is more complex than a stomach upset so you need to see a veterinarian get a proper diagnosis if it persists for more than 2 or 3 days. 

If your dog is in perfect health you can still give him canned pumpkin from time to time as it is full of essential nutrients and boosts his immune system.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.