Pumpkin...for your dog and cat?

Did you know that the fruit of the season, the venerable pumpkin, can also be a useful addition to your dog or cats diet?  It can!  Use pureed pumpkin whenever your companion has either (that's right) diarrhea or constipation as a first line of defense.  If the symptoms are caused by stress or drinking unfamiliar water, a little pumpkin should do it. Its high water content hydrates the colon, relieving constipation, and its fiber absorbs excess water and slows the action of an agitated colon.   Of course, for severe or prolonged cases please consult your health care professional.  And, remember to buy the pure pumpkin, not the pie filling!

Generally speaking small dogs use 1-2 teaspoons, medium dogs 1-2 tablespoons, and large dogs 2-5 tablespoons.

Did you also know that pumpkin seeds and flowers have been used in Native American and Holistic practices to treat urinary tract problems, gastritis and to remove tapeworms and roundworms from the intestines? Please only do this with the oversight of a professional as other issues may arise.