Pumpkin for constipation or diarrhea in dogs and cats
Constipation? Diarrhea? Maybe your veterinarian has suggested that you increase the fiber in your pet’s diet by giving pureed pumpkin to either bulk up the stool or loosen it. Both cats and dogs usually love it, plus it’s inexpensive and a natural, healthy choice.
In either case, you probably went to the grocery store, searched around, and finally found a big can of 100% pure pumpkin—not pie filling—in the baking section. When you got home, you measured out the correct amount and gave it to Tabby or Molly who, hopefully, licked it up eagerly.
Then you might have wondered how long the pumpkin would keep in the refrigerator before it goes bad.
My cat Eliot tends to get very constipated due to his advanced age—he’s eighteen. His vet ruled out any other problems and suggested we try pumpkin, though he cautioned me that it sometimes has an opposite effect and to watch carefully.
Pumpkin has turned out to be a real help for Eliot. I give him about a half-tablespoon almost every day, depending on how things are moving along.
But what to do with all that pumpkin? At first I divided it up and froze it in several plastic containers. I took one out of the freezer as needed and kept it in the refrigerator. But that meant digging out the frozen amount that I needed and heating it or waiting for it to thaw. I realized I could plan carefully to make sure I always have some thawed in the refrigerator and ready every time Eliot needs some, but that’s a lot of work as far as I’m concerned.
I finally came up with a plan that’s working out great. Here’s what I do.
- Drop measured spoonfuls of pumpkin on a nonstick cookie sheet.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in freezer.
- When pumpkin nuggets are completely frozen, scrape them into a storage container or a plastic freezer storage bag and pop them back into the freezer.
- When it’s time to give the pumpkin, remove a frozen nugget and place on a microwavable plate.
- Microwave on a reheat or high setting for a few seconds or until liquid runs out from under the pumpkin but it still holds its shape.
- Mash frozen and thawed bits together with a fork; blending will bring it to about room temperature (check temperature carefully before feeding to your pet).
You could also use an ice cube tray, especially if you have a large dog who requires more pumpkin than a small spoonful. Just measure the amount your vet recommends into each section of the ice cube tray. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze. Pop out the pumpkin cubes when fully frozen, put them in a storage container or a baggie, and place in the freezer.
Problem solved. Now I have a no-fuss, no bother, no waste system for giving Eliot his pumpkin and so do you.
If this article was helpful you might like this one too: How to give a cat a pill
Have tips to share? Leave a comment or email me anytime. I’d love to hear from you.
© Leah McClellan
How many days later did your cat go pooh after you gave him Pumpkin to relieve his constipation? My cat is 18 as well and I just gave it to him starting yesterday.
Hi Erica,
In my cat’s case, he wasn’t completely stopped up–I don’t remember if he ever missed more than a day or two. It was just really hard and he seemed to be straining. It was only a day or two before it made a difference, though.
You can also try a little plain, ordinary petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Just a dab on his mouth helps a lot. Not too much–an amount about the size of a pencil eraser or so (most cats will lick it off from around the mouth so watch to see how much goes down).
Important: check with your vet! Sometimes cats get “compacted” really bad, and it has to be pulled out. Make sure your cat is getting plenty of water too, or some form of liquid, even plain (unsalted, totally plain) chicken or fish broth.
Good luck! Just so you know, I’m not a vet, just an experienced cat owner, so please do speak with your vet about this even though these are very standard for constipation in cats–there could be something else going on.
Thanks so much for your help Leah.
I actually toook my cat to the Vet today and he was severely dehyrdated so he was given fluids. As well, he was given an enema by the vet and a few poops finally came out. But more still needs to according to the Xray. So we will see how it goes.
Again thanks again for your advice and your quick reply.
You’re welcome, Erica!
So glad to hear you got your cat to the vet. Just guessing, but I’ll bet the dehydration and constipation are related, so getting him hydrated should help. I hope your vet gave you tips on keeping him hydrated and whatever else he needs to be healthy and happy!
I’m glad I get email notification of comments because this blog is kind of just sitting here–I started it awhile back but have been focusing on my other blogs, so I wouldn’t have known you commented if I didn’t get the email right away. Very glad to be of some help! And I wish you the best–give your cat a big hug for me