How much pumpkin is too much pumpkin? (bulldog, prescription, skin)

[molochai2580]

I looked back at some of your other threads (skimmed them) and if Artie is having loose/soft stools all the time or even most of the time it MIGHT be a food allergy. If that's the case feeding the pumpkin/oatmeal is just masking the real issue.

You could ask your vet for a allergy test or you can try an elimination diet. The allergy test is probably easier, though I've heard it can be expensive.

[DawnMTL]

Originally Posted by c99

Yes, the whimpering was heart-wrenching. He was such a fantastic dog. Then after he had the accident in the house, he would lay in the corner with his head between his paws and sulk. He really couldn't help that he had an accident - it was a physiological problem.

I wanted to clarify in terms of the oatmeal and pumpkin for your situation. We used the oatmeal to add fiber into our Saint's diet, but in your case (and of course I'm not a vet or anything so take my advice for what it's worth ) but I might try the pumpkin first in smaller doses to see if you have success since the problem Artie is having -if I understand correctly - is loose stools. I don't know about trying both the pumpkin and the oatmeal at a time. If you do, you won't know which is working for Artie and you may not need to use both of them. I hope I am making sense.

Happy New Year (almost) to you, too and all the Pets forum members!

Cheers!

Yup, you're making perfect sense. Actually, I worded it wrong... I'm going to start with the pumpkin (since Artie loves it) and then, when he's tired of it, I'll see if he likes oatmeal and if it has the same effect.

Right now, for the next while, I'll just give him some (1-2 tablespoons per day) and see if it firms up his stools.

Thanks so much for your help. Oh, and now my heart is breaking even more visualizing your poor Saint laying in the corner feeling guilty for something that wasn't his fault. Poor guy. He sounds like he was an incredible dog.

[DawnMTL]

Originally Posted by molochai2580

I looked back at some of your other threads (skimmed them) and if Artie is having loose/soft stools all the time or even most of the time it MIGHT be a food allergy. If that's the case feeding the pumpkin/oatmeal is just masking the real issue.

You could ask your vet for a allergy test or you can try an elimination diet. The allergy test is probably easier, though I've heard it can be expensive.

Ah! Interesting! Do you know of any other symptoms of allergies that I could look out for, or can loose stools be the only symptom of an allergy?

I wonder why my vet wouldn't have thought of that... Maybe because she knows that I overdo it on the treat-giving and that treats also cause loose stools. Although, I am shifting to healthier treats (the pumpkin, veggies, etc...), not just his "junk food" treats.

[molochai2580]

[SIZE=4]The Common Signs Of A Dog Allergy Are:
[/SIZE]Excessive scratching,
Excessive licking,
Sneezing and Coughing,
Eye and Nose discharge,
Itching around the anus
Hair loss,
Face rubbing,
Excessive licking and chewing of the paws,
Loss of appetite,
Pawing at the ears,
Head shaking,
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Breathing problems, and/or Asthma,
Chronic recurrent Ear Infections

Like people allergies can present with one or more symptoms. If any of these are chronic I would first look into major medical issues, but if he comes back all clear of those, than allergies would be my next guess.

And with soft stools I would be more inclined to think food allergy, rather than enviromental.

[dogpaw]

Not only the food itself can cause diarrhea but over feeding can do the same. Hope you get it all worked out soon.

[fredcarly]

My vet told me to give my dog double pumpkin for every amount of kibble you take away. For instance - my dog was getting 1 1/2 cups per feeding twice a day. I would cut out 1/2 cup of kibble - therefore I would double that and give her 1 cup of canned pumpkin. She lost about 16 pounds after a couple o months and looks fantastic. She also had a flatuance problem...which we gave her beano at the start of each meal...once we started feeding her pumpkin the gas problems stopped completely - no need for the beano. It was wonderful to be able to breathe again LOL.

[ZSP]

We use pumpkin too, about every other day is enough for my pack. For convenience, thought I'd pass this hint to you - when you open a new can, fill either an ice cube tray or mini muffin tin, freeze, pop them out and store in a freezer bag. You can take out one at a time, as needed, and they make great summertime dog treats too.

[roadpony]

Originally Posted by ZSP

We use pumpkin too, about every other day is enough for my pack. For convenience, thought I'd pass this hint to you - when you open a new can, fill either an ice cube tray or mini muffin tin, freeze, pop them out and store in a freezer bag. You can take out one at a time, as needed, and they make great summertime dog treats too.

Great idea! Thanks!

[dogpaw]

Originally Posted by ZSP

We use pumpkin too, about every other day is enough for my pack. For convenience, thought I'd pass this hint to you - when you open a new can, fill either an ice cube tray or mini muffin tin, freeze, pop them out and store in a freezer bag. You can take out one at a time, as needed, and they make great summertime dog treats too.

Thanks for sharing that. I have thrown out many opened cans of pumpkin that have gone bad.

[Levi'sMom]

I've heard pumpkin can ne mixed with your dog's food to keep them from eating their poop. Do you think a tablespoon would be enough for a 8 pound puppy. Does anyone know if it works for that? Gotta do something!! Thanks for your help!!