Blonde By Nature

I looove Pumpkin Pie (yes, it deserves to be capitalized) and as I mentioned in a previous blog, Halloween traditions are very important to me as is pumpkin carving. But my love affair of pumpkin’s psychological comforts goes beyond the obvious – it goes to my dog.

After some trial, error and surviving an insane first 4 months of puppyhood (pre-BARF), I’ve discovered a few really good reasons why you should always have a can of pumpkin in your cupboard. It is a fantastic holistic tool that you can use for the following:

1. Assists with constipation, block-up from too much bone or eating wood
2. Assists with diarrhea or an upset stomach cycle from eating a plant on your deck
3. Helps speed up the “process” if a brick of cheese, Hanky Panky underwear or some other foreign object is eaten. However, use your judgment on serious situations in case a vet is needed. If so, you have 45 mins to get to there before digestion starts, then there is no turning back
4. Calms an unsettled stomach and therefore eliminates restless pacing at night
5. Helps with the detox process of switching from kibble to raw and reduces switch-over symptoms
6. High in fibre, Vitamin C, Potassium, carotenoids (anti-cancer fighting property), and lutein and ziazanthin (both promote eye health)

The best type to get is the most purest form of pumkpin in a can, with no additives or spices such as e.d. Smith’s pure pumkin. Pure, plain and bland.

The key to pumpkin is to give them a generous amount: I give my 85lbs wolf 3 heaping tablespoons. It’s better to give more than less. About 40% will get absorbed by your dog and the other 60% comes out in the same texture and colour it went in. So once you see it come out (and you will know it) it will be in a very pickupable form, you will then know that it’s done it’s job and can move on with your life. Be warned, if used too often Rover’s body will get use to it (just like Pepto for humans) and will stop being effective – so use moderately.

The best part? It’s cheap, you can get it anywhere, great storage life, safe for any canine, can’t overdose on it and dogs love it. Can’t beat that!

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