RE: PUMPKIN

Question
I have been taking care of my children's dog since he was hit by a car. We didn't find him until almost a week later at the shelter. His injuries consist of a fractured pelvis and a broken tail. He had been struggling going to the bathroom having diahhrea. So besides being on pain medication and after some researching on the Internet, I have switched his diet to Natural Balance (dry and canned) I also bought a bag of Solid Gold on clearance which I am feeding him now instead of the dry Natural Balance. The dog's weight is 50 lbs which is considered obese by the Vet. I have also discovered that plain pumpkin is good for the dog (which he is not crazy about so I add low sodium chicken broth)to his dry dog food.  I also went to the health food store and got some Bach Animal Rescue drops (they also said I could give him the adult drops) for his stress and anxiety.  They also suggested tiny tablets of Arnica Montana and Symphylum Officinate. He takes Tramodyl and Rimodyl for the pain from the Vet. Sometimes, he seems to be in pain due to his flatulence (which sometimes is loud).  Am I overdoing it??  I stopped the pumpkin for a day or so but started to add it back into his diet.  I know he misses the family and though they come to visit him,I am sure that also attributes to his anxiety.  Please let me know I should or shouldn't be doing. I did notice walking the dog helps him but I do not want to overdue it because of his fractured pelvis.

Sincerely-
Diana


Answer
Hi Diana,

It probably would have been best to leave well enough alone as far as diet went, while the dog is recovering, and not fully mobile.

Changing a dog's food too quickly can cause diarrhea. When changing a dog's diet, it must be done gradually, over a period of 5-7 days. Some dogs are sensitive to specific ingredients in dog food, including protein levels, and this also can cause upset stomachs, or diarrhea.

I would suggest going back to the food the dog tolerated, stop the chicken broth and pumpkin, and get control over the diarrhea. Later on, when the dog is healed, then try the diet change. A dog with limited mobility just doesn't need a case of the runs.

Talk to your vet about a recommendation for an anti diarrheal medication, for the fastest results.

If it's needed, you can help the dog walk by using a bath towel as a sling. Place the towel under the dog's belly, and hold the two ends above the his back to assist the dog in walking, and to steady him.

Throw rugs placed on slick floors also give the dog more traction. Bathroom rugs are good to use because they have rubber backings. For rugs without rubber backings, you can purchase rubber, non-skid backers to put under throw rugs to prevent them from skidding.

Best of luck,
Patti