My dog is constipated. How long does pumpkin take to start working?

[Pumpkin](https://www.petcoach.co/article/health-benefits-of-pumpkin-for-pets) is a "super food" of the canine world. [Pumpkin](https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/pumpkin) contains soluble fiber and beta-carotene and can do wonders for both constipation and diarrhea. However, if your dog is lethargic, not eating, vomiting has diarrhea or is straining and not passing any stool, you need to seek veterinary attention immediately. That being said, the recommended amount of [pumpkin to give a dog](https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/pumpkin/) is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight of plain, canned pumpkin (NOT pie filling) or fresh, steamed pumpkin. Given once or twice daily, this can aid in defecation. Always have fresh water available. Mix in some warm water in the food to increase intake which can also help prevent constipation. If the constipation persists for more than 24 hours, you should see your veterinarian.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You can add about 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin to his meals which may help with constipation. If that does not help, I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They can at that point check on that and recommend therapy accordingly. This would be especially important since he is having trouble seating which may be seen with discomfort for example. Best of luck!

Pumpkin is a good thing to try but it only helps mild cases of constipation. It sounds like it is time to take Panda to the vet as she will need meds to help her go to the toilet. The vet can also examine her to see if thete is an underlying issue contributing to the constipation.

I am sorry to hear about Lucky! If he is otherwise acting normally (no vomiting, normal appetite, energy normal, no pain) you can try adding a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to his food twice a day, or giving him some cat hairball remedy (such as laxatone). If this doesn't resolve the isssue within 24 hours or he develops any of the symptoms I mentioned before, he will need to see his veterinarian. You can read more about constipation at https://www.petcoach.co/article/constipation-in-dogs-101-what-you-need-to-know/

Hi, and thanks for your question. Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It really depends on the type of animal. If this is for a dog or cat you can give a small amount of puréed pumpkin twice a day to see if this helps. For small dogs/cats I would start with only 1/4 teaspoon twice a day. For larger dogs you can give 1 teaspoon twice a day. If the constipation continues I would talk to your vet about stronger stool softeners. If this doesn't answer your question, please write another question in the forum with more details about your pets problems and the type of pet, age, etc. Thank you!! I hope this helps!

Mild constipation that lasts no more than two days can usually be resolved at home with increased fiber and hydration. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling, just the straight-up pumpkin) or liquid paraffin can be used, and should work straight away in the following 8 hours from administration. DO NOT TRY to give an enema as it could be dangerous and cause electrolyte imbalances and colon perforation. If constipation lasts more than 24 hours from administration of those or 48 hours in general, a check up at your local vet is required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!