Frequency of pumpkin for new puppy

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

Molly is 8 weeks old, about 5-6 lbs, and is having a little loose stool at the end if each bowel movement. Stools are fairly normal, but then mucous/gelatinous at the end. I gave her half a tbsp. of pumpkin this morning, after I noticed the first stool issue (so after a meal and potty time). She just had her second meal and potty time (same symptoms as above). Can I give pumpkin again? How often?

[Lynda Kamrath]

Hmmm. I am watching for replies here because my dog (3 years old) has the same problem.  He has solid stools, but then some loose stool at the end of each bowel movement.  It seems to be because he is straining to get it all out, but I just don't know.

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

It makes me uncomfortable to see it because I just dealt with (over the last few years) with a senior sheltie who had pancreatitis and a gallbladder mucocele (in addition to bladder cancer). Hoping we resolve it quickly - for your pup too!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm really hoping that at 8 weeks, you haven't had her more than a day or two. I also hope you haven't changed her food from whatever the breeder was feeding, or introduced any new foods or other treats. This is very important with new puppies.

It's very likely that she came home from the breeder with giardia or another intestinal parasite, it's very common. I would have a fecal done ASAP. In the meantime you can give her pumpkin with each meal, but if she has parasites, it really won't help. 

If the fecal is positive, make sure that you ask the vet for Panacur, NOT Metronidazole. 

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

Thanks, Karen. She just came to us last night, right at 8 weeks. We have our vet appt. tomorrow morning. I sure hope it's not something like that, but understand it's common. I will ask for Panancur if needed. How long does she need to take medication for these issues, if confirmed?

No changes in food, no different treats (I am a good student of DK!).

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Typically, Panacur is only given for 3-5 days. Metronidazole is given much longer, but you really, really don't want that. :)

[Gail and Bailey]

Molly is so adorable!  Hoping she gets a clean bill of health from the vet!  Keep us posted!

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

Thank you! I fed her pumpkin twice today and her last stool was normal (even at the end). I'm anxious to see what the vet says. She's passed out now on the sofa and my husband is with her so I can shower. What a day :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

She may just be a little bit stressed from the huge changes she's been through over the past couple of days. It sounds like you have nothing to worry about. 

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

Yes, hope that's it! Thanks :)

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

Molly Is a healthy 6lbs,, per the vet, and her stool sample was clear of anything bad -- yay!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yay, yay, YAY! 

[Eileen, Henry, & Cooper]

My cooper is 17 weeks now and he came to his forever home at 7 weeks his stool was very loose and we were too told to give pumpkin 1 tablespoon with every meal.  Pumpkin is actually pretty good for them and works for constipation  and loose stool, we had to give him this for about I want to say at least 3 weeks and we also had to change his food.  He was sent from the breeder Purina Puppy Chow and we switched him to a better brand.  Be patient they are puppies too just like when our children first came home from the hospital and we analyze their poops a little to much lol.  

I do know your fear though we had lost our Cavalier a couple of months ago to protein lose disease so you get a little paranoid as long as the pup is thriving then she/he will be fine.   Good luck!