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Is Turmeric Good for Dogs? Benefits and Dosage Guide
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As a loving dog mom or dad, you’ll no doubt want to do all you can to ensure your fur baby is as strong and as healthy as it can be.
Of course, doing this should include things like regular vet checks, vaccinations, grooming, exercise, and feeding it a balanced diet.
But have you ever considered offering them turmeric to give their general well-being a boost?
Okay, so you might be wondering is turmeric good for dogs. Well, generally speaking, it can be just as beneficial for them as it is for humans.
That is because curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is highly regarded for its wonderful cancer-preventive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, it can also be given to your canine to reduce any symptoms of pain they might be experiencing.
But while you might want to ask your vet, is turmeric safe for dogs, just to be on the safe side, this guide will outline the potential benefits of doing so. It will also suggest what dosage you should give them to maximize its effects and reduce or avoid side effects.
Table of Content
What is Turmeric? Top 5 Turmeric Benefits for Dogs 1. Arthritis 2. Wounds 3. Cancer 4. Urinary Tract Infections 5. Cysts Turmeric for Dogs Dosage Precautions Conclusion FAQs Can I give my dog human turmeric capsules? Are there any side effects to giving turmeric to my dog? Products Featured In This Blog Related Readings
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a mildly aromatic spice that derives from the stem of Curcuma longa, a turmeric plant that is part of the ginger family.
Generally, this spice comes in a bright orange or yellow powder form which is produced by drying and then grinding its rhizome (otherwise known as its root).
Throughout India and the subcontinent, turmeric is widely used in cooking, most notably for curries. However, it has also been used for centuries as a medical treatment, particularly for conditions such as joint inflammation, upper respiratory conditions, and digestive problems.
Over the last couple of decades, western cultures have started to consume turmeric as a dietary supplement in an attempt to stave off several health issues like liver disease, joint pain and arthritis, chronic inflammation, and allergies.
As a result of this, some dog parents and holistic medical practitioners even believe that turmeric boasts the same healing abilities for dogs. While not enough scientific research has been carried out to definitively prove this, some advocate the benefits that curcumin can bring to them.
Top 5 Turmeric Benefits for Dogs
Those who champion giving turmeric to dogs suggest that it can help to alleviate and naturally treat a wide range of health concerns they may suffer from, and there is some scientific evidence that this might be true.
Here are five ailments in which dogs can potentially benefit from turmeric:
1. Arthritis
Just like the human condition, arthritis in dogs is a chronic affliction whose root cause is inflammation.
Due to it being an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, it is widely considered to be a very effective natural remedy for humans suffering from arthritis.
This thought is supported by a 2014 study on human osteoarthritis, which discovered that turmeric extract was just as effective at easing the condition than ibuprofen and did not come with any gastrointestinal side effects.
It is highly possible that the same might happen to dogs. (Just to be clear, you should never give ibuprofen to your dog).
2. Wounds
If your dog has scrapes or cuts, some vets suggest that topically applying turmeric paste to them can disinfect a wound by killing bacteria.
Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has antimicrobial properties, which make it a natural analgesic, and it can also reduce pain and inflammation.
Should you decide to do this, just be mindful that the vibrant color of the turmeric powder can temporarily leave a stain on your canine’s skin or coat.
3. Cancer
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 50% of adult dogs will contract cancer.
For this reason, some holistic vets suggest using turmeric as a natural dog cancer treatment, often in conjunction with other medical treatments, as advised by a vet.
The thinking here is that curcumin plays a leading role in protecting your dog from inflammation and cancer, based on some studies in humans that have suggested it can kill and prevent more cancer cells from growing.
4. Urinary Tract Infections
In the same way as humans are, dogs can also be susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Most often in canines, they occur as a result of bacterial invasion in the kidneys, bladder, or lower urinary tract.
Some dog parents harbor concerns about antibiotic medications for this condition – both for themselves and their furry friends – which is why they seek alternative, natural remedies.
Given its ability to eliminate bacteria, lessen pain, and reduce inflammation, many pet owners consider turmeric as a natural remedy for UTI conditions - although you should always get vet advice before giving it to them.
5. Cysts
Dogs can be prone to sebaceous cysts, which are characterized by noncancerous, slow-growing, and small bumps beneath the skin.
There is a school of thought that suggests using a paste of turmeric, witch hazel, and coconut oil (both internally and topically), which can assist with the treatment of dog cysts or, for that matter, hot spots.
It is not advisable to do this without first checking with your vet because the cause of the cyst might require a medical or antibacterial solution. However, in some circumstances, it is a natural remedy that could work well.
Turmeric for Dogs Dosage
If you are considering giving your dog turmeric in any form, you are strongly recommended to contact your vet first.
Overall, the correct dosage of turmeric to give dogs will vary according to their breed, size, and health. Therefore, it is worth getting professional direction to be on the safe side.
Additionally, make sure you purchase organic, high-quality turmeric products for your four-legged friend, as this will provide them with the most benefit.
Precautions
Before you give your dog any form of turmeric, you should be aware of what precautions you must take.
Your vet is best qualified to give you this advice, and it is worth taking it on board because if you give your pooch too much turmeric, it has the potential to give them unpleasant side effects.
These side effects could be as follows:
Bruising
Dizziness
Gallbladder issues
Iron deficiency.
Nausea
Upset stomach
It is worth noting that while these side effects are not common in dogs (or humans) when turmeric is taken in recommended amounts, they could occur when too much is consumed.
As mentioned previously, you should also be aware that topically using turmeric might result in staining of your dog’s skin, hair and clothes.
You should also be aware that giving turmeric to your dog in some conditions can be less than ideal which is why it is important to liaise with your vet first.
This is particularly true if it has ongoing health problems or liver issues or is currently on supplements or other medications. It might also be the case if your pooch frequently overheats, as turmeric is regarded as a warm spice, which means it might not be an ideal choice.
Therefore, talking to your vet first will help you better understand when and how to give turmeric to your canine and what dose or supplement form to administer it in.
Conclusion
Many dog owners and people who advocate holistic medicine believe that giving turmeric to dogs can be very beneficial for their health.
Without more qualitative, in-depth scientific research, we won't know this for sure. However, there is some cause for optimism that giving it to your canine can help alleviate the symptoms of conditions like osteoarthritis, inflammation, and cancer.
After reading this post, if you are still wondering is turmeric safe for dogs, you should definitely make an appointment with your vet to gain some further perspective.
FAQs
Here are some answers to questions people regularly ask about is turmeric good for dogs.
Can I give my dog human turmeric capsules?
If you are considering giving human turmeric capsules to your dog, it is better to ask this question to your vet.
There is no disputing that turmeric can have significant health benefits for humans. However, you should seek the opinion of an animal doctor to determine if it is appropriate for your dog.
The vet will consider your dog’s current condition and any underlying issues before giving you the green light.
Are there any side effects to giving turmeric to my dog?
In many circumstances, a vet might suggest that it is perfectly fine for you to give turmeric to your canine. However, in others they may warn you of side effects, such as allergic reactions or digestive upset, depending on your pooch’s current state of health.
As many canine conditions cannot be diagnosed without a proper check-up, it is always advisable to seek the advice of a vet before introducing any new supplements into their diet.
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
Products Featured In This Blog
Related Readings
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Dog’s Endocannabinoid System:
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- Anti-inflammatory Properties: CBD may help in reducing inflammation throughout the body, which is especially beneficial for dogs with inflammatory conditions.
- Supporting Neurological Health: CBD is also believed to provide neuroprotective effects, which can help senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans) or help in managing seizures.
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- 20 - 60 minutes to take effect.
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Important note: dogs may be sensitive to oils in general, always start at a low dosage, and slowly increase with time.
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