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how to use turmeric for dogs
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Safely Using Turmeric for Dogs

While regular use of turmeric for dogs may seem a little unusual; the benefits of adding this wonder herb to your best friend’s diet, are very high. There are a number of natural herbs, plants, and spices that are often considered outside the realm of what’s considered “normal” for pets but offer just as many benefits that work just as well for dogs as they do for people.

Below you’ll learn all the benefits of using turmeric for your dog. For instance, it is a natural anti-inflammatory and is helpful for dogs who suffer from joint inflammation. Plus, dogs with memory issues may also benefit when turmeric aka Indian saffron is regularly added to the diet.

Can dogs have turmeric?  

Absolutely! Our infographic below quickly outlines some of the most common reasons to use this spice for your dog.

using tumeric for dogs

Turmeric is also a beneficial supplement for steroids. Veterinarians often recommend steroids to aid in fighting anything from allergies to joint pain, but these drugs don’t come without a price. (https://mva.la) However, this spice – namely the curcumin component – can be used to reduce the impact of steroidal side effects and often to avoid using steroids altogether! According to a study from the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, turmeric aids in cutting down joint swelling and even leucocyte count when steroids are involved.

Benefits of turmeric for dogs:

  • Pain: Of all the benefits of turmeric for dogs, perhaps the most exciting is how it can aid the treatment of arthritis. We already know that turmeric helps when it comes to treating pain, but the anti-inflammatory properties of this spice have been compared to those of ibuprofen and other pain-fighting drugs. The inflammation that comes with the territory of arthritis can be difficult to manage at the best of times, but a little turmeric in the diet can make major improvements without the harshness of typical pharmaceuticals.
  • Blood Clots: Curcumin is also a blood thinner, which makes it an essential component when it comes to reducing the risk of blood clots and ridding the body of excess cholesterol. Although cholesterol doesn’t affect dogs like it does people, clots can lead to a number of problems for dogs, including heart issues.
  • Irritable Bowel Disease: Curcumin also stimulates bile production in the liver, which aids in digesting food properly because it helps break down dietary fats. Active dogs require diets that have at least 20 percent fat, so a little turmeric can go a long way with respect to aiding in overall digestion. Dogs that are pregnant, nursing or underweight require more fat in the diet, which means that more turmeric could help. If you’ve tried turmeric and haven’t had success in treating bowel issues, you might want to consider the IBD Kit.
  • Cancer: There are some reports emerging, albeit somewhat tentatively, that turmeric could play a role in fighting cancer. Animal and test-tube studies have revealed the herb’s capability to play a role in preventative medicine as an antioxidant. It has also been proven to shut down the blood vessels that feed cancer cells in some cases, although more research is certainly needed on the subject.
  • Dementia: In India where turmeric is used regularly among many; the number of people suffering from dementia and similar memory-related diseases is considered very low.  Learn more about one of our favorite formula’s for doggy dementia here.

Save $$ by Making Your Own Turmeric Paste for Your Old Friend Using the Instructions Below

how to make your own turmeric paste for dogs

Turmeric Paste Dosage for Dogs

Paste: dosage is roughly one eighth to one-quarter teaspoon per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight. Start slow and work up.

precautions of turmeric for dogs

Precautions needed while feeding

  • A common symptom when trying to feed to much turmeric/curcumin too quickly is nausea.  Again, start slow and work up.
  • It’s a binding agent, for one thing, which means that it can lead to constipation in some dogs. Because of this possibility, dogs should use plenty of water along with turmeric. A little yogurt can also be administered to balance out the digestive flora.
  • Dogs that are prone to kidney stones should not be given turmeric since it increases urinary oxalate levels.
  • Also, some dogs are sensitive to turmeric and develop stomach upset.  If this happens, it’s possible that you’re giving too much or that your dog is simply sensitive to the herb when added directly to their food.
  • Studies in people conclude that turmeric can have a negative effect if taking drugs for acid indigestion such as Tagamet, etc. So, I’d recommend avoiding feeding turmeric and acid reducers at the same time (hopefully you’re not feeding acid reducers regularly anyway).
  • They also indicate that it can have an effect on those taking prescription drugs for diabetes or if taking aspirin.  So, the same applies here; avoid giving turmeric and diabetic drugs together, and if you’re giving your dog aspirin, I also wouldn’t give the two together.  Give one or the other.

Overall, most case studies have revealed many positive effects on dogs taking turmeric. Nonetheless, better safe than sorry.

Editor’s Note: The blogpost was originally published in August 2011 and completely revamped and updated for accuracy on February 2021. 

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