Turmeric is known as the yellow spice usually added to Indian dishes such as curries. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it was initially founded and used over there. However, over time and with passing years, turmeric has spread all over the world. Now, you can find it being used in Western recipes and in newfound dishes that are only newly springing up.
However, turmeric’s uses are so much more than just for food. It is also famously used for medicinal purposes. Its benefits range from treating headaches and menstrual pains to preventing arthritis and heartburns. People who are conscious of their health like to intake turmeric daily to keep themselves in tip-top shape.
But, did you know that turmeric is not just beneficial to humans? Yes, you heard it right! Turmeric is also super useful for animals as well. More importantly, dogs can hugely benefit from a regular dosage of turmeric in their meals. You probably have never heard of the use of turmeric for a dog, but it is something that many pet owners practice. And now you can too. Let’s delve into some turmeric benefits for dogs and learn more about it:
Is Turmeric Safe For Dogs To Eat?
Is turmeric good for dogs? The answer is a big fat, yes! Turmeric is an entirely natural spice that is derived from the ginger root and will not pose a threat to your dog’s health in any way. It is bound to deliver some top-notch advantages to your dog. However, regardless of the various health benefits of turmeric for dogs, you should always give your dog regulated doses of it.
Since the spice has not been extensively studied when administered on pets, there is no guaranteed amount of knowledge regarding this field. However, as long as you keep your turmeric dosage for dogs to a logical and appropriate amount, you don’t have to worry about anything. We will discuss in detail later in this post on how exactly you can administer turmeric dosage for dogs.
Why Is Turmeric Good For My Dog?
Turmeric uses for dogs are countless. The spice is not short on benefits and advantages for humans, and animals are alike, but let’s take a more in-depth look into why this herb is so beneficial for your furry friend.
Turmeric Contains Curcumin
The active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin. It has antioxidant effects. Also, it is anti-cancer, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing. Dogs can suffer from arthritis, and this is where turmeric plays its primary role. Other prevalent ailments like cancer, diabetes, liver disease, and gastrointestinal issues are also solved with turmeric. The experts are so convinced of the therapeutic effects that they call it Cure-Cumin.
What Are The Benefits Of Turmeric For Dogs?
You just read all about why turmeric is safe for dogs, so let us get into some health benefits of turmeric for dogs.
- Anti-Inflammatory in Nature
Turmeric has outstanding anti-inflammatory properties that are insanely good for your dog. Dogs who suffer from joint pains and arthritis will significantly benefit from regular doses of turmeric. Turmeric for dog’s joints is a safe and healthy way of treating your pet without having to go through the whole procedure of putting them on medications. It is also worth mentioning that medicines also do affect your pet’s liver and internal organs negatively if taken in large quantities to treat conditions like arthritis. You can easily incorporate the spice in your dog’s daily meals.
- Turmeric For Dog Heart Health
Another one of the wonderful turmeric benefits for dogs is that it ensures the heart’s functions and health to be perfect. Dogs who are old or those who have a prevailing heart condition should be given regular doses of turmeric in their food. That will help elevate the pain and congestion and reduce the possibility of blood clots forming. Thus your dog’s is bound to be in perfect shape.
- Turmeric For Pets with Cancer
Turmeric has an active ingredient in it called curcumin, which owns all the properties that you hear of. Curcumin is known to fight precancerous symptoms, thus making it a perfect prevention method. It works by interfering with cancer cells and the speed with which they duplicate themselves. It is also capable of reducing tumor sizes and can also even kill the cancerous cells.
Since it has been proven that almost half of the adult dogs are diagnosed with cancer, you can start using turmeric for a dog after their 4-5th birthday (varies on the breed).
- Turmeric as a Steroid Medication
Yes, turmeric uses for dogs also include how you can use it as steroids. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, (as mentioned before) plays the role of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Many dogs are recommended to take these sorts of medications for many reasons, but unfortunately, because of the many side effects that entail these medicines, they can prove to be useless. Pairing daily turmeric intake for your dog with some gentle exercise, you can get the same, if not better, results that you would with NSAIDs.
- Aids Digestion in Old Dogs
Another great advantage of using turmeric for pets, it can help them in digesting food. A common issue with dogs as they grow old is that they’re not big on moving around a lot of exercising as much as they did when they were younger. Thus digesting can become an issue for them. However, adding a dash of turmeric in their daily meal can aid digestion and help solve other related problems such as diarrhea.
- Goodbye Bowel Diseases
People who are wondering the question: “is turmeric good for dogs?” should take a look at this specific benefit of turmeric intake. Canines with gastrointestinal disorders usually have to deal with a lot of pain and discomfort. Instead of submitting to the various medications, your vet could be prescribing, simply start giving your dog a daily dose of turmeric. The amount is discussed further below.
- Joint Pains No More
Another great use of turmeric for old dogs is that it helps with their joint pains. If you feel like your dog is achy, lazy, and hence refusing to leave the house because it physically ails him/her, then you can start with the turmeric home medication. In no time, you will find that your grandpa dog is moving about more and is feeling more agile.
How much turmeric should I give to my dog?
Whether you are using turmeric for dog’s joints or their hearts, the amount of the spice varies. This question’s answer entirely depends on the type of dog you own. Big dogs are, of course, given more significant doses, while smaller ones are provided with a comparatively lesser amount. But in all cases, you should always start with a small amount so as your pet can get accustomed to the spice. When using turmeric for a dog, you must make an excellent first impression so as your dog doesn’t avoid it altogether in the future.
Meaning, you should give it to your dog in a small amount so as your dog doesn’t perceive its new taste and smell as foreign and harmful. Start with ¼ tsp for big dogs and ⅛ tsp for small dogs. You will need to stay giving them the same amount of turmeric for a week or so. When your pet has gotten wholly used to the new change, then you can easily.
How to Give Turmeric to My Dog?
It is always advised that you should add some turmeric in your dog’s food in small quantities so he/she can’t detect the taste of the spice. The taste is not precisely preferred, although it differs on how exactly you incorporate it in your dog’s meal.
You have many options. You can make a paste of turmeric powder and water and add it to their plate of canned food. Or you can instead try cooking the turmeric with meat.
Dogs are crazy behind the meat, and they will jump at the chance to devour a plate of tasty meat. So go ahead and treat your dog by popping some mince/beef cutlets in a pan. Add a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder to the beef and toss it about with some butter, salt, and a dash of black pepper.
The amount of turmeric that you should use (as mentioned above) would vary on your dog breed and size. But as always, do keep the dosage small at the beginning so as the scent and taste of the spice can be kept to a minimum. In that way, your dog can get accustomed to it, and soon enough, you can increase it bit by bit. But that doesn’t mean you keep increasing the dosage forever. At most, your dog should be intaking half a teaspoon per day.
Can I Give My Dog Turmeric Capsules?
First, take the advice of your vet before you start administering turmeric to your dog. Capsules contain a more concentrated form of curcumin. That is why it is good to consult the vet before you buy turmeric capsules for your dog.
However, here are a few wise steps to take when you start giving your do turmeric capsules.
- Start with a small amount and with more significant gaps between the doses. If your dog is of small size and has a sensitive stomach, give him one-fifth of the prescribed dosage. Increase the dose gradually and slowly until you reach the required treatment.
- Here is the most appropriate amount:
Dog weight 1-10 lbs.: 1/16- ½ capsule
Dog weight 10-20 lbs.: ½-1 capsule
Dog weight 20-50 lbs.: 1-2 capsules
Dog weight 50-100 lbs.: 1 tsp.-2 tsp. powder or 1-2 capsules
Dog weight 100 lbs. or more: the equivalent of an adult human dose of capsules
- You can also find chewable coconut oil mixed turmeric ‘tablets’ for dogs from a dog supply store or a vet. These are great for treating arthritis and the joint health of dogs.
Safety Precaution – The Risk of Turmeric
As much as turmeric’s benefits have been emphasized, there are still some safety precautions you must take. It is a miracle medicine for your dog, no doubt, but you have to be careful. Is turmeric safe for dogs? Sure! But make sure YOU are administering properly.
- Turmeric is known to have warming properties; hence you could notice that your dog could be dehydrated or panting more often after you have started giving it to him/her.
- Ensure that your dog is not on other medications when you are giving him/her turmeric as it may interrupt the progress of other meds.
- Do not increase your pet’s intake for reasons like wanting extra benefit
Speak with your vet on how much of the spice you should exactly be giving your pet.
