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For thousands of years, turmeric has been used in India for its medicinal benefits. It also gives curry its vibrant yellow color. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant properties. Recent studies have proven curcumin’s medicinal value for humans.
While studies haven’t been done to assess its advantages to dogs, holistic veterinarians and pet nutritionists encourage pet parents to use this healing herb to help their relieve canine chronic inflammation and pain caused by several diseases.
Read up to learn about the benefits and uses of turmeric for dogs, available formulations, and a golden paste recipe to try on your canine companions.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is an ancient Indian spice and medicinal herb that has been used for millennia. The healing powder, which is mostly grown and consumed in India, is prepared by crushing the dried root stalks (called rhizomes) of the flowering turmeric plant belonging to the ginger family.
The curcuminoids present in turmeric are responsible for its bright orange-yellow color and its remedial properties.
Is Turmeric Good for Dogs?
While studies have not been performed to solidify the health benefits of turmeric for dogs, it is reported to help alleviate inflammation and provide pain relief.
“Curcumin is the active ingredient in the spice turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects,” says Dr. Katie
Woodley of The Natural Pet Doctor. She uses turmeric to reduce inflammation caused by diseases and conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and skin allergies. Inflammation is a body’s natural response to infection, trauma, and toxins.
“Turmeric has been reported to provide anti-inflammatory effects and pain relief for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and as a healing tool for chronic lick granulomas in dogs,” adds Dr. Jamie Richardson, medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary in New York City.
Turmeric can be used topically on dogs, but with caution. Woodley has used it for inflammation and cancerous lumps on dogs, but warns that due to the rich yellow pigmentation of the spice, pet parents need to be aware of staining and any messes left behind.
Richardson warns against another potential drawback associated with the use of turmeric topically. “As animals tend to lick things applied topically, it could make skin irritations worse,” she says.
Turmeric is reported to provide relief in dogs from inflammation associated with diseases by inhibiting the molecules that cause it. Below is a list of potential benefits of turmeric for dogs.
Chronic Lick Granulomas and Skin Allergies – Lick granulomas are a condition in which the skin becomes irritated from persistent licking. Application of turmeric paste for dogs may potentially ease itching due to its anti-inflammatory properties, as long as it does not encourage the dog to lick at the affected area even more frequently.
Cancer – According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the curcuminoids found in turmeric have the ability to interfere with the growth of tumors and kill cancer cells. As dogs get older, they are more susceptible to cancer and could benefit from taking a turmeric supplement.
“I always put my cancer patients on it [turmeric] if there are no contraindications and their digestion is not affected by it,” says Woodley.
Heart Health – Studies have shown that curcumin has anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties that can help decrease blood clots in the heart, making it a helpful addition to your dog’s diet for a healthier cardiovascular system.
Osteoarthritis – Senior dogs are susceptible to weak, stiff, and/or inflamed joints as a result of arthritis. These pups can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. Supplementing your dog’s diet with turmeric can improve his mobility and provide more freedom during his golden years.
Pain Relief – Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory benefits can provide pain relief by reducing swelling and redness.
by Lavanya Sunkara
Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM
Published on 08.13.2020
James Eckburg
