Feb 05, 2024
Joint issues are terrible—for our dogs too. If you have noticed that your dog is struggling while climbing up the stairs or fetching their favorite red ball, or if he has just entered his golden age, you might have considered giving him a good dog joint supplement. But have you ever come across the benefits of using turmeric for dog joint health?
Turmeric offers natural painkilling, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The use of turmeric for dog joint issues is therefore widely increasing among pet parents. Human beings have been harnessing the power of this golden spice since a long time now. But is this simple alchemy really helpful for dogs with joint problems too? Let’s explore in this article.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant in the ginger family that has been utilized for versatile health benefits for decades in Indian culture and Ayurveda. Tumeric contains curcumin as its main component. Curcumin offers powerful anti-inflammatory effects and helps reduce the oxidative stress in the body. When incorporated correctly into your dog’s diet, this magical spice can be excellent for your dog’s joint health.
Most of the common dog joint conditions occur as a result of inflammation. The fluid between your dog’s joints and the cartilages wears down as they age, and as a result, your dog’s bones grind against each other, resulting in a buildup of lactic acid, which results in a non-normal anti-inflammatory response. This thinning of cartilage is most commonly known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
When you give turmeric to your dog, the chemical curcumin fights with the non-normal anti-inflammatory effects of lactic acid and reduce inflammation and swelling. As a result, turmeric soothes the pain and discomfort associated with joint conditions.
If you are ready to embark on the journey to reap the benefits of turmeric for your furry friend, now is the time to decide how you want to use it. There are several ways to add this powerful spice to your dog’s diet. You can add it to their favorite home-baked treats, sprinkle it over their meals, or prepare a turmeric chew supplement at home.
Turmeric tinctures are also one of the great ways to add turmeric to your pet’s routine. You can whip up one by mixing turmeric with olive oil or coconut oil and topping it over the pet food. Apart from these methods, you can also prepare a delicious “golden paste” or “turmeric paste” at home, which is one of the most effective home remedies for dog joint pain relief.
Ingredients:
⮚ Step 1:
In a sauce pan, bring turmeric powder and water to a boil over low heat. Simmer the paste for a few minutes until you get a thick paste. Add a few teaspoons of water if required, but don’t let the paste go runny.
⮚ Step 2:
Turn off the heat and let the paste cool down to the point that you can touch the paste without burning your hand. Now, add the fresh, grounded pepper to the paste and mix well.
Note: The pepper powder increases the absorption of turmeric in the body by manifolds. However, you can skip this part if your dog or cat is intolerant of pepper.
⮚ Step 3:
Once the paste completely cools down, mix the oil and transfer the paste into an airtight container. This golden paste for dogs can be stored in a refrigerator for about a week. Alternatively, you can also store this wonderful naturally remedy in a silicon freezer tray. This will make it easy to pop out ready-to-serve, small portions.
The amount of turmeric that should be given to dogs depends on several factors such as their bodyweight, age, etc. Initially, you can start by adding at ? to ¼ teaspoon turmeric for every 10 pounds of body weight. Start slow and monitor how your dog tolerates the dose, and then gradually increase to the full dose to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Turmeric is just as much effective for preventing joint issues in dogs as it is for tackling joint discomfort. So, even if your dog is not suffering from any joint conditions, this bright yellow spice can be beneficial for maintaining their joint health. Turmeric contributes in preventing joint problems in dogs in various ways:
Reduces inflammation
Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory effects. This can help prevent inflammation in your dog’s joints, and hence save your dog from the conditions caused by it.
Supports cartilage health
Factors such as aging can damage your dog’s cartilage, causing joint problems. Turmeric can prevent this cartilage damage and curb joint problems like osteoarthritis and stiffness.
Supports heavy exercise
Turmeric can be especially helpful for dogs involved in agility, sports, or working roles. It keeps their overall health in check by eliminating joint pain, stiffness, etc.
Maintains healthy joints
Turmeric offers preventative joint support for dogs by fighting oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and preventing infections. It is also great for keeping their joints in good condition.
Conclusion
Turmeric is a promising natural supplement for supporting joint health in dogs. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential pain-relieving properties make it an intriguing option for pet parents looking to promote their baby’s overall well-being. However, it's crucial to seek professional advice from a veterinarian before introducing turmeric or any new supplement into a dog's diet to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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