If your dog is as much a part of your family as your actual family, then I have some news for you.
By adding a simple yellow spice to their daily routine, you could not only help your dog with joint pain, blood clots, digestion issues, memory fog but also fight cancer!
I know when I found this out I jumped right in, and I am sure you will too.
My 5-year-old boxer, Tank, loves to run, jump fences and especially jump into my bed; that is until last year. That is when I noticed her having difficulty jumping or getting up from a seated position.
She had lost that “spring” in her step, which those of you who have a boxer know that the “spring” is basically in everything.
I was instantly worried because those were the same symptoms Bo, my first boxer, had 8 years ago when we found out she had cancer and we were too late to help.
My mom has always been more into holistic than conventional medicine, so I went to her with the problem. We started doing research and found some very interesting information.
The same spice that many people use in their food and for their health was also a great source of healing for dogs. And now, my mom, Tank, and I take it daily.
Turmeric is the main spice used in curry.
It is made up of curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Let’s take a look at just some of the benefits of turmeric:
1. Anti-inflammatory
Did you know that most health issues and diseases for not only dogs but also humans start with inflammation? Inflammation starts slowly and builds slowly; this is what happened to both Bo and Tank.
Their pain started way before they showed it. This inflammation can be arthritis, joint pain, or even inflammation of the gut, or a gastrointestinal disorder. Turmeric pills have been shown to be an even better anti-inflammatory medicine than ibuprofen.
2. Steroid
Steroid shots and pills are used for pain and stiffness but also allergies. Bo had horrible allergies and took a steroid shot every 2-4 weeks if only I had known then what I know now. Turmeric, specifically the curcumin, is a great alternative use for steroids because of its anti-inflammatory qualities.
3. Caner
Yes, I just said that, cancer! Cancer is essentially the chronic inflammation of something. And as we know now, turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Studies have shown that the curcumin in turmeric interferes with cancer growth and has even been able to reduce the size of some tumors. And because of its anti-oxidant properties, it stops the blood vessels from feeding the pre-cancerous cells, therefore, destroying cancer before it can ever take over.
I know you are about to stop reading and head to the store to buy some of this wonder spice but wait. Turmeric is not for all dogs, just as it is not for all humans. If your dog has frequent kidney issues or kidney stones, turmeric is not for them. The same goes for dogs that have acid indigestion or are on a daily dose of aspirin or diabetes medicine.
Dogs who tend to be hot natured and overheat easily should also avoid turmeric because of it being a warm spice. It is always best to talk to your veterinarian before adding any new food or medicine to your dog’s daily routine.
Now, we are almost to the point where you can run to the store, but you need to know how to administer it.
Turmeric needs help to be absorbed into the body, and because it leaves the body quickly, it needs to be given several times a day. The best way to give your dog this healing spice is to make a paste with fresh ground pepper and healthy oil which help the body absorb turmeric. Just 10 minutes a month of putting this paste together can equal a lifetime of benefits for your dog.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups turmeric
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp fresh ground pepper
- 2 Tbsp cinnamon (optional)
- Slowly warm the water and mix in turmeric until it begins to thicken
- Mix in coconut oil
- Mix in pepper
- Turn the heat off and stir
- Let cool and transfer to the container
- Lasts 2 weeks in the refrigerator and is also freezable
I like to pour into ice cube trays and freeze, put in the plastic bag and then thaw the day before.
Start your dog on ¼ tsp with each meal and see how he handles it. Loose stools can be common in the beginning so just pay attention.
Every 7 days add another ¼ tsp until you start to see a marked improvement or you have reached ¼ tsp per one pound daily. Make sure to give ample amount of water as turmeric can lead to constipation if dehydration sets in. And note that some dogs develop a smell after eating turmeric, adding cinnamon to the recipe can help with this.
If seeing all these amazing benefits of turmeric has you ready to head out, go for it. Turmeric can not only improve your dog’s quality of life but can also help to increase it by warding off many potential health problems. Time to give our best friend, and you, the added help with a new treat in their food!
