Tumeric for Dogs: How Does it Help?
Inflammation is one of the main causes of pain in your pet’s body and it so happens that turmeric is one of nature's most potent, natural anti-inflammatories. Medical research has shown that Turmeric is effective in relieving inflammation of the joints, bowels and the skin. Turmeric can also help protect against Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease.
Turmeric’s active ingredient is a compound called curcumin, curcumin is a bioactive substance that fights inflammation at the molecular level. Curcumin is one of natures super compounds and it’s basically an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal killing machine. Curcumin Studies have even found that curcumin worked just as well as aspirin in reducing pain without the gastrointestinal side effects. The difference between turmeric and curcumin is that “whole food” turmeric contains all the naturally occurring bioflavonoids, whereas curcumin is an extract of the major curcuminoids.
5 major benefits of Turmeric in Dogs
#1 - Turmeric Is an Anti-Inflammatory. A 2014 study found that the curcumin found in turmeric (the active ingredient) outperformed ibuprofen in people with arthritis. Turmeric doesn’t just control the inflammation in joint disease, Curcumin’s has the ability to temper signaling molecules such as pro-inflammatory cytokines.
#2 - The American Cancer Society claims “Curcumin interferes with cancer development, growth, and spread. Curcumin has been spotlighted because of its ability to reduce tumor size and kill cancer cells. Over 50% of dogs today will get cancer, so turmeric is an all natural way to help protect your dog from cancer.
#3 – Turmeric Can Treat Gastrointestinal Disorders. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects can be helpful in treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and other gastrointestinal disorders. Studies have shown turmeric as having positive effects on stomach inflammation and intestinal permeability.
#4 – Turmeric Can Replace Steroids. One of our favorite benefits of turmeric is that it's not only as effective as many prescription drugs, but it also doesn’t have the same awful side effects of commonly prescribed steroids like prednisone. Many dogs are on steroids for allergies and joint pain – but some studies show curcumin is just as effective as steroids. The lack of side effects associated with curcumin is its greatest advantage when compared with steroids. An interesting study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology shows that combining curcumin with a steroid helped reduced the side effects of the steroid medication.
#5 - Turmeric is also considered an adaptogen. An adaptogen supports your pets ability to adapt to stress. Adaptogens ensure bodily homeostasis and helps boost energy, stamina, and endurance. When your pet’s body is experiencing homeostasis his bodily functions are operating at optimal levels.
Holistic Dog Owners Love Tumeric's Health Benefits
If you’re a pet owner who looks towards natural and holistic approaches to improve their pets overall well-being, you would be wise to consider including either curcumin or turmeric into your pet's diet. Here at Pet-Ness, we believe in the power of synergies, or combining botanicals that are also adaptogens to produce powerful results. That’s why we have added curcumin and turmeric to our Thrive and Mobility soft chews. The combination of full spectrum hemp oil with curcumin/turmeric will help your pet feeling their best selves every day.
