Turmeric has been used in Asia for thousands of years. It was first used as a dye, and then later for its medicinal properties. The name of the genus, Curcuma, is from an Arabic name of both saffron and turmeric.
Turmeric is a warm and pungent herb. Its repertoire of clinical actions includes: anti-inflammatory/pain relief, stimulant, tonic, anthelmintic (dewormer), antioxidant, anti-platelet, liver-protective, anti-cancer, and cholesterol reducing properties.
In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has been used to treat a variety of internal disorders, such as indigestion, throat infections, common colds or liver ailments, as well as topically to cleanse wounds or treat skin sores.
Potential veterinary usages: a paste can be applied externally to sores, wounds, bruises, bites, inflamed joints, small tumors; as a substitute for NSAIDS for pain or injury; as an adjunct of cancer treatment or prevention; arthritis, skin disease, liver disease.
Contraindications: obstruction of the biliary tract, hypersensitivity/allergy to turmeric.
The suggested dosage in dogs is approximately 15 to 20 mg per pound of body weight. Cats that are of average size should receive a total of 150-200 mg daily. Be sure to check your product labels for the mg per teaspoon because different products contain differing strengths of turmeric. Make sure your pet has lots of water to ensure that they don’t get constipated, and administer with a meal for best absorption.
Always consult your veterinarian before starting any herbal supplements to make sure it’s a good choice for your pet.
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