Turmeric is considered a ‘superfood’ because of its long list of benefits. But can I give my dog turmeric capsules? The good news is that turmeric is safe and equally beneficial for Bulldogs. There are also turmeric products formulated for canines that you can use as a supplement for your pet’s diet.
In this post, I will discuss in length the benefits of turmeric in Bulldogs and how to administer it properly.
Can I give my dog turmeric capsules?
It has long been proven that turmeric is highly beneficial for humans. Turmeric is widely used in the Ayurvedic practice and various diet plans in the weight loss industry. This Asian plant is also a staple among many dishes as a flavor enhancer and natural coloring.
But does it also benefit Bulldogs? Here are the potential benefits your pooch will enjoy:
Natural anti-inflammatory
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory that will help alleviate your Bulldog’s pains and aches. It’s possible through a chemical called curcumin, which is proven to decrease swelling.
With this, turmeric is very helpful for Bulldogs since they are prone to various sensitivities. Still, you should only consider it a supplement and not the sole solution to your Bulldog’s inflammations.
Reducing arthritic pain
As they grow older, Bulldogs become more prone to arthritis. This condition also occurs in other breeds, but Bulldogs are bound to experience excessive pain due to their stocky body structure.
Together with vet-prescribed medications, turmeric can offer relief for stiff canine joints. It can reduce the discomfort and pain of arthritis without adverse side effects. Turmeric also has a powerful pain relief benefit that will aid dogs experiencing the onset of arthritis.
Still, you should know that turmeric is in no way a cure or treatment for canine arthritis.
Boosting the immune system
Another great benefit of turmeric in Bulldogs is its immune system-boosting effects. A 2008 study about turmeric use among canines found that the herb can actually modulate dogs’ immune systems.
If given in proper dosages, your Bulldog will enjoy this immune system benefit. It’s an excellent way to fight diseases and sensitivities to which this breed is highly known for.
Easing bowel irritations
Turmeric is also known to help with gastrointestinal upset. Giving your dog a small amount of turmeric will help reset its tummy. Experts also said that turmeric could help act as a binder to make your Bulldog’s poop solid during a bout with diarrhea.
Some dog owners add turmeric to their dog’s meals to help with digestion. Still, you should know that the effects will vary widely based on a specific Bulldog’s sensitivity.
Reducing severe blood clots
Another perceived benefit of turmeric for Bulldogs is reducing blood clots. This herb has a blood-thinning effect that will reduce excessive blood clots that could put your pet’s life at risk.
However, this same effect is the reason why you should never give turmeric to a dog with bleeding problems until you’ve consulted the vet.
Removes toxins
Lastly, turmeric has powerful antioxidants that will help flush out the toxins out of your Bulldog’s body. This is a good way to fight free radicals and pathogens that could make your doggo sick.
Still, you should give your Bulldog a balanced diet to complement this benefit. You should also avoid food products with artificial additives that will become toxins inside your Bulldog’s body.
A dose of vitamins and minerals
Aside from curcumin, turmeric also contains more than 300 components. Some of them are Vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc. It’s also a good source of flavonoids, compounds that help regular cellular activity.
As a natural supplement, turmeric offers promising benefits to canines, including Bulldogs.
Potential side effects of turmeric in dogs
Just like any herb or medication, turmeric has its own share of potential side effects. After all, each dog reacts to specific substances differently.
Overall, turmeric is safe as long as it’s natural and is given in proper doses. But to be sure, you should also watch out for these potential adverse side effects:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Allergic reaction
These side effects usually occur if turmeric is given in very high doses. Also, some Bulldogs may have allergic reactions to the herb, which causes the side effect. The key here is knowing what your dog’s sensitivities are, so you’ll know if turmeric is a good choice as a supplement.
Again, you should strictly consult your Bulldog’s vet if the pooch has blood-clotting issues. Turmeric can exacerbate the situation, which can be life-threatening to some canines.
How to give turmeric capsules to your Bulldog
If your Bulldog has no allergies whatsoever for turmeric, you can give it through the following steps:
1. Consult the vet first
Even if your Bulldogs look healthy, you should still consult the veterinarian to ensure that the herb won’t cause adverse reactions.
For Bulldogs with sensitivities, a skin test would be a big help to rule out potential side effects with turmeric. From there, the vet can advise you about the dosage, frequency, and other things you should keep in mind when supplementing with turmeric.
2. Start with small doses
Like any supplement or drug, you always have to start with small servings to allow your Bulldog’s body to adjust to the substance. This will also prevent stomach upset, especially if it’s your Bulldog’s first time-consuming turmeric.
The rule of thumb is that you should start with 1/8 of a teaspoon on the first day. This is equivalent to half a capsule of turmeric. If you’re worried that your Bulldog will experience stomach upset, you can reduce the initial dose.
After a few days of not experiencing adverse reactions, you can add half of the first turmeric amount you administered. Again, wait and observe to see if your Bulldog will exhibit sensitivity to turmeric.
Once your Bulldog has adjusted well to turmeric supplementation, you can give your pooch 1 full teaspoon for every serving. This is equivalent to one to two capsules per dosage.
3. Add it to the dog food.
Is your dog not a fan of the turmeric flavor? One way to hide the taste is to mix it with their meals. You can sprinkle it on kibble then dilute it by adding a small amount of warm water.
It would be easier to mix turmeric powder with canned food since it’s already moist. Make sure to stir it well to avoid clumps that will surprise your Bulldog with the strong taste of turmeric.
4. Make a dog-friendly turmeric recipe
If you have the time to spare, you can make homemade dog meals infused with turmeric. This gives you full control over the food’s taste and ingredients. Also, you can use your creativity to incorporate turmeric powder into your Bulldog’s meals.
The only downside here is that homemade dog meals are time-consuming. But if you don’t mind going through the hassle, cooking dog recipes is a good way to maximize the benefits of this herb.
5. Give it in chewable tablets.
If you find it hard to administer turmeric capsules or powder, you can ask the vet for a chewable option. This will save you from the hassle of manually measuring the turmeric dosage. Also, these chewable tablets are blended with vitamins and minerals that will boost your dog’s health.
Other herbs your Bulldog can have.
Like humans, Bulldogs will benefit a lot from various herbs and spices. Aside from turmeric, the following will also provide amazing health benefits to your canine:
- Oregano. A small amount of oregano will give your Bulldog a dose of strong antioxidants. Oregano also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. This herb is also a good choice in alleviating diarrhea and stomach upset, which is pretty common in Bulldogs.
- Coriander. Coriander is known to give dogs fresh breath. Aside from that, it also helps alleviate intestinal gas and nausea. Coriander can also help appease diarrhea while delivering an anti-parasitic effect.
- Basil. This herb is packed with antimicrobial and antiviral effects that will boost your dog’s immune system. It also emits a nice odor that could freshen your Bulldog’s breath. Also, basil leaves have naturally occurring beta-caryophyllene that’s said to reduce the effects of arthritis.
- Rosemary. This herb is packed with Vitamin B6 as well as calcium and iron. Rosemary is known to boost blood flow on the brain while reducing oxidative damage to your Bulldog’s nervous system. Above all, rosemary adds a nice flavor to dog food.
- Mint. Known for its strong odor and flavor, mint is also a great way to relieve nausea, gas, and digestive upset. Still, you should be careful in giving mint to your dog as it can be detrimental to those suffering from diabetes.
- Ginger. Similar to turmeric, ginger is a powerful antioxidant for Bulldogs. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that will boost your dog’s health. Ginger is also known to help dogs with motion sickness and digestive system issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can turmeric shrink tumors in dogs?
A: Initial studies found that the curcumin found in turmeric can help inhibit the spread and growth of tumors in canines. Still, this part begs for more studies to support the findings. Nevertheless, turmeric remains beneficial for canines, both healthy and ailing. Just make sure that you seek the vet’s advice before giving this to your sick canine.
Q: Does turmeric helps with dog allergies?
A: Thanks to its immune system-boosting benefit, turmeric can help ease the symptoms of dog allergies. This is if your dog isn’t allergic to turmeric itself. Overall, turmeric contains natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid with allergies. You can also pair it with other soothing solutions to make your dog more comfortable.
Q: Is turmeric good for dog wounds?
A: Turmeric is a powerful antiseptic agent when used topically. For centuries, many people are using this herb to disinfect wounds. It’s also a natural choice for dogs suffering from various skin ailments. This should be applied after cleansing the wound with water and dog shampoo/soap.
Q: Can turmeric upset a dog’s stomach?
While it’s highly beneficial, turmeric can still cause stomach irritation. This will happen if you don’t use the right amount of turmeric advisable for your dog. Also, some dogs just happened to be sensitive to turmeric for no apparent reason.
Q: Can I give my dog turmeric every day?
A: It’s safe to give your dog turmeric every day as long as you seek the guidance of a veterinarian. Also, you should ensure that your Bulldog has not sensitivity to turmeric before you use it as a supplement. And if adverse symptoms occur, you should cease supplementing the herb and contact the veterinarian right away.
Q: Can I give my dog turmeric for joint pain?
A: Turmeric can help Bulldogs with joint pain. However, don’t expect it to be an absolute cure. As a supplement, turmeric can help alleviate the stiffness and pain, but you should still follow vet recommendations. In the end, glucosamine and chondroitin are still the most effective supplements to ease joint pain.
Final words
Can I give my dog turmeric capsules? Yes, turmeric is safe for Bulldogs, but in moderate amounts. You should also consult your dog’s vet to know the right dosage and application to prevent side effects. Most of all, you should only give high-quality turmeric to your pooch. Do you have something to add to this post? Have you tried giving turmeric to your Bulldog? Let us know below!
