Side effects of turmeric for dogs
Author Miriam Ferrer, PhD Last updated 29th May 2019
- Pet Health
Turmeric is a natural plant compound that can help to improve the quality of life for many dogs and pets. However, no two dogs are the same so it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of turmeric. After all, you need to be confident it is the right solution for your dog.
In this article:
Is turmeric good for dogs?
What are the side effects?
Does turmeric interact with dog medications?
What is the correct turmeric dosage for dogs?
Summary
Is turmeric good for dogs?
The simple answer is yes – turmeric is a natural compound with numerous positive benefits for dogs. It is an anti-inflammatory, and while it may not be appropriate for all dogs because it is a natural product, those that do get on well with it may be able to reduce dependence on the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that are often prescribed for conditions such as arthritis.
That said, there are potentially a few minor side effects that might make your dog uncomfortable.
The good news is that these are rare and are usually the result of giving your dog too much turmeric. You should be careful to follow dosage instructions on your chosen turmeric supplement to reduce the chance of side effects.
What are the side effects?
Some side effects may include:
Stomach upsets or constipation, especially after taking too much at once. If your dog shows signs of this, you could try starting out with a lower dose and building up to the recommended amount.
If your dog is prone to kidney stones, turmeric tablets may make this problem worse as it can increase urinary oxalate levels. This makes the formation of kidney stones more likely.
Does turmeric interact with dog medications?
There are possible interactions between turmeric and several different kinds of medication. If you have any concerns, you should speak to your veterinarian before trying turmeric. Turmeric paste, tablets or supplements might not be appropriate if:
your dog is on a prescription to treat diabetes, as turmeric can act to lower blood sugar.
your dog is about to undergo surgery. It is best to stop giving turmeric to your dog a month beforehand.
What is the correct turmeric dosage for dogs?
Turmeric dosage for dogs based on weight
The best way to combat side effects is to make sure your dog is receiving the
appropriate dose. It might be a good idea to gradually build up the amount of turmeric you give your dog, as this will give their body time to adjust.
Every dog is different, so you should follow the dosage recommendations on your chosen turmeric supplement, based on your pet’s size. If you are adding turmeric powder to food or using powder to create an edible paste for your dog, you could try using these quantities when starting out.
You should monitor your dog’s reaction and decide whether to decrease the quantity. If you have any concerns, talk to your vet. You may also wish to increase the quantity over time if you feel that your dog would benefit.
For best results, give your dog a little every day to gradually build up the amount of curcumin in their system – there’s no need to rush.
Summary
Give your dog the right dose of turmeric – or of curcumin, the active ingredient – and you can be sure that this natural compound is safe.
You should not give your dog turmeric if he or she is on a prescription to treat diabetes, or is about to undergo surgery.
Most side effects only occur if you give your dog too much turmeric, so you might like to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to the proper dose.
If you are at all concerned, you should immediately stop giving your dog supplements and consider talking to your vet before continuing