Safely using turmeric
Dogs turmeric guide: benefits, safety, side effects, dosing tips and what veterinary research says about curcumin.
I’ve long been fascinated by the bright orange-yellow turmeric rhizomes stacked at my local supermarket. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, along with ginger and galangal.
The active compounds responsible for turmeric’s distinctive colour and medicinal qualities are polyphenolic curcuminoids, particularly curcumin. Curcuminoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and have also been shown to support liver health, lower cholesterol and reduce platelet aggregation. Beyond medicine, turmeric has long been used as a flavouring spice, dye and cosmetic.
Traditional uses
Traditionally, turmeric has been used to treat peptic ulcers, although, interestingly, one study on mice found that large doses of turmeric oil might cause gastrointestinal ulceration. It is also used to ease pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and in Asian medicine to treat skin, lung, liver and gut disorders.
Veterinary and agricultural uses have included topical applications for ticks, skin ulcers, castration wounds, fungal diseases and udder infections in dairy cows.
Evidence from modern research
A quick search shows turmeric’s diverse applications:
- Strong antifungal activity of turmeric essential oil against Tinea species.
- Benefits inflammatory bowel disease through immune modulation and gut barrier support.
- Anti-inflammatory effects in liver disease.
- Key actions include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, antiplatelet, antimicrobial, carminative, depurative, choleretic, cholecystokinetic and COX-2 inhibition.
Veterinary evidence
There are few high-quality veterinary trials. A handful of small studies have tested turmeric extracts for canine osteoarthritis, with mixed results. One long-term study suggested curcumin might slow the progression of degenerative myelopathy in dogs.
Cancer care is a common reason integrative veterinarians prescribe high doses of curcumin, given its anti-inflammatory effects and potential enhancement of natural killer cell activity—important factors, because chronic inflammation can drive cancer progression.
However, curcumin’s interactions with conventional treatments can be complex. It has sometimes reduced the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide, while in other contexts it enhances it. In some cases, a “washout period” is advised, pausing curcumin use 24 hours before chemotherapy and resuming 72 hours after. With radiotherapy, curcumin may reduce side effects but might also interfere with treatment, so it is generally avoided during radiation sessions.
Safety and side effects
Turmeric has been safely consumed daily in many Asian countries. However, high doses of curcumin may lead to some side effects. Dogs may vomit if turmeric is introduced too quickly, especially those prone to digestive upset, so gradual introduction with food is best.
Caution is advised in dogs on anticoagulant medications or high doses of fish oil, and turmeric should often be stopped a few days before surgery. Potential drug interactions include those with antidiabetic medications, certain antihypertensives, sulfasalazine, some hepatotoxic drugs and anticoagulants.
Dosing and bioavailability
Turmeric can be given as freshly ground dried spice or finely grated rhizome and introduced slowly.
One of the main challenges is curcumin’s poor bioavailability due to low absorption, poor water solubility, rapid metabolism and fast elimination. Strategies to improve this include:
- Mixing with oil to bypass metabolic enzymes.
- Combining with piperine (from freshly ground black pepper), which significantly increases bioavailability.
- Using “golden paste” recipes, such as Dr Doug English’s version from turmericlife.com, starting with small amounts.
- Liposomal curcumin formulations, which may be used for higher doses.
- Commercial treats containing turmeric or curcumin.
The bottom line for pets
There is no definitive research on optimal dosing for dogs or cats, and recommendations vary widely. It’s best to work with a veterinarian, especially one experienced in integrative medicine, when adding turmeric or curcumin to a pet’s regimen. Start slowly, monitor for side effects and consider potential drug-herb interactions before use.
Turmeric remains a fascinating example of how a plant’s natural defence mechanisms can translate into wide-ranging health applications for animals. While promising, its use in veterinary medicine should balance traditional wisdom, emerging scientific evidence and careful clinical judgment.
