Can Turmeric or Tumeric (Curcuma longa) be used in dogs?

Our question this week was:

Can Turmeric (Curcuma longa) be used in dogs?

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. You wrote asking if Turmeric (Curcuma longa) be used in dogs? Turmeric is a common spice related to the ginger family. It is native to Asia and commonly used in Asian cooking. The correct term is Turmeric and is commonly misspelled as Tumeric.

It has multiple culinary, dye, cosmetics, gardening and medicinal uses. It is touted to have anti-inflammatory and possibly anti-tumor properties. There has been renewed interest in Turmeric as there is hope that is has come benefit in treating humans with breast cancer, pain, diabetes, and other inflammatory diseases.

Some believe there is similar hope and uses for dogs and cats Some believe it may also improve inflammatory diseases in dogs such as inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis. Some also believe there is some benefit for cancer and diabetes. The reported dose is approximately 1/8 to ¼ of a teaspoon pet 10 pounds of body weight.

Please check with your veterinarian before giving Turmeric to your pet.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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