How turmeric helped our dog’s hip problems and walk normally again by reducing inflammation. It’s truly been a miracle natural alternative!
Be sure to read all the way through and see the updates (with video!) at the end!
You guys, I’m SO excited to be able to share with you this alternative remedy for dogs – specifically how turmeric helped our dog’s hip issues. It is one of the few things I can honestly say is like a modern-day miracle – but using an ancient spice!
Did you know all the medical benefits of turmeric? The spice that gives curry powder its distinctive hue?
Well, I didn’t until I did some research and found that turmeric has been traditionally known to reduce inflammation and that current medical studies validate this time-honored use of turmeric. After using it for our dog, I’m a firm believer in the benefits of turmeric and ready to share it with everyone!
The main component of turmeric that aids in healing is curcumin and, among other things, it’s being studied for its:
- Anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. And it has been shown to help with significant reductions in pain and disability associated with the condition.
- Ability to lower the levels of bad cholesterol to help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and prevent blood clots from forming in the circulatory system.
- Cancer treatment potential – early research studies indicate that turmeric may be an effective treatment for battling some forms of cancer.
- Digestive help – it can be an effective treatment for many stomach conditions including discomfort, bloating, appetite loss, nausea and gas.
- Powerful antioxidant levels (specifically the amount of curcumin) that help remove free radicals in the body. The removal of these free radicals can aid in preventing cellular damage and are an effective way to protect the body from chronic conditions.
Since some of the studies have been conducted on dogs suffering from osteoarthritis, it’s become a recommended herbal remedy for dog hip problems as well as cancer and pain treatments (here’s an article from Petsafety about using turmeric, as well as this article with owner’s results from using turmeric on their dogs).
How Turmeric Helped our Dog’s Hip
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I’ve written about our dog, Samson, before – how he was dropped off in a remote neighborhood in central Oregon and wandered around until my dad and stepmomma found him and took him in. My brother made the trip over the mountains and brought Samson to us Thanksgiving weekend of 2006.
From our research, we think he’s a mix of a Swiss Mountain Dog and Lab and he weighs about 80 pounds. His favorite things are to wade in freezing cold rivers and scramble up steep rocks with is big paws. He’s also the sweetest dog you’ll find with the kind and loyal disposition of mountain dogs.
The Problem
In addition to all the other stuff this dog has done, he’s also always favored his right back leg. From the beginning people commented on his crooked gait – some even thought he was limping. Pictures show him always sitting on his left hip and favoring his right. He’s also chewed on that leg from the beginning – and has left a permanent mark on his fur.
We did take him to a vet when we rescued him and he seemed to be in great shape, though a little underweight (uh, duh…) and she thought he was about a year old. Apparently, something happened to him in that year to injure his hip/leg or it’s something congenital.
About 2 years ago, he started having trouble lifting his right hip up after he’d been sitting or laying awhile. We thought his leg had gone to sleep or something, because he usually stretched and within a few minutes was back to his normal self.
I should mention that “normal” for Samson often involves running like a bullet after squirrels or to greet his favorite person in the whole wide world – Brian.
But in December of 2011, the trouble with his leg and hip became more pronounced and he actually started holding it up for a bit. He never yelped or showed any kind of pain, and would go outside and run like crazy again, so we were confused.
Solutions
After some friends with dogs recommended glucosamine, we tried that for about 3 months – until the bottle ran out. Sadly, there was no difference.
Then my sister, a physical therapist who also works with dogs, took a look at him and felt inflammation in his hip. She recommended turmeric and a gluten-free diet. We had switched to a better dog food years ago that didn’t have much gluten in it anyway, but we paid the higher cost for a month’s trial of gluten-free dog food. Gulp. However, we forgot about the turmeric recommendation.
We were disappointed to see no change after a month on the new food. Then I remembered the turmeric (sheesh…), and we started him on 1/4 tsp. mixed in with his food in the mornings (we also add water to his dry food – it was recommended to us because he gulped his food down and has been really great in getting him extra water and slowing down his eating). He eats this mixture of food, water, and turmeric with no problems.
The Results
This is going to seem like an exaggeration, but literally within a few days he was NOT holding his leg up anymore!
And within a few weeks we could detect no problems when he walked (we never saw problems when he ran). Turmeric was the only thing that helped right away and now it’s become a regular part of his diet.
The Limitation
We have learned, however, that it’s not a complete miracle-worker. My sister suggested that we only walk Samson on a leash from now on, as he’s at least seven years old combined with a weak hip and his large size (about 80 pounds). Even though the dog has the run of our acre, Brian couldn’t stand restraining him on a leash for a longer walk, and so he let him run.
And lo and behold, he ran like a nut after a squirrel into a ditch and came out limping badly. This time the foot didn’t hit the ground for any reason and after a few days (of upping the turmeric to morning and night meals) we took him to the vet who declared it was probably his knee. We could pay close to $500 for an x-ray that might tell us something and then spend thousands for a surgery that might fix it…
But we knew his hip was an ongoing problem, and doubted surgery would fix it, because nothing was broken. We gave him some doggie pain reliever (a vet Rx) for a few weeks which helped him put his foot down again and my sister looked at him again, but this time he didn’t want anyone messing with him.
After a few weeks on the medicine we gradually took him off and started him back on the turmeric. He was walking almost normally again, but there was still a pronounced limp when walking. We wondered if we’d ever be able to take him on walks again (which he LOVES).
Turmeric Helps Again
However, the turmeric was helping again and by the beginning of the summer Samson seemed almost normal. So I started walking with him on a leash – but only a quarter of his usual walk. As the summer wore on, I was able to gradually increase the amount he walked until he was walking our entire route – and even running a portion with me – with NO LIMPING at all, either during or after.
His gait is completely normal again! Time and doggie medicine certainly helped him through the out-right injury, but we firmly believe it is the turmeric that keeps his inflammation down for the long-haul, allowing hime to do all the things he loves to do.
He still favors the leg, as he’s always done, and limps a bit after getting up, but he’s able to walk and run like he did before.
So he’s one happy, nutty dog. And so are we.
Well – happy, that is. Not nutty or a dog – just wanted to be clear on that.
UPDATE #1 on how turmeric helped our dog’s hip:
I’ve gotten lots of questions about what type of turmeric we’ve given Samson. It’s been a number of years now, so there’ve been all kinds, though we try to stick to organic. The brand we’re using now is Anthony’s Organic Turmeric Powder – it’s a great price per pound and is easy to get on Amazon. This is another similarly priced good organic option, though we haven’t tried that yet.
UPDATE #2:
We continue to give Samson 1/4 tsp. turmeric in his food morning and night and he has no major hip issues other than a stiffness as he gets up from sleeping. Here’s a video update we made in 2014 (2 years after the original article) where we explain more – and you can see how he runs like crazy:
We’ve gotten lots of comments of people who’ve used turmeric for their dogs, too, with good results – make sure to read through them here and on YouTube.
And let us know how it works for you if you try it, too!
Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn’t change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.
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Sheena Avison says
October 15 at 3:13 pmyou would have an even greater result if you made the golden paste. This is Tumeric heated with water till it thickens then add coconut oil and freshly ground black pepper. The heating releases the curcumin which is the active ingrediant and the oil and pepper help it be absorbed. Only takes 10 mins to make but it increases the potency of the turmeric hugely.
Monica Bolette says
June 23 at 6:34 pmThank You So Much.
We have used Turmeric as toothpaste, great teeth whitener, and facial cleanser.
Now to use Turmeric as an inflammatory, along with its other helpful nutrients.
So thrilled to help my beloved Scout (4yr old lab.). He has a special place in my heart.
I attended a CPR class before retiring. Cami, Scout mom was exhausted after delivering
9 pups. Cami’s 10 pup Scout came out with sack intact so I rupture sack and administer
Infant CPR. Mom and I were so relieved to see him take in his first breath.
I am very open-minded about using Holistic Medicine. Fellow Oregonian(Southern)
Jami says
June 24 at 3:37 pmI sure hope you see the improvement we have, Monica!
Nancy W says
March 20 at 10:20 amI am so glad I found this post. Our dog Nitro, is a rescue. He is 1 1/2 years old. He has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia in both hips. We have tried glucosamine (Vet IQ) and pain meds but he barely puts any weight on his left leg. He will race around the yard and then limp or hop around inside. The vets are recommending hip surgery BUT I want that to be our absolute last choice. Your experience with giving turmeric to Samson has given me hope. I’ll be trying it with Nitro to see if it will help!
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Nancy
Jami says
March 21 at 11:24 amOh, I so hope this works for your Nitro, Nancy! Let me know if you see any difference.
Lisseth says
December 12 at 4:43 pmHi Jami : I am worry about my 10 pounds 3 years old mix puddle cause today she start with no hitting the ground with her right leg (Bailey ) I am wondering which is the exactly amount of tumeric do i have to give her ? Thanks so much
Jami says
December 13 at 11:06 amThere’s no real set amount – I would start with 1/4 tsp. one time a day and see how it works. Then add a little more if needed.
Jean says
December 8 at 10:41 amWell Jamie after reading about Samson I started giving 1/4 tsp of tumeric to my sweet anni Louise, a 13year old Pekingese. It was truly amazing how she is getting around. I was gone for three weeks and she didn’t get her tumeric. She started screaming in pain so I took her to the emergency vet. After x-rays he said her back was bone on bone. She got pain meds for 5 days but I immediately started her back on tumeric. Almost instantly she was better. She is now off pain meds and only on tumeric twice a day. She runs and plays with the cat and loves to take walks again. This stuff is truly amazing. We went for a day in Amish county and their shops sell turmeric. You get a big container for a lot less money. Thanks for some great advice. Anni Louise said thanks too.
Jami says
December 11 at 3:55 pmI LOVE reading this, Jean – thank you so much for sharing your experience!! I just want everyone to try this at least once because it’s made such a difference for our dog. I’m so happy to know that it’s helped Anni Louise. 🙂
Linda says
August 2 at 12:10 pmAlso, in addition some really good natural vets do chiropractic work on animals and it works miracles for stuff like that!
Jami says
August 3 at 3:07 pmOh, yes, Linda – my sister is a Physical Therapist and she works on dogs, too!
Jean says
July 31 at 6:26 pmHi Jami, such interesting info on turmeric. My pup is 13 years old and moving slower. She is a Pekingese and weighs 13 pounds, much smaller than your sweet fur baby. My question is how do I know how much turmeric she needs a day? Thanks for the great info.
Dickie says
December 6 at 10:48 amI give y dog the golden paste do I have to give him a break on this paste like 5 days on 2 days off than after a month a week off, he has bad hips and a pinched nerve that makes his leg shake .
Baltisraul says
July 28 at 12:45 pmSo glad I read your article today!! Mae is 10 yrs old schnauzer/cocker mix (26 lbs) and Jack is 4rys old dachshund/pit bull mix (36 lbs) . No pics included for Jack, It might scare the children. Mae has lower back inflammation from time to time and this sounds like a great solution. My question is, do you believe it might be ok to feed them both the turmeric? The only problem with Jack is that he does not photograph well. ha ha
Jami says
July 28 at 1:40 pmHa! We haven’t found a side effect from Turmeric at all and haven’t heard of one from others. We have heard that some dogs won’t eat their food with the Turmeric in it, so that can cause a problem. So, I don’t think there’s any reason why your 4-year old dog couldn’t have it, too.
Oh, FYI – our dog is now about 12 and is still going strong, running, jumping, and climbing and we attribute it all to turmeric!
Baltisraul says
July 28 at 2:12 pmThanks! Will try it starting tonight for both and let you know if they will eat their food with it on and if they do, how it helps Mae.
Sanisha says
July 17 at 2:34 amLovely helpful article. 🙂
Jami says
July 17 at 10:31 amThank you!
Heidi Lotito says
June 15 at 12:44 pmOMGOSH!!!! Thank you so much! I’ve tried everything including a gluten free diet, Glycoflex and tramadol. I was considering the intramuscular imjection Adequan, but I’m on disability and my funds just can’t keep up these expenses. I just paid to have two cancerous growth removed and his hips have been weak since. I’m so upset. Can you tell me where you get your turmeric and any other suggestions. I have a 10 yr old, old English sheepdog. Thanks so much, Heidi Lotiio
Jami says
June 15 at 5:52 pmOh, I so hope this works for your dog like it has our Samson, Heidi! We use this turmeric (which is one of the best deals I’ve found on organic turmeric): http://amzn.to/2t7Y788 Though here is a tip: before investing in that big bag, make sure your dog will eat his food with it in there, since I’ve had people tell me they couldn’t get their dogs to eat it! Start with your seasoning cupboard turmeric and if it’s good, buy the bag. If not, you may have to go with a pill you can hide in something your dog will eat.
Have you seen our video on this, too? It shows how we prepare the food: https://anoregoncottage.com/natural-healing-through-turmeric-for-dogs/
Mesha says
May 4 at 9:53 pmHow did you combats the cat pee smell? Black pepper is toxic to dogs, so I don’t want to give my baby it. It seems to help with her shoulder, which only started bugging her badly a few months ago, but I’m afraid the smell will set my cats to peeing in the house.
Thank you!
Mesha
Jami says
May 5 at 12:23 pmHmmm, I don’t have any experience with cats, Mesha, sorry! We also don’t give black pepper to our dog – I didn’t know it was toxic, we’ve just never done it. The turmeric alone has made all the difference. Hope that helps some.
paleo martin says
May 2 at 1:12 amWonderful story!
Tumeric certainly is a marvelous drug; I take it myself to cure melanoma as well as giving it to our 11 years old Reta poodle (who still thinks he’s about 2).
Paleo Martin, New Zealand
SIana says
February 17 at 12:40 pmI can vouch for this!
I have a shepard mix, 12 years old. Has hip dysplasia and arthritis, she would wake up in the night screaming. We were having to give her her pain meds every 8 hours with out fail or she would have extreme pain.
She wouldn’t walk, could no longer go up the stairs, all of this just happened in a matter of weeks.
After exhausting all options we tried tumeric, she’s up and about, spends most of her day outside, only takes half a pain med before bed just so we can be sure she’ll be able to sleep through the night, no screaming, no wining, barely holding her leg up, runs up the stairs. It’s like having my puppy back again.
TRY THIS!
Jami says
February 17 at 9:50 pmOh my gosh, what a wonderful testimony, Slana! I’m SO happy to know this – thank you.
Michelle Crespo says
January 2 at 2:14 pmHi Jami,
Do you mind sharing the name of the Tumeric you buy? There are so many brands I can’t make a decision. Do I just make sure it’s organic?
Jami says
January 3 at 1:32 pmWe’ve bought a number of different brands over the years, Michelle, but are now trying this one: http://amzn.to/2iFugS6
It seems to be the best price with good reviews for organic turmeric (and you’re right, there are a lot of brands!).
Kris Pounds says
August 9 at 5:55 pmCan they take tumeric with anti inflammatory medication. Or should I wait to give it when he is done?
Jami says
August 10 at 11:14 amI don’t know, Kris, sorry. I know that turmeric at this level is not strong, so I’d think it would be okay, but not sure – maybe do more research on it? See if it’s recommended for people on anti-inflammatory?
Shelley Mourer says
June 5 at 7:38 pmWe have a brown lab mix, Cinnamon that we rescued when she was 12. She’s now 15. Love her to death. She’s on Run Free joint meds, Fresh Factors vitamins, Rimadyl and tramadol. I just found treats with CBD in them. I will do anything I can to make her comfortable. Going to start her tomorrow morning on the turmeric in her food. She eats The Honest Kitchen, grain free since her allergies are severe. I hope it helps.
Jami says
June 6 at 11:43 amWow, that’s amazing that’s she’s 15, Shelley – how wonderful you are giving her some great years. 🙂
Queina says
April 2 at 12:52 amThanks for the great article ! I’m using bone broth for my dog (a 11 years old wolfdog x lab mix) who has (or had ?) pretty bad arthrisis. Some days he just couldn’t get up and we had to feed him on the ground and play mental games with him, pretty sad for a dog that normally walks around 3 or 4 hours a day. Hopefully it works as he’s not grunting when laying down anymore and haven’t had another arthritic crisis since we began with bone broth.
I might add turmeric to his bone broth though.
Have you heard of the use of turmeric locally ? My furbaby is licking his front paws to the point where the tough skin comes off lately… The vet’s cream and anti inflammatory meds don’t do a thing on the long run, so we have to put “dog shoes” on him so that it doesn’t get worse. Not a fan of knowing the wounds macerating in his sweat though.
Jami says
April 2 at 11:02 amI had not heard that about bone broth – that’s terrific! I haven’t read anything about turmeric locally – not sure how that would work – put it in a past of coconut oil or something? But then they’d really lick from the good smell.:)
Sharon Cullen says
March 22 at 3:18 pmHI, I have a 10.5year Boxer with hip dysplasia who has been on oral NSAID. She, like the others, began limping and read on BOXER FORUM that tumeric/Cumurin was the ultimate anti inflammatory so I ordered two bottles, one for me, one for her from EDENS POND which is an Equine Store. I am giving her 1500 mg per day, she weighs 80 lbs and it is recommended 15-20 mgs per pound along with MSN glucosamine and chondrotin . 4 Days and she is already putting more weight on her leg and seems to be getting her GROOVE BACK… Oh! dc’d the NSAID.
Jami says
March 23 at 2:50 pmWonderful to hear it is already working for your dog, Sharon!
lisa says
February 7 at 6:55 amI’m so glad I found this article,my dog Stan has the exact same problems as your dog and the first vet he went to was convince it was his crutiate ligaments and wanted to preform a £4,000 double leg op.I could not raise the money and just kept him on short lead walks and anti inflammatory meds ,his limp was constant and he was no longer able to climb stairs or get on sofa but didn’t seem in pain .I took him to a second vet who said his crutiate ligaments were fine the problems were birth defects with arthritis in his hind leg and hip problems and said his problems were medical not surgical and to just manage him and keep him on short leash walks as its always when I let him off and he races round like a maniac he comes back limping ,so I’ve tried various thing and he takes glucosamine and half a buffered aspirin . I started him on a mix of Turmeric,black pepper and coconut oil a few days ago and I’m sure already he’s not walking better .I hope it works as well for me as it has for you X
Jami says
February 8 at 11:09 amOh, I hope so, too, Lisa! It does sound similar and it really has continued to keep our dog’s leg healthy. Every once in awhile he’ll limp again for some reason and we just up his Turmeric a bit, make him rest a few days and he’s back to normal. I seriously sing the praises of Turmeric to everyone!