Lipomas in Dogs: 5 Natural Remedies

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors, very common in dogs. For example, my dog Pippi has one on her right wrist. These tumors are soft, easily movable under the skin, and grow very slowly. Typically, veterinarians suggest either surgery or simply watching and waiting, but there are alternatives.

Five Natural Remedies for Treating Lipomas in Dogs:

1. Green Tea
   Green tea can increase the metabolic rate, leading to fat loss. Since these tumors consist of fat cells, increasing metabolism can help reduce their size. For dogs, the recommended dose is about half a cup of green tea for every 50 pounds of body weight daily.

2. L-Carnitine
   This amino acid, commonly used for weight loss in humans, has been studied for lipomas in birds. Results showed an increase in metabolic rate and a decrease in tumor size. L-Carnitine is safe for dogs and is also used for certain types of heart diseases. The standard dose is 50 milligrams per kilo twice daily. For a dog weighing about 20 kilos, like Pippi, this would be about 1000 milligrams twice a day.

3. Neem Oil
   Extracted from the neem tree, which is found widely throughout Asia, neem oil has medicinal properties. It’s thought to decrease cell reproduction and induce cell death in fatty tumors when applied topically. Apply one drop from a dropper onto the tumor and rub it in twice a day for a month to see if there’s any effect.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
   Found in fish oil and krill oil, omega-3 fatty acids can increase metabolic rate. Studies in humans have shown that higher levels of omega-3s lead to an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass. For dogs, they also offer anti-inflammatory benefits, which are great for those with allergies or arthritis. The dose for Pippi is 500 milligrams of krill oil twice a day.

5. Castor Oil
   Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, castor oil can be absorbed topically and may help shrink fatty tumors. It’s safe and inexpensive, making it a risk-free option to try. Apply the oil twice a day for 30 days to evaluate its effectiveness.

If you’re exploring natural treatments for your dog’s lipomas, you might start with one or two remedies—perhaps one oral remedy like green tea and one topical remedy such as neem oil.

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