Three Little-Known but Extremely Helpful Benefits of Turmeric and Its Active Ingredient Curcumin for Dogs and Cats

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The Power of Turmeric and Curcumin for Pets

Turmeric, and its active ingredient curcumin, has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Known for its yellow-orange color, turmeric has gained worldwide attention for its numerous health benefits. It’s primarily celebrated for its painkilling, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. While most pet owners think of turmeric and curcumin as remedies for arthritis or joint pain, there are many other benefits for our pets. In this article, I’ll share three lesser-known but extremely helpful uses of curcumin for dogs and cats.

1. Turmeric for Diabetes in Pets

Diabetes is becoming more common in pets, especially in cats. It seems to be almost epidemic in some areas, with many cats developing Type 2 or diet-induced diabetes. Unfortunately, the conventional solution for diabetic pets is insulin injections, and many pet parents feel stuck with this lifelong treatment. But there is hope!

Diabetes can be triggered by inflammation. In cases of Type 1 diabetes, inflammation may attack the pancreas, leading to scar tissue and reduced insulin production. Type 2 diabetes is often diet-related, with inflammation in the body preventing insulin from being used effectively. One of the major triggers of diabetes in pets is inflammation, and that’s where turmeric comes in.

A 2021 study found that curcumin significantly helped manage diabetes by:

• Decreasing fasting blood sugar
• Reducing insulin spikes
• Lowering body mass

Based on these findings, researchers concluded that 95% curcumin should be considered as part of the therapeutic approach for diabetic pets. We now offer our own 95% curcumin supplement, Dr. Jones’ High Absorption Curcumin for Dogs and Cats, which is microencapsulated to increase absorption. This formulation also includes bioperine, a black pepper extract that enhances curcumin’s bioavailability. By ensuring more curcumin is absorbed, it can provide real benefits to your pet’s health.

2. Turmeric for Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

Cushing’s disease is often seen in middle-aged to older small breed dogs. It’s caused by a pituitary tumor that over-stimulates the adrenal glands, leading to excessive cortisol production. The symptoms include increased drinking and urination, a distended belly, a thinning coat, and increased appetite.

While conventional treatments for Cushing’s disease involve lifelong medication, one interesting study has shown that 95% curcumin can be an effective alternative. Research indicates that curcumin can:

• Decrease inflammation within the pituitary gland
• Reduce the size of pituitary tumors
• Lower cortisol levels by inhibiting the production of ACTH (the hormone that stimulates cortisol release)

If your dog has been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, I strongly encourage you to consider adding 95% curcumin to their treatment plan. The side effects are minimal, with the most common being mild GI upset, so it’s best to start with a low dose. For Cushing’s disease, this could be a promising natural alternative to the usual medications.

3. Turmeric for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Pets

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that can affect both dogs and cats. It leads to ongoing gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and abnormal stools. While there are conventional treatments for IBD, including corticosteroids like prednisone, these come with significant side effects, such as immune suppression and potential diabetes.

In some cases, IBD is linked to an abnormal immune response to food or bacteria, causing inflammation in the intestines. Curcumin has been shown to be an effective natural anti-inflammatory and has been specifically studied for its benefits in IBD. A study published in Scientific Reports found that 95% curcumin (specifically the BCM-95 formulation) significantly reduced inflammation in the intestines of animals with IBD. By decreasing inflammation, curcumin helps alleviate symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, making it an excellent option for managing IBD without relying on immunosuppressive drugs.

If your dog or cat suffers from IBD, I highly recommend trying 95% curcumin. For my own cat, Cassian, who has similar health concerns, I would start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. For a 10-pound cat, I would give half a tablet daily, starting with a quarter tablet for the first week to ensure tolerance. For 30 days, I would continue this treatment to see if it helps improve his condition.

Conclusion

Turmeric, and specifically its active ingredient curcumin, offers numerous health benefits for our pets. While it’s widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties in joint health, it’s also highly beneficial for managing diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and IBD. With minimal side effects and powerful therapeutic effects, 95% curcumin is a fantastic addition to your pet’s natural health routine.

I encourage you to sign up for my upcoming free webinar, The Curcumin Cure: Natural Healing for Your Pet’s Chronic Health Conditions. We’ll explore alternative treatments for common conditions like arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, allergies, and more. Don’t miss out! Click the link below to sign up.

Thanks for watching, and I look forward to helping you support your pets with natural remedies! Remember to subscribe to my channel and hit the bell icon to stay updated on more helpful videos.