Blog Ginger for Dogs: 3 Common Dog Health Issues Solved with This Potent Spice
As an alternative to traditional medicine, ginger for dogs is a potent root often used to treat a number of health issues. Many holistic practitioners recommend it to patients suffering from stomach upsets, nausea, and even osteoarthritis. Ginger, it turns out, can also provide relief for dogs suffering from many of the same ailments.
A visit to the veterinarian is usually a pet parent’s first response when a dog experiences a stomach upset or joint pain. Often, traditional medication is prescribed to relieve the symptoms. However, some medications have unwanted and adverse side effects.
Fortunately, nature offers another option in the form of ginger. This unique plant provides a multitude of health benefits, but it seems to be most effective with three in particular.
1. Nausea
When a dog is nauseous, the signs can be quite evident. Panting, excessive drool, lip licking, and loss of appetite are the most common. Even though it is not always the case, sometimes a dog will eat grass when suffering from an upset stomach.
The compounds gingerol and shogaol give the ginger root its distinctive taste and ability to boost the digestive system. Both substances are well known for easing the symptoms of nausea in humans as well as canines.
Ginger also has some anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the digestive tract. Some holistic veterinarians even recommend the root to counter the effects of motion sickness.
2. Bloat
When a dog’s stomach enlarges due to trapped air, fluid, or food, this is called bloat. As the stomach expands, it puts pressure on other parts of the body and affects blood flow, especially to the heart and hind legs. Additionally, vital organs can be starved of oxygen, essentially shutting down internal functions and sending a pet into shock.
The diaphragm is usually hindered as well, and breathing becomes extremely difficult. The mounting pressure can even twist the stomach, which prevents anything from moving in or out.
Bloat can sometimes be life-threatening and lead to a pet’s death within a few hours, so an emergency trip to the vet should be a pet parent’s first reaction when severe symptoms occur. However, in the early stages of bloat, ginger can help get things moving faster and more efficiently in the stomach, thereby reducing any significant build-ups of gas or other contents.
3. Arthritis
As dogs age, it becomes harder to move and jump around. A swelling of the joints, known as arthritis, is the culprit, and the condition can be quite painful.
Since ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties, it is often used in the treatment of irritated joints. Some research suggests that the anti-inflammatory components in the plant act similar to COX-2 inhibitors, which are drugs customarily used to treat joint pain.
Dogs should only consume small amounts of ginger as too much can lead to other health complications, such as low blood pressure and diarrhea. The root can also thin the blood, making it dangerous if dogs ingest it after surgery or if they are already on blood thinning medication.
Ginger is easily available at grocery and health food stores and comes in several forms, including liquid, powder, pill, and raw root. To get a dog to eat it, many pet parents incorporate the pungent spice into dog treats. A pill form can also be used, which helps keep the dosage under control. A tea made with ginger can also be added to a pet’s daily meal regimen.
Ginger is a potent and effective remedy for a pet’s digestive and pain issues. While ginger is generally safe for a dog to consume, it is crucial to speak with a vet before giving to a dog, especially if a pet has any prior conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular problems.dog