Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it a great addition to your dog’s diet. By giving ginger to your dog in supplement form, you also can be sure you’re giving them the correct amount for their size. 4 minute read
People have known about ginger’s beneficial properties for millennia. Originating in India and spreading from there around the world, ginger was traditionally used to treat many ailments of the digestive, immune, respiratory and nervous systems in humans. Modern research has proved many of these benefits. But that’s in humans. What about in our pups?
Is Ginger Good for Dogs?
When given in the right amounts, ginger is safe and can provide amazing health benefits for your dog. These range from calming their stomachs on long car rides to preventing and treating arthritis.
Potential Risk Factors
While ginger is considered safe in general, there are a few risk factors that you should consider.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, ginger should not be given to pets with a known bleeding disorder since it can prevent blood from clotting. This also means it should be used with caution if your dog is on anticoagulants or NSAIDs.It should also be used with caution in pregnant or nursing animals, as there aren’t studies yet to confirm if it’s okay for them.
5 Benefits of Ginger for Dogs
Gingerol is the primary bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. Its most well-known benefit is helping calm nausea. Here are five amazing benefits that make ginger good for dogs:1. Nausea and Upset Stomach
If your dog suffers from motion sickness, ginger can help. It relieves nausea, vomiting, and upset stomachs in dogs. Ginger can be a lifesaver if you’re taking your pup on a long trip.
Dogs can also become sick on trips due to anxiety. Whether your pup’s feeling poorly due to anxiety or the car’s movement, giving a calming treat containing ginger before you start your journey will make it a much more pleasant trip for all concerned. It doesn’t just help nausea due to car rides, either. One study showed that ginger helps calm nausea in dogs who were given chemotherapy drugs.
2. Gas and Bloating
Gas and bloat in dogs may sound similar, but they’re two very different problems.
Dogs passing gas is usually harmless, but it can be bothersome for pup parents. On the other hand, bloat is a very serious condition where gas gets trapped in the stomach. It is always considered an emergency that needs a vet’s help.
Ginger helps prevent both of these conditions by stimulating stomach movement and accelerating stomach emptying.
3. Immune Support with Vitamins and Nutrients
Ginger is a great source of many different vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and B, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. These nutrients provide great support for your dog’s immune system and overall health.
4. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties
Ginger is loaded with antioxidants, and the gingerol in ginger is an anti-inflammatory compound. Together, that means ginger lowers inflammation throughout your dog’s body.
Chronic inflammation raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and more. Lower the inflammation, and you lower the risk.
For dogs already suffering from arthritis or joint pain, this lowered inflammation helps reduce their pain and discomfort.
5. Promotes blood circulation and is heart-healthy
Gingerol promotes blood circulation and improves heart disease risk factors. One way it does this is by lowering blood pressure. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties help protect heart function as well. One study even showed it helps dogs with heartworms!Pin Me!
How Do I Feed My Dog Ginger?
There are many forms of ginger out there - from the whole root to ground ginger to ginger supplements. The difficulty with the whole root and ground ginger is that you can’t control the dosage well. Also, some dogs don’t like the taste or heat of plain ginger.
Supplements containing ginger have the advantage of being precisely portioned, so you know you’re giving your pup the right amount. Also, supplements are often easier for picky pups to take than raw ginger.
The Final Woof
People have used ginger to treat various conditions for thousands of years, and it’s about time our pups started seeing its amazing benefits too. From calming their upset stomachs to easing their arthritis symptoms to preventing killers like heart disease and cancer, adding ginger to your dog’s diet can substantially improve their quality of life.
By giving them their daily ginger through responsibly-made supplements, you can rest assured you’re giving them just the right amount of this amazingly beneficial plant to help them live happy, healthy lives.