5 Reasons Why Ginger is an Essential Herb for Your Dog
There are many benefits that ginger brings to the table where older dogs are concerned. Ginger comes in several different forms to make dosing and supplementing simple: dry powders, teas, capsules or tablets, and tinctures (liquid form).
1. Great Antioxidant- Free Radical Fighter
Ginger contains gingerol, which has powerful medicinal properties
Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties.
Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body
There are many benefits that ginger brings to the table where older dogs are concerned. Ginger comes in several different forms to make dosing and supplementing simple: dry powders, teas, capsules or tablets, and tinctures (liquid form).
2. Stomach Pain/Nausea
There are many causes of your dog to feel sick... although it ttypically happens when they eat something they shouldn't.
Your dog may be car sick, and ginger can help, especially if given 30mins prior to the car ride.
One study has found ginger to be as effective as Gravol.
If your dog is drooling, panting, and likely nauseous, consider ginger.
3. Immune Support
Ginger has anti-viral, anti-toxic, and anti-fungal properties. Older dogs have weaker immune systems, leaving them much more susceptible to bugs and viruses. Ginger can be used to strengthen a weakened immune system. This herb also promotes blood circulation, flushes out toxins, and also helps to level out low blood pressure, which are all common health conditions in older dogs.
4. Anti-Inflammatory- Arthritis help
If your dog suffers from arthritis, ginger can help.
Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, easing any inflammation of the joints your aging pet might experience. Unlike other pain relievers, ginger is a natural resource, so is is not hard on your dog’s stomach.
A caution you should be aware of is, that because ginger may affect clotting time, so should not be used 7 days prior to surgery.
5. Cancer
Several studies have shown that ginger is a preventative for cancer in dogs. If your dog already has cancer, ginger can work as a dual purpose remedy because the anti-inflammatory agent helps the circulation, and ginger also boosts your dog’s immunity, both which are large factors in canine cancer.
I personally feel that the biggest benefit of ginger comes in the form of Cancer prevention by combatting Free Radicals, decreasing the cance of cancer to happen.
How To Feed Ginger To Your Dog
Ginger comes in a variety of forms, including powder, capsule/pill, tincture, tea and raw root.
Fresh organic ginger root:
Cut the skin off with a knife and finely mince the yellow part of the root.
Demian Dressler DVM (Dog Cancer Vet), recommends the following dosages to help prevent nausea from cancer treatments …
10 lbs or less … ¼ tsp, 3 times daily
10 to 35 lbs … ½ tsp, 3 times daily
35 lbs or more … ¾ tsp, 3 times daily
Always start slow and work your way up to the full dose.
Another option is to make a ginger tea, then add a small amount to your dog's water daily.. it can be a challenge getting ginger into some dogs as it is, well, sooo gingery!!
