You naturally go for ginger ale if your stomach feels off. It clearly has ginger in it, which is why it’s recommended generation after generation for all kinds of ailments. And it turns out that the benefits of ginger for humans also extend to dogs. Ginger root has been used as a spice and medicine for thousands of years in Asian and Arabic cultures.
The most well-known advantage of ginger is perhaps its use as a digestive aid for nausea and upset stomachs. However, it’s not the only one. In actuality, it may have advantages that go far beyond digestive health. More severe illnesses like osteoarthritis and even cancer can benefit from ginger as well. Because of this, many holistic practitioners recommend using ginger for dogs with cancer.
Ginger to Reduce Nausea in Dogs
There are numerous causes of nausea and vomiting in dogs. Maybe he has a cold? Perhaps it’s motion sickness? Maybe he is receiving cancer treatment? Whatever the cause, there’s a strong probability that some fresh ginger (or ginger tea or the ground spice) will be helpful. Always have some on hand in case your dog seems to be experiencing digestive issues.
In one study, dimenhydrinate, a common anti-emetic, was compared against ginger (Dramamine). In people, it was just as efficient as dimenhydrinate and had fewer adverse effects. The same medication is also given to dogs by veterinarians to treat motion sickness and nausea.
Gingerol and shogaol are responsible for ginger’s anti-nausea effects. The flavor of ginger is derived from these ingredients, which also facilitate faster digestion. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm the digestive system and lessen nausea.
Ginger Can Help in the Early Stages of Bloat
Bloat occurs when your dog’s stomach swells due to accumulated air, food, and fluid. Your dog’s stomach expands as a result of pressure buildup.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a potentially fatal condition, frequently develops from bloating. Therefore, you must visit the vet immediately if you suspect that your dog is bloating.
Dilatation is the initial stage. Your dog’s stomach will grow and put strain on other bodily regions.
The heart, abdomen, and back legs will all experience slowed blood flow. Likewise, blood will flow into and out of the stomach lining. Your dog will have trouble breathing if there is pressure on the diaphragm. Your dog’s cells could start to die if there isn’t enough air and blood flow.
The pressure might then cause the stomach to twist. It will seal off your dog’s stomach’s entry and exit. Nothing will have the ability to enter or exit. The volvulus stage is approaching.
Blood circulation is impaired if the stomach twists. The blood and oxygen that organs require to function won’t be delivered.
Early on in the bloat cycle, ginger may be helpful. In the stomach, ginger can promote motion. By doing so, buildups can be avoided and the stomach’s contents can exit the body more quickly. In addition, it can aid in reducing gas buildup.
Ginger as an Anti-Inflammatory for Arthritis
Arthritis involves inflammation in the joints and ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory. Therefore, it should not be surprising that including ginger in your dog’s food may help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
There is no research that examines ginger’s impact on canine joint discomfort. Animal and human research, however, provide some hope.
According to one study, ginger may help with knee osteoarthritis symptoms in humans. In another trial, ginger reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in rats.
Ginger for Dogs with Cancer
Research has shown that ginger can help fight cancer. According to research, ginger can reduce the rate at which mice develop breast cancer. In a test tube, a different study showed that ginger might destroy lymphosarcoma cells. Additionally, it helped rats with liver cancer.
Ginger can also help prevent cancer because inflammation contributes to the development of the disease. Its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties account for this.
Additionally, ginger might lessen the adverse effects of cancer treatment. This is because it reduces motion sickness. Cisplatin is a common chemotherapy medicine given to dogs that may trigger nausea and vomiting. Ginger for dogs with cancer can help.
How to Feed Ginger to Dogs
If you plan to feed raw ginger root, cut the skin and feed in the following portions:
- 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
Powdered ginger is also available and generally recommended in the following amounts (amounts may differ so take a look at the product prior to serving):
- 1 to 10 lbs … up to ⅛ tsp
- 10 to 20 lbs … ⅛ to ¼ tsp
- 20 to 50 lbs … 1 tsp
- 50 to 100 lbs … 2 tsp
- Over 100 lbs … up to 1 tbsp
A Word of Caution
Avoid ginger if your dog is taking a blood thinner, is having surgery, or is about to give birth since it can thin the blood. Additionally, it might reduce blood pressure and blood sugar. If your dog has diabetes or a cardiac problem of any kind, consult your veterinarian.
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