Ginger for Dogs? 3 Ways it Can Improve Your Dog’s Health
by Dr Marty Pets Staff | May 31, 2019 | 4 comments
If you’re a dog parent and your pup is feeling sick, you want to do whatever you can to make them feel better. But when your pooch has an upset stomach, for instance, you may want to look for a natural remedy. In these instances, consider reaching for fresh ginger. After all, when you’ve got an upset stomach, a bit of ginger ale or ginger tea is your go-to to feeling better.
For centuries, different societies have relied on ginger not only for what it adds to food in terms of aroma and flavor, but for its reported health-related benefits.1
1. Helps Combat Nausea
If your dog has ever vomited on a road trip, there’s a chance they suffer from motion sickness. Yes, dogs can get carsick! And a dog with an upset stomach occurs more than you’d think, so you’re not alone. If you’re afraid Fido may get motion sickness the next time you hop in the car, consider giving him some powdered ginger with his meal before you hit the road.
In a study conducted with Naval cadets, 1 gram of ginger might be effective in reducing sea-sickness’ severity.2 Now, your dog may not be going to sea anytime soon, but some fresh ginger 30 minutes before you hit the road may just help combat your dog’s motion sickness.
2. Soothes Your Dog’s Stomach
If your dog seems a bit more lethargic than normal, or if they’re having frequent upset stomachs, they might be having gas and digestion issues. Unmonitored and excessive built-up gases and stomach pain in dogs can be incredibly uncomfortable.3
How do you know if your dog is experiencing gassy buildup or excessive stomach discomfort? A few signs are an enlarged stomach, or if they whine or whimper when you pet their belly.4 These may be indications that a lot of gas has built up.
Thankfully, ginger can be added to your dog’s regular mealtime to help combat some of this gas. In various studies, ginger has been shown to successfully “break up and expel intestinal gas.”5
3. Supports Aging Joints
Watching a dog get older is a bittersweet thing. They may have lost a spring in their step, but a touch of gray around their nose and eyes gives them the look of the elder statesmen they are. It can also be tough watching our best friends experience the pains of growing older. One of the more common ailments in aging canines is joint problems.
Ginger can actually help soothe joint discomfort and offer natural support for your pup’s “tired” joints.6,7
How To Give Your Dog Ginger
Ginger can be given to your dog in a number of ways. While you can give it to them in its root form, they may not be too keen on it, so consider pill alternatives or ginger powders. Another way in which you can give your pup ginger is via ginger tea. You can either mix it in with their kibble or see if they’ll drink it from a bowl. Just make sure it isn’t too hot for them!*Ginger can be given to your dog in a number of ways. While you can give it to them in its root form, they may not be too keen on it, so consider pill alternatives or ginger powders. Another way in which you can give your pup ginger is via ginger tea. You can either mix it in with their kibble or see if they’ll drink it from a bowl. Just make sure it isn’t too hot for them!*
The Ginger Factor
Finding the right natural remedy to help promote your dog’s full, happy life isn’t always easy. Thanks to ginger’s long history of being linked to holistic aids, supplementing your dog’s diet with this excellent root plant can help give them that extra pep in their step.
*This information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, veterinarian advice or substitute for veterinarian advice. Consult your veterinarian before adding to your dog’s routine.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
3. http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/bloat-in-dogs/
4. http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/bloat-in-dogs/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
7. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ginger
8. http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/heartworm-in-dogs-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/
9. http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/heartworm-in-dogs-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3668217
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