Turmeric for Dogs: Unlocking Samson’s Miracle Healing Journey from Joint Pain to Vibrant Activity

Welcome to our latest episode, featuring a very special guest who often graces us with his background presence, but today, he’s front and center: our beloved 13-year-old Swiss Mountain-Lab mix, Samson! Joining us from his favorite spot in our studio (which, let’s be honest, is usually our bedroom), Samson is here to help us share a truly transformative story about the incredible power of turmeric for dogs. For us, and for Samson, this golden spice has been nothing short of a miracle, helping him overcome significant injuries and maintain an active, joyful life well into his senior years.

Brian kicks things off by taking us back to the beginning, recounting Samson’s early days when he was found wandering alone in the forest. His resilience was evident even then, but as a larger breed dog, Samson later developed common issues like chronic knee and hip problems. We’ve explored numerous conventional medical remedies, trying everything from prescription medications to specialized diets, but none offered the sustained relief and improvement we desperately sought. It wasn’t until we introduced turmeric into his daily food that we witnessed a profound and lasting change. This simple addition has continued to be the cornerstone of his ongoing health and mobility, truly allowing him to thrive.

Beyond Samson’s incredible journey, Brian also shares a practical tip on why an impact wrench (which he affectionately calls a “driver drill”) is such an indispensable tool for DIY projects around the house. And for our human listeners, I’ll be diving into some delicious recipes designed to easily incorporate more turmeric into your own diets. After all, what’s good for our furry friends can often be incredibly beneficial for us too! This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, helpful advice, and insights into holistic dog care.

You can listen to this inspiring episode and much more by downloading it from iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio. Alternatively, you can simply stream it directly from our website using the player below. Be sure to check this page for all the links, notes, and photos mentioned during the discussion. Note: If you are reading this through a feed reader, you may need to click through to the original post to access the audio player.

Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely use and believe in.

Samson’s Story: How Turmeric Transformed Our Dog’s Health

Our sweet, often nutty, and incredibly loving dog, Samson, holds a very special place in our hearts. His antics and unique personality have provided endless joy and more than a few memorable stories over the years.

This isn’t the first time Samson has made an appearance on our platforms. I first introduced him on the blog way back in 2010. He also featured as the mystery plant-destroying dog, and perhaps most infamously, the jute rug pooping dog—a tale we revisited in our very first podcast episode when discussing DIY floors. Samson even got a mention in Episode 5 as our rather enthusiastic camping and “eating (with results)” companion. And who could forget Episode 14, where we recounted the infamous cake incident?

As you can tell, we absolutely adore sharing Samson’s adventures. He truly makes life more vibrant and entertaining. His unique personality has completely spoiled us for any future canine companions! (A quick note: we often use “about ___ years old” when referring to Samson’s age because we can only estimate. Our vet believed he was roughly a year old when we rescued him, leading us to estimate his birth year as 2005.)

The Remarkable Benefits of Turmeric for Dog Health

So, why turmeric? Samson’s journey began with increasingly severe knee and hip issues, common ailments for larger dog breeds as they age. He struggled with mobility, limping, stiffness, and noticeable discomfort. We tried various veterinary-prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers, but these often came with side effects and offered only temporary relief, never truly addressing the underlying inflammation. We were at a loss, watching our once-energetic dog slow down and struggle with everyday movements.

It was during this challenging period that we began researching natural remedies for dog joint pain and inflammation. Turmeric, specifically its active compound curcumin, repeatedly appeared as a promising natural anti-inflammatory. Curcumin is renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to modulate inflammatory pathways in the body, offering a holistic approach to pain management without the harsh side effects often associated with conventional medicines.

You can delve deeper into the origins of our journey and how we first started administering turmeric to Samson by reading my 2012 article on the benefits of turmeric for Samson’s hip and leg problems. Two years later, we produced a follow-up video, which provides even more detailed insights and joyfully shows him running around with his characteristic zest, a stark contrast to his earlier struggles.

It’s now been almost four years since that video, and Samson, in his 13th year, continues to amaze us. He still enjoys hiking, running, and engaging in all his favorite doggy activities with remarkable ease and minimal discomfort. This sustained vitality is a testament to the ongoing efficacy of turmeric in his diet. We’re so thrilled with his progress that we’re planning another video update very soon to share his continued active life! To ensure you don’t miss this or any other exciting updates, be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletters.

Our belief in turmeric’s healing qualities was further solidified by a recent article we discovered shortly after recording this podcast. This research highlights the ongoing studies into turmeric’s therapeutic potential, with one study specifically concluding that turmeric is more effective than common painkillers like ibuprofen for treating sports injuries. We’re confident Samson would wholeheartedly agree, given his personal experience.

For dog owners considering turmeric, it’s vital to understand proper administration. We typically use turmeric powder, mixing it directly into Samson’s wet food. A critical tip for maximizing its benefits is to always combine turmeric with a pinch of black pepper. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that dramatically enhances the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin, meaning your pet’s body can utilize it much more effectively. Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements, especially if your dog has existing health conditions or is on medication, to determine the appropriate dosage for their size and specific needs.

While we didn’t explicitly mention this in the podcast, we frequently receive questions about the specific brand of turmeric we use. Over the years, we’ve tried various brands, but for some time now, we’ve consistently relied on Anthony’s Organic Turmeric Powder. It offers excellent value for an organic product and is conveniently available on Amazon. When sourcing turmeric for your pets, choosing organic ensures a product free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals, which is always our preference for Samson’s health.

We approach claims of ‘miracle’ healing with a healthy dose of caution, always preferring to thoroughly research and test things ourselves. However, in Samson’s case, we are unwavering believers: turmeric has been a miracle for him! It has significantly improved his quality of life, allowing him to live his senior years with comfort and joy. We sincerely hope you will consider trying turmeric for your own pets if they are struggling with similar issues. If you do (or already have), please share your experiences with us – we’d love to hear how it’s worked for you!

What’s Cooking: Incorporating Turmeric into Your Diet

Just as turmeric has brought remarkable benefits to Samson, it also offers substantial health advantages for humans. Adding turmeric to our diets is a fantastic way to combat inflammation, support overall wellness, and boost antioxidant intake. While turmeric on its own has a subtle, earthy flavor, it truly shines when combined with complementary spices, especially those found in delicious curry blends. Its versatility makes it easy to integrate into a wide array of recipes, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value. Here are some of our favorite turmeric-spiced foods that we regularly enjoy:

• Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower: A vibrant and flavorful side dish that brings out the best in turmeric’s warm notes.
• Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Lentil Curry: A comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a busy weeknight, rich with wholesome ingredients and aromatic spices.
• Curried Lentils with Bacon & Browned Cabbage: A unique and savory dish that combines the earthiness of lentils with smoky bacon and tender cabbage.
• Easy & Healthy Spiced Nuts: A perfect snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying, with a delightful kick from turmeric and other spices.
• Easy Slow Cooker Curried Barley: A wholesome grain dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare and packed with anti-inflammatory goodness.

Beyond Turmeric: Our Latest Discoveries & Recommendations

In every episode, we love to share a few other things that have recently caught our attention. Here are some “really cool” finds we think you’ll appreciate:

Brian’s Pick: Porter Cable Impact Driver. Brian can’t stop raving about how this tool has revolutionized his DIY projects. Compared to a traditional cordless drill, an impact driver delivers rotational force in quick bursts, making it incredibly effective for driving screws and fasteners with minimal effort and reducing the chance of stripping screw heads. It’s a game-changer for anyone who frequently tackles home improvement tasks!

Jami’s Pick: Farmgirl Flowers. I recently received a beautiful bouquet from them, a thoughtful gift from Grove Collaborative (one of my absolute favorite companies for eco-friendly home and personal care products!). Farmgirl Flowers delivers stunning, uniquely arranged bouquets with a charming, rustic aesthetic and impeccable presentation. They’re perfect for brightening up any space or sending a special gift to a loved one.

For those looking to bring more organization and calm into their lives, learn more about The Flexible Planner and discover how it can help you effortlessly stay on top of your daily tasks and long-term goals.

Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey into Turmeric for Dogs! If you found value in this podcast episode, your support means the world to us. You can make a huge difference by telling your friends about us, subscribing on iTunes, and leaving a review – your feedback helps other dog lovers and wellness enthusiasts discover our content.

Do you have a burning question, a great idea for a future podcast topic, or a story about how turmeric has helped your pet? Don’t hesitate to call us at (541) 658-0215 to leave a voicemail, and we might just discuss it live on the air!
For more engaging content from An Oregon Cottage, make sure to follow us on Instagram @AnOregonCottage, Facebook, and Pinterest. And for exclusive updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, don’t forget to subscribe to the AOC newsletter.

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are included in this post. While these links may earn a commission based on sales, they do not affect the price you pay. For a comprehensive understanding of our full disclaimer and advertising policy, please click here.