One of the most popular canine arthritis treatments making the rounds on Facebook groups is “golden paste”. The primary ingredient in golden paste is turmeric. Here is one example of a well-meaning pet parent/pet owner considering this treatment:
This is just one example of many. There are hundreds if not thousands of posts, blogs, and sellers pushing golden paste therapy as an effective treatment. THAT is where the problem lies; it’d be much different if these sources said that it MIGHT work versus stating that it ABSOLUTELY works.
One example is from the blog “Adored Beast”. They state the the following:
“Is turmeric good for dogs? Yes, as you can see it’s well established that turmeric is not only safe for your dog, it’s also highly effective for a variety of uses. So, whip up a quick batch of golden paste and start adding it to your regular supplement rotation!”
They state that it is well-established but do not provide any sources to back up this statement.
Evidence is Lacking
Despite the push for golden paste therapy, evidence is lacking. Consider the following points from Veterinary Practice News:
- “There is very little research in dogs and cats, and none that justifies routine clinical use of turmeric for any indication.”
- “Few major risks have appeared in the preclinical and human research literature, but in the absence of robust research evidence in dogs and cats, the safety of turmeric cannot be assumed.”
- “The widespread popularity of this remedy is not based on legitimate scientific evidence for safety and efficacy, but rather on anecdotal evidence and mistaken reliance on the predictive value of folk medicine traditions.”
Golden Paste Can Hurt Your Dog
I used to assume that “natural” meant “safe”, but I was mistaken! Just because something is natural does not automatically mean that it is safe to consume. Hemlock is natural! Despite the golden paste push, it can actually HURT your dog:
- Golden paste can cause upset stomach and constipation in dogs
- It can also worsen kidney stones
- “Golden paste can be dangerous to dogs with gallbladder stones or bile duct obstruction because curcumin makes the gallbladder contract”
- It can also interact with medications
When Your Dog Hurts
It is heartbreaking to see a pet struggle with arthritis, limping, or any kind of pain. Our instinct as responsible pet parents/pet owners is to work quickly to alleviate this pain. Supplement marketers exploit this pain to rake in the cash. Afterall, the global pet supplement industry is expected to grow to 3 BILLION dollars by 2030!
Anyway, don’t feel ashamed if you’ve tried various remedies, or even if you want to. But ALWAYS ask your vet before trying ANY treatment, even if it is a “natural” treatment.
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