What spice do veterinarians recommend giving to dogs?

Spices are sometimes essential to season certain foods, whether sweet or salty, and there is one that we know that has a special smell and flavor and that gives a unique touch to some desserts, but not everyone knows about the amount of spices. beneficial medicinal properties that it can provide both us and our dog.

It is about cinnamon, of which recent research has shown its efficiency against different pathologies in farm animals and in our pets, thanks to the vitamins, minerals and fiber that it provides in a small amount in the daily ration. A group of veterinarians that make up a solidarity organization distributed in different countries published a video on their social networks in which they show the advantages of this spice in dogs.

Cinnamon is a spice that, in addition to being rich, has a pleasant smell. (Photo: Adobe Stock)

In it, one of the specialists from Veterinario Gratis comments that in the composition of the plant there is an oil known by the name of eugenol and that is what makes cinnamon a good option for dogs. As the vet explains, eugenol is a “natural anti-inflammatory that has antiseptic-type properties.”

In addition, he pointed out that this substance can prevent and reduce the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases and helps relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis or arthritis. “Cinnamon has very high levels of vitamins A and C, in very high amounts. This is very useful for treating various diseases; since these antioxidants make the immune system more powerful and resistant to the action of viruses and bacteria, ”he said.

The different types of cinnamon

There are many varieties of this spice, Cassia or Chinese, Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon, Korintje cinnamon, but it is Ceylon or Ceylon cinnamon, also known as original cinnamon, that provides the most benefits to our dog and to ourselves.

This type of cinnamon is the most common, so we shouldn’t have any problem finding it in herbalists or shopping centers. It is a light-looking cinnamon that can come in powder or stick, although it is recommended to buy it in powder form because it is easier to administer. Our dog can eat this type of cinnamon and also take advantage of its multiple medicinal benefits since there are many sick dogs that show improvements when using natural products like this.

How much cinnamon should we give the dog per day?

As indicated on the I am a dog portal, our pets should be given the right amount of cinnamon, taking into account factors such as age, underlying diseases and weight, which can modify the dose. For example, for a dog weighing about thirty kilos, it is a little less than half a small spoonful a day.

Read also Cinnamon could be useful to prevent and reduce the deterioration of cognitive function

If our dog weighs fifteen kilos then we will give him a quarter of a small teaspoon a day, if he weighs sixty kilos then almost a teaspoon a day. We simply have to orient ourselves with the half tablespoon per thirty kilos and vary depending on the weight of each dog. Also, you have to remember that they are small spoons, the kind used for coffee or dessert and not to be confused with large soup spoons.

What happens to the dog if it consumes large amounts of cinnamon

You must keep in mind not to leave the cinnamon jar within the reach of pets because a dog may be attracted to its exquisite aroma and cause damage in the short and medium term. Excessive consumption of cinnamon has been scientifically proven to cause liver problems, as well as trigger internal bleeding, especially if the animal regularly consumes other drugs.

If the dog is pregnant, it is advisable to avoid the use of this spice, as it stimulates uterine contractions and subsequent premature delivery. If, on the other hand, we only think about the dust, we make sure that the dog does not start ‘sniffing’ it because it could end up in her throat and get stuck to it, risking suffocation. We simply have to give our dog the recommended daily amount, mixed with one of his meals or divided among all of them and soon we will begin to appreciate the benefits of it.