I saw a question recently about ginger root and pets. Specifically for arthritic discomfort. Hmm! Turns out I've been adding fresh ginger to my tea leaves every morning for over 4 years now! And not once did it occur to me to share this gift with my dog!
Here's what I know... When I started out, I peeled and sliced a thin slice of ginger that I put in my tea mug with my already brewed tea. Thinking that wasn't enough, that slice of ginger sat at the bottom of my tea mug all day with some local honey to marinate. By that evening the ginger slice would be soft and sweet and I'd eat it. It really is yummy. So, starting out like that, I noticed my arthritic aches and pains beginning to go away in about 3 days. After about a month, I feel pretty normal and get around just fine.
I did stop taking the time to do the ginger when I embarked upon a soon-to-be-single life. I was a bit stressed and distracted. After a couple of months (yes, months!) I got so achey that I could barely move. And I was active and fit at the time (gotta put that stress somewhere!). I hurt. A lot. It was awful. It was the ginger. Rather, the lack of it. I could not believe it! I got myself a fresh ginger root and the first 2-3 days I not only had ginger in my morning tea, I made a ginger tea, too. After that, business as usual. All aches and pains are in check and I can get around just fine.
These days I have a hand-held grater that I hold over my tea pot and grate fresh ginger straight in with the tea leaves, peel and all.
Ginger Tea
Add boiling water to freshly ground or sliced ginger and steep till cloudy. Strain, add honey to taste.
Okay! So, what about dogs?
So, the first thing I confirmed is that it's totally okay to give your dog ginger. I'm a stickler for all natural, so stick with a fresh root from the produce department, if you don't grow it yourself.
It's number one claim to fame for use in both dogs and humans is its ability to calm down the tummy. I never really thought about it, but come to think of it, my gut is pretty happy most of the time. So, there's that. But when it comes to the crippling knee pain and what it has done to alleviate that for me ~ give it to your arthritic dog!
My recommendation? Make a tea, refrigerate it and use it to wet your dogs food. Simple as that.
Honey is good for dogs too ~ local is best for allergies! ~ so if you want to sweeten the tea for fido, go for it. Use moderation. They don't have our sweet tooth.
