Pet owners have been turning to natural herbal remedies to heal a variety of ailments in our beloved furry friends. From goldenseal to milk thistle… dogs, cats, and all our pets are benefiting from plants and saying goodbye to substances with harmful side effects. But are herbs — specifically kratom — safe for your beloved best friend?
The spotlight is on Southeast Asia’s Kratom, a natural supplement that contains more than 25 alkaloids offering a number of health benefits to humans and pets such as relieving pain, increasing energy, and boosting one’s mood.
Can dogs do kratom?
Recently, it was proven that dogs could also take advantage of kratom’s benefits with proper handling and dosing. Dogs, according to reports and studies, responded positively after kratom was gradually introduced as part of their meals. Some of the advantages include relief from stress, pain, and arthritis.
Does kratom work for cats?
Even though no research has been conducted to prove its usefulness or bad effects on cats, a few cat owners have tried kratom on their pets. As a result, the majority provided input that was primarily based on their observations and could have been influenced by serving sizes, which have a significant impact on the effects on cats. Most reports recommend that owners should use trial and error to determine the best dosage for their cats to optimize the benefits of kratom
How about for other pets?
Aside from dogs and cats, kratom has shown relative use to mice and rats as it is for people based on the study published in PubMed validating kratom’s safety for smaller animals’ consumption.
Benefits of Kratom for Dogs and Cats
How does Kratom help ease Pets Chronic Pain and Arthritis?
In South Asian countries, kratom is known to alleviate pain caused by injuries, and inflamed muscles. As we know, animals also encounter the same situations and after visiting a veterinarian, we follow the prescription. The good news is that kratom works for animals too and could be your best option.
In recent research tackling kratom as a pain reliever for dogs, it has been concluded that kratom is also an effective medication for chronic pain. 62, out of 66 dogs, were reported to demonstrate improvements and were healed. That study also found that regular pain medications only put dogs in lengthy periods of sleep compared to kratom that keeps them active, leading to faster recovery.
According to The Puppy Place, kratom also works after acute or complex surgeries. Operations do not only result in physical pain but may also trigger emotional and psychological stress to dogs so preventive measures such as inducing kratom could be helpful.
In a separate narrative, a cat owner used kratom as his cat’s analgesic. He reported having the same observations after mixing an ample amount of kratom powder with cat food.
Aside from these, studies show that kratom also works best for aging dogs. Same as humans, a dogs’ age could also lead to inflamed joints or arthritis which affects their behavior and activities. Through kratom, you could help your dogs manage their arthritis and normalize their mobility.
After you ensure safe kratom use for your best friend, we recommend buying from a legit vendor like Kratom Lounge. They have capsules, powder, tinctures and more to make dog dosing easy. And, even for cats too.
How does Kratom help manage anxiety and stress?
Anxiety is the primary cause of a pet’s feeling down or away from his natural behavior. Some animals are more prone to anxiety while others are not. But, if you observe your pet struggling and acting distressed, identifying and removing the source should be your initial response. However, it is not always possible to remove the source of anxiety. In such a case, kratom could be considered.
Many strains of kratom work for dogs but, Maeng Da is still the best, most especially when dealing with anxiety. This strain, aside from providing pain relief, has an active chemical called mitragynine, that can stimulate your dog’s brain which sways away discomfort and stress.
Kratom can also lift the mood of cats. It is ideal for pet transport, rescue anxiety, and phobias. Instead of feeling restless and anxious, kratom can keep them focused or energized rather than draw their attention to their issues.
How does Kratom boost energy in dogs and cats?
In some cases, animals tend to lose their interest and energy even without any underlying health condition. This is usually observed in aging animals which end up suffering from anxiety.
To prevent this, kratom is highly encouraged. Aside from uplifting your pets mood and energy, it urges them to get back to their daily routine.
How does Kratom help treat animal seizures?
Epilepsy and seizures are commonly encountered by dogs. Though not frequently, a sight of a dog suffering from these could be disheartening. To address this, feeding dog food and kratom mixture to your dogs is recommended. With the right amount of Kratom, you can keep your dog healthy and intact.
Seizures in cats are much rarer than dogs and are usually due to injuries or other external factors. Thus, prevention is still better than cure.
How does Kratom resolve pets Appetite Problems?
The effect of kratom on the appetite of your dog is highly dependent on the strain that you will feed them. While some strains make your pet hungry, others tend to suppress their appetite. If the goal is to lessen their weight, feed them with white strains but, if it is the other way around, serve them with red strains.
VETERINARIANS GENERALLY APPROVE OF KRATOM FOR DOGS, BUT NOT CATS
How does Kratom work in the Brain?
Having mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors in the brain is one of the characteristics that humans and other mammals like dogs and cats share. These opioid receptors are the targets of the alkaloids contained in kratom leaves. Kratom is home to 26 alkaloids responsible for all of its effects valuable to mammals.
Two of its most promising alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which activate the receptors, triggering the release of chemicals such as endorphins, dynorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. With the release of these, the whole body is relieved from pain, soreness, and tiredness, leaving you energized and active.
As most of the research in kratom ever recorded was done with animals, the same benefits can also help pets or domesticated mammals whenever they need it. It is important to note as well that it is necessary to communicate it first with your veterinarian and to stick to the dosage advised.
What do Veterinarians think about Cats and Dogs using Kratom?
Due to limited scientific studies published and conducted about the advantages and disadvantages of kratom to pets, the opinions of veterinarians vary and are of different bases.
In the opinion of veterinarians with clients using kratom with their dogs, kratom must be introduced gradually to observe how dogs will react to it. By administering small servings, the good effects would manifest instead of the unwanted side effects.
In contrast, other veterinarians stand firm in their view that kratom is not a must-try for dogs. They insist that kratom poses threat to the health of dogs and other animals since there is no substantial evidence that proves kratom’s therapeutic claims.
Meanwhile, a group of veterinarians emphasized that kratom is an herbal medication worth exploring which must be given a chance to showcase its potentials as it could be a possible safer option compared to commercial drugs.
In the usage of kratom for cats, veterinarians are universally against it. Due to a lack of credible scientific proof, vets are skeptical that kratom will be as beneficial to cats as it is to dogs. Vets, on the other hand, have not provided any evidence to back up this claim.
CHECK OUT HOW DOG OWNERS ARE USING KRATOM SUCCESSFULLY
How does Kratom work in the eyes of Dog Owners?
A rising number of dog owners were expressing their satisfaction with the recent improvements in their pet’s health. The comment sections of online shops selling kratom strain are overwhelmed with detailed accounts of their pet’s total kratom experience. Currently, these reports continuously encourage other pet owners with dogs suffering from injuries, anxiety, and other age-related conditions to give kratom a chance to prove its worth.
Below is a collection of anecdotal reports and reviews from dog owners published on various websites unraveling the wonders that kratom behold.
“The (seizures) have stopped since I started her on Kratom.” – Kristie
Kristie: I wet the part of my finger they take your fingerprint from and then press it into my dog’s kratom. Then rub it on their gums and rub what’s left on their tongue. I use it on my beagle for her seizures. They have stopped since I started her on kratom. Then I give my pit kratom for pain. She has cancer. I only give them reds with just a tiny bit of yellow Kapuas. With the pit, I will add just a tad of white if she is having a good day and wants to go and do doggie things.
“I definitely would recommend kratom to literally anyone or any animal.” – Katie
Katie: We had a dog named Red, he was an old boxer with terminal bowel cancer. In his last few days before he was to be put down I gave him a dose of Kratom, I figured that it helped him feel better, and his pain meds were doing nothing. Low and behold, the old bastard got up from his somber sad corner of the world and started playing for the first time in months, and he ate for the first time in a couple of days, it was like he was a totally new dog. I only wish I would have given it to him much sooner, maybe it would have slowed the whole process down or even stopped it. He was still put to sleep because it was 2 little too late, but at least he was able to enjoy his last few days. I definitely would recommend kratom to literally anyone or any animal. I hope this story helps.
“… 45 minutes later, I noticed him jumping on the couch without trouble.” -Bekkah
Bekkah: My Winston, he’s a little Jack Russell/Javanese mix and the biggest baby you’ve ever seen. We thought he had sprained a paw or something, he was limping around all afternoon so for dinner, I took about an eighth of a teaspoon or a little less and sprinkled it on his food. Took a little coaxing but he ate it. About 45 minutes later, I noticed him jumping on the couch without trouble.
“We sprinkled just under 1/4 teaspoon (of) Red Bali… Day 3, he got up, running around…” – Kerra
Kerra: This past summer an old stray dog showed up here. In bad shape! Hungry, covered in fleas, ticks, and some sores. Missing teeth and arthritic, we took him in, bathed, and pampered him. He got really bad at one point. Wouldn’t or couldn’t get up to go outside or eat. We sprinkled just under 1/4 teaspoon Red Bali in his breakfast for three days. Day 3 he got up, running around like a young pup. Doing fine since then. Haven’t had to give more at this point.
“…for these older dogs… it sure is nice to know there is something to help them feel comfortable in their senior years.” – Julie
Julie: I have been giving kratom to my senior dog for his arthritis for about 4 months now. He was at the point where he could hardly get up or walk. I hate the arthritis meds the vets give for dogs (really damaging to the liver and expensive). I mix a 1/4 tsp Red Borneo or Bali in a tsp of coconut oil, morning and evening, and he laps it right up. I’ve even started to mix in a pinch of turmeric. (He’s about 50 lbs) Everybody has noticed the difference in him. In fact, my husband was getting a little annoyed because now he’s up and begging in the kitchen again lol! If I am late for a dose he will come and find me to remind me, so I know even he knows it’s helping him. I don’t know anything about using kratom in younger dogs, but for these older dogs who aren’t going to be around much longer, it sure is nice to know there is something to help them feel comfortable in their senior years.
“He would just eat them like a treat.” – Jeannette
Jeannette: I used it for our little dog that is about 30 lbs and 2 yrs old. He had abdominal surgery for a blockage. The surgery went well but the vet tech put him on a heating pad while he was still out of it and he ended up with 3rd-degree burns on about 1/2 of one side of his body. He was in so much pain and tramadol was not even touching it. He just laid there and cried. I gave him 1 capsule and it seems to really help but he was still whimpering. I gave him another and he quieted right down so he was getting 2 capsules about every 4 hrs for about a month and a half. He would just eat them like a treat. When it began to wear off, he would cry and whine. After about 2 months he is about healed up and no longer needs the kratom but he still begs for it. His scars look great and his hair is slowly beginning to grow back. I really think kratom probably saved this little guy’s life. If not that, it sure helped him with recovery.
“None of them worked except this one (kratom)!” – Amy
Amy: I have a 3-year-old golden with severe hip dysplasia. I’ve tried all the supplements. None of them worked except this one! I also have a ton of friends in golden rescue who switched over to it as well. Not a single complaint. Only positive stories.
“I use kratom for scared, anxious, or hurt dogs.” – Jill
Jill: I’m a foster mom for the local shelter and I use kratom for scared, anxious, or hurt dogs. I also use it for my 18 yr old Collie and it helps my Terrier with her nervous behavior.
“After he ate it though, he was running around the yard like it never even happened.” – Ryan
Ryan: So I gave Kratom to my chihuahua. His paw was hurting for some reason. He was barely walking around. After he ate it though, he was running around the yard like it never even happened. It was strange ’cause he hasn’t been limping since.
“I’ve been feeding her kratom… the doctors were shocked to see her tumors disappearing…” – Adan
Adan: I have a 15-year-old Maltese with cancer. I’ve been feeding her kratom, turmeric, cat’s claw, and Graviola, needless to say, the doctors were shocked to see her tumors disappearing, she was diagnosed 3 years ago. Kratom helped most of all to get her up, motivated, active, and helped with her appetite. I assume it’s because of its pain-relieving properties that she’s so healthy and eating well despite having had cancer.
Additionally, several people who identified themselves as veterinarians and rescue workers expressed their support in giving kratom to dogs in small doses.
Despite these overwhelming praises, it is essential to note that kratom has the effect of reducing digestive motility even when all fiber is removed, so, as previously said, doses should be based on your pet’s weight and maintained to a minimum.
BEST KRATOM STRAINS & DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOGS & CATS
What are the Best Kratom strains for Dogs?
A wide range of kratom strains is available in the market so choosing the best for your dog might be part of the challenges when starting. Aside from browsing websites and checking testimonials of pet owners in the comment sections, it is recommended to prioritize the strain that matches your dog’s needs.
Maeng Da Kratom
Maeng Da Kratom, Indonesia’s pride, is a Red Kratom strain produced through grafting. Breeders developed this after combining tissues of various strains to curate a stronger and more distinct strain that offers a higher level of performance. Given this, Maeng Da caught the eyes of pet owners, most especially those whose pets suffer from pain and anxiety.
Super Green Malay Kratom
Considered the second-best kratom strain, Super Green Malay or Super Green Malaysian also attracted the attention of pet owners. This is due to its high but more balanced alkaloid content that is desirable not only to humans but also to dogs. Aside from relieving pain, it is also notable for its ability to help overcome insomnia and restlessness.
Indo Kratom
Known for high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, Indo Kratom has grown into another fur parent favorite. It has been proven effective both as a sedative and pain reliever.
Borneo Kratom
Regardless of its relatively low performance, Borneo Kratom is still one of the strains that pet owners are fond of. Aside from its desirable aroma, this strain is considered one of the best-selling strains because it relieves animals’ anxiety and chronic pain. It is even remarkable for its calming effect that relaxes pets.
Bali Kratom
Also known as Super Bali Kratom or Premium Bali, this strain which originated from Bali, Indonesia is another emerging favorite. Though known to have a mild performance, dog owners avail this strain to soothe pain and boost the energy of their pets.
What is the Correct Dosage for Dogs?
Based on studies, the effectiveness of kratom lies in the user’s weight. This finding applies to both humans and animals.
Unlike humans, who may use websites built to calculate kratom dose based on their weight, pets must rely on their owner’s judgment. For humans, 7 to 12 milligrams is the optimal dose therefore, half to lower than half of this range could be induced by smaller mammals like dogs. Smaller breeds could be given up to 2 milligrams while bigger breeds could take up to 4 milligrams.
Based on an article posted in PetPriceList – a website that reviews and sells products for both pet owners and pets, and as mentioned earlier, it is best to start gradually regardless of your pet’s size. Monitoring and noting the effects after each dose is highly advised and is a necessary habit in keeping your pet safe and healthy.
What are the Best Kratom strains for Cats?
As stated earlier, little is known about the use of kratom for cats. The information available over the internet is primarily based on isolated cases and is mostly from anonymous sources. Up to this date, most veterinarians discourage introducing kratom to cats to avoid unexpected effects and damages.
Currently, the decision lies on you as the owner. Since cats are smaller than dogs, you may want to try the strains listed earlier by mixing a small dose to your cat’s food. Observe and take note of your cat’s reaction and behavior. If you see constant improvements and desirable output, then you can stick to your chosen strain and dosage. However, if you notice undesirable effects and responses from your pet, stop.
Whether your journal states positive or negative notes, share your records over the internet or to your veterinarian to spread awareness and to inspire further studies. Through this, cat owners and medical practitioners will have a clearer view of how kratom works.
What is the Correct Dosage for Cats?
Setting the proper dosage of kratom for your pets is critical but a must, especially if you are considering using it for your cats. As previously stated, there is insufficient information on the usage of kratom in cats, including proper dosing. Overdosing on kratoms, like certain pharmaceutical and natural drugs, can impair the liver and kidneys. To avoid the worst-case scenario, it is imperative to consult a veterinarian and to read the information on the kratom package.
THIS IS HOW YOU GET YOUR PET TO LOVE KRATOM
Initially, convincing a dog or a cat to take kratom would take a great deal of your patience and time. Given those more than 25 alkaloids contained in kratom leaves, coming up with the most clever solutions to cover up its bitterness is undoubtedly one of a kind. But, if you still struggle, the suggestions below shall work too.
Mix with Food
Masking the bitter taste of kratom with peanut butter, with their favorite fruits or vegetables, or with beef bone broth is suggested by most pet owners who introduced kratom to their pets. Since kratom’s taste does not influence the flavor of the food, the pets perceive them as the same meal or treat they always enjoyed and the owners can assure that the kratom dosage is maintained.
Rub on their Gums
This method is ideal for pets that need immediate treatment and that suffer from chronic pain. Kratom solution rubbed on dog’s gums is immediately absorbed by surface vessels, sending alkaloids quickly to the brain to activate the opioid receptors.
HERE’S WHAT WE COVERED…
Indeed, there are limited substantial sources that could provide a more in-depth understanding of kratom. However, things are looking promising for sure!
With the growing market, testimonials, and the growing benefits to dogs, cats, mice, and rats, kratom and its other usage should be viewed as doors to new possibilities waiting to be unlocked.
Though it may not be a medication that cures the root cause of diseases and pain at this time, exploring other uses and possibilities could be done gradually through trial and error, starting with smaller bits of information and eventually publishing a data-driven and scientifically proven study on kratom.
In the meantime, speak to your veterinarian before experimenting with kratom. By doing so, you can keep yourself safe and healthy as well as the pet that loves you to the moon and back.
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