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Last Updated on June 26, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur
DEVILS CLAW FOR DOGS
Devils Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) also known as grapple plant, wood spider and Radix harpagophyti. Devils claw is from the Pedaliaceae family which is the same family as sesame seeds.
This herb has many different compounds from iridoid glycosides, flavonoids and triterpenes.
In fact, an active constituent of the iridoid glycosides is harpagoside.
“Both the pure compound and devil’s claw extracts have potent anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.”1Georgiev, M. I., Ivanovska, N., Alipieva, K., Dimitrova, P., & Verpoorte, R. (2013). Harpagoside: from Kalahari Desert to pharmacy shelf. Phytochemistry, 92, 8–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.04.009
If your furbaby has any arthritic conditions, pain or inflammation of the joints or muscles then devils claw for dogs could be an option for you.
In one study conducted on patients with arthrosis of the knee and hip which is where you bone is grinding against your other bone because of loss of cartilage.
It was concluded that patients experienced less symptoms of pain and stiffness and mobility issues while there was continuous improvement in clinical findings.2Wegener, T., & Lüpke, N. P. (2003). Treatment of patients with arthrosis of hip or knee with an aqueous extract of devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC.). Phytotherapy research : PTR, 17(10), 1165–1172. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1322
Another study that was done was with 2 patients that had cancer, specifically lymphoma. It was discovered that they actually had regression of their tumor after taking Devil’s Claw.3Wilson KS. Regression of follicular lymphoma with Devil’s Claw: coincidence or causation? Curr Oncol. 2009 Aug;16(4):67-70. doi: 10.3747/co.v16i4.401. PMID: 19672427; PMCID: PMC2722058. Regression of follicular lymphoma with Devil’s Claw: coincidence or causation? – PMC (nih.gov)
Although, there is speculation as to whether this was spontaneous or because of the herb it was noted that they were two consecutive patients taking devils claw, so further research needs to be done to establish if this is truly an option for treatment of certain types of cancers.
CAUTION
Devils Claw for dogs should not be used in dogs with ulcers or if your dog is taking any other medications or herbs as this might interfere. Also, some side effects of this herb could be digestive upset or diarrhea.
If you are looking for an all-natural solution to your furbaby’s inflammation or pain then discuss this with your veterinarian first, to see if it is a right fit your you and your furbaby.
DIFFERENT FORMS OF DEVILS CLAW FOR DOGS
Devil’s Claw for dogs can be given in powder extract form, such as
which is actually not just the herb ground up and bagged but it is extracted so it is more potent and less needs to be given.
Devils Claw for dogs can also be given in liquid form like this tincture available
Or Devils Claw for dogs can also be in loose herb form, which has not been extracted;
The loose herb (not the extract) is what I use for this decoction tea listed below. So, I use for my 80-pound fur kid between about 5 grams of dried herb (not extract) per 8 ounces of water.
I put the dried herb in the pot with the water and simmer lightly for about 20 minutes and strain the herbs and let it cool. Then I give her between 1-2 cups divided like 10 times throughout the day, since I feed her small meals every hour on the hour and add some of the water to the meal.
Usually, depending on whether or not I see improvement in pain symptoms I may increase the amount of herb I give her slightly.
Do not start anything new in your pets life without consulting your veterinarian first as the appropriate amount for your furbabies size and specific needs will differ and certain medical conditions, medications or other herbs may contradict with one another or not be suitable for your pet.
Check out our other articles for more information on herbs such as;
