The devil's claw, commonly known as “devil's claw”, is a medicinal plant of African origin. Its roots contain various active ingredients that give this plant important anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic properties. The therapeutic use of the devil's claw root is relatively common in Western countries, however, its medicinal properties were recognized long before by traditional African medicine. Today, it is widely used, both in human and veterinary medicine, to manage pain and inflammation associated with joint pathologies.
If you want to know more information about harpagofito for dogs, its dosage, uses and contraindications, join us in the following article on our site, in which we also talk about the side effects associated with this particular medicinal plant.
What is the devil's claw?
The devil's claw, whose scientific name is Harpagophytum procumbens, is a herbaceous plant of the family Pedaliaceae from southern Africa. The woody fruits of this plant are provided with claw-shaped spines, hence it is commonly known as "devil's claw".
The most important part of the devil's claw are the roots, which contain different bioactive components:
- Monoterpenic heterosides of the iridoid group: such as harpagoside, harpagoside and procumboside
- Phenolic acids.
- Flavonoids.
- Phytosterols.
- Triterpenes.
These active ingredients give the devil's claw important anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antirheumatic properties These pharmacological effects are due, among other things, to the reduction in the production of proinflammatory cytokines, its antioxidant activity and free radical scavenger, and the inhibition of enzymes responsible for cartilage degradation.
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Is devil's claw good for dogs?
In nature there are various medicinal plants that are used as part of phytotherapy due to the pharmacological effects offered by their active ingredients. A good example is the harpagophytum, a medicinal plant with proven pharmacological effects in both human and veterinary medicine.
Its anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-rheumatic properties have made the devil's claw a widely used plant in Western phytotherapy. So much so, that in 2010 the Spanish Agency for Medicines and He alth Products approved the marketing of a traditional medicine made with harpagophytum.
Although it is a drug intended for use in people, it can also be prescribed in veterinary medicine using the called “cascading prescription”. However, it is generally chosen to prescribe harpagofito-based nutritional supplements designed specifically for use in dogs.
Specifically, devil's claw is used in small animal clinics for the management of joint pain and inflammation, due to its efficacy and safety.
Uses of devil's claw for dogs
As we have explained, the active principles present in the devil's claw have important anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-rheumatic properties, which make this plant a good alternative for the treatment of joint diseases
Generally, devil's claw is used associated with other drugs and nutraceuticals to treat chronic joint pathologies in dogs. Specifically, it is used to manage joint pain and inflammation associated with the following diseases:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) or osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Inflammation of the joint soft tissues, such as bursitis or tendinitis.
- Joint trauma.
At this point it should be noted that, although the devil's claw is a medicinal plant, it should always be administered under veterinary prescription As with any other medication, the use of devil's claw must be done with appropriate veterinary supervision.
Harpagofito dose for dogs
Currently, there are nutritional supplements for dogs made from ground devil's claw root. These supplements should be administered at a rate of 0.25 g per kg of body weightAs they are usually presented in powder form, the best option is to mix the nutritional supplement with the daily ration of food
Side effects of devil's claw for dogs
One of the main advantages associated with the administration of Harpagofito is its safety. At recommended doses, the side effects associated with the administration of Harpagofito are mild and infrequent However, sometimes the use of Harpagofito may be associated with the following reactions Adverse:
- Digestive clinical signs: such as diarrhoea, nausea or retching, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Dermatological type hypersensitivity.
Contraindications of devil's claw for dogs
As we have seen, devil's claw is a safe product that hardly produces adverse reactions in dogs. However, there are certain situations in which its administration can be counterproductive.
Below, we highlight the main contraindications of devil's claw for dogs:
- Allergy to the plant Harpagophytum procumbens or to any excipient of the drug or nutritional supplement
- Gastric or duodenal ulcers.
- Pregnancy and lactation: There are no studies on the effects of devil's claw during pregnancy or lactation, so its use is not recommended. administration to bitches that are in these physiological states.
