Turmeric is a food that has been eaten for thousands of years, and in normal amounts it’s well tolerated by most people and animals. But taken regularly at supplement levels, with black pepper, it can interact with some medicines and isn’t right for everyone.
Talk to your doctor or vet first if you or your animal:
- Takes a blood thinner or antiplatelet drug (warfarin, apixaban/Eliquis, rivaroxaban/Xarelto, clopidogrel/Plavix, aspirin). Turmeric can slow clotting.
- Is having surgery. Stop turmeric the day before and restart once eating normally again, or follow your surgeon’s advice.
- Takes diabetes medication or insulin. Monitor blood glucose more closely.
- Takes blood pressure medication. Monitor blood pressure.
- Takes antidepressants, seizure medication or strong pain relief. Black pepper (piperine) can slow how some of these drugs are cleared.
- Is having chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Some treatments don’t mix with turmeric; check with the oncologist.
- Takes fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin in animals).
- Is pregnant, or has had a transplant.
→ Medication interactions: A–Z guide: look up more than 400 medicines and how they sit alongside turmeric.
→ Turmeric and medications: what to check first
Common side effects
- Loose stools or stomach upset, usually from starting with too much. Reduce the amount and build up more slowly.
- A “cat pee” body odour in some dogs and horses, which usually passes.
- Yellow stains on everything. Alcohol removes most of them.
What we don’t recommend
- High-strength 95% curcumin capsules for animals.
- Stopping any prescribed medication in favour of turmeric. Use turmeric alongside your doctor’s or vet’s care, not instead of it.
This page is general information, not medical or veterinary advice. See our Disclaimer.
