Lipomas are fat deposits that are located under the skin and above the muscle. They are not hard lumps but have a dough like consistency. Lipomas do not usually cause pain, unless they are pressing on a nerve or affecting the movement of a joint. If they grow large, they can become irritating to your pet. While often considered harmless, lipomas can be a symptom of toxicity in the body. Natural remedies for lipomas include turmeric, apple cider vinegar, iodine, and dietary changes.
What Causes Lipomas in Pets?
There are many theories about the causes of lipomas in pets. Toxins in the environment, poor quality of diet, chemicals in drinking water, and vaccines may be causes of lipomas. Certain breeds seem to get lipomas more frequently than others. Older dogs are more likely to have lipomas than younger dogs.
Traditional Treatment of Lipomas
Surgery is sometimes suggested for lipomas, especially if they are causing trouble to your pet. However, surgery can be stressful to your pet, expensive for pet owners, and does not solve the root cause of lipomas.
What Natural Remedies Can I Use for Lipomas?
There are many natural remedies that are effective to heal lipomas.
Dietary Changes
Commercial dog food often contains chemicals, additives, msg, and food dye. Many dog foods also contain wheat and grains, which are not part of a dog's natural diet. Look for a higher quality of kibble that is grain free and chemical free. A homemade raw diet is also an excellent choice, though it does take more time to prepare.
Tap water usually contains fluoride, chlorine and other chemicals that have an adverse effect on your pet. Filtered water or spring water are better options for your pet's drinking water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw and organic apple cider vinegar can be added to your dog or cat's food or water bowl. Some animals will drink it readily. Others may need to have it mixed into their food a couple of times a day.
Try adding 1-3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to each quart of water your give to your pet.
Turmeric
Turmeric can be added to your pet's food easily. For more information about turmeric dosages, see this page.
Turmeric can also be mixed with coconut oil or olive oil and applied topically to lipomas once or twice a day. Turmeric does stain clothing, bedding and furniture. You may wish to treat the lipoma at night and cover it with a bandage. Cohesive tape will keep many pets from getting a bandage off.
Iodine
Iodine can be painted on to the lipomas twice daily. Regular iodine will stain the skin an orange color and can stain bedding or furniture while it is still wet. Your pharmacy may also sell decolorized iodine if the staining is a concern.
Have you tried any natural remedies for lipomas? Please send us some feedback!
