It’s possible for dogs to consume too much honey. If your dog has eaten too much, they may have elevated blood sugar levels, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If you observe these symptoms, talk to your vet.
Honey is a wonderful gift from nature that has been used for healing and promoting health for more than a thousand years. It’s packed with healthy vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants. It can calm allergic reactions, soothe irritated skin and throats, and has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that have been scientifically proven.
Instead of the processed product frequently found on grocery store shelves, look for “raw” honey, preferably from nearby beekeepers. Raw honey is strained to remove debris, but that’s it. It’s otherwise as natural as you can get. Look for local beekeepers online or at your local farmer’s market.
On the other hand, processed honey is produced using heat, which thins it and eliminates many of its health benefits. Many processed honey products aren’t even actually honey because the manufacturing process can remove the helpful pollen.
Depending on the flowers the bees used to make the product, natural honey can range in color from light to dark golden amber. It’s only a color.
Although higher doses are safe, dogs don’t require much honey to benefit from its consumption. For health maintenance, a quarter-teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight per day is sufficient.
Dogs can easily be fed honey because they like its sweet flavor, and if the honey is thick, you can roll it into a treat-sized ball. Honey can be consumed alone, combined with herbs in powder form for added benefit, or added to herbal teas that also serve as cough syrups. “Herbal Medicine for Your Dog,” (April 2007), for details on how to make your own herbal honey. We’ve read that some people sweeten their dog’s water with honey. If you do that, you should also provide pure, fresh water.
When to Not Use Honey for Dogs?
The fact that raw honey is still a sugar is one of the main problems with giving it to your dog.
Dogs can develop obesity if their body isn’t burning the extra sugar properly because their bodies don’t break down sugars very easily.
This is why, despite the fact that my dog tolerates it well, I don’t increase his daily dosage above a teaspoon.
I don’t want him to gain weight and I also don’t want any dental issues brought on by the sugars he’s eating.
Additionally, veterinarians want dog owners to be aware that puppies and diabetic dogs should not use honey.
Honey can mess with your dog’s teeth and digestive system if your dog is under the age of two.
There are many other treatments available if your dog has diabetes that don’t contain sugar.
Is Honey Good For Dogs?
As a general rule, honey has a variety of uses and advantages, but because it contains sugar, use it sparingly. And when I say moderation I mean not much.
Giving your dog a little bit at a time can help treat kennel cough in dogs.
When to avoid feeding honey to dogs
Like any other human food, not all dogs should eat honey. And it can be dangerous if given in large quantities. Before giving your pet this tasty treat, there are a few things to consider.
Honey has a high glycemic index and may elevate blood sugar levels. If your pet has diabetes, talk to your veterinarian about whether honey is safe, and think about giving them low-sugar treats like cucumbers instead.
Honey contains sugar, so it’s high in calories. Honey can cause tooth decay if consumed in excess, so after feeding your dog, make sure to brush their teeth.
Bee stings can cause an allergy in dogs, and those who are hypersensitive may experience an allergic reaction after ingesting honey.
Honey contains bacteria that can be helpful for healthy dogs but can be harmful to those with weak or immature immune systems, so puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with compromised immune systems should avoid it. To find out when to introduce honey to your dog’s diet, talk to your veterinarian.
Pro tip: Your monthly pet insurance payment ensures that you can find the appropriate care for your dog’s condition without worrying about your budget.
As you can see, honey has a number of advantages for dogs’ health, but it’s not the only bee product that could make them feel better. However, many people believe that propolis, bee pollen, beeswax, and royal jelly all provide holistic health solutions for dogs, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.
According to reports, propolis is a natural antibiotic that is used to treat infections and has anti-cancer properties. Propolis can be applied topically to aid in the healing of cuts and wounds, much like honey.
Pollen acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting the body from harmful free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to the cells, proteins, and DNA in your pet’s body, resulting in premature aging, cancer, and other diseases.
For curing dry, cracked paws or elbow calluses, beeswax is ideal. Apply the melted wax to the affected area after combining it with a few drops of herb-infused oil (such as calendula or plantain).
Giving your dog royal jelly can be a great way to increase their endurance and stamina. It might even help with anxiety and depression.
FAQ
Does honey help dog diarrhea?
Raw honey reduces gastrointestinal upset in dogs. A few doses of honey may calm and soothe your dog’s GI tract for brief episodes of diarrhea or upset stomach that could be caused by something as simple as him eating some fresh grass.
Is honey a laxative for dogs?
Dogs with constipation can benefit from raw honey, which has laxative effects and is known to be a potential prebiotic food. Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestines, keeping your dog’s digestive system in good condition.
What happens when dogs eat too much honey?
If owners give their dogs an excessive amount of honey, don’t give them enough exercise, and don’t give them a balanced diet, the high sugar content of honey can cause obesity in dogs. If you do give your dog honey, it might be a good idea to brush their teeth because sugars can also lead to tooth decay.
Can honey be harmful to dogs?
Yes, as long as it is consumed in moderation, honey is safe for the majority of healthy, adult dogs. Although most dogs can safely consume honey, you should be careful how much you give your dog. Because honey contains a lot of sugar, it’s important to use caution when giving it to your dog.