In addition to tasting good, raw honey is healthy for both humans and dogs. Dogs with environmental allergies, infections, kennel cough, gastrointestinal issues, and wounds like burns, hot spots, and pressure sores can benefit from the use of honey.
This is due to the fact that honey, one of nature’s most potent remedies, contains nutrients like vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and manganese.
Flavonoids, potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, are abundant in honey. Honey is also antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antifungal due to its high enzyme content. It even kills resistant bacteria including MRSA.
But not all honey is the same. In order to give it a smooth appearance, supermarket honey is frequently heated and cooled while being diluted with high fructose corn syrup. All that can destroy honey’s benefits.
The most effective remedy for allergies is raw local honey because it contains the highest concentration of fresh nutrients and trace amounts of local pollen. The most antioxidants are found in raw honey from darker-colored plants, such as buckwheat, sage, chestnut, dandelion, meadow, heather, honeydew, jarrah, and tupelo. The strongest antibacterial properties of any honey in the world can be found in New Zealand’s Manuka honey.
Seasonal allergies manifest in dogs differently than in humans. Seasonal allergies can cause these symptoms in the spring, summer, and fall:
Use local raw wildflower honey for the best result. Wildflower honey covers the largest amount of plants and flowers. Honey helps with allergies by gradually building up your dog’s immunity by exposing them to very low concentrations of the allergen.
Add 1 tablespoon of regional raw honey to the food of large dogs twice daily. For smaller breeds, add 1 teaspoon. The honey may need to be slightly warmed to make it easier to pour.
When applied to burns, cuts, bites, hot spots, and pressure sores, honey acts as an antibacterial and disinfectant. Apply honey directly to the wound and cover it with a bandage to prevent your dog from licking it off.
Manuka honey is the best choice for this because it aids in removing bacterial infections, lessening swelling, pain, and inflammation while also encouraging the development of new skin.
The honey’s thickness acts as a barrier to shield the wound and promote healing. It will be simpler to apply the honey if you warm it up to a lukewarm temperature.
A diluted solution of apple cider vinegar, which functions as an antiseptic, should be applied first to gently clean the area after minor burns. 10 tablespoons of cool water and 1 teaspoon of vinegar should be used. Then, until the pain appears to be lessening, apply a thick layer of honey every ten minutes. Don’t let your dog lick or bite the wound; instead, cover it with a thin bandage.
Important note: Only use vinegar on a closed, minor wound. Take him to a veterinarian if the burn is deep, large, or open before applying any treatment.
Trim or shave the hair in the vicinity of hot spots until you see healthy skin. Povidone Iodine, which is typically accessible at your neighborhood pharmacy or supermarket, should then be used to clean the area; first, dilute the iodine to the shade of ice tea. Blot the area with a gauze pad, then dab the hot spot lightly with Manuka honey that has been slightly warmed so that it is pliable and easy to pour. Repeat cleansing and honey application twice a day.
Honey is soothing for any kind of cough. Depending on the size of your dog, use half a teaspoon to one teaspoon of manuka honey. It usually provides instant relief.
Start with just once a day. You can increase the frequency up to four times per day if your dog responds well and handles it.
Various gastrointestinal issues, such as indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation, can be helped by honey. But rule out any issues with his food before you use honey.
Mix some honey into your dog’s food daily. Manuka honey will work best. Feed two teaspoons twice daily to larger dogs, one teaspoon twice daily to medium-sized dogs, and half a teaspoon twice daily to small dogs.
Take your dog to the vet if, after a few days, you don’t notice any improvement, especially if the issue is serious.
Humans go for a cup of joe. Raw honey serves as a natural source of vigor, endurance, and energy for dogs. For older dogs in particular, its natural sugars stimulate the body, assisting them in getting the exercise they require for good health.
Use either local raw honey or Manuka honey. Feed small dogs 1 tablespoon daily, medium-sized dogs 2 tablespoons daily, and larger dogs 1 tablespoon daily.
Although honey can be a wonderful treatment for your dog, it is important to consult your veterinarian before using it. Additionally, ensure that your dog has outgrown the puppy stage and refrain from overindulging because too much honey can result in weight gain and dental disease.
Are There Benefits to Feeding Dogs Honey?
For people and dogs, honey is purported to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, reduce inflammation, sooth stomach ulcers and sore throats, and cure allergies. However, there have not been many conclusive scientific studies validating these claims. Many of these allegations are anecdotal.
One of the most typical honey-related myths is that it can treat seasonal allergies. Although there isn’t enough research to support this, there is some evidence that raw honey may help lessen allergic reactions to flower pollen—provided that your dog is only allergic to one of the pollens in the honey and not another environmental allergen. Feeding your dog a small amount of honey is probably not going to hurt them, despite the lack of conclusive research, even though it is not certain or even likely to help with allergies.
Humans also use honey to soothe raw throats and stomachs. If you have already seen your vet to determine the cause of your dog’s sore throat and followed treatment recommendations, feeding your dog a little honey may help reduce any lingering inflammation. It will at the very least provide your dog with a tasty diversion.
Help dogs who suffer from allergies
Raw honey can help dogs who suffer from allergies. Not only does the honey need to be raw, but it also needs to be sourced locally for this to work. This is due to the fact that over time, exposure to local honey will lessen the sensitivity of the dog to the pollens present in their environment. Note that honey only helps with pollen and other environmental allergies, not food allergies. Honey won’t help lessen the effects of food allergies if you suspect your pet has them. However, you should continue to avoid dietary allergens and speak with your veterinarian.
Honey may also benefit pups suffering from kennel cough. Your best option in this situation might be Australian Manuka honey. Of all the honeys in the world, Manuka honey has the strongest antibacterial properties. One word of caution: It also costs a lot more money!
Honey can also be soothing for pets with digestive problems to calm an upset stomach. Honey can help with minor stomach upset caused by eating too much fresh grass or giving your dog a treat that didn’t sit well with him. Do not continue to feed honey to your pet if their stomach upset continues; instead, seek medical attention.
Benefits of feeding honey to your dog
Like other simple carbohydrates, honey can give your pet a boost of energy. As the honey’s sugars are digested, your pet might experience an energizing surge. For athletic dogs before a run or agility competitors before a training session or competition, this is a great boost.
FAQ
Can I give my dog straight honey?
Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Natural sugars and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals are present. In many foods and beverages, it is also used as a sweetener.
How do you give a dog honey for a cough?
Honey can help calm your dog’s throat and lessen coughing, making it a great natural remedy for kennel cough. You can provide your dog with a bowl of warm water and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of honey. Depending on how frequently your dog coughs, you can give this up to three times per day.
How much honey can a dog have?
“A dog typically shouldn’t eat more than a teaspoon of honey per day, but depending on the size, breed, and age of your dog, that amount may be less.” Avoid giving them too much and causing digestive upset. “.
What are the benefits of honey for dogs?
The vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your dog needs to stay healthy and happy are all in honey. It can also assist in regulating allergy symptoms, skin conditions, and healthy weight maintenance. But because it’s high in sugar, you should proceed with caution.