The recent craze surrounding Manuka Honey for Dogs has generated a lot of interest. However, it is our duty as pet guardians to check that all of their food and treats are completely risk-free.
The welfare of our canine companions is a shared concern. We want only the best for them, including the healthiest possible diet and the longest possible life span. Consequently, it’s important to select the best honey for canines.
In moderation, honey can be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet. It has a pleasant flavor, and it’s a good source of a few different vitamins and minerals, as well as an antioxidant. About 60 different types of bacteria have been shown to be inhibited by honey.
Manuka honey for kennel cough is a good example of this, and we’ll get into the other uses of manuka honey for dogs in a bit.
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka Honey is a “monofloral” honey because it comes from the nectar of only one flower, the Manuka Tree.
Trees of this type can be found in their native habitats in New Zealand and Australia. However, Manuka Trees are now cultivated worldwide to increase production of Manuka Honey.
As a result of claims that it can cure wound infections and other illnesses, this honey has become increasingly popular. All honey has some antibacterial properties, but Manuka honey has the most.
With four times the nutrient density of regular honey, Manuka Honey is clearly the superior choice.
Honey Healing Properties
Research in recent years has shown that raw, unpasteurized honey can kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Honey’s main ability to perform these functions is due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide, a potent antiseptic found in honey.
Moreover, as I mentioned before, not all honey is created equal. Manuka honey has the greatest number of useful properties. As a natural remedy, manuka oil has been shown to be effective at easing the symptoms of stress and other mental health issues in humans.
Manuka honey’s potent chemical components also help shield our canine companions from illness. These constituent chemicals are:
- Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a primary cytoprotective chemical found in Manuka. Antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria has been demonstrated.
- The nectar from Manuka flowers contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA). During the process of making honey, it is transformed into Methylglyoxal.
- The nectar of Manuka plants contains a chemical called leptosperin.
Manuka Honey Can Help With Common Infections
- Lower intestine bacteria are called Escherichia coli, or simply E. coli. Colibacillosis, also known as an E. coli infection, is a rare but possible consequence.
- Proteus mirabilis causes otitis externa, pyoderma, and upper and lower urinary tract infections in dogs.
- It’s common to find Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water, soil, and decomposing organic matter.
- Dogs can contract Salmonella typhimurium infections, which are caused by the Salmonella bacterium and can be a source of serious health problems.
The Magic Of Manuka Honey
So, what exactly is it that gives Manuka its unique qualities?
This golden remedy was made possible by the hard work of bees in Australia and New Zealand. They are responsible for pollinating the tiny white flowers of the Manuka tree, or tea tree (Leptospermum scoparium).
(This is not to be confused with Melaleuca alternifolia, the Australian tree from which tea tree oil is extracted.)
For medicinal purposes, early settlers brewed tea from the bark and leaves of these trees. Manuka oil has been used for centuries to treat a variety of psychological disorders in humans, including stress. it should come as no surprise that Manuka honey is celebrated as a therapeutic nectar.
Due to its potent chemical components, it provides increased resistance to infection and disease:
- Manuka honey contains a chemical called methylglyoxal (MGO), the concentration of which varies from one batch to the next. Keep this player in mind for the future.
- Nectar from the Manuka flower contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA). and changes into MGO as honey is being made.
- The nectar of Manuka plants contains a chemical called leptosperin.
Manuka honey’s antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties are prolonged by these components.
The chemical defenses in manuka honey are more effective because they are not depleted as rapidly during the healing process as they are in other honeys, such as those that rely solely on hydrogen peroxide. According to the results of the lab tests, it is effective against around 60 different types of bacteria.
In a world where antibiotic-resistant infections are a growing problem, this is a major breakthrough.
Common infections that Manuka honey can help with include:
- Pathogenic Escherichia coli
- The Remarkable Proteus
- the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Typhimurium Salmonella
- Specifically, Serratia marcescens
- Toxin-producing staphylococcus aureus
- S. pyogenes, or streptococcus pyogenes,
- Albicans, or Candida,
Manuka Honey Safety
Manuka honey is generally considered safe for canine consumption. Not only are they harmless, but they’re good for a dog’s health as well. You should still exercise caution and check with your vet before feeding your pet any Manuka honey.
Manuka honey, for instance, shouldn’t be given to dogs who are younger than a year. Diabetic and overweight dogs face the same challenges.
Honey shouldn’t be given to puppies for the same reasons that infants shouldn’t have any. There have been reports of botulism spores being found in honey. Because of their immature digestive systems, infants and puppies are particularly vulnerable to the toxin released by these spores.
Conversely, a dog with diabetes or excess body fat faces increased health risks. It’s due to the high concentration of sugar in honey.
Benefits Of Manuka Honey For Dogs
1. First Aid Wound Care
Your dog will get scrapes and bruises no matter how careful you are. As luck would have it, Manuka honey can be used to treat minor cuts and scrapes at home.
For advice on how to best care for a wound, read up on what Dr. Jane Laura Doyle has to say. Talk to your holistic veterinarian first if you aren’t sure how serious the wound is or if it is a deep cut.
Then, apply pure Manuka honey directly to the wound, cover it with a clean bandage, and let it heal on its own. You might not need to apply a bandage if the cut is minor and not too deep.
But if you choose not to bandage your dog, you’ll need to find a way to keep it occupied for a little while… , because if he licks it off the honey won’t have time to do its thing.
To boost the curative effects by a factor of… Manuka honey and colostrum combined in a 1:1 ratio make an excellent wound paste. Because colostrum contains growth factors that stimulate wound healing, this mixture will be less sticky and you’ll have two potent natural healers in one homemade paste.
2. Fight Skin Disease
Many dogs suffer from skin diseases. caused by the immune system, such as allergies. In addition to not getting to the bottom of the problem, the list of unpleasant side effects that accompany many standard treatments is long.
While you investigate the source of your dog’s allergies, the itching can be soothed with Manuka honey. Itching can be alleviated thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey. Oftentimes, a battle between bacteria or yeast overgrowth results in red, inflamed skin, which is what we call a skin disease.
Manuka honey can be applied topically as a spot treatment with a premade ointment or the combination of Manuka honey and colostrum described earlier.
Dab a little on the aggravated skin several times a day. It’s also useful for reducing the appearance of hot spots.
It can also be taken orally (the appropriate dosage information is provided below). Manuka honey aids the skin’s innate capacity for cellular repair.
3. Prebiotic Support For Gut Health
Intestinal health is pivotal to total body wellness. The digestive tract is the primary immune system site in your dog. You should do everything in your power to maintain a healthy bacterial balance in your dog’s digestive system.
Your dog requires probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria. Also, prebiotics provide a food source for the probiotics, allowing them to multiply and flourish. Because of its prebiotic properties, manuka honey can be used to promote healthful microbial growth.
You can expect a quicker recovery time for your dog as a result of this aiding his immune system. In other words, if you’re giving your dog Manuka honey for a wound or skin problem, you should also give him some in his food.
4. Added Immune Support
Strengthen your dog’s defenses by feeding him Manuka honey, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in his digestive tract. Additionally, manuka honey can help fight off viruses.
An infection is less likely to manifest in a dog who is otherwise healthy and content. However, there are factors in his life that can compromise his defenses… stress being a major one. The immune system is weakened by stress, making him more susceptible to illness.
Dogs under stress are prone to developing kennel cough and canine influenza. For dogs, boarding can be a very stressful experience. That’s why it’s called “kennel cough” because it’s typical of dogs kept in kennels. However, there are times when stress is unavoidable.
You may be putting your dog in harm’s way if you take him with you on business trips, vacations, or competitions that require him to travel.
Manuka honey can be given to him orally to help strengthen his immune system. Give it to him orally before you take him to a dog show, take him on a trip, or introduce him to other dogs.
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5. Antioxidant Protection
When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, antioxidants are essential. Antioxidants are great for your dog’s health because they slow down the aging process and boost his immune system. They protect the body’s cells from free radical damage by repairing and restoring them. also, to mitigate the consequences of exposure to environmental toxins such as…
- Contamination of the Air
- Chemicals used to control pests and grow crops
- Radio waves produced by our electronic gadgets
To prevent this damage, however, antioxidants can be included in the diet. Manuka honey’s flavonoids and phenolic acids, according to one Saudi Arabian study, have powerful antioxidant effects.
6. Support Oral Health
The affection of a dog is unrivaled, and who can resist a sloppy lick? But if Fido has doggy breath, maybe not!
There are a lot of potential causes for your dog’s stinky breath… but there is a link between them.
There are a number of symptoms that indicate an imbalance in your dog’s gut health.
- Symptoms of an allergy
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Condition affecting the joints
- Dental Illness
gum disease is another health issue that Manuka honey can help with.
Inflammation (gingivitis) is the first stage of dental disease, and it is caused by bacteria below the gum line.
Manuka honey was found to be effective against multiple strains of oral bacteria by researchers at the University of Zurich. However, the quality of the honey made a difference. To prevent oral bacteria, use honey with a UMF16 rating. Read on for information about the various Manuka honey quality levels.
Grades Of Manuka Honey
For optimal results, select a high-quality Manuka honey grade. In 2009, scientists discovered that the therapeutic effects of honey containing higher concentrations of Methylglyoxal (MGO) (6)… Keep in mind that this chemical is what provides Manuka honey with its prolonged curative effects.
In light of this, Manuka honey is graded according to its UMF value. UMF stands for “Unique Manuka Factor,” which describes a specific compound found in manuka honey. and more MGO means more money when it comes to honey. It is recommended that you purchase Manuka honey with a UMF rating of 1O if you intend to use it for medicinal purposes.
If your dog is fighting off a superbug or virus, you’ll want to use a product with a UMF rating of 10 or higher.
The UMF rating of Manuka honey begins at 5 and goes up to 28.
In addition, pick something with an UMF20 rating or higher if you’re hoping to help your dog fight off an infection like kennel cough.
Manuka Honey Dosing For Dogs
Start your dog off slowly with half the dose below if you’re giving Manuka honey internally, and increase gradually:
- Under 20 lb.: 1/2 tsp, twice daily
- A daily dose of 1 teaspoon is recommended for those 20-60 pounds.
- Over 60 pounds: 2 teaspoons twice daily
After your dog has adjusted to the lower doses, you can increase to the full amounts.
Cautions
Manuka honey contains a lot of sugar and should not be given to diabetic dogs.
Avoid giving Manuka honey to puppies younger than a year. Your puppy’s immature immune system might not be able to handle the bacterial load of Manuka honey.
The majority of adult dogs tolerate oral administration of Manuka honey without incident. Still, if you’re not sure if it’s appropriate for your dog’s needs, it’s best to consult with your holistic veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other pets can benefit from Manuka Honey?
The benefits of Manuka Honey extend to many other animals. Science has shown that this honey has varying health benefits for various species.
An abbreviated list of the kinds of pets that could profit from Manuka Honey follows:
- Cats
- either mice or rats
- Ferrets
- Birds
- Horses
- Turtles
- Lizards
What are other natural antibiotics that are safe for dogs?
Humans have known for eons that many naturally occurring chemicals have useful therapeutic effects. These materials are now accessible from your own backyard.
Even a modest garden can provide you with powerful antibiotic properties. If you get a bacterial infection at the wrong time, these are excellent options to consider.
Keep in mind that you should always check with your vet before trying anything new, even if it’s a natural antibiotic.
- Oregano oil
- As an Olive Leaf
- Oregano, clove bud, and cinnamon bark essential oils.
- Garlic, but proceed with caution
- Plantain
- Goldenseal
- Yarrow
- Calendula
- Turmeric
Can dogs eat raw honey?
Honey is completely safe to give to your dogs. Honey on a stick, local honey, or the best of all, Manuka Honey, are all acceptable alternatives. I would recommend Manuka Honey if you are having trouble deciding. More than anything else, it will be the healthiest option for your dog.
However, you should stay away from honey purchased from stores. This is processed honey made with inferior ingredients.
Also, as I mentioned up top, some dogs still have a sensitivity to honey. Puppies, dogs with diabetes, and overweight dogs should not consume honey.
Manuka Honey For Dogs Final Thoughts
Manuka honey is making a name for itself in the canine supplement market for good reasons. In addition to its delicious flavor, this honey is also thought to have beneficial health effects.
Wounds heal faster when treated with Manuka honey. As an added bonus, its antibacterial properties can help with a wide variety of other infections as well.
Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties make it useful for treating Kennel Cough. It has been shown to be highly effective against pathogenic bacteria.
Since Manuka honey has become so well-liked, it has been incorporated into a variety of topical products, including shampoo and cream, specifically formulated for canine skin irritations. This is very helpful for a skin disease brought on by bacteria, yeast, or even an allergy.
In addition, Manuka honey can help maintain a healthy digestive system by acting as a prebiotic. Your dog’s immune system will thank you for maintaining a healthy digestive tract.
Possessing a strong immune system is essential for a dog’s wellbeing. Their survival will depend on the strength of their immune system. Diseases of all kinds can easily infect someone with a compromised immune system.
This honey is so good for you that it can even benefit your dog’s teeth and gums. If your dog has bad breath, this can do wonders for him.
Although trying out a new diet on your pet without first talking to your vet or a qualified veterinary nutritionist is not a good idea. Get the scoop on the advantages of manuka honey for canines.