Can I give my dog raw honey

Raw Honey for Dogs

Honey is an amazing gift from nature, used for more than a thousand years to promote health and recover from illnesses. Its loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals, as well as powerful antioxidants. It has research-proven antibacterial/antimicrobial properties, can calm allergic reactions, and will soothe irritated skin and throats.

Look for raw honey, preferably from local beekeepers, rather than the processed product often found on grocery-store shelves. Raw honey is strained to remove debris, but thats it. Its otherwise as natural as you can get. Shop at the farmers market or do an Internet search for local beekeepers.

Processed honey, on the other hand, is manufactured with heat, which thins it and destroys many of its beneficial attributes. In fact, many processed honey products arent even truly honey, as the manufacturing can filter out the beneficial pollen.

Natural honey color will vary from light to dark golden amber, depending on the flowers the bees used to make the product. Its only a color.

While larger doses are safe, dogs dont need much honey in order to benefit from its ingestion. A quarter-teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight daily is enough for health maintenance.

Since dogs enjoy honeys sweet taste, its easy to feed from a spoon or, if the honey is thick, you can roll it into a treat-sized ball. Honey can be fed by itself, mixed with powdered herbs for additional benefit, or added to herbal teas that double as cough syrups. To find instructions on creating your own herbal honey, see Herbal Medicine for Your Dog, (April 2007). Weve read that some people add honey to the dogs water. If you do that, you should offer plain, fresh water as well.

Dogs benefit from raw honey in the following ways:

1. Raw honey provides allergy relief to dogs.

Medical research supports the use of local honey to combat environmental allergies. Note that we said local honey. A local product contains tiny amounts of the pollen in your area, so that when your dog ingests the honey, his body can adjust to the potential allergens gradually, which should help prevent a full-blown attack. Hint: Be sure youre dealing with an environmental allergic reaction. Itching, scratching, and hot spots can also indicate a food allergy. See Suspect Your Itchy Dog Has a Food Allergy? (March 2015).

You can even take things a step further in your quest for allergy relief. Texas beekeeper and dog trainer Michele Crouse washes her dogs with it. I start with a clear, natural shampoo base from an organic supplier, she says, and mix it with an equal amount of honey to which Ive added aloe vera and essential oils like lemongrass, orange, lemon, lavender, tea tree, citronella, and the Asian herb May Chang (Litsea cubeba). All of these plants have disinfecting, deodorizing, or insect-repelling properties. The essential oils make up about five percent of the formula, so its safe for adult dogs and older puppies. To dilute the shampoo and make it easier to use, I add about 25 percent water.

The resulting shampoo doesnt lather much, Crouse says, but it cleans the dog well and soothes the skin. I let it stand for a minute or so, rinse it off, reapply, and then give a final rinse. I board dogs, and if a visiting dog is scratching and itching, Ill give him a bath in honey shampoo, and that always helps.

2. Raw honey soothes symptoms of kennel cough.

Honey is a time-honored solution for soothing irritated throats and coughs. For kennel cough, you can use local honey, but Manuka honey may be your best choice. Made by bees pollinating the Manuka trees in New Zealand and parts of Australia, Manuka honey has the highest antibacterial properties of any honey in the world. Its also the highest-priced honey in the world, and may cost three or four times what you might pay for local honey.

3. Raw honey helps heal dogs burns, scrapes, and cuts.

Manuka honey is also a top choice for a natural wound dressing. In fact, Manuka honey is FDA-approved for use on human burn patients. But any raw honey will help keep the wound area clean and moist, which promotes healing. Honeys natural antibacterial properties reduce the chance of infection and protect the injured area.

After cleaning the wound, spread on a thick coat of honey and then apply a light bandage, if necessary. Of course, you may have to also use an Elizabethan collar or similar device to stop your dog from licking the area!

Note: Deep, wide or puncture wounds should always be examined by a veterinarian before applying any medicine.

4. Raw honey reduces gastrointestinal upset in dogs.

For minor bouts of an upset stomach or diarrhea that might come from something simple, such as your dog feasting on fresh grass, a couple of doses of honey may help quiet and soothe his GI tract.

Some veterinarians suggest honey to help control minor stomach ulcers, since honeys natural antibacterial properties can help destroy bacteria that may be causing the ulcer.

Again, you need to be certain about what youre dealing with, so seeking veterinary advice in these situations is wise.

5. Honey lends an energy boost to dogs.

Honey is a sugar, and sugar boosts energy. Anecdotal evidence shows that honey helps many older dogs regain some of their former spunk and drive. Many owners of canine athletes use honey to promote energy, endurance and vitality.

Tips for Feeding Your Dog Honey

All honey is thick, but honey that has crystallized is usually too thick to pour or even scoop out. It can be softened by putting the jar in a bowl of hot tap water. The water should reach about three-quarters of the way up the jar. Let it sit for five to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally after the first five minutes. This method will soften the product without harming it because youre not using too much heat. Do not use a microwave or put the honey in boiling water on a stove top. Store honey at room temperature in a tightly sealed jar.

Potential Problems with Feeding Honey to Your Dog

Honey contains 64 calories in a tablespoon. While that may not seem like much, its a relative thing, depending on your dogs normal weight and his activity level. Unwanted weight gain can result from the addition of a daily dose of honey, if other adjustments are not made (i.e., reducing other treats or the amount of food your dog receives).

Heads up: If your dog is diabetic, discuss the use of honey in his diet with your veterinarian. Honey is a simple sugar.

A final caution: Do not give honey to puppies. Natural, raw honey can contain very small numbers of Clostridium botulinum spores, which can be found in dirt and dust. The mature digestive systems of adult dogs (and humans) can move the spores through the body before they cause any harm, but puppies (and babies) can become sick from ingesting the spores. Save honey treatments for dogs who are more than a year old.

Here are some more reasons to use caution when administering honey. Ultimately, however, raw honey is safe and beneficial to adult dogs.

For an in-depth survey of all the ways you can use honey and other bee products for dogs, read Bee Products Have a Special Meaning for Dogs, (September 2007).

Cynthia Foley is an experienced freelance writer and dog agility competitor in upstate New York. Her last piece for Whole Dog Journal was Reduce Your Dogs Cancer Risks in August 2016.

Raw Honey Benefits For Dogs

[ad_1]Raw honey has been a popular natural remedy for humans for centuries, but did you know that it can also provide numerous benefits for our furry friends? Thats right, raw honey is not only safe for dogs, but it can also help improve their overall health and well-being in a variety of ways. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of raw honey for dogs, as well as some interesting trends related to the topic.

But first, lets delve into what exactly raw honey is. Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized, filtered, or processed in any way. This means that it retains all of the beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are naturally present in honey. Raw honey is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it a powerful natural medicine for both humans and animals.

So, what are some of the benefits of raw honey for dogs? Lets take a look at seven interesting trends related to this topic:

1. **Improved Digestion**: Raw honey can help improve digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can help prevent digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

**Veterinarian**: Raw honey contains prebiotics that can help support a healthy gut microbiome in dogs, leading to better digestion and overall health.

2. **Boosted Immune System**: The antioxidants and antibacterial properties of raw honey can help strengthen a dogs immune system, making them more resistant to illnesses and infections.

**Canine Nutritionist**: Raw honey is a natural immune booster for dogs, thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and antibacterial compounds. It can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

3. **Healing Wounds**: Raw honey has been used for centuries as a natural wound healer, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help speed up the healing process for cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries in dogs.

**Holistic Veterinarian**: I often recommend raw honey as a topical treatment for wounds in dogs. Its antibacterial properties can help prevent infections and promote faster healing.

4. **Allergy Relief**: Raw honey has been shown to help alleviate allergy symptoms in dogs, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce itching, inflammation, and other allergic reactions in dogs with seasonal allergies or skin conditions.

**Natural Health Practitioner**: Raw honey can be a game-changer for dogs with allergies. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritated skin and provide relief from itching and inflammation.

5. **Improved Skin and Coat Health**: The vitamins and minerals in raw honey can help improve the health and appearance of a dogs skin and coat. Regular consumption of raw honey can help reduce dryness, flakiness, and dullness in a dogs skin and coat.

**Pet Groomer**: I often recommend raw honey as a natural supplement for improving skin and coat health in dogs. Its vitamins and minerals can help nourish the skin and promote a shiny, healthy coat.

6. **Energy Boost**: Raw honey is a natural source of quick energy, thanks to its high concentration of sugars. Giving your dog a small amount of raw honey before physical activity can help boost their energy levels and performance.

**Animal Trainer**: I often recommend raw honey as a natural energy booster for dogs before training or physical activity. Its quick-digesting sugars can provide a quick burst of energy without causing digestive upset.

7. **Improved Dental Health**: Raw honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup on a dogs teeth. It can also help freshen their breath and promote overall dental health.

**Veterinary Dentist**: Raw honey can be a great natural addition to a dogs dental care routine. Its antibacterial properties can help prevent dental issues and promote a healthy mouth.

Now that weve explored some of the benefits of raw honey for dogs, lets address some common concerns and questions related to this topic:

1. **Is raw honey safe for dogs to consume?**: Yes, raw honey is safe for dogs to consume in moderation. However, it is important to avoid giving honey to dogs with diabetes or obesity, as it is high in sugar.

2. **How much raw honey can I give my dog?**: The recommended dosage of raw honey for dogs is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight, up to three times a day.

3. **Can raw honey help with my dogs allergies?**: Yes, raw honey can help alleviate allergy symptoms in dogs, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using honey as a treatment for allergies.

4. **Can raw honey help with my dogs digestive issues?**: Yes, raw honey can help improve digestion in dogs by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It can help prevent digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

5. **Can raw honey be used topically on my dogs skin?**: Yes, raw honey can be used topically on a dogs skin to help heal wounds, soothe irritations, and improve skin health. However, it is important to use raw honey that is free of additives or preservatives.

6. **Can raw honey be used as a natural energy booster for dogs?**: Yes, raw honey can be used as a natural energy booster for dogs before physical activity or training. Its quick-digesting sugars can provide a quick burst of energy without causing digestive upset.

7. **Can raw honey help improve my dogs dental health?**: Yes, raw honey has natural antibacterial properties that can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup on a dogs teeth. It can also help freshen their breath and promote overall dental health.

8. **Can raw honey help with my dogs skin and coat health?**: Yes, the vitamins and minerals in raw honey can help improve the health and appearance of a dogs skin and coat. Regular consumption of raw honey can help reduce dryness, flakiness, and dullness in a dogs skin and coat.

9. **Can raw honey be used as a natural wound healer for dogs?**: Yes, raw honey has been used for centuries as a natural wound healer for both humans and animals. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help speed up the healing process for cuts, scrapes, and other minor injuries in dogs.

10. **Can raw honey help boost my dogs immune system?**: Yes, the antioxidants and antibacterial properties of raw honey can help strengthen a dogs immune system, making them more resistant to illnesses and infections.

11. **Can raw honey be used as a natural supplement for dogs with arthritis?**: Yes, raw honey can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for dogs with arthritis, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using honey as a treatment for arthritis.

12. **Can raw honey help with my dogs weight management?**: Yes, raw honey can be used as a natural sweetener for dogs with obesity or weight management issues. However, it is important to use honey in moderation and consider its calorie content when feeding it to dogs.

13. **Can raw honey be used as a natural remedy for kennel cough in dogs?**: Yes, raw honey can help soothe the throat and reduce coughing in dogs with kennel cough, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before using honey as a treatment for kennel cough.

14. **Can raw honey be used as a natural remedy for hot spots in dogs?**: Yes, raw honey can help soothe and heal hot spots in dogs, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce itching, inflammation, and irritation in affected areas.

15. **Can raw honey be used as a natural remedy for ear infections in dogs?**: Yes, raw honey can be used as a natural ear cleaner and infection treatment for dogs, thanks to its antibacterial properties. However, it is important to dilute honey with warm water before using it in the ears and to consult with a veterinarian if the infection persists.

In summary, raw honey can provide numerous benefits for dogs, including improved digestion, boosted immune system, healing wounds, allergy relief, improved skin and coat health, energy boost, and improved dental health. With its natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, raw honey can be a valuable addition to your dogs diet and overall health regimen. Just remember to use raw honey in moderation and consult with a veterinarian before using it as a treatment for specific health issues. Your furry friend will thank you for it![ad_2]