Well, this question is a long-debated issue, with so many citing the inability of dogs to digest sugar properly, hence, causing diabetes. Well, it’s time to burst the bubble. Honey is good for dogs, as it provides a lot of benefits both externally and internally. For humans, honey is the solution for a lot of issues via its natural sweetening properties to the presence of antioxidants and antibiotics. Honey is the natural solution for most of our allergy cases, and it’s only natural that it serves the same purpose in dogs. Feeding honey to dogs is not a new thing since it’s been around for years to treat allergies and other issues with dogs. Using honey for dogs gained more traction in recent years, due to its use as a money-saving alternative to expensive vet care.
Is honey good or bad for dogs?
How much is allowed?
Honey can be applied to dogs both externally and internally. About a teaspoonful of honey per day is recommended for most dogs. Mind you, going above the recommended dosage can lead to obesity and diarrhea. What’s more?; don’t give honey to puppies or dogs below one year. This is because their immune system is not strong enough to withstand the presence of botulinum spores in honey. Above all, it’s vital to know when it’s good to apply honey both externally and internally to dogs.
When can it be applied externally to dogs?
Honey is the perfect salve for wounds in dogs. Why?; it’s slightly acidic. Hence it limits the growth of the bacteria on the affected site. What’s more?; it has an enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide; anti-microbial agent. It also reduces inflammation at the side of the wound. However, the application is different for different types of injuries.
1. For Burns : First, clip off the hair around the area, and wash the burn site with vinegar. Then apply generous quantities of honey on the burn site every 10 minutes, until the pain subsides. Then you can apply a light dressing on the burned area. Another good aspect of applying honey while dressing the wound is that honey doesn’t stick to the wound. This ability encourages the formation of new tissues.
2. For Cuts : Apply honey to the injured site, and wrap a bandage around it to prevent flies from hovering around it. Honey serves as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent and serves as a barrier that helps wounds to heal. Mind you; you can warm the honey before applying it to the site of injury.
3. For Hot Spots : Also known as acute dermatitis, this lesion is always red, hot, and moist. It’s typically found on the dog’s head, hips or chest area. You can apply honey the same way, as you would do with a burn site. Remember to bandage after applying honey.
When can it be applied internally to dogs?
Applying honey internally to dogs comes with a whole lot of advantages and instructions. Remember, a spoonful of honey a day is enough to solve some of your dog’s problems; from allergies to stomach problems.
1. For Allergies : Just as honey works for us when we suffer from seasonal allergies, the same is also applicable to dogs. Seasonal allergies come with symptoms of dry skin and hair loss. Due to the presence of a minute amount of pollen in honey, your dog’s immune system becomes desensitized against any allergies from pollen during spring or summer.
2. For a Sore throat and Inflammation : Just as this method is effective for humans, dogs also benefit from the application of honey to treat a sore throat. A dog with a sore throat is usually miserable, and a teaspoon of honey per day will help reduce the inflammation.
3. For stomach problems : Dogs with gastrointestinal problems are not only miserable but stinking. For dogs suffering from bouts of constipation, indigestion, and diarrhea, a spoonful of honey will help culture healthy microbial population in their gut. Slowly introduce honey into its diet, and see if there’s a change in its digestion. If your dog acts regularly in the next few days after using honey, then it’s working. However, you should visit a veterinarian if this problem persists.