Does honey stop dogs from itching
Does Honey Help Dogs With Allergies: The Natural Solution in 2023
If youre a dog owner, you know that allergies are a common issue for many dogs.
While there are various medications and treatments available for allergies, some pet owners turn to honey as a natural option. But does honey help dogs with allergies?
Some dog owners swear by it, while others say that it doesnt do anything.
In this blog post, well take a look at it. Well also explore some of the ways that honey may be able to help dogs with allergies and provide some tips for how to use honey as a treatment. Stay tuned!
How Do Allergies Affect A Dogs Health?
Canine allergies are also known as atopic dermatitis. While you may think of allergies as a human health issue, dogs can also suffer from them.
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to one or more allergens and releases chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes into the body.
These chemicals cause inflammation that leads to itching and scratching.
Allergies can be triggered by either inhaled allergens (such as pollen, dust, grasses, mold, dander) or food.
Its important to note that both dogs and people can be allergic to the same things. For example, a dog with an allergy to ragweed is likely allergic to chrysanthemums, marigolds, and dandelions too.
Does Honey Help Dogs With Allergies?
The short answer to this question is Yes. Honey is a natural remedy for allergies and its an all-natural, hypoallergenic food that can be given to dogs with allergies.
The honey doesnt need to be cooked or heated; it can just be fed raw and whole
In order for the honey to work best, it should be given in small doses at first so the dog can get used to it.
You should only feed your dog one teaspoon of honey per day initially and then increase its dosage as needed
Dogs typically develop a tolerance after about two weeks of eating honey regularly, meaning they wont have any allergic reactions if they come into contact with allergens during this time period.
If youre interested in trying honey to help your dog with allergies, then here are some tips on how to use it.
How To Give Honey To A Dog With Allergies?
The most common way to give honey to dogs is to add it to their food.
If youre using this method, then you should add about a teaspoon of honey per every ten pounds of your dogs weight and mix it into its meal
Another option is to spread some honey on the inside of each of your dogs cheeks and allow it to slowly dissolve.
This is typically an effective way to treat your dog for allergies if youre planning on taking it outdoors so the honey doesnt end up getting rubbed into its fur
If you want to use honey as a treatment, then there are some other things you should know.
How Long Does It Take For Honey To Work?
One of the reasons why honey is often recommended as a treatment for allergies is because you should start seeing results within two weeks.
However, some dogs require up to six months to see any real improvement.
Is Honey Good For Dogs Allergies?
The short answer is yes; honey is good for dogs with allergies.
If youre an owner, then youve probably encountered this issue during your time with Fido.
Because it has such a wide variety of uses and benefits, this is one food youll definitely want to keep around at all times.
The properties it possesses, including antiseptic, antioxidant, antibiotic, and antibacterial effects can be really beneficial to your pooch if they suffer from allergies.
Youll also enjoy the fact that it has a high nutritional value and can be used even with dogs that have diabetes.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The main disadvantage of using honey is that its not a cure for allergies.
It simply relieves the symptoms so your dog can have fewer allergic reactions to different allergens.
Even though it wont treat the underlying cause, you still need to figure out why your dog is having a reaction in the first place and treat that issue as well
Precautions When Giving Honey To A Dog With Allergies
There are some precautions that you should take before giving your dog honey.
- If youre giving it to your dog as a food additive, then make sure to give it in small doses first so its body can adjust. If you start with too much at one time, then the honey could cause vomiting or diarrhea. Since dogs typically enjoy the taste of honey, it shouldnt be an issue.
- Since dogs like to lick things, you should make sure there arent any harmful traces on their fur after theyve had contact with something. For example, if your dog licks your shoes or other areas where theres pollen present, then it could trigger a reaction.
- You can try washing your dogs fur with shampoo before giving it honey to combat this issue.
- Although there arent any cases where a dog has been poisoned from eating too much honey, you should still keep an eye on how much youre feeding it. Just like humans, dogs can have different reactions so start out with small doses and increase if needed.
What Kind Of Honey Is Best For Dogs With Allergies?
If youre going to try giving your dog honey, then its important to only give them raw, organic honey.
That type has not been processed or filtered so it contains most of its nutrients and enzymes.
It also doesnt contain any chemicals or pesticides that are used in commercial honey products.
There are also different kinds of honey that you can buy depending on what benefits youre looking for.
Heres a list of some of the best options that are available to purchase online:
Manuka Honey
This is the number one choice for people who are trying to manage their allergies.
It contains high levels of antioxidants as well as antibacterial properties. Its also used for wound care so you can apply it to your dogs cuts or scrapes if needed
Clover Honey
This type of honey has lower levels of antioxidants compared to manuka honey, but it still contains a decent amount.
If your dog is having an allergic reaction, then it might be best to go with manuka honey since it has more benefits
Raspberry Honey
This type of honey is made from bee pollen and nectar.
As a result, it contains B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals such as calcium.
The raspberry herb also acts as a natural antibiotic that can be used to treat infections in dogs. Its also gentle enough for dogs with diabetes to eat
Acacia Honey
This type of honey doesnt have any therapeutic or antimicrobial properties, but it still tastes great and is a good choice for dogs that have allergies.
In addition to the types of honey mentioned above, you also need to make sure its high quality and raw.
After all, if its not the best quality, then youre putting your dog at risk for allergies to other things.
What Type Of Honey Is Good For Dogs?
As you can see, theres more than one type of honey. Each one has different health benefits and can be used to treat different conditions in your dog.
In general Manuka Honey is the best choice, but sometimes it is not practical for you or your dog to use that.
Its also best to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog honey, regardless of what type they recommend or if you feel it is good for your dog.
Only give your dogs organic, raw, and high-quality honey.
Make sure the label states that it is 100% honey and that it has not been processed or filtered.
After all, your dog doesnt need any additives and chemicals if theyre already getting this for
Does Honey Help Dogs Itching?
Although you should use honey for allergies, it can also be effective at relieving your dogs itching.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and redness.
Honey is also antimicrobial so it prevents the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause itching and irritation
This is one of the reasons honey has been used to treat wounds and other injuries.
Since it has antibacterial properties, then it can kill the bacteria that causes itching or prevent it from growing in the first place.
Will Honey Help My Dogs Cough?
When your dog has a cough, then you should try giving it honey to see if it helps.
It can soothe irritated throats and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
This can soothe your dogs cough and make it easier to breathe, which might also reduce coughing.
You should only give your dog honey after consulting with your veterinarian. If you go this route, then the vet might suggest using manuka honey for dogs with allergies since it has other benefits.
How To Feed Honey To My Dog?
Now that you know the benefits of honey, including how it can relieve your dogs allergies, then youre probably wondering how to give it to your dog.
The best way to give your pooch honey is by putting a spoonful in its food or mixing it with other ingredients.
You can also use honey to make a tasty treat that you can feed your pet. Some other ways to feed honey to your dog include
- Combine the honey with water and frozen berries in your blender to make a fruit smoothie for your pooch. The sweetness from the honey will mask the bitterness of the berries.
- Combine peanut butter, coconut oil, and raw honey in a bowl to make a dog-friendly chocolate cake. Then freeze it in small bags so you can give it out daily
- Add honey to your dogs water bowl when your pet is having an allergic reaction Clear up its skin or ear infections by applying it externally as a salve.
- You might want to give your dog honey before going on a long car ride or other stressful situation since it can calm your pet down. This can also help with motion sickness if your dog gets sick while being driven around.
What If Honey Doesnt Work?
Its important to note that you should always speak to your veterinarian before giving anything new to your dog.
If the treatment isnt working, then you may want to try something else or talk about additional options for dealing with your dogs allergies.
Conclusion
Honey can be an excellent treatment for your dogs allergies, especially if the allergen is something you cannot avoid.
It also has other benefits that can benefit your pet, which is why it should be part of your toolkit when caring for a pooch with allergies.
I hope after reading this article now you will be having a clear picture about the benefits of honey for your dogs and the question does honey help dogs with allergies is now clear to you.
If this article was helpful to you, please share it, and if you have any queries feel free to ask in the comment section below.
I will be happy to help you.
Welcome to my blog, where I share my love for all things canine! As an older lady who has spent a lifetime surrounded by dogs, I feel its important to share my experiences and the joy that these furry companions bring into our lives. From my first dog, a spunky little mutt, to the loyal and loving dogs who have been by my side throughout the years, each one has left an paw print on my heart. Through my blog, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the love, loyalty, and companionship that dogs bring. So come along on this journey with me as we celebrate the wonderful world of dogs!
Can Dogs Eat Honey?
Simple and sweet, honey contains natural sugars that is reported to have a wide variety of medicinal properties for humans. It also, occasionally, finds its way into the mouths of our dogs. But is honey is safe for dogs and does it have health benefits for canines?
Is Honey Safe for Dogs?
Honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It contains natural sugars and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is also used as a sweetener in many foods and beverages.
That sweetness comes at a price, however. The high sugar content of honey can lead to obesity in dogs if owners feed them too much honey and do not provide adequate exercise and balanced nutrition. Sugars can also cause tooth decay, so it might be a good idea to brush your dogs teeth if you do feed them honey.
Raw honey should not be fed to puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems, as it may contain the presence of botulism spores. Honey should not be given to diabetic or obese dogs.
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 common claims made about honey is that it can cure seasonal allergies. While the scientific evidence is lacking, there is some reason to believe that raw honey could help reduce allergic reactions to flower pollenassuming, of course, that your dog is allergic to one of the pollens in the honey and not another environmental allergen. Regardless of the lack of conclusive research, feeding your dog a small amount of honey likely wont harm them, even if it is not guaranteed or even likely to help with allergies.
Humans also use honey to soothe raw throats and stomachs. If your dog has a sore throat, and you have already seen your veterinarian to determine the cause and followed treatment instructions, then feeding a little honey could help soothe any lingering inflammation. At the very least, it will give your dog a tasty distraction.
How Much Honey Can You Feed Your Dog?
If you want to feed your dog honey, talk to your veterinarian about how much is okay to feed your dog. In general, less is usually more when it comes to dog treats, especially for smaller breeds. If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, talk to your veterinarian about whether or not honey is safe to feed your dog, and consider offering a treat lower in sugar, like cucumbers, instead. Explore common fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cant eat.
For further answers about what you can and cant feed your dog, and about home remedies for ailments, consult your veterinarian.