Benefits of Manuka Honey for Your Dog
Honey is used as more than a sweetener. It has been used in holistic medicine for more than 4,000 years. Not only are there health benefits in humans, but more research is being performed in dogs. While honey is delicious, it isn’t only for you. Why should your dog add manuka honey to his diet?
Manuka honey is a specific type of monofloral honey produced from the manuka bush. It is native to New Zealand and Eastern Australia. This honey contains methylglyoxal and gives manuka honey its antibacterial strength. It is also antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and can reduce inflammation.
Because of its unique properties, manuka honey isn’t cheap. Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) scores the honey by level of antibacterial activity from 5+ to 30+. The higher the UMF, the greater the antibacterial effects and the steeper the cost.
Uses in dogs
Wound Healing
Manuka honey is very powerful in wound healing. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties keep the wound moist and accelerates healing. This helps to prevents infection and alleviates pain.
Oral Health
While dogs don’t eat a lot of sugar, honey can help promote oral health.
Manuka honey can help to fight off bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum inflammation.
Who knew that eating a little bit of sugar can help promote good oral health and prevent bad breath?
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Manuka honey can reduce inflammation from a sore throat and cough. Also, it can ward off bacteria that can lead to upper respiratory infections.
Does your dog have an upset stomach or symptoms of irritable bowel disease? Manuka honey can kill bad bacteria and decrease inflammation. For sufferers of constipation, diarrhea, or gut pain, manuka honey can help!
Honey shouldn’t be given to kids or animals less than 1 year of age. Caution should also be used if your animal has a compromised immune system. Because manuka honey is unpasteurized, it can have unwanted substances like botulism.
Dogs who are overweight should use honey carefully since it contains a lot of calories.
Manuka honey is a natural sugar and can affect blood sugar levels. Diabetic animals should use sparingly or not at all.
Dogs suffering from oral health or gastrointestinal issues may find relief with manuka honey. It can also promote healing for wounds that take longer to heal. With so many health benefits such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant, manuka honey is a powerful natural medicine. Now you know that a little bit of honey a day may keep the doctor away.
This blog is for informational purposes only. The information given should not be used as a substitute for veterinary evaluation. Make sure to consult with a veterinarian prior to giving your dog manuka honey.
