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What is Manuka honey?
Manuka honey is produced from the nectar collected from the Leptospermum species of plant. Manuka honey is unique because it contains Methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO along with Hydrogen Peroxide gives this honey additional and potent antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The honey is tested and assigned an MGO rating based on the level of MGO present.
Manuka honey uses include:
- Strong antibacterial properties which helps to clean wounds rapidly.
- Rapid wound healing, by stimulating cytokine release which modulates anti-inflammatory response.
- Burn treatment. The antibacterial properties and moisture in the honey make it ideal for treating burns.
- Reducing inflammation in digestive conditions such as Ulcers, Reflux, and IBS.
- Skin care, antibacterial properties of Manuka honey are beneficial for treating acne, eczema and nappy rash.
- Cold and Flu, the honey can treat sore throats and coughs.
- Manuka honey promotes the growth of good gut bacteria and is a prebiotic, which naturally boosts the immune system through improved gut health.
- Oral use of Manuka honey to treat dental plaque formation, oral infection and Gingivitis.
Is Manuka honey good for dogs?
Manuka honey can be used for treating dogs much the same as humans. The antibacterial properties of Manuka honey make an ideal natural treatment for dogs for many different health problems. When using Manuka honey for treating dogs it is important to use high-quality Manuka honey. Manuka honey can be used for dogs as an everyday preventive or for treating specific ailments.
High sugar diets are not good for dogs, however taking small amounts of Manuka honey does promote health. Keep in mind that Manuka honey usually has a lower sugar content than other honey.
Like all medical treatments for dogs, they tend to try to remove bandages and interfere with the treatment. You need to be mindful about the dogs licking or removing Manuka honey dressing. The use of a head cone may be beneficial while treating your dog. Manuka honey is a great natural treatment for dogs. However, we recommend you speak with your veterinarian especially for serious or chronic conditions.
What can Manuka honey help with?
Manuka honey for dog’s cough
Kennel cough can be quite concerning especially for puppies and older dogs. Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness. Kennel cough can be spread from other dogs at kennels or play dates. However, if a dog’s immune system is weak, they can also develop kennel cough.
Manuka honey is an effective treatment for kennel cough because of its antibacterial properties, however it also contains beneficial antioxidants, enzymes and flavonoids. Manuka honey has a delicious taste, making it an easy medicine to dispense to your dog. The best way to use Manuka honey to treat your dog is to give the dog small amounts three times a day, for a few days. Ideally not in their food so that the honey can treat the mouth and throat area.
Manuka honey on dog’s wounds
Manuka honey is effective to use to treat wounds on dogs. Manuka honey can be used to prevent infection and promote healing because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. First you should clean the wound, then apply Manuka honey and cover with a dressing.
Manuka honey for collapsed trachea
Collapsed trachea in dogs is when their airway is obstructed or flattened. Getting to the cause of the problem is key to ensuring their comfort and healing. Weight management, respiratory infections and environmental irritants such as pollution and smoke can all play a part.
However, Manuka honey is an effective treatment to assist with soothing and cleaning the trachea during the healing process. Manuka honey can be mixed with a small amount of warm water and given as drink to the dog. Given three times per day as required. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will help to sooth coughs and the trachea as it heals.
Manuka honey treats skin problems
Manuka honey can be an effective treatment for canine skin conditions such as hot spots, eczema or insect bites. You can mix the Manuka honey with some cold pressed organic coconut oil to make a gentle rub for your dog to cover more area. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to clean and sooth conditions, while also stimulating healthy skin to grow. You may wish to shave all or part of the dog to get the rub onto the skin and you may need to use a cone to stop the dog licking.
Manuka honey supports immune system & Gut health
Manuka honey has been found to benefit dog gut health. The compounds in Manuka honey promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improve digestive health in dogs. Manuka honey also has prebiotic benefits which assist in gut health. Improving gut health boosts the immune system and immune function.
It can be beneficial to support your dogs immune system with Manuka honey when they have other health issues you are treating, such as a wound or kennel cough. Placing the honey in the dogs food is a good way to get the honey into their guts and digestive system, one treatment per day is enough.
How much Manuka honey should I give my dog?
The method of treatment is described for each ailment in the paragraphs above. The size of your dog will determine the amount of honey to give. These amounts are total per day so you may want to break it up into smaller doses if more than one dose is recommended. The amounts below are for short treatments for ailments if you want to give your dog a daily dose for general wellbeing halve the amounts below.
- Small dogs (under 10 lbs / 4.5 kgs) = ½ teaspoon a day
- Medium dogs (10-20 lbs / 4.5-9 kgs) = 1 teaspoon a day
- Larger dogs (20-50 lbs / 9-22 kgs) = 1.5 teaspoon a day
- Large-breed dogs (over 50 lbs / 22 kgs) = 2 teaspoons a day
If you are treating above the gut such as throat and cough then dogs can eat Manuka honey straight or diluted with water works well for them to drink. Diluting Manuka honey in a small amount of water does not reduce its beneficial properties. If you are treating the gut or general wellbeing then mixing the Manuka honey with food helps the honey get into the gut.
Can other pets benefit from Manuka honey?
Other animals can also benefit from Manuka honey. Domesticated animals such as cats and horses can be treated similar to dogs.
Horses often injure themselves during jumping or working. Manuka honey can be an effective and natural solution for wounds care.
We regularly donate honey to Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue in Ballina where they have found our Manuka honey to be very beneficial in treating the wounds of injured turtles they save. We also donate honey to Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital and WIRES where they have found our Manuka honey to benefit Koala’s who have been injured or burned in Wildfires.
These amazing not-for-profits work tirelessly to care for our native wildlife. You can donate by clicking on the links below:
Where can you buy Manuka honey for Dogs?
We offer a range of high-quality independently tested Manuka honey products that can be used for humans, dogs and other animals. For everyday use for pets and wildlife health lower grade honeys are suitable such as 100+ MGO or 250+ MGO. However, for treating ailments and injuries higher MGO honey is recommended such as 550+ MGO and 850+ MGO.
What is the best MGO content for treating dogs? I have a British Bulldog, they notoriously have a lot of health issues. We are having trouble with his itchy skin and want to try other options than steroids for him.
Hi Asher sorry to hear of your bulldogs health troubles. If you are using the honey on the skin you could use a high grade honey 550-850+MGO and mix it with coconut oil to make a rub for his skin. Two parts oil one part honey. But he will want to lick it so you might need a cone. The oil stops the honey being so sticky and makes it easier to apply. https://www.australiasmanuka.com.au/product/australias-manuka-honey-mgo-550