Mary Allen
Have you ever thought about giving your dog manuka honey? You are not alone with this idea.
How do you use Manuka honey?
You can use Manuka honey internally and externally.
Do you want to feed Manuka honey regularly to strengthen your dog’s immune system? Then half a teaspoon a day is enough.
The unique effect of Manuka honey has now been scientifically proven. The indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori, have known this for a long time. They appreciate the Manuka flower for its healing properties.
New Zealand farmers copied this. They have been feeding their animals Manuka honey since the 1930s. This should strengthen the immune system of the animals. And they were less prone to disease.
External use of Manuka honey
Has your four-legged friend suffered a minor cut or a superficial wound while playing? Even a small dab of Manuka honey on the wound can bring relief.
Then simply close his wound with a gauze bandage. And additionally with an elastic bandage. The ingredients of honey have an antibacterial and disinfecting effect. Manuka honey is highly valued for this effect in many countries.
Internal use of Manuka honey
For internal use, your dog can simply eat Manuka Honey. Just like regular honey.
Your dog will love the Manuka honey in their food. To do this, dissolve it in a little warm water. You can dissolve Manuka honey in your tea like ordinary honey and drink it.
What is Manuka honey good for?
If your dog has a cough or sore throat, smear some Manuka honey on his teeth and gums. The longer your dog licks and the honey stays in its mouth, the better. Your dog absorbs the active ingredients through the oral mucosa.
The honey can help you with stomach problems. He supports your healing. Even in hot water, Manuka honey is still effective against viruses and bacteria.
Manuka honey for ear infections
Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, Manuka honey helps with ear infections. For your dog as well as for you. If the outer part of the ear is affected, apply the honey locally. If necessary, drip the honey into your dog’s ear.
A water-honey mixture is a possible alternative to pure honey. It is also effective. To do this, drip a little of the liquid into your pet’s ears several times a day. Massage both sides briefly. This way your four-legged friend doesn’t throw everything out again when you shake it.
Manuka honey for otitis media
If your dog has a middle ear infection, you cannot get to the actual inflammation. The eardrum blocks the way there. However, the pathogens enter the body through the mouth and throat of your four-legged friend anyway. This is how they cause the inflammation in your dog’s middle ear.
Therefore, in this case, start at these points. Use the honey as described above for internal use via the oral mucosa. Pure or in tea. Or dissolved in water for your dog.
Experiences, application, and effects of Manuka honey
But what distinguishes Manuka honey from ordinary honey? In 2008, German food scientists researched the healing properties of Manuka honey. They found that the high content of methylglyoxal (abbreviated MGO) is crucial for the antibacterial effect.
The high MGO content makes Manuka honey unique. Ordinary honey contains about 20 mg/kg MGO. In contrast, Manuka honey has a content of up to 1,000 mg MGO per kg honey.
You can recognize inferior Manuka honey by its low MGO content. You should therefore pay attention to an MGO value of at least 400 mg/kg. The more MGO is included, the healthier and more effective the application.
Does Manuka honey have side effects?
Manuka honey has no known side effects. However, you should keep in mind the high sugar content of honey. And your dog’s dental health.
Manuka honey is a natural product. That means it contains a lot of potential allergens in addition to fructose. These allergy triggers include residues of pollen, for example.
So start with a very small amount of honey for your four-legged friend. If your dog has no symptoms, you can continue to give him the honey. If he suffers from diarrhea, reddening of the skin, itching, or stomach problems, stop feeding.
Where does manuka honey come from?
The nectar required for Manuka honey comes from the flowers of the South Sea myrtle. This plant is called Manuka. Manuka grows in the mountains of New Zealand and south-eastern Australia. Only there does it occur naturally.
Manuka bushes feel most comfortable in humid, warm areas. They have white to light pink flowers. The red centers of the blossoms are visually reminiscent of our local cherry.
In addition to honey, the Maori also use the blossoms, leaves, and bark of the manuka bush. They heal various diseases and injuries with these parts of the shrub.
Recognize real Manuka honey,
When buying for your dog, make sure that it is an original product from New Zealand or Australia. It is estimated that only one in six jars of Manuka honey on the market is genuine.
Before buying for your four-legged friend, make sure that your honey has the protected trademarks MGO+ or UMF. UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) is a factor that describes the quality and antibacterial effects.
After opening, Manuka honey can be kept for several years like normal honey due to the high sugar concentration. However, you should store it in a cool, dark place.
Your dog will surely love the sweet taste of honey and enjoy nibbling on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is egg good for the dog?
If the egg is fresh, you can also feed the nutrient-rich egg yolk raw. Boiled eggs, on the other hand, are healthy for your four-legged friend because the harmful substances are broken down when heated. A good source of minerals is the shells of eggs.
How good is coconut oil for dogs?
Coconut oil also helps with dry and scaly skin and cares for the coat. With regular use, it gives shine and makes the coat supple and combable. In addition, it eliminates unpleasant odors thanks to the pleasant coconut scent.
