Manuka honey has garnered significant attention for its natural healing properties, making it a topic of great interest for dog owners seeking natural remedies. This guide delves into the multifaceted benefits of Manuka honey for canine companions, exploring its historical use, scientific backing, and practical applications in pet care.
The Healing Power of Honey
For millennia, honey has been recognized by healers for its medicinal capabilities. Modern science is increasingly validating these ancient practices, particularly in the search for solutions to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Raw, unpasteurized honey possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, largely due to its natural hydrogen peroxide content, a potent antiseptic. While all raw honey offers benefits, Manuka honey stands out for its amplified healing potential. Its versatility allows it to heal both internally and externally. In 2015, the FDA even approved wound dressings infused with Manuka honey, integrating its wound-healing power into conventional medicine. Manuka honey has shown efficacy in managing challenging medical conditions like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of bacteria notoriously resistant to conventional drugs.
The Unique Properties of Manuka Honey
The exceptional qualities of Manuka honey are attributed to the bees that pollinate the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium), also known as the tea tree, native to New Zealand and Australia. The bark and leaves of this tree have been traditionally used in herbal teas, with Manuka oil recognized for its stress-relieving properties in humans. It’s unsurprising, then, that Manuka honey is revered as a potent healing agent. Its enhanced protection against infection and disease stems from key chemical components:
- Methylglyoxal (MGO): A naturally occurring compound that varies in concentration among different Manuka honey products.
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): Found in the nectar of Manuka flowers, it converts to MGO during honey production.
- Leptosperin: A unique chemical compound present in the nectar of Manuka plants.
These components contribute to Manuka honey’s sustained antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal effects, outlasting those of other honeys primarily reliant on hydrogen peroxide for defense. Laboratory tests indicate that Manuka honey can effectively combat approximately 60 different species of bacteria, a crucial advantage in combating drug-resistant infections. Some common infections Manuka honey can address include Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Candida albicans.
Six Key Benefits of Manuka Honey for Dogs
1. First Aid for Wound Care
Despite diligent care, dogs can incur minor injuries. Manuka honey offers a natural solution for at-home wound management. Following Dr. Jane Laura Doyle’s recommendations for wound cleaning is advised. For significant or deep wounds, consulting a holistic veterinarian is essential. Once a wound is cleaned, pure Manuka honey can be applied directly and covered with a bandage. For smaller, superficial cuts, a bandage might not be necessary, but owners must prevent their dog from licking the honey to allow it to work effectively. For enhanced healing, a paste can be created by mixing equal parts Manuka honey with colostrum. This mixture is less sticky and leverages colostrum’s growth factors to accelerate wound healing, creating a powerful dual-action natural remedy.
2. Combating Skin Diseases
Skin issues are prevalent in dogs, often stemming from allergies or immune-related conditions. Conventional treatments can carry side effects without addressing the root cause. Manuka honey can provide immediate itch relief while underlying issues are investigated. Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin, which is often aggravated by bacterial or yeast overgrowth. Manuka honey can be applied topically as a spot treatment, either as a ready-made ointment or the Manuka honey and colostrum combination mentioned earlier. Applying a small amount to irritated areas a few times daily can also help with hot spots. Administering Manuka honey orally also supports the body’s natural ability to regenerate healthy skin cells.
3. Prebiotic Support for Gut Health
A healthy gut is fundamental to a dog’s overall well-being, with approximately 90% of the immune system originating in the digestive tract. Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics nourish them. Manuka honey acts as a natural prebiotic, promoting a healthy bacterial balance and supporting the dog’s natural immune response for faster healing. Incorporating Manuka honey into meals can complement its topical or oral use for wounds or skin conditions.
4. Enhanced Immune Support
By bolstering beneficial gut bacteria, Manuka honey strengthens the immune system. Its antiviral properties also contribute to overall health. A robust immune system reduces the risk of viral infections. Stress, a significant immune system depressant, increases susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections like kennel cough and the dog flu. Manuka honey can be administered orally to boost immune health, serving as a preventive measure before stressful events such as travel, boarding, or introductions to new dogs.
5. Antioxidant Protection
Antioxidants play a vital role in preventing disease and cancer by slowing the aging process, supporting the immune system, and repairing cellular damage caused by free radicals and environmental toxins like air pollution, pesticides, and electromagnetic frequencies. Manuka honey contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which studies have shown possess significant antioxidant effects.
6. Supporting Oral Health
Bad breath in dogs often signals underlying health issues, including gut imbalances that can manifest as allergies, digestive upset, joint disease, and dental disease. Bacteria proliferating below the gum line lead to gingivitis, the initial stage of dental disease. Research from the University of Zurich indicates that Manuka honey can effectively control several types of oral bacteria, particularly when using a grade of UMF16+ or higher.
Understanding Manuka Honey Grades
The grade of Manuka honey is crucial for its therapeutic benefits. Since 2009, research has established a correlation between higher Methylglyoxal (MGO) content and enhanced therapeutic properties. This led to the development of the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system, where a higher UMF rating signifies more MGO. For therapeutic use in dogs, a minimum UMF10+ is recommended. For more severe infections, such as those involving superbugs or viruses, a higher UMF grade is necessary. Manuka honey grades range from UMF5+ to UMF28+, with UMF20+ or higher being suitable for supporting dogs through infections like kennel cough.
Manuka Honey Dosage for Dogs
When administering Manuka honey internally, it’s advisable to start with half the recommended dose and gradually increase:
- Under 20 lbs: 1/2 tsp twice daily
- 20-60 lbs: 1 tsp twice daily
- 60 lbs or more: 2 tsp twice daily
Once the dog adjusts, the full dosage can be administered.
Important Cautions
Due to its high sugar content, Manuka honey should not be given to diabetic dogs. It is also not recommended for puppies under one year old, as the bacteria present may be too potent for their developing immune systems. While most adult dogs tolerate Manuka honey well, consulting a holistic veterinarian is recommended to determine its suitability for your dog’s individual health needs.
