The Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) is a huge health concern many pet owners have come to fear. With the rising cases, fur parents are scrambling to look for natural remedies and ways to treat their fur babies, making them ask “is honey good for dogs with distemper?”
Read on to know the answer!
Is Honey Good For Canines With Distemper?
The medicinal benefits of honey are often overlooked and forgotten because it is more known for being a sweetener. There is a reason why honey is called the ‘Nectar of the Gods’ — it offers several health benefits to both humans and animals!
Honey is an excellent source of flavonoids and antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. Plus, being a good enzyme source, honey is antibacterial! Many pet owners wonder if it can serve as a natural remedy for dog diseases like distemper because of its numerous health benefits.
Is honey good for dogs with distemper? While it can’t cure distemper, it can serve as an excellent all-natural remedy.
Herbal antiseptic tablets are standard treatment options for dogs with this disease. Pet owners can substitute homemade tablets and supplements with honey.
The homemade natural remedy consists of finely grated raw garlic mixed with honey and flour to make the tablets. Honey water (a tablespoon of honey and a cup of water) can also be suitable for distemper-infected dogs.
What Are The Benefits of Honey To Dogs?
One of the risks associated with distemper is a secondary bacterial infection that can attack a dog’s weak immune system compromised by the virus. A dog with distemper would need a good source of antibacterial and antifungal properties that can aid in preventing and combating secondary bacterial infections. Raw honey is a good example!
Here are a few benefits of honey that can help dogs with Distemper:
Antioxidants
Honey is jam-packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, which give honey powerful antioxidant properties. It helps boost a dog’s immune system.
Antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and antifungal properties
Honey is an excellent source of enzymes, helping reduce inflammation and soothe sore throats and stomach ulcers. When eaten, it rids the gastrointestinal system of harmful bacteria that can lead to diarrhea.
Fat-Soluble Minerals
It contains several minerals, including copper, magnesium, and manganese. These minerals help promote bone density, muscle development, and growth of tendons and ligaments.
How Much Honey Can Dogs Have?
Honey has high amounts of sugar; that is a fact that dog owners should never forget. Even if it’s all-natural sugar, honey can still cause problems to dogs with diabetes and immunodeficiency. For canines with these conditions, honey is not safe to eat.
A single teaspoon of honey has 70 calories and 17 grams of sugar. A dog with distemper can tolerate and benefit from one teaspoon of honey a day. However, that amount can differ depending on the dog’s size.
Here is a guideline according to the weight of dogs:
- Small dogs (under 10 pounds) can consume ¼ teaspoon of honey daily.
- Medium dogs (10-20 pounds) can consume ½ teaspoon of honey daily.
- Larger dogs (20-50 pounds) can consume one teaspoon of honey daily.
- Large-breed dogs (over 50 pounds) can consume two teaspoons of honey daily.
It is still better to consult a vet to know if a dog can eat honey and how much it can eat.
Does Honey Pose Any Danger To Dogs?
Is honey good for dogs with Distemper? Often, the answer is yes, but there are exceptions. It can be dependent on the dog’s age and health condition.
While raw honey is technically safe for adult canines, pet owners should not give it to puppies. It is also not advisable for those with weak immune systems and obese or diabetic dogs.
Raw honey is naturally sweet, so obesity and other weight-related problems are expected. High amounts of honey can also give dogs tooth decay.
Conclusion
“Is honey good for dogs with distemper?” This is a question that pet owners seem to ask a lot. Under certain circumstances, honey can help improve the conditions of dogs infected with this disease.
Learning about contagious diseases like distemper is necessary for experienced and new fur parents alike. For those who are ready to adopt more pups, visit Doobert now. They can help you find fur babies that are up for adoption, and you can join their growing team by becoming a volunteer today!
