HONEY – A SWEET SOLUTION
It must be the color of honey that brings warm thoughts to mind. Just saying the word makes me picture things that are soft and gentle. For instance, my bright yellow singing canaries, Piper, my golden palomino pony, my beloved, fun loving mastiff, Emma, or my sweet basset, of course, named Honey. Yup, it must be that color.
But, beyond the fact that honey's beautiful color is soothing to the eye, this sweet solution contains simple healing ingredients that are beneficial to your family and, of course, this means your pets. Honey is considered an amazing gift from nature, a sweet treat that contains miracle healing powers. This sticky substance contains minerals, carbohydrates, essential vitamins, as well as powerful antioxidants.
Honeybees produce this honey by gathering nectar secreted by flowers and mixing it with bee enzymes. Honey varies in color and taste depending on the origin of the flower. Colors range from light yellow to golden amber. Honey is twice as sweet as sugar.
Raw honey from local beekeepers, rather than processed grocery store brands, is much more beneficial to your pets. This raw honey is strained to removed debris, otherwise it is completely natural. Manuka honey seems to be the “honey of choice”. It comes from the trees of new Zealand and parts of Australia. It is said to have the highest antibacterial properties, although it is quite costly. I believe that the quality of the honey really does matter.
Honey has been used for thousands of years to promote health and hasten recovery from illnesses. A few benefits of using honey to treat minor pet problems are listed below. Read on!
For general health maintenance, ¼ tsp. per 20 lbs of dog daily is the usual dosage.
Honey has been used successfully to treat minor burns, scrapes, cuts, and hot spots. It also prevents scarring. Just spread a thin coat over the wound, let it dry and it becomes its own dressing, keeping the area clean and moist. The natural antibacterial and antiseptic activity of hydrogen peroxide, found in the honey, reduces the risk of infection. (Who'd have thought?) To prevent licking that tasty treatment an Elizabethan collar (cone) can be used.
Honey mixed with an equal part of olive oil works well to treat a rash. Just rub in a small amount and let it dry.
Honey will also calm your buddy's intestinal upset and aides in treating diarrhea.
Honey will sooth an irritated throat and also calm a cough (especially kennel cough).
A dab of honey daily will boost your pal's energy level, increase endurance, vitality and spunk. Yum!
For my diabetic dogs' hypoglycemic episodes I keep honey handy. I simply rub a very small amount on the gum line until the shaking stops and they have returned to normal. Please discuss this with your vet prior to using.
Allergies have been treated using local honey which contains small amounts of local pollen spores. This will treat environmental allergies, not food allergies.
Dry flaky skin? No problem! Just add honey to your pet's regular shampoo, let set for a few minutes – rinse well.
Honey has been used as a laxative by mixing a small amount in warm water.
This natural, quick and tasty home remedy is easy to obtain at health food stores, grocery stores that stock specialty items, and Farmer's Markets. It is also easy to store in your pantry or refrigerator.
Please remember, when using any home remedies, if symptoms persist – see your vet. Now – go and have a honey of a summer!
