"Manuka Honey and Your Dog's Allergies? What you need to Know"

"Can Manuka Honey Help with Your Dog's Allergies?"

 

 The short answer is YES. However, there's more to know about the benefits of Manuka honey and what it can do for your dog.

 

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"Did you know that dogs can get allergies just like humans? Your dog can be allergic to anything they inhale, ingest, or absorb that contains allergens."

 

 Your dog can be allergic to the same environmental triggers as you are. Including allergies to humans! Yikes! Symptoms include:

• Sneezing - Sneezing and watery eyes are symptoms of an allergen. 
• Itching - Increased itching and licking in areas such as your dog's paws, ears, and hindquarters.
• Welts - Welts can appear all over the body, but mainly on your dog's back, neck, and forehead. 
• Chronic ear infections - The ear has a yeast-like odor. There is some redness and swelling. The ear may be warm to the touch. 
• Inflamed skin - Inflamed skin can appear on the inner thighs, near the groin area, around the muzzle, and on the face, particularly around the eyes.

 

OTC (over-the-counter) products are often not effective enough, and home treatments with oils, vinegar, and other substances can be toxic.

 

"IF you are wondering what may trigger your pet's allergic reactions, I've included a link to vetexplainspets.com with an article titled Most Common Food Allergies in Dogs." 

 

When Should You Consult Your Veterinarian About Food Allergies?

• Severe or persistent symptoms despite diet changes
• Chronic Ear Infections or skin issues
• Signs of anaphylaxis - facial swelling, trouble breathing

Seek medical help from a licensed veterinarian if symptoms do not improve.

 

 

"Let's Discuss the Super-Healing Powers of Manuka Honey." But First...

 

'Hershey's' Personal Story- "My Lil-Dude"

 

 

Manuka honey may be the NEXT superfood."  Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, and healing properties offer a powerhouse of internal and external benefits.

 

 

"This may be the next best thing for your pet's overall health and well-being." No wonder it's growing in popularity from the potential benefits it provides. Surprisingly, Manuka honey has been around for centuries due to its medicinal properties.

 

 "Hey, sign me up!" 😍👍🐾

 

What is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a type of honey produced from the nectar of the manuka shrub or tree (Leptospermum scoparium), native to New Zealand. It grows in the southeastern part of Australia as well.

• Has a dark tan or amber color
• Creamy and thick with a gel-like consistency
• Contains amino acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, and various minerals

 

Honey bees pollinate these beautiful tree/shrub flowers and produce this "magical honey."

(Image Credits: Pixabay) Manuka flower

 

The Science Behind Manuka Honey

"Ok, here comes the science behind Manuka honey—Yawn. Don't worry, we'll get through this next section together. I promise!"😉 "It's important that you get the best quality for the price you pay!" 

 

Unlike regular honey, manuka honey contains a higher concentration of beneficial compounds, particularly MGO. 

 

Manuka Honey contains an important ingredient called Methylglyoxal (MGO). This is what gives Manuka honey its long-lasting healing power. To grade your Manuka honey, you want to look at the UMF grade. UMF stands for Unique Manuka Factor. 

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

Grading Manuka Honey

UMF 5+ / MGO Potency 83+ → Maintenance level with 20 times the general benefits of regular honey.
UMF 10+ / MGO Potency 264+ → Supports natural healing and promotes bacterial balance. Considered medical grade.
UMF 15+ / MGO Potency 515+ → Highly therapeutic with enhanced healing properties.
UMF 20+ / MGO Potency 830+ → Contains superior levels of phenols, boosting its antibacterial activity.
UMF 25+ / MGO Potency 1200+ → Provides a high dose of phenols for maximum potency.

 

Always look for the 'UMF Certified' seal on the bottle. To choose the correct UMF grade, you want to look for 10+ or higher.

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

I recommend New Zealand Manuka Honey—it’s affordable, effective, and packed with natural goodness! Check out my FREE recipes below featuring this creamy, therapeutic super-honey. 🍯🐾

 

What are The Benefits of Manuka Honey for Your Dog?

(Image Credits: Pixabay) 

 

Here are 5 Benefits of Manuka Honey for the Health and Wellbeing of Your Beloved Dog

1. Allergy Relief: Allergies can cause a whole mess of problems in your dog. Hot spots or other skin irritations, like inflamed skin, can flare up.                                    (Skin disease is often a battle of bacteria or yeast overgrowth that leads to red, inflamed skin.) As always, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian to determine this.
2. Wound Care: "If your dog is anything like my dog, they may find their way into trouble and get bumps and cuts along the way." Manuka honey's antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a powerful natural topical treatment. Apply a small amount of Manuka honey to cuts or scrapes to accelerate wound healing. If you’re unsure how bad the wound is or if it’s a deep cut, check with your veterinarian first.
3. Natural Probiotic for Digestive issues: Manuka honey promotes gut health, aids in digestion, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as soothes and heals stomach ulcers
4. Immune Support: Dogs get stressed just like humans. (Traveling, boarding, dog shows) can wreck havoc on your beloved dog's immune system. By boosting the good bacteria in your dog’s gut with Manuka honey you can strengthen his immune system, due to its anti-viral properties.
5. Supports Oral Health: Does your dog have smelly breath, diarrhea, joint pain, or dental disease? Manuka honey may help. 👇 

"According to a study by the University of Zurich, Manuka honey with a UMF grade of 16+ or higher is required to effectively control certain types of oral bacteria" (Source) dogsnaturallymagazine.com

 

Before introducing Manuka honey into your dog's diet, it's recommended to consult with a licensed veterinarian, especially if your dog has existing health conditions such as weight issues or diabetes. Puppies under 1 year old should not be given Manuka honey.

 

 

"How Much Manuka Honey Can I Give My Dog?"

Let's look at the recommended safe amount to give your dog. 🐾

Depending on their size and weight:

(Image design Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

"I Want to Help Your Dog Start Its Journey to Healing and Relief! Check Out My FREE DIY Treat Recipes and Topical Salve Recipes Made with Manuka Honey Below." 👇🐕

 

🍌  Frozen Banana & Manuka Honey 'Pupsicles' (Great for Itchy Skin!)

 This warm-weather recipe is cooling and refreshing, helping with inflammation.

Ingredients:

• One ripe banana (mashed)
• 2 Tbsp. of Manuka Honey
• 1/2 cup of Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. (I found a hand-held pet-safe blender easier to use, with the perfect consistency. If you don't have one, no problem,  you can mix ingredients by hand.)
2. Pour into a silicone mold. I use my silicone molds for many dog treat recipes. These molds are a game changer for me! Easy to wash, flexible, and come in many different shapes. If you don't have one, you can use an ice cube tray.
3. Freeze for up to 4 hours or overnight.

📌Serving size:

• Small dogs: 1/2 cube or shape per day
• Medium dogs: 1 cube or shape per day
• Large dogs: 2 cubes or shapes per day

 

 

 

 

🍠  Baked Sweet Potato & Manuka Honey Treats (Perfect for Sensitive Stomachs!)

"Let's be honest, sweet potatoes are 'AMAZINGLY' delicious!" This nutrient-rich and chewy snack may support gut health and reduce allergies

Ingredients:

• 1 medium (washed) sweet potato (baked & mashed) *Prick sweet potato with a fork several times to allow to steam. Bake 45-60 minutes at 400°. You will want to let it cool.
• 1 Tbsp. of Manuka honey
• 1 egg
• 1 cup of Anthony's Organic Oat flour

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 325° (160°C)
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well incorporated. You will get a dough like consistency.
3. Roll out the dough. You can use a small amount of Anthony's Organic Oat flour to keep the dough from sticking to your rolling pin and the surface.
4. Use your dog (paw & bone) shaped cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.  Or in this case, I used a heart-shaped silicone mold. 
5. Bake 20-23 minutes or until firm

📌Serving Size: 

• Small dogs: 1 small treat p/day
• Medium dogs: 2 treats p/day
• Large dogs: 3 treats p/day

"They turned out amazingly cute!" 😋

 

 

 I drizzled melted carob chocolate on them. You can find that easy recipe HERE.

 

 

Let's Take a Look at the Topical Benefits of Manuka Honey in These DIY Easy Creamy Balms.

 

"Does your dog suffer from hot spots, itchy skin and inflammation? I've got the perfect DIY cream for you!"

(Image Credits: Annmarie Holbrook)

 

🐾  Anti-Itch Manuka Honey & Chamomile Cream 

This topical cream soothes, heals, and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Manuka Honey: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Chamomile: Soothes redness and reduces itchiness
• Calendula Oil: Speeds up healing of minor wounds  

Ingredients: 

• 2 Tbsp. of Manuka honey
• 1 Tbsp. of Coconut Oil
• 1 Tbsp. of Calendula Oil
• 1 Tbsp. of Chamomile tea (cooled)
• 1 Tbsp. of Organic White Beeswax

Instructions:

1. Brew the chamomile tea: Steep 1-2 tea bags in hot water
2. Melt the White Organic Beeswax and coconut oil: In a small sauce pan melt the coconut oil and beeswax over low heat
3. Combine: Remove from heat and stir in Manuka honey, calendula oil, and cooled chamomile tea. Mix thoroughly. 
4. Cool & Store: Pour into a small container or tin and allow it to cool completely.

Application:

• Apply to itchy, irritated areas  daily - times daily
• Keep cream in the fridge in between use for extra cooling relief

 

Final Thoughts..

If your pet has been struggling with seasonal allergies—like my sweet Hershey—you’re not alone. Environmental allergies are actually the most common type in dogs. I had no idea there were different strength levels of Manuka honey until I did some digging... and I’m so glad I did!

It’s comforting to know we have natural, effective resources to help our pets live happier, healthier lives. I hope this post has left you feeling more informed and empowered about the healing benefits of Manuka honey.

I know, I sure do!

Does your dog or cat suffer from allergies? What remedies have worked for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.
– Annmarie

 

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