Dana Scott
These days, more and more people are worried about the overuse of traditional antibiotics, and for good reason. While antibiotics have done wonders in fighting infections, it's also possible to use them too often.
For dogs, overuse of drugs can mess with their gut flora, which is super important for keeping them healthy overall. When that balance is thrown off, it can weaken your dog's immune system and potentially lead to other health problems down the line.
The good news is that there are natural alternatives out there that can help support your dog’s immune system. These natural remedies are a gentler way to fight infections, keeping your dog’s body balanced and strong.
Let's take a closer look at some of the health benefits of these best natural antibiotics and why you should consider adding them to your dog's food.
Top 10 Natural Dog Antibiotics (And How To Use Them)
Garlic
Garlic has long been recognized for its powerful health benefits, both for humans and dogs. When used in moderation, it may help support your dog’s immune system and protect against various parasites.
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Additionally, garlic can help improve circulation, detoxify the body, and even act as a natural flea and tick repellent.
However, it’s essential to use garlic carefully to avoid any potential risks. When it comes to feeding garlic to your dog, the key is moderation and proper dosing.
For safe use, garlic should be given in small, controlled amounts based on your dog’s weight.
A general guideline is to give 1/6 teaspoon of freshly minced garlic for dogs under 5 pounds, 1/3 teaspoon for dogs weighing 10 pounds, 1/2 teaspoon for dogs around 15 pounds, and up to 1 teaspoon for dogs weighing 20 pounds or more.
It’s important to chop or crush the garlic and let it sit for about 10 minutes before feeding, to allow the formation of beneficial compounds like allicin.
Caution: garlic should not be given to pregnant dogs, puppies under six months old, or dogs with certain health conditions ... so always consult your vet before adding it to your dog’s diet.
Plantain
Plantain, often considered a common weed, is actually a powerful natural remedy with a wide range of uses for dogs. Its leaves contain compounds like allantoin and aucubin, which are excellent for treating minor wounds, cuts, and skin irritations.
When applied topically, plantain may help speed up the healing process, reduce swelling, and provide relief from itching or discomfort.
You can create a simple poultice by crushing fresh plantain leaves and applying them directly to the affected area on your dog’s skin. You can also make a lotion by combining plantain with calendula and aloe vera to enhance its healing properties.
This natural remedy is perfect for treating insect bites, rashes, and even minor burns. It’s a handy plant to have in your natural first-aid kit for those unexpected scrapes and cuts your dog might get during outdoor adventures.
Beyond its topical uses, plantain can also be beneficial when used internally to support overall health in dogs. When consumed, plantain can help soothe the digestive tract, making it useful for dogs with occasional digestive upset or mild gastrointestinal issues.
To use plantain internally, you can juice fresh leaves or make a tea by steeping dried plantain leaves in hot water.
For dogs, the general guideline is to give about 1 teaspoon of plantain tea or juice per 20 pounds of body weight daily. This can be mixed with their food or given directly.
As with any natural remedy, it's important to introduce it gradually and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions, especially if it's her first time trying plantain.
Oil of Oregano
Oil of oregano is a powerful natural antibiotic that has gained popularity for its wide range of health benefits. It contains compounds like carvacrol and thymol, which are known for their cleansing and detoxifying properties. This makes it an excellent option for supporting your dog's immune system, especially when they’re dealing with minor infections or as a preventative measure.
Not only does it help combat harmful bacteria, but it can also promote a healthy immune response, helping your dog fight off infections naturally.
While oil of oregano is potent, it’s crucial to use it correctly to avoid any adverse effects.
Never give it to your dog undiluted, as it’s too strong and could cause irritation or discomfort. Instead, dilute 2 to 3 drops of oil of oregano in a teaspoon of a carrier oil like almond oil or MCT oil. You can then administer this mixture up to three times a day, either by mixing it into your dog’s food or applying it directly to affected areas for topical issues.
For topical use, a mixture of one drop of oregano oil with one teaspoon of a carrier oil can be applied to wounds or infections to boost its healing properties.
Always start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts, and avoid using it on dogs that have a history of seizures.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey, sourced from the nectar of the manuka tree in New Zealand, is celebrated for its unique healing properties. Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey has a higher concentration of compounds that are great for treating wounds, cuts, and abscesses.
When applied topically, it helps to keep the area clean, speeds up healing, and supports a healthy inflammatory response. It’s especially useful for wounds that are slow to heal or are at risk of becoming infected.
In addition to its topical benefits, Manuka honey can also be used internally to support digestive health. Thanks to its soothing properties, it can help calm an irritated gastrointestinal tract, making it a great option for dogs with digestive discomfort or occasional upset stomachs.
When introducing Manuka honey to your dog’s diet, start with a small dose—about half a teaspoon for dogs under 20 pounds, and up to two teaspoons for larger dogs. It’s best to give it twice daily, mixed with your dog’s food or on its own.
Caution: avoid giving Manuka honey to diabetic dogs or puppies under one year old, as it can affect blood sugar levels.
Olive Leaf
Olive leaf is another excellent natural remedy for dogs, particularly for its ability to support the immune system. The active ingredient in olive leaf, oleuropein, has properties that may help fight off bacteria, viruses, and fungi without harming the beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut. This makes it a fantastic option for treating common infections while preserving the natural balance of your dog’s microbiome.
Regular use of olive leaf can help keep your dog’s immune system in top shape, especially during times when they’re more susceptible to illness.
One of the great things about olive leaf is its versatility—you can use it in various forms depending on what’s most convenient for you and your dog. Olive leaf is available as a powder, capsule, or tincture, and can even be made into a tea. For example, you can steep a teaspoon of dried olive leaves in hot water for about 10 to 15 minutes, then let it cool before giving it to your dog—up to one cup daily for a 50-pound dog.
If you’re using a powder, the general guideline is ¼ teaspoon daily for small dogs, ½ teaspoon for medium dogs, and one teaspoon for large dogs.
Just like with any new supplement, start with a smaller dose and gradually increase to see how your dog responds. Keep an eye out for any signs of digestive upset, and adjust the dosage as needed.
Essential Oils
Essential oils like oregano, clove, and cinnamon have become increasingly popular as natural remedies for a variety of health concerns in dogs. These oils are packed with potent compounds that offer broad-spectrum benefits, acting as natural antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics.
For instance, oregano oil is known for its ability to combat bacteria, clove oil has strong antifungal properties, and cinnamon oil may help protect against infections.
While essential oils can be highly beneficial, they need to be used with great care, especially when it comes to pets. Dogs are much more sensitive to essential oils than humans, and improper use can lead to serious health issues, including skin irritation, respiratory problems, or even toxicity.
It’s crucial to always dilute essential oils before applying them to your dog, and never administer them internally without professional guidance.
Consulting with a holistic veterinarian or a certified aromatherapist is the best way to ensure that you’re using essential oils safely and effectively for your dog’s specific needs.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a powerful herb known for its natural antimicrobial properties, making it a go-to remedy for supporting digestive health and boosting the immune system in dogs. The active ingredient in goldenseal, berberine, helps combat harmful bacteria and viruses, making it particularly useful for managing infections, gastrointestinal disturbances, and even respiratory issues. It also supports the balance of healthy bacteria in your dog’s gut, rather than disrupting it.
You can give goldenseal to your dog in the form of a tincture, tea, or powder. A common dosage is 5 to 10 drops of tincture or ¼ cup of tea per 20 pounds of body weight daily.
For powdered goldenseal, 1 teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight is typically recommended.
However, it's crucial not to use goldenseal for extended periods; it's best to use it for about a week at a time, followed by a break.
Caution: avoid using goldenseal for pregnant dogs, newborn puppies, or dogs with hypoglycemia.
Yarrow
Yarrow is a versatile herb known for its strong antibacterial properties, making it an ideal natural remedy for treating cuts, wounds, and various skin issues in dogs. Its ability to promote skin healing and support the body's natural defense against bacteria makes it particularly effective in helping wounds heal faster and preventing infections.
Whether your dog has a minor scrape, a burn, or even an ulcer, yarrow can be a helpful part of your natural first aid kit.
To prepare yarrow for topical use, you can create a simple tea by steeping 8 tablespoons of fresh yarrow or 4 tablespoons of dried yarrow in a quart of boiled water for 20 minutes. Once the liquid has cooled, strain it and store it in a spray bottle. You can apply the tea to your dog’s affected area 3 to 5 times daily to help soothe and heal the skin.
Yarrow can also be used in tincture form, applied directly to wounds, or mixed with water to create a rinse for larger areas of irritation.
Calendula
Calendula, often recognized by its bright orange and yellow flowers, is a powerful natural remedy known for promoting wound healing and supporting a healthy skin response. It’s particularly effective for treating minor cuts, scrapes, and skin irritations in dogs.
Calendula’s skin-soothing properties make it an excellent choice for keeping wounds clean, reducing discomfort, and speeding up the healing process.
Calendula can be used both topically and internally, providing versatile applications depending on your dog’s needs. For topical use, you can make a simple lotion by mixing 20 to 40 drops of calendula tincture with 1 cup of purified water and ¼ teaspoon of table salt. Apply this solution with a cotton ball to wounds 2 to 4 times daily.
You can also make a calendula tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried calendula in a cup of boiling water, which can be used as a soothing rinse or spray.
For internal use, a few drops of calendula tincture can be added to your dog’s food, offering internal support as well.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a well-known spice that serves as a potent natural remedy with properties that support a healthy response in the body. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is especially effective in promoting overall wellness and supporting your dog’s natural defenses.
Turmeric is not only a great alternative to conventional remedies but also helps in managing various conditions by supporting the body’s normal inflammatory response.
One of the most effective ways to give your dog turmeric is by preparing a golden paste, which enhances the absorption of curcumin. To make golden paste, mix ½ cup of turmeric powder with 1 cup of water in a pan, and stir it on medium/low heat for 7 to 10 minutes until a thick paste forms. Once it’s ready, add 1½ teaspoons of ground black pepper and ¼ cup of MCT oil or ghee, stir well, and let it cool. You can store the paste in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For dosage, start with ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of the paste for every 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight daily, and gradually increase to the recommended amount.
FAQ
What is the natural antibiotic for a dog? A natural antibiotic for dogs includes options like oil of oregano and garlic, which can support gut health and help manage infections without the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Can I get antibiotics for my dog without seeing a vet? While you can't legally get prescribed antibiotics for your dog without seeing a vet, natural solutions like apple cider vinegar and certain essential oils can be used at home to treat minor bacterial infections and support your dog’s overall health.
How can I treat my dog's bacterial infection at home? To treat your dog's bacterial infection at home, consider using natural remedies such as diluted hydrogen peroxide for cleaning wounds or apple cider vinegar to help soothe your dog’s itchy skin and even maintain a healthy balance in the dog's ear canals.
What is the closest natural thing to antibiotic? The closest natural alternative to an antibiotic is oil of oregano, which is a natural solution with powerful antibacterial properties and can help manage infections while avoiding the risks of antibiotic resistance.
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