Oh Honey! Let’s Talk Honey for Dogs

Oh honey, it’s time we have the talk about the birds and the bees.

Specifically, the bees and their honey.

Honey is more than just a delicious addition to our diet, and if you are like me, you use it for nearly everything, from soothing a sore throat to preventing seasonal allergies. But you may be wondering: is honey safe for dogs? And what can honey do for dogs? Is there a specific way to use it for pets?

Before you dive into the wonderful world of honey, there are a few things you should know.

First of all: Is honey safe for dogs?

Yes! Honey is safe for dogs. Honey can be ingested orally or can be used topically on the skin. However, because it is sweet, you should limit your dog’s oral intake of honey to 1 tablespoon or less per day to prevent tooth decay and obesity.

What can honey treat in dogs?

Just like in people, honey can treat a wide variety of issues, including:

• Allergies, including both seasonal allergies and skin allergies. Local honey treats seasonal allergies by introducing small amounts of pollen from local trees and plants into the body, which teaches your body how to handle them (almost like a vaccine!).
• Cuts, burns, and scrapes. Honey works to repair damaged skin cells and injuries and can be more effective than other topical treatments. It also works as an antibacterial and disinfectant for wounds.
• Digestive issues. Small amounts of honey can help with digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting because it works as an anti-inflammatory.
• Hot spots and bug bites. The anti-inflammatory properties also come in handy when treating hot spots and bug bites, especially when combined with CBD.
• Kennel cough (or really, any type of cough). Honey coats the throat and makes it easier to swallow, and the antibacterial properties can help treat kennel cough.

How do I give my dog honey?

If you are going to use honey to treat an internal issue, you can give your dog 1 tablespoon of local honey per day. It can be mixed directly into their food, although most dogs enjoy the taste of honey and will lick it off of a spoon. Remember: local honey is always best for oral ingestion because it contains local pollen to help your dog build an immunity to seasonal allergies.

You can also apply honey directly to the skin. However, remember that since dogs enjoy the taste of honey, they may want to lick it off, so you may need to cover the area with a bandage.

The benefits of honey are intensified when used in conjunction with full spectrum hemp CBD. To treat hot spots, allergies, and bug bites, a full spectrum hemp CBD salve with honey and ginger essential oil is a great choice!

You should see a difference within just a few days of using honey topically, and a few weeks if you are using honey orally.

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.