Natural antibiotics are an old remedy, used for centuries to treat infections in humans or animals. Regular antibiotics tend to destroy not only the bacteria that are causing infection, but also the bacteria that is useful in the organism (such as the bacteria that exist in the intestinal tract) leading to:
- stomach upset
- allergies
- dry eyes
- skin rash
- diarrhea
Also, long term use of antibiotics makes the harmful bacteria resistant to the active compounds, so the vet will have to prescribe stronger antibiotics. Herbs with antibiotic properties do not have the side-effects of regular antibiotics and are therefore safer.
Administering Natural Antibiotics for Dogs
There are a number of herbal remedies with antibiotic effect.
Allergies to traditional antibiotics are common; however the allergies to natural antibiotics are easy to avoid by administering the herbal remedy in small portions for a short while and then, if no allergic reaction appears, you can continue with the proper dose.
Some herbs are better for internal bacterial infections, while some others are best as topical solutions.
Herbal antibiotic remedies that can be administered orally to fight internal infections are:
- garlic
- echinaceea
- propolis
- alfalfa
- ginger
- brewers yeast
- seacure
- hawthorn
- horsetail
- licorice
- turmeric
For skin infections, there are herbal remedies that can be administered as topical antibiotics: aloe vera, chamomile, golden seal, colloidal silver and olive leaves.
Garlic as a Natural Antibiotic for Dogs
Garlic has been used as a remedy herb for centuries due to its disease curing effect. A few garlic cloves can be fed to canines to treat:
- internal parasites
- diabetes
- liver disease
- kidney dysfunctions
- staphylococcus infections.
Garlic is best if used fresh, so give your dog 1 or half a clove or mince the clove. Large dogs should receive one clove or 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, half the dose is enough for medium dogs, while small dogs should only receive ¼.
You should know that garlic in large amounts is toxic for dogs.
Propolis as a Natural Antibiotic for Dogs
Bee propolis is an effective natural antibiotic treatment. It can be administered as honey or as royal jelly, which is the most potent but also the most expensive.
Propolis should be introduced to dogs slowly, first 1 gram every day for a week, then, if there are no adverse effects, ¼ of tbsp per 25 pounds of body weight.
Brewers Yeast as a Natural Antibiotic for Dogs
Brewers yeast can treat viral infections. As some dogs can be sensitive to yeast, it should be introduced slowly, in very small quantities for one week and continued only if there are no allergic reactions. Yeast is best if used in liquid form.
Echinaceea as a Natural Antibiotic for Dogs
Echinaceea can balance the immune system and can be administered to dogs as a preventative or immunity booster.
The plant extracts may be used as a remedy for numerous conditions such as:
- Respiratory infections
- Bacterial and fungal infections, especially the yeast infection.
- To treat wounds and ear infections.
The treatment with echinaceea should be given for limited periods of time only, as the dog may develop adverse reactions and skin rashes, so discuss this with your veterinarian first.