Propolis for Pets?
What is good for humans cannot be bad for pets. Is this also true with regard to propolis?
As with humans, taking propolis does not replace a visit to the doctor - in this case, the veterinarian. However, propolis is also being used more and more by veterinarians as a preventive measure and as an alternative to conventional forms of treatment.
Propolis in veterinary medicine:
The general rule is: A sick pet has to go to the vet. But the question we are dealing with here is: Does propolis also have a preventive and curative effect on pets? The answer to this question is clearly “yes”.
Dogs and cats
Propolis has long ceased to be an insider tip in alternative veterinary medicine. But more and more veterinarians are using propolis for various indications, including prophylaxis. When taken internally, propolis prevents worm infestation in dogs and cats and helps with bad breath.
In dogs, it is often used for kennel cough, laryngitis, intestinal inflammation and sinusitis. Pets also catch cold. Propolis then supports the healing process due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
By applying propolis balm or propolis drops without alcohol, it is successfully used for eczema, fungal infections and small wounds, as well as on the paws (e.g. in winter for injuries from road salt).
Horses
In horses, propolis is often used for mudguards, as propolis balm supports inflamed skin areas during regeneration. In the treatment of necrotic wounds, propolis has also been very successful in horses and cows.
In addition, propolis generally increases the body's defenses in pets and prevents states of exhaustion. The high tolerance of propolis in domestic animals should be emphasized. Only about 1% react with intolerance to propolis, presumably as an allergic reaction to a certain proportion of bee pollen. If you give your pet propolis powder in their food, for example, you should check beforehand whether your pet can tolerate the addition of propolis. The recommendations range from 0.1 grams per kilo of body weight to 5 grams per kilo. Start with a tenth of the recommended daily dose and increase the dose by an additional 10% each day. After 10 days you will have reached the normal dose.
As you can see, there are many uses for propolis in pets. However, with all its positive properties, it is not a drug. So if in doubt, ask your vet how propolis can help your pet heal.
Our propolis drops without alcohol or pure propolis powder are recommended for internal use. Both can be added to the food and the drops to the drinking water.
You can find all information about the ingredients and mode of action of propolis in our Propolis Lexicon.
High-quality propolis products for pets in many variations are available in our shop.