Best Natural Remedy Discovered? | Propolis for Pets
The Benefits of Propolis for Pets: A Natural Remedy You Should Know About
As a veterinarian, I always seek the best natural solutions for my patients, and propolis has been gaining significant attention recently. This sticky, resinous substance, produced by bees to reinforce their hives, has been used for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to modern medicine, propolis has stood the test of time due to its remarkable healing properties. Let’s dive into why propolis should become part of your dog or cat’s health routine.
The History of Propolis
The Egyptians used propolis for embalming because it helped prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, used it to treat wounds and ulcers. By the 17th century, British pharmacopoeias recognized propolis as a medicinal drug. During World War II, propolis was even used when access to antibiotics was limited due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Why Should You Use Propolis for Your Pets?
Propolis has a range of benefits for dogs and cats. Modern research highlights several reasons why it should be a staple in your pet’s health regimen:
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Cancer Treatment: Propolis can inhibit the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and prevent the spread of cancer cells. It also induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, which is critical for pets diagnosed with cancer.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD is a common issue in pets, leading to chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and discomfort. Recent studies have shown that propolis has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing gut inflammation and alleviating clinical signs like vomiting and diarrhea. Research involving dogs and cats has shown significant improvements when propolis was used.
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Diabetes: Propolis can also be beneficial for pets with diabetes. Studies have shown that it can help lower blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance, particularly for type 2 diabetes, which is common in cats. By reducing inflammatory cytokines, propolis enables better insulin response, improving overall metabolic health.
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Fighting Antibiotic-Resistant Infections: Propolis has broad antimicrobial properties, effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Studies have demonstrated that it can target bacteria like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and even some flu viruses, making it a potent alternative when antibiotics fail.
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Respiratory Health: Propolis has documented antiviral properties, especially against respiratory viruses such as the flu. It’s a great option for treating respiratory issues in pets, whether it’s a common cold or a more serious flu infection.
My Personal Experience with Propolis
Recently, I started using propolis for my own dog, Tula, who had some gingivitis after a dental cleaning. Even after a round of antibiotics, she still had mild inflammation around her upper left canine tooth. I began treating her with oral propolis, applying it twice daily. Within a week, the inflammation was significantly reduced.
There’s a growing body of research supporting the use of propolis for dental disease, particularly gingivitis, making it a great addition to your pet’s dental care routine.
How to Use Propolis for Your Pet
Propolis can be used in various forms: oral capsules, topical sprays, or even as a direct application for wounds and gum issues. For general health, I recommend a typical dosage of 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, given once or twice daily.
For pets with specific needs, like dental issues or minor wounds, you can apply a topical spray. It’s great for managing hotspots, inflamed gums, or even bad breath.
Final Thoughts
With all the new research supporting propolis’ benefits, it’s easy to see why it’s becoming a go-to natural remedy for many pet owners. Whether you’re dealing with cancer, IBD, infections, or respiratory issues, propolis offers a natural solution that can enhance your pet’s health.
If you’re considering adding a natural remedy to your pet’s care routine, I highly encourage you to give propolis a try. With its vast range of health benefits and the growing body of evidence supporting its use, it’s a smart choice for any pet owner looking for a safe, effective natural remedy.
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Bella is our 15 lb laso/shih dog who suffers from (?) allergies forever. On one of your podcasts you mentioned Quercetine as a medication to use.
How much of this should she be getting and the dosage.
Also, how do I print out your FREE book that you advertise. I’m an 84 y/o lady with little computer skills.
Thank you for offering your veterinarian talents! ?????
Our Quercetin Dosage recommendations (regular strength):
Dogs and cats up to 15lbs: 1 capsule daily
Dogs 15 – 30lbs: 2 capsules daily
Dogs 30 – 50lbs: 3 capsules daily
Dogs over 50lbs: 4 capsules daily
Dosage recommendations (Extra strength):
Dogs 30 – 45lbs: 1 capsule daily
Dogs 45 – 60lbs: 1 and 1/2 capsules daily
Dogs 60 – 90lbs: 2 capsules daily
Dogs over 90lbs: 3 capsules daily
Will this work to heal a bacterial upper respiratory sinus infection?
Propolis can be a helpful natural remedy for pets with respiratory issues, including bacterial upper respiratory infections. It has documented antiviral and antimicrobial properties, which can assist in fighting respiratory infections. Propolis can also help with inflammation and general immune support. For your pet, you can use it in the form of oral capsules or topical sprays, depending on the severity of the condition.
I bought 1 oz. bottle with dropper of ‘Nature’s Answer Propolis Resin Extract- Alcohol Free’ for my 12 lb Chihuahua with Collapsed Trachea. How do I figure out his daily dose of this? It says people would use 40-80 drops per day. It shows mL dose for people, how do I decide how many drops for my dog? Thank you.
For your Chihuahua, the recommended dosage for propolis is generally 100 mg per 10 pounds of body weight, given once or twice daily. Since your dog is 12 lbs, you should aim for approximately 120 mg of propolis per dose. As the product’s instructions are for people, it’s important to calculate the appropriate number of drops based on the concentration of the product.
Do you have experience treating box turtles with propolis? I am considering it because they were tested positive for chlamydia emydidae and chlamydia testudine and I want to avoid mycoplasma and other infections when I introduce new animals in my group. Also, it might work against dry shield rot? But how to use it?
Yes, propolis is sometimes used as a natural remedy for supporting immune health in reptiles, including box turtles. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help with infections like chlamydia, mycoplasma, and even dry shell rot. However, it’s important to note that propolis isn’t a cure-all and should be used alongside veterinary care.
To use it, you can apply a diluted solution (1–2 drops of propolis in water or saline) directly to the affected areas of the turtle’s shell or around the eyes, or mix it into their food in very small amounts. Always start with a low dose and monitor for any signs of irritation or adverse reactions. If using it internally, consult with a reptile vet for proper dosage based on your turtle’s weight and health status.
It’s great that you’re being proactive! Just remember that antibiotics or other treatments might still be necessary for chlamydia or shell rot.
Thank you so much for this information. Of course the primary treatment will be by the vet but since mycoplasma and chlamydia are so hard to clear I was thinking about adding propolis orally in my box turtles after they completed antibiotics as I assume they might not eat it if sprinkled on their food (it is rather bitter, I have tasted it in the past). What would be a proper daily oral dose for a box turtle? They are between 200 and 800 g depending on the subspecies. Kind regards, Bianca
While propolis has demonstrated antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties in various species, including fish and livestock , specific dosage recommendations for box turtles are limited
Propolis Dosage for Box Turtles
Given the absence of established guidelines for reptiles, particularly box turtles, it’s prudent to approach propolis supplementation with caution. Considering the variability in individual responses and the lack of specific studies, starting with a conservative dose is advisable
Suggested Starting Dose: Approximately 1 mg per 100 grams of body weight per day
For a turtle weighing 200 grams, this equates to 2 mg daily. For a 800-gram turtle, the dose would be 8 mg daily
These doses are based on extrapolations from studies in other species and should be considered as starting points
Administration Tips
Formulation: Use a tincture or liquid extract of propolis, as these forms are easier to dose accurately
Administration Method: Administer the propolis directly into the turtle’s mouth using a syringe or dropper. Alternatively, mix it with a small amount of a palatable food item that the turtle readily accepts
Monitoring: Observe the turtle for any signs of adverse reactions, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior. If any of these occur, discontinue use and consult a veterinarian
Thank you so much for the information! Can you recommend a brand and source for a propolis spray and capsules?
Any brand will do
Am just concerned if propolis is safe for cats with CKD. Have an oil based Propolis suplement with the following ingredients:, Propolis, Honey, Olive oil, Aqua. Would like to apply to her gums in an attempt to avoid a dental which could be high risk for her. She also has FIV. Would appreciate your opinion. Thank You.
?Propolis has shown potential benefits for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies indicate that propolis may help reduce proteinuria and support renal function in CKD patients
However, caution is advised when using propolis in cats with CKD, especially those with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The presence of honey in your propolis supplement could introduce sugars that may not be ideal for CKD cats. Additionally, the oil base may not be suitable for all cats, depending on their individual health conditions
Is propolis safe for Rabbits? if so what sort of dosage?
Yes, propolis can be safe for rabbits when used in very small amounts, but it must be pure, free of alcohol, and used cautiously