Manuka Honey for Dog Staph Infections: Benefits & Evidence

According to Dr. Peter Molan of the University of Waikato in New Zealand, manuka honey has been shown to have promising treatment benefits for drug-resistant staph infections, but no other scientific research could be found to support his claim.

Facts

• Reducing Plaque

  Manuka honey has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial qualities that naturally occur in the honey. Chewing manuka honeycomb as a treatment for gum disease has been shown to be effective. Topical application can provide relief to pain caused by minor cuts, burns and abrasions. Though undocumented, these treatments may apply to dogs as well as humans.

History

• Extracting Nectar

  Manuka honey is derived from the manuka tree of New Zealand. Bees suckle the nectar and produce a honey with naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide that is found in all honey. A microbial compound with beneficial healing qualities has also been found to occur only in manuka honey.

Types

• Liquid Honey

  Manuka honey is available in two forms: liquid and creamed.

Significance

• Antibiotics

  Further scientific research may prove that manuka honey can be used as a natural antibiotic to treat staph infections in humans and dogs.

Warnings

• No FDA Approval

  Manuka honey has not been approved by the FDA. All honey has been placed on the FDA's watch list to search for tainted batches.