Natural Topical Antibiotic Remedies For Dogs

Wellness

Jan 15

How many times has it been suggested to you get a triple antibiotic ointment and apply to your dogs skin after some injury?

I’d wager it’s pretty often. I too once used them as a common course of action.

Then I found essential oils, herbs, raw honey, and many other more natural remedies.

You have natural options and alternatives to antibiotics for almost everything.

Topical antibiotics are commonly used to treat skin infections in dogs, minor scraps and cuts, or sometimes even incision care.

But like any medication, they can have side effects. Topical antibiotics kill off all bacteria on the skin. It doesn’t differentiate between good bacteria and bad bacteria.

Like oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics can also lead to antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics that are meant to kill them, making it harder to treat future infections.

I see too many times multiple rounds of antibiotics prescribed without resolveing the issue. Or a “let’s try this antibiotic and steroid combo and see what happens” when vets aren’t sure what they are working with, and haven’t done a bacterial culture. It’s an experiment. Don’t belive me — go watch any episode of any TV veterinary show. Don’t do it. Save the heavy hitter abx for severe conditions — and let’s work on the ear infections, gut health, skin issues, wound care, etc with natural protocols.

Natural Alternatives To Topical Antibiotics For Dogs

Essential Oils

One popular alternative to antibiotics is the use of essential oils. Essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil have natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They can be used to help reduce inflammation and infection.

Herbs

Herbs such as calendula, comfrey, and aloe vera can also be used to treat skin infections in dogs. Calendula has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe irritated skin, while comfrey has been used to help heal wounds and reduce inflammation. Aloe vera can help soothe and moisturize the skin, and it can also help speed up the healing process.

Honey

Raw honey is another natural alternative that can be used to treat skin infections in dogs. Manuka Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help fight off infection. It can also help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.

Other Natural Remedies

Other natural remedies that can be used to treat skin infections in dogs include coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and turmeric. Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and can help moisturize the skin, while apple cider vinegar can help balance the pH level of the skin and reduce inflammation. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and swelling.

Most dog mamas can feel very comfortable trying these natural remedies for common issues. If you have something a bit more complicated going on there may be a need to revisit veterinary antibiotics. But even in some of the most difficult and resistant issues to healing — we can find a natural option Reah out — these are the times that being part of a like-minded community and having a wellness coach is extremely beneficial.