Silver has been used by many cultures throughout history for its antimicrobial properties and will likely become a more frequently used veterinary treatment option shortly because of the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. As a result, colloidal silver has been used on dogs for many years. Colloidal silver for dogs can be used as a treatment option for dogs with conditions ranging from skin rashes to infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
If you are a pet dog owner or a veterinarian and want to know the efficacy and safety of colloidal silver treatment, here are some answers:
What is Colloidal Silver?
Silver has been used as an antimicrobial agent since the late 1800s. But its usage was discontinued when the pharmaceuticals industry synthesized antibiotics in the 1950s. Colloidal silver is simply a tiny particle of silver suspended in water made into a saline solution for use on or in the body.
How Does Colloidal Silver Work?
Colloidal silver is active in low concentrations and works in a variety of ways:
- It interferes with the bacteria’s metabolism and uses atmospheric oxygen.
- It damages the cell walls of certain types of organisms, such as viruses, which allows them to be destroyed by innate immune system cells.
- It can bind to specific enzymes and proteins in the cell, disrupting their function.
What Conditions in Dogs Can Colloidal Silver Treat?
Colloidal silver for dogs can be used as a treatment for dogs with a wide range of conditions, such as:
- Skin rashes – those caused by bacteria, viruses, or yeast.
- Ear Infections – those caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi.
- Respiratory Infections – lung infections are often difficult to treat in dogs because the lining of the respiratory system makes it hard for medications to reach the site of infection. You can administer colloidal silver orally or nasally to help fight these infections. It has also been effective in treating kennel cough.
- Urinary tract Infections – It is caused by bacteria and can be challenging to treat in dogs. Colloidal silver is effective against most urinary tract infection-causing bacteria.
- Gastrointestinal Infections – It can be caused by various organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or parasites. Colloidal silver is effective against all of these organisms.
- Infected wounds – the antimicrobial properties of colloidal silver make it practical for preventing or fighting infections in wounds.
Colloidal silver can be applied topically to an open wound or put into a spray bottle and used as a topical “rinse.” There are also commercial products containing colloidal silver and pain relief medications for use on wounds.
How to Use Colloidal Silver for Treatments?
There are several medically effective ways to administer colloidal silver to dogs depending on the treated condition. The most common methods are:
- Oral – This is the most common way to give colloidal silver to dogs and can be done by adding it to their food or water. It can also be given as a pill or capsule.
- Topical – You can do this by applying it to an open wound, spraying it on a skin infection, or bathing the dog in a colloidal silver solution.
- Nasal – You can do this by adding colloidal silver to a nasal rinse or spraying it directly up the nose.
- Injection – Colloidal silver can be given by injection if the preferred method above is unavailable.
Precautions
Sometimes, dogs will have an adverse reaction to colloidal silver. So it is vital to know about the treatment, how it works, and its usage. It is important not to:
- Administer intravenously (into the veins).
- Administer in large doses to the pet over a short period.
- Administer too frequently (no more than once or twice a day).
- Coat on pills, as it can be chewed off or crushed to mix with food or water before giving the pill.
- Clean the site of infection. Then apply colloidal silver and bandage if desired.
Consult a Vet Before Starting Treatment
Before starting treatment with colloidal silver, it is best to consult a veterinarian for expert opinion. Vet consultations are crucial if the dog takes other medications, as there is a risk of interaction between the two. Additionally, some dogs may have an adverse reaction to colloidal silver. Your veterinarian can help you weigh the risks and benefits of using this treatment.
Colloidal silver is a treatment option that you can use to help dogs with various conditions. The silver is effective against bacteria, viruses, yeast, and fungi. There are several ways medically viable to administer colloidal silver to dogs.