Keeping your dog healthy and happy is every pet parent's priority. Sometimes, when our furry friends aren't feeling their best, we might be tempted to reach for readily available products on the shelves. However, some popular choices can actually do more harm than good. This blog post will explore four common products and why it's crucial to consult your veterinarian before using them on your dog.
Thornit Powder: This product is marketed towards cleaning gunky ears, but a closer look at the ingredients raises concerns. Zinc oxide, talc, iodoform, and boric acid are not natural ingredients, and talc can be irritating, even for humans.
Zymox Otic: While Zymox may seem appealing, its ingredient list including propylene glycol, and alcohol necessitates veterinary oversight. Some versions include hydrocortisone which should only ever be given if prescribed by a vet. These ingredients can be powerful, and misuse can worsen your dog's condition.
Hibiscrub: Commonly used as an antiseptic, Hibiscrub is another product that can backfire. Its non-natural formula can aggravate skin problems.
Colloidal Silver: Colloidal silver has become popular as a supposed cure-all, but it's important to be aware of the risks for dogs. Colloidal silver is essentially tiny silver particles suspended in liquid. While some tout its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the reality is that it can cause serious health issues.
Silver Build-Up: Colloidal silver can accumulate in the body, leading to a condition called argyria. This causes a permanent bluish-grey discoloration of the skin and organs.
Toxicity: Silver poisoning can manifest through digestive problems, neurological issues, and organ damage. Even small amounts can pose a threat over time.
Lack of Regulation: Unlike medications, colloidal silver isn't regulated, meaning quality and dosage can vary wildly. This increases the risk of accidentally hurting your dog.
Drug Interactions: Colloidal silver can interact with other medications your dog might be taking, reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
While these products might seem like quick fixes, the risks associated with them are simply not worth it. If you feel your dog requires these products please consult with a vet first of all and ensure you understand the risks associated too.
We of course are aware that natural solutions are not possible for all cases however, but we do have a duty of care to highlight products such as Ingenious Probiotics Wound Care and Ear care as options but of course it is also vital to try to get to the route cause of any recurrent issues such as yeast. Please see our blog https://www.rffdmsuk.co.uk/post/5-2-help-my-dog-is-itchy-yeasty
References:
High Variability in Silver Particle Characteristics, Silver Concentrations, and Production Batches of Commercially Available Products Indicates the Need for a More Rigorous Approach - PubMed (nih.gov)
Over-the-counter drug products containing colloidal silver ingredients or silver salts. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Public Health Service (PHS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Final rule - PubMed (nih.gov)
Nanoparticles functionalized with ampicillin destroy multiple-antibiotic-resistant isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter aerogenes and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - PubMed (nih.gov)
Mechanisms of Silver Nanoparticle Release, Transformation and Toxicity: A Critical Review of Current Knowledge and Recommendations for Future Studies and Applications - PubMed (nih.gov)
Distribution, elimination, and toxicity of silver nanoparticles and silver ions in rats after 28-day oral exposure - PubMed (nih.gov)
Health Impact of Silver Nanoparticles: A Review of the Biodistribution and Toxicity Following Various Routes of Exposure - PMC (nih.gov)
Effects of subchronic exposure of silver nanoparticles on intestinal microbiota and gut-associated immune responses in the ileum of Sprague-Dawley rats: Nanotoxicology: Vol 9, No 3 (tandfonline.com)
Developmental exposure to silver nanoparticles leads to long term gut dysbiosis and neurobehavioral alterations - PubMed (nih.gov)
Dietary silver nanoparticles can disturb the gut microbiota in mice | Particle and Fibre Toxicology | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)