Colloidal silver has few side effects in dogs.
As with most medical options, there are pros and cons to using colloidal silver for dogs, but for most people, the decision comes down to availability, price, and history. Colloidal silver is generally considered an “alternative therapy” medication and is often used in place of antibiotics. It has a long history of use and is often described by proponents as a cure-all. People give it to their dogs to treat almost any type of infection or illness. In most cases, government regulatory authorities do not approve colloidal silver for use as a medicine, and there may be questions about the concentration, potency, and soundness of the preparation. The lack of regulation can lead to too much variety in the products available and there is not always much consistency between brands. The risk of overdose is rare, but it can happen, and prolonged use can lead to a number of canine health problems.
Wide spectrum of uses
Colloidal silver can be added to a dog’s water to treat internal ailments.
One of the biggest “pros” of colloidal silver for dogs is that it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. It is widely available in many health food and natural food stores, and is generally not as expensive as the antibiotics and other pharmaceutical drugs that are often prescribed instead.
Externally, gelatinous versions of the compound can be spread on cuts to promote healing and disinfect wounds, and liquid iterations can be sprayed into the ears or eyes to help treat infections. People also often add a few drops to dog water bowls to treat internal illnesses and ailments. It is also a common remedy for bacterial and fungal infections.
long history of success
Colloidal silver can help treat eye infections.
Colloidal silver is said to be effective against more than 650 disease-causing agents and has been used to treat human and animal illnesses for centuries. Although the use of colloidal silver is now included in the category of “alternative medicine” in most places, records going back to ancient Persia show that it was used as early as 4000 BC. C. for people and livestock. Until the late 1930s, colloidal silver was the most common antibiotic agent used in humans and animals. It slowly fell out of favor as modern antibiotics became more popular.
Questions about strength and preparation.
Dog owners should consult a veterinarian before treating their pet with colloidal silver or any other herbal supplement.
Most countries have regulatory agencies, usually sponsored by the national government, that set rules and restrictions on drugs that can be sold to the public and claims that can be made about their effectiveness. Most of these types of agencies do not recognize colloidal silver as a drug for humans or dogs, which makes some people hesitant. It is important to note that simply not being supported is not necessarily a statement about the safety of the drug as a whole; in most cases, the lack of regulation is based more on the lack of information than on the preponderance of negative information.
Colloidal silver antibiotic can be easily added to a dog’s food.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approach is a good example. In 1997, the FDA determined that there was insufficient evidence to support the efficacy or safety of using colloidal silver products. The FDA’s main concerns were that colloidal silver was being marketed as a cure for many diseases, with little or no evidence to support such claims, and was being sold in various unknown formulations. Following this decision, colloidal silver could no longer be marketed in the United States as a drug intended to treat disease or illness and could only be sold as a health supplement.
The biggest concern for consumers is often where the supplement comes from and how it is dosed. The lack of regulatory oversight often means that there is a lot of freedom in the market. Different brands may use different preparations and dosages, and people who don’t pay attention to this may use a stronger or weaker product than expected on their dogs, which can have negative effects.
Risks with prolonged use
Probably the biggest “con” associated with colloidal silver for dogs is the possibility of a condition known as “argyria.” Argyria can cause the skin to take on blue and gray tones, and can also cause organ failure and chemical problems in the blood. It is usually caused by long-term use of colloidal silver which builds up in the blood and is not processed as it should. People who choose to use this type of treatment for their dogs should be sure to use the correct dosage for the dog’s weight and size, and should also be careful not to use the supplement for longer than is strictly necessary.
Concerns about healing time
This type of treatment is not always the quickest remedy for all problems, which can be a con depending on the circumstances. Minor aggravations generally respond to conditions and ailments faster, but more complex ones can take longer to heal, which can open up the possibility of worsening symptoms and secondary infections. If a dog doesn’t seem to respond to the supplement, it might be worth exploring other options. Most modern antibiotics work much faster in severe conditions.