Colloidal silver for dogs is beginning to become the next trendy thing in holistic dog medicine. It’s no surprise, really. Colloidal silver has been making a name for itself among humans for the past several years. The real question is this: is it effective, and is it safe?
These are important questions to ask. As the world moves away from man-made medications that came out of a test tube and more towards natural remedies, the danger of assuming an all natural product is a safe product becomes more and more of a reality. With that in mind, let’s take a look at colloidal silver for dogs and see.
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Is Colloidal Silver for Dogs Effective
Among all scientific papers that come up when you Google this question, the answer is generally the same. It’s either a flat no or a statement that there is no scientific evidence that colloidal silver is effective for much of anything. In fact, the scientific community generally regards colloidal silver as snake oil. Because colloidal silver can kill certain – certain – germs, somewhere along the line, it developed a reputation for being a cure all for practically everything, but the truth is that it hasn’t been shown to be effective for any condition.
Is Colloidal Silver for Dogs Safe
The general consensus is that colloidal silver is unsafe. While not classified as toxic, silver IS a heavy metal, which means it can and does collect in organs like the liver, spleen, kidney, muscles, brain, and even the skin. Over time, organ damage can occur as more and more silver collects in these organs through prolonged use of colloidal silver.
Colloidal Silver Interactions
In addition to being generally viewed as ineffective and unsafe among both the scientific and medical communities, colloidal silver has also been shown to have potential drug interactions as well. Colloidal silver can reduce the body’s ability to absorb antibiotics, rendering them less effective. It also interacts with levothyroxine, a thyroid medication.
Colloidal Silver for Dogs Isn’t a Good Idea
Colloidal silver for dogs – just like colloidal silver for people – has gained quite a bit of popularity, which has generally been fueled bye word of mouth and anecdotal accounts of its efficacy. The problem is that there is no scientific data to back up any of the claims associated with colloidal silver. In fact, it’s actually been shown to be ineffective and potentially dangerous.
If you’re looking for homeopathic remedies for many common and mild conditions, your vet can help you find all-natural supplements. There are many all-natural supplements and pain relieving options on the market, and your vet will be able to help you find them.
Do you use a great holistic alternative to colloidal silver for dogs? Share your tips below!
Author
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A former Veterinary Assistant at Southwest Animal Care Hospital, Ben is an animal lover, blogger, and all-around geek. Along with writing for DogVills, Ben runs his own virtual assistant company, BizzyBim.
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