Colloidal Silver was once a remedy for many ailments, but that began to change with the advent of antibiotics.
In any case, are you wondering if your dog can benefit from taking this liquid suspension? Does it even work and, more importantly, is it safe?
We will address those questions and more. But first…
Many folks, to this day, swear by Colloidal Silver as an natural antibiotic as well as its anti-fungal, antiseptic and disinfectant properties.
Others disagree and say it is simply quack medicine.
Whatever your views, everyone can agree on the motto, “do no harm” when it comes to a precious pet’s well-being.
Careful Giving Your Dog Colloidal Silver
You’ve got to go easy when providing it. Do not get carried away!
Colloidal Silver is said to be helpful for:
- Skin conditions
- Certain ear problems
- Bacteria and viral infections
But here’s the reason to be cautious…
The Same Dangers For Dogs
It is well documented that high doses can harm kidneys and bring upon seizures. And too much Colloidal Silver can also cause Argyria, permanently rendering the skin blueish-grey.
Make no mistake: These adverse effects also apply to dogs.
Does It Actually Work or Not?
Colloidal Silver believers continue to cite over 650 diseases and organisms that respond to the suspension. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims effectiveness is completely unproven.
The truth is this drug continues to be viewed with lots of skepticism.
Note: The intent of this article is not to change your personal views of Colloidal Silver one way or the other.
Colloidal Silver For Canines
A purported versatile natural remedy, there are many ways you can give your dog Colloidal Silver.
You can put a few drops in their water once a day until they hopefully feel better.
For something like an open wound, gently apply some Colloidal Silver gel directly on the area (1 or 2 times per day for about a week).
There is even a veterinarian-recommended silver spray that won’t hurt or sting your dog when applied.
A Few More Silver Benefits
Proponents believe Colloidal Silver protects people (and their dogs) from bad bacteria, parasites and many types of viral infections.
That’s not all…
It is believed to keep the immune system strong.
Additional alleged healing properties include help with infections and treatment for scrapes and cuts as well as yeast infections, digestive disorders and thyroid imbalances.
A Word About Dog Dosing
The only real way to be responsible with dosing is to involve your vet.
Avoid guesswork when it comes to the amount of Colloidal Silver your dog receives. While an appropriate dose is generally determined based on body weight, there are other factors as well.
The Bottom Line
Some folks give Colloidal Silver to their dogs without incident.
There continues to be strong beliefs regarding the potential health benefits.
If you plan to provide Colloidal Silver, be sure to conservatively dose it for your dog. Better yet, follow your vet’s recommendation.
Colloidal silver can be very a confusing purchase. Some versions have a high silver count and others have different colors. It seems the price is no indicator of quality. Can anybody tell me which one to buy? I would appreciate it.
I second this query! When you mention only giving a few drops, what concentration of colloidal silver are you referring to? I’m usually only able to find 15ppm solutions. Can you please specify the exact strength?
Can it be given for tooth aches to fight infection? I am also taking him to see my vet. But I’m just wondering if it is okay for helping him to fight off a bacterial infection in his mouth/teeth? If so, how much should I give? Thank you.
My dog Odie has ear pain with an odor. After reading, with all the research, they are saying that colloidal silver would be safe for him. Where can I buy this?
Hi Michelle. The best I’ve seen is Kaiame Naturals Colloidal Silver. It is suitable for people as well as pets.
My mix Pug has been in and out of the vet for year. Now I believe she has Vaginitis. I’m tired of spending so much money.
I was hoping Colloidal silver may help reduce the urge until I can get the money I need to have her spayed. If so, how much would you recommend I give her?
Also, it this something I can giver her directly or is it best to put it in her food?
My dog had his anal glands removed due to a cancerous growth. Now he’s nibbling more at his tail where it was shaved. Is it safe to spray this on him? The stitches are out and all has healed nicely. I just want to make him more comfortable. Many thanks!
I have a cross German Shepherd. He scratches and scratches. I tried 15 different dog foods and none of them help. I resorted to cooking vegetables, meat and rice which also didn’t help. Cortisone helps a bit, so I am going to try the Silver Max. I hope that will help him.
Look up V-Dog (vegan dog food). It’s known for helping dogs with allergy issues.
I have a 5.5 kilogram Poochon with weepy eyes. How many drops and how many times a day should I apply?
I have a 70 pound yellow Lab. She had surgery to remove some lumps on her abdomen but the area is not healing well. What is a safe dose of colloidal silver for this weight?
I would spray, twice a day, colloidal silver on the area that is not healing well.
I have a 3 year old Yorkie who started snorting a few weeks ago. It sounds like her nose is all congested. We took her to the vet who said that she didn’t think there was anything wrong because she had no fever or cough and only occasional sneezing. The vet said that my dog’s symptoms could disappear as quickly as it appeared so we took her home and waited about a week.
Things didn’t improve I so took her to another vet. Still no fever and her lungs sounded good but she was still very congested. The vet gave her some antibiotics and steroids just in case it was a sinus infection. My dog is being weaned off of the steroids right now and will continue to finish the antibiotics but she is still not any better. Would it be safe for me to try colloidal silver? How would I administer it and how much?
My 10 year German Shepherd has been getting hot spots on her feet and legs. I am giving her antihistamines and want to try this “silver” product. What do you think? Thanks
My 10 year old German Shepard/Malamute was diagnosed with a very nasty strain of MRSA. She recently had surgery and the vet said it is the kind of MRSA a person would get at the hospital. We are treating her with 150mg of Nitrofurantoin every 8 hours and packing her wound site with Gentamicin and Manuka Honey once a day.
Should I add Colloidal Silver to her treatment as well? If so how much and how often? She weighs 100 pounds. The Colloidal Silver I have is MBI Nutraceuticals Colloidal Silver 30PPM Argentum Metallicum. Can I use this?
My 7 week old puppy has Parvovirus. Can I give her colloidal silver?
The effective medical use of silver is not controversial at all. It has anti-bacterial properties but anything that challenges big pharma profit margins is deliberately smeared. There’s no doubt, whatsoever, that silver does kill bacteria.
It has been used since 1800’s with respect to preventing ocular infections in children. SilverSafety.org has precise instructions for dosage, and even a calculator. Hope this helps.
Have a nearly 10 year old, 3 pound dog, that is constantly getting lung infections. She’s had x-rays done. Her lung walls are getting thin. How much colloidal silver can I give her to help? She is on antibiotics, for 11 more days, at the moment. Thank you!
I think that for a 3 pound pup, 1 tablespoon in her water every day should be safe. If no change in a week or two then increase to 2 tablespoons. Make sure you use ionic silver water. Do your research as there are different colloidal silver waters out there. (I am not a MD, those are just my initials.)
Our Pug just got diagnosed with Lyme disease. We have him on a 3 weeks worth of antibiotics and he also has a very bad ear infection. I wonder if we could give him colloidal silver to help him get better.
Pugs are about 17 pounds right? Maybe start by adding 3 tablespoons to his water. If no change in a couple of weeks, try adding another tablespoon. You can also spray some colloidal silver on the inside of his ear flaps and wash them like that every day.
My dog’s feet and face are turning orange from licking them. She only has 10 teeth at 5 years. Will Colloidal Silver help? I heard it would.
Sounds like it could be old fashion yeast. Try regular iodine baths for 2 weeks or so, then as needed. Dogs are rarely allergic to iodine, it’s common at the vet so you’d probably know. Maybe test if you want to be sure. Mix 1 part iodine and 6-7 parts water or betadine, povidone-iodine. I use something like a ketchup bottle.
Use like a shampoo, avoiding the eyes. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse. Make it in a tub and have your dog stand in it for 5 minutes. I’ve never had it stain, but I rinse right away to be safe! If it’s going to work, you’ll know within 2-3 baths.
If it smells like Fritos – it’s yeast!
Colloidal Silver worked great on our dog’s ongoing ear infections. It seems he is just prone to yeast in his ears. He is a purebred Australian Shepherd. We use it in his water about 1 tablespoon a day when he needs it, as well as put it in his ears. Typically within 24 hours the yeast is cleared.
Is it okay to use colloidal silver even if my dog has no problems? I just want to keep him healthy.
We use it in a similar way most humans use hand purifier. It is sprayed (misted) on the paws after a walk around town and on the face and paws after a trip to the dog park. You never know how many tails those other dogs have sniffed! We use a mix of 10 parts per million. It’s great to spray on hot spots too!
How far into the ear should one spray? I am helping a dog with a recurrent ear infection. Thank you.
I have a 4 year old rescued Spoodle who continually gets ear infections with his long floppy ears. Can I dilute or put colloidal silver straight into his ears? If so, how much?
I was plagued for two years with an ear infection that would not go away, it constantly came back even though I was spending lots of money on prescriptions. I live in a small town where there is a lot of hunting and hunting dogs. As you know, many hunting dogs have heavy ears that are constantly being dragged through wet grass while hunting.
That being said a friend told me that her doctor told her to mix 1/2 white vinegar with 1/2 rubbing alcohol and every time I bathed, washed my hair, swam or got my ears wet in any way to fill my ears with the solution, smooch it around and let it drain and dry naturally. TA DA! No more ear infections and that is the same thing they use on their hunting dogs, thought I’d never explain that tidbit didn’t you?
The vinegar kills bacteria in the ear and the alcohol dries the ear out so bacteria cannot grow in the dry environment! I use it on my dogs, cats and me, we all have healthy happy ears! Good luck. I make up a batch of 16 oz in a bottle and put it into small bottle with cone shape ends for easy use, and eye dropper would work as well.
Thanks for sharing that detailed info Carol. This closely relates to the new post about cleaning a dog’s ears and flaps as a preventative health measure. You provided some great info. Keep in touch.