Pets are part of the family, and taking care of them is a top priority. Colloidal silver consists of microscopic flakes of pure silver suspended in demineralized water or other liquids. Here we discuss the benefits of using colloidal silver for pets.

History of Colloidal Silver

Man has known about the health benefits of colloidal silver for thousands of years:

• To prevent spoilage, the ancient Romans stored wine in silver urns.
• In 550 BC, King Cyrus demanded all his drinking water be transported in silver containers.
• Chinese emperors often used silver chopsticks when eating
• In the Middle Ages, it is believed silverware helped protect wealthy people from the worst effects of the plague.
• Colloidal silver was used in hospitals as a bactericide for over 1200 years (before antibiotics)
  
  

Colloidal Silver and Pets

In addition to human use, pets can reap the benefits of colloidal silver as well. Colloidal silver is odorless and tasteless, which makes it easier for pets to tolerate. For best results, oral dosages should be no more than ½ tsp per every 10 pounds, given once daily.

Here are some of the most popular uses of colloidal silver in pets:

Ear Infections

Colloidal silver helps treat dog ear infections by limiting the bacteria’s ability to consume oxygen. A potential sign of an ear infection is the constant rubbing or scratching of the ears.

Colloidal silver can be applied to the ears by either spray or drops:

• Spray. Simply spray the front and back of the ears with colloidal silver.
• Drops. Place 2-3 drops of colloidal silver into the dog’s ear canal. Spread evenly throughout the ear by gently massaging the ear against the head.  
  
  

Skin Problems

Dogs can suffer from allergies similar to humans, including hives, skin rashes, or excessive scratching. In addition, food allergies, bug bites, or rashes caused by poison ivy or other plants can also cause skin reactions in pets. Colloidal silver helps to stop the proteins inside the allergen from irritating the skin.

In addition, colloidal silver can be used to treat other skin issues, including ringworms, open wounds, and burns. The silver will feel soothing as it works to repair the skin. Colloidal silver can be sprayed onto the wound or applied with a cotton ball or compress:

• Spray. Spray the affected area.
• Cotton ball or compress. Use a cotton ball with colloidal silver to clean the wound or apply a compress to the affected area.  
  
  

Eye Application

Colloidal silver can be used to treat a variety of eye problems, including tear staining, inflammation, allergies, and infections.

• Eye drops. Apply one drop three times per day into the affected eye. Note: Colloidal silver will not sting the eyes.
  
  

Sunburns

During summer, dogs and other pets can be prone to minor burns such as paw pad burns from hot concrete or sunburns on their ears or noses due to overexposure to the hot sun.

• Spray. Spray the sunburned area with colloidal silver.
• Cotton ball or compress. Dab the affected area(s) with a cotton ball or apply a compress with colloidal silver.
  
  

Additional Safety Tips

Before giving colloidal silver to your pet, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Take your pet to the vet immediately if it experiences vomiting, convulsing, or panting after using colloidal silver.
2. Colloidal silver is used primarily as an external remedy. Do not add to water or the water dish.
3. Stop using colloidal silver when the health issue is rectified.
4. If the condition shows improvement the next day, keep treating the area and monitor closely.  
5. If the condition does not improve after a day, consult a veterinarian.
   
   

Does Colloidal Silver Work?

While colloidal silver has been used for thousands of years, there is still a debate on its actual effectiveness:

Increase in Products Containing Colloidal Silver

In the past 10 years, nearly 5000 patents have been registered using colloidal silver. Products containing colloidal silver include the following:

• Silver plates
• Pitchers
• Contact lenses
• Hair dye
• Antimicrobial fabric garments
• Dermatology products (acne outbreaks, rash, eczema, body odors)
• Grooming products (shavers, toothbrushes, sanitary pads)
• Shower gels
• Deodorants
• First aid bandages

Most of the patents are from Asian countries, with Chinese language applications representing more than 50% of the global total, followed by Korean and Japanese language filings. Only about 20% of patents are registered in English. [1]

Antimicrobial Resistance

Due to antimicrobial resistance, many are studying the effects of colloidal silver against multi-drug resistant bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus species, and others. Colloidal silver was effective for ≥50% and ≥90% of the isolates tested. [2]

Colloidal Silver Supplements

Argentyn 23 - Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol 

While most colloidal silver products contain only 10% positively charged silver, Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol contains 98% positively charged silver. This is important because silver that is not positively charged is not as effective. As a result, this product is drastically more effective than other brands.

Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol contains silver particles as small as 0.8 nanometers. The smaller particle size is easier for the body to absorb and eliminate. This product only includes 99.9999% pure silver and purified water. It does not contain any salts or proteins that would limit its effectiveness. It is contained in glass bottles to prevent leaching and guarantee purity throughout its shelf life.

In addition to a liquid form that can be applied by teaspoon, this product is also available in a dropper or fine mist.  

Summary

Colloidal silver has been used for thousands of years and benefits humans and pets alike. By keeping a supply of colloidal silver on hand, you are better prepared to treat many common problems your pet may encounter.

References

[1]  Wilson Sim, Ross T. Barnard, M.A.T. Blaskovich. Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications: A Patent Review of the Past Decade (2007–2017).  Antibiotics (Basel)  v.7(4); 2018 Dec  PMC6315945. [PMID: 30373130].  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6315945/#sec4-antibiotics-07-00093title

[2] Andrea Vila Domínguez, Rafael Ayerbe Algaba , Andrea Miró Canturr (et al). Antibiotics | Free Full-Text | Antibacterial Activity of Colloidal Silver against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria. Antibiotics 2020, 9(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9010036.     . https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/9/1/36/