A chubby, yellow-skinned bear that wears a red, almost-too-small shirt, and has an undeniable obsession with honey? Yep, that sounds like none other than Winnie the Pooh!
Created by Alan Alexander “A.A.” Milne, Pooh has been a childhood favorite for generations. So every year, on January 18th, we celebrate National Winnie the Pooh Day as a tribute to the amazing imagination and writing talents of Milne that brought us the iconic honey-loving bear.
Speaking of honey, what better way to enjoy the special day than to crack open a jar of honey, right? Since Winnie the Pooh eats it all the time, we can probably share it with our furry friends, too. Well, before you let out your inner Pooh bear and shove your hand into that honey jar, there are a few things you should know…
Can Pets Eat Honey?
The short answer is yes, it’s safe for pets to eat honey. However, since it has a high sugar content, it should only be given in small quantities. When fed in appropriate portions, honey can be just as beneficial to our furry friends as it is to us humans.
Known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, honey is often used as an at home remedy for minor ailments, such as cough, sore throats, and allergies. Surprisingly, they can work for pets, too!
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to flower pollen or develops a sore throat, giving them a little bit of honey (only after receiving a go signal from your veterinarian, of course) can help soothe any inflammation and reduce discomfort.
4 Tips to Safely Enjoy Honey with Your Pet
Don’t Give Too Much
While honey is relatively safe for pets when given in moderation (and in small quantities), it can lead to unhealthy weight gain and obesity when given frequently or over the recommended amount. So if you decide to share honey with your pet today or incorporate it to their diet, make sure that you don’t go overboard, especially if your furry friend is on the smaller side.
If your pet has a medical condition, ask your veterinarian whether or not it’s okay to feed them honey and if so, how much is safe. However, if your pet is diabetic or overweight, honey is definitely a huge no-no!
Clean Your Pet’s Teeth Afterward
Since honey is high in sugar, it can cause cavities and tooth decay, so it’s best to brush your pet’s teeth after sharing some of it with them. If your pet isn’t too keen on letting you do that, then letting them chew on a teeth-cleaning toy also works.
In addition, encourage them to drink lots of water. It’ll help remove honey residue from their teeth and restore fluid balance inside their body, since sugar removes fluids from cells (that’s why we get thirsty after eating sugary foods or snacks, like ice cream!).
Raw Honey Isn’t for Pets with Weak Immune Systems
We may love raw honey because it’s all-natural and unprocessed, but those two things are exactly what makes it dangerous for pets with underdeveloped (puppies, kittens) or compromised (pets that are sick or have medical conditions) immune systems.
Since raw honey is—well—raw, it doesn’t undergo the processes that regular honey does, including sterilization. That means it often retains the microorganisms (such as botulism spores) that come with it from the beehive. While it rarely causes issues with healthy full-grown pets, it can cause health problems in young and unwell animals.
Now that you know how to safely share honey with your pet, we hope you have tons of fun celebrating National Winnie the Pooh Day!
