Understanding the Overuse of Antibiotics: A Growing Concern
On this page, you’ll discover what many doctors and veterinarians are saying about the overuse of antibiotics and why it’s important to avoid them whenever possible. I’ll also share with you the natural antibiotics I use for my puppies and dogs to keep them strong and healthy.
What’s Wrong with Antibiotics?
Antibiotics, though lifesaving in critical cases, have significant downsides when used routinely. According to Dr. Richard J. Holliday, DVM, “Antibiotics disrupt the normal population of beneficial microbes in the gastrointestinal tract of all animals.” These beneficial bacteria form the first line of defense against most diseases. Without them, animals become more susceptible to infections. Antibiotics also suppress the immune system, reducing the number of circulating white blood cells. In the long term, this weakens the body’s ability to fend off future infections.
Worse still, over time, many bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. These resistant strains can be transferred to other bacteria and even to humans. This growing issue has raised serious concerns in the medical and veterinary communities about the overuse of antibiotics, especially in food-producing animals. When resistant bacteria are passed to humans, it can render antibiotics ineffective, leading to diseases that are increasingly difficult to treat.
The Long-Term Consequences of Early Antibiotic Use
If you have a puppy, it’s likely they’ve already been vaccinated or treated with antibiotics. While it may seem harmless, even one antibiotic treatment can have long-term consequences. Gut health is profoundly affected by antibiotics, which destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Dr. Morton Walker, D.P.M, explains that “after 40 years of pushing antibiotics for any ailment, physicians are now confronting bacteria that have built defenses against those same drugs.”
In my own experience, I believe my own health issues stem from being raised on antibiotics. I passed this on to my son, who, despite never receiving a single vaccination, suffered from extreme disabilities. This has led me to conclude that the overuse of antibiotics can create a harmful imbalance in gut health, affecting not only one’s physical health but also cognitive development. Studies from China and the U.S. are revealing that gut health is intricately linked to overall well-being, leading to the notion that the gut is our “second brain.”
Natural Alternatives: Strengthening the Immune System
Instead of turning to antibiotics for every ailment, many experts advocate for natural alternatives that bolster the immune system. Dr. Michael Traub, N.D, supports this approach, stating, “Using natural medicines from nature to control bacteria, viruses, and fungi is a reasonable approach.” These natural remedies are often safer and less toxic than synthetic antibiotics, which have not undergone the same evolutionary scrutiny as their natural counterparts.
At my home, we use natural antibiotics for our puppies from the time they are born. For the first seven weeks of life, in addition to their mother’s milk, I supplement their diet with milk kefir to support their gut health. Afterward, we gradually introduce natural antibiotics like garlic, which is known to be one of the most powerful antimicrobial substances available. Garlic works against a wide range of pathogens including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and even viruses.
Antibiotics and Resistant Bacteria: A Looming Threat
The overuse of antibiotics in both human and animal medicine has contributed to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Dr. Jeffrey Levy, DVM, stresses the importance of avoiding allopathic drugs such as antibiotics, steroids, and hormones unless absolutely necessary. He notes that in most cases, drug treatment is superfluous and should be considered a last resort.
The danger lies not only in the immediate side effects of these drugs but also in the long-term suppression of the immune system. Conventional medical practices often seek to eliminate symptoms without addressing the underlying issue, which only exacerbates the problem over time. Officials from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control have expressed concerns that if antibiotic overuse is not curtailed, we may soon face untreatable infections on a global scale.
What Natural Antibiotics Do I Use?
Over the years, I’ve refined my natural antibiotic protocol for my dogs and puppies. Garlic is a staple in our household due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Dr. Pitcairn, DVM, advocates for its use, stating, “Garlic helps to eliminate worms, strengthen digestion, and beneficially stimulate the digestive tract. Use it to promote intestinal health.” An average clove of garlic contains about 100,000 units of penicillin—an impressive natural alternative!
I use garlic every day as part of my puppies’ worming routine and overall health protocol. It’s important to use fresh, organic garlic, as once a clove is cut, the beneficial compound allicin is released, and its potency diminishes quickly. In addition to garlic, I incorporate other natural antibiotics like thyme and colloidal silver, which I love for its powerful antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Empower Yourself: Choose Natural Over Synthetic
If you’re concerned about the overuse of antibiotics and its potential long-term effects, I encourage you to explore natural alternatives. Antibiotics may be a quick fix, but they often come at the cost of overall health and immunity. By using natural remedies, you can strengthen your puppy’s immune system without the risk of creating resistant strains of bacteria or compromising their gut health.
For more information, I’ve posted links to helpful resources on my website. Please take the time to educate yourself on this critical issue and make informed choices for both your own health and your pet’s well-being.
