Why I Avoid Antibiotics for Dogs Whenever Possible (And What I Use Instead)

Modern veterinary medicine relies heavily on antibiotics — often as a first response rather than a last resort. Their overuse has caused serious consequences for our dogs’ long-term health.

As a canine nutritionist focused on evolutionary, species-appropriate nutrition, I’ve seen over and over again that gut health is the foundation of the immune system. The problem is this:

➡️ One round of antibiotics can destroy up to 90% of the gut microbiome.
➡️ It can take up to two years for the microbiome to recover — and many dogs never fully do.
➡️ The microbiome controls immunity, digestion, detoxification, and even behavior.

This is why chronic allergies, gut issues, skin problems, yeast overgrowth, and food sensitivities often begin AFTER antibiotic exposure.

When Antibiotics Are Truly Necessary

There are moments when pharmaceuticals are appropriate and life-saving:

• Severe systemic infections

• Sepsis

• Confirmed bacterial pneumonia

• Post-surgical infection risk

• Certain tick-borne diseases

If a dog’s life is in danger, we use the tools available to save them. This is not anti-vet — it is pro–responsible use.

What I advocate against is:

❌ Blanket “just in case” antibiotics
❌ Repeated antibiotics for chronic skin or ear infections
❌ Using antibiotics when the root cause is diet, yeast, immune dysfunction, or environmental toxins

Those issues are not caused by a lack of antibiotics — they are signals of internal imbalance.

Natural Alternatives I Use First

For mild or localized issues, the body often needs support, not suppression. These are the tools I personally rely on:

1. Raw Manuka Honey

Medical-grade antibacterial activity shown to inhibit over 60 strains of bacteria. Ideal for wounds, hotspots, minor skin infections.

2. Oregano Oil (Diluted)

One of the strongest natural antimicrobial compounds. Used cautiously and always diluted.

3. Colloidal Silver

Can be used topically or internally for short periods. Research shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity without harming healthy cells.

4. Ozonated Olive Oil

Olive oil infused with activated oxygen creates a powerful, topical antimicrobial that destroys bacteria, yeast, fungi, and even some parasites — without damaging healthy tissue. I use it for hotspots, minor wounds, ear irritation, and paw infections.

5. Herbal Blends

• Goldenseal

• Oregon Grape Root

• Olive Leaf

• Pau D’Arco
  These support immune function and inhibit bacterial overgrowth.

6. Homeopathic Remedies

Depending on the situation: Hepar sulph, Silicea, Belladonna, or Calendula may be selected by a trained practitioner.

7. Pro- + Postbiotics

When the microbiome is supported, the immune system becomes the antibiotic. Spore-based probiotics, fermented foods, and postbiotic-rich bone broth are part of every healing protocol I build.

Why I Always Start With the Gut

A dog with a strong microbiome:

✔ Recovers faster
✔ Shows fewer chronic infections
✔ Is more resilient to environmental pathogens
✔ Is less likely to need pharmaceuticals in the first place

This is exactly why I build my nutrition protocols around species-appropriate raw feeding, phytonutrient-rich foods, and natural remedies instead of synthetic drugs.

The Bottom Line

Antibiotics are not evil — they’re simply overused.
When we rely on them for every ear infection, hotspot, or minor issue, we trade short-term convenience for long-term chronic disease.

Natural antimicrobials support the immune system.
Unnecessary antibiotics suppress it.

The goal isn’t to avoid antibiotics forever.
The goal is to build dogs so healthy, resilient, and well-balanced…
that they rarely need them.