Colloidal Silver and Dogs

Important information about the claims, evidence and possible risks associated with colloidal silver.

Colloidal silver is not a proven treatment There is insufficient reliable evidence that colloidal silver safely prevents or treats infections or other medical conditions in dogs. It should not replace veterinary examination, prescribed antibiotics or any other appropriate treatment.

What is colloidal silver?

Colloidal silver is a liquid containing very small particles of silver suspended in water. Products are sold in different concentrations and may be advertised for oral use, application to the skin, eyes or ears, or addition to drinking water.

Silver was used in medical care before modern antibiotics became widely available. Certain specially manufactured silver-containing dressings and veterinary medicines are still used for particular purposes, but these are not the same as unregulated colloidal silver products.

Claims made for colloidal silver

Colloidal silver is sometimes promoted as a treatment for:

Bacterial, fungal or viral infections
Skin problems and wounds
Eye and ear infections
Urinary tract infections
Digestive problems and diarrhoea
Respiratory disease
Parasites and ringworm
Lyme disease
Thyroid problems
Immune-system support

These claims have not been supported by adequate clinical evidence in dogs. A laboratory result showing that silver can affect microorganisms does not prove that an orally administered or home-prepared product is a safe and effective treatment in a living animal.

Possible risks

The concentration and purity of colloidal silver products can vary. There is no established general dose that has been proven both safe and effective for dogs.

Repeated or prolonged exposure may allow silver to accumulate in body tissues. Reported or suspected adverse effects include:

Vomiting, diarrhoea or nausea
Reduced appetite and weight loss
Lethargy or muscle weakness
Changes in thirst or urination
Kidney or liver problems
Neurological problems, including tremors or seizures
Irritation after application to the skin
Argyria, a blue-grey discolouration caused by silver accumulating in tissues

Colloidal silver may also interfere with the absorption or effectiveness of some medicines. Your vet needs to know about all supplements and non-prescription products being given to your dog.

Eyes, ears and wounds

Do not place a colloidal silver product in a dog’s eyes or ears unless your veterinary surgeon has examined the dog and specifically advised its use.

Eye conditions can deteriorate rapidly and may threaten eyesight. Ear problems may involve infection, foreign objects, mites, allergy or a damaged eardrum. Using an unsuitable product could cause irritation or delay the correct treatment.

Wounds should be assessed by a vet if they are deep, painful, contaminated, caused by a bite, producing discharge or failing to heal.

Veterinary silver products are different A vet may sometimes prescribe a licensed or specially formulated product containing silver, such as silver sulfadiazine cream or a medical wound dressing. This does not mean that colloidal silver sold as a supplement is interchangeable with that veterinary treatment.

Giving colloidal silver by mouth

Colloidal silver should not be added routinely to a dog’s food or drinking water. Silver is not an essential nutrient and there is no proven health benefit from giving it orally.

The previous dosing tables commonly circulated online are not based on a recognised veterinary dosing standard. The concentration can also vary considerably between products, meaning a volume alone does not describe how much silver is being given.

If your dog has already received it

Stop using the product and contact your veterinary surgeon if your dog develops:

Vomiting or diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Increased or reduced drinking or urination
Tremors, seizures or changes in behaviour
Skin, eye or ear irritation
Facial swelling or difficulty breathing

Take the container or a clear photograph of the label with you. This will help your vet identify the ingredients, concentration and amount that may have been given.

When your dog is unwell

Signs such as coughing, breathing difficulty, diarrhoea, urinary problems, skin disease, eye discharge or a suspected infection can have many different causes. Effective treatment depends on obtaining the correct diagnosis.

Using an unproven remedy may allow an infection or other condition to worsen and can make later treatment more difficult.

Further information:

VCA Animal Hospitals – Colloidal silver

NCCIH – Colloidal silver: what you need to know

This information is provided for general guidance and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Do not use colloidal silver to treat a dog’s medical condition without first consulting your veterinary surgeon.