My dog Willa is now 5 years old. When she was about 7 months old, around this time of year, her eyes became red and runny and she seemed to itch constantly. Then, later as it turned to summer, she became so symptomatic that her muzzle began to swell. This, of course, scared me half to death!
I took her to emergency where she was diagnosed with a severe allergic reaction, perhaps from a bug bite or bee sting. This happened two more times over the next two years and I was quickly realizing that it was more likely environmental because it would happen only during spring and summer.
My vet and I decided to test her for environmental allergens-that’s when I learned that she was allergic to several plants that bloom in spring and summer. Three kinds of molds, pine needles and one type of grass ranked highest on her allergy test, in addition to many other common plants growing in our area.
First, we began a regime to help calm Willa’s immune system-naturally.
My vet created a serum specific for her that contained small amounts of the allergens she tested highest for. These were injected weekly and much like a vaccine, the tiny dose was to get her body to respond to the foreign invader, but on a smaller, safer scale. Even my vet told me that at best, this would lessen her symptoms about 80%.
Knowing that this was going to be just one of many approaches, I started using some products to help boost her immune system. My favorite product because I saw the best result was the Green Honey Allergy Support made locally by Snook’s Pet Products. Willa loved it and her symptoms by her 4th year were almost gone.
What I love about this product is that it makes sense. Local, raw honey contains pollens in tiny amounts, naturally. By feeding small amounts it forces the body to respond to the local pollens in a less aggressive way. It just works.
Here we are, beginning of April, and Willa’s doing quite well. But last night, noticed her eyes are a bit red and swollen once again, which tells me, that it’s time to bring out the Green Honey and get her through another allergy season, naturally.