A sleeping dog on a cozy blanket.
Customer Story

How Manuka honey is helping my dog's interdigital cysts.

Customer

Barbara Didjurgis, aged 74, New Zealand Honey Co. customer since August 2024

Location

Florida, United States

Health Concerns

Interdigital cysts | Allergies | Paw infections | Lesions

Interdigital cysts in dogs

Interdigital cysts are nodule-like lesions that form between a dog's toes. They occur when hair follicles in the paw are traumatised, causing the microscopic opening of the hair follicle to enlarge and become inflamed. The body then sees this as an infection and has an inflammatory response to it, which causes the follicles to rupture and weep.

The lesions caused by interdigital cysts range from 1-2 centimeters in size, are a deep reddish-purple colour, and can extend from the bottom to the top of the paw. They are incredibly painful and can cause extreme discomfort, so those dogs with it will tend to lick and bite at the affected paw to help bring some relief, which can make them difficult to manage.

"The cysts would swell, and eventually rupture and weep a bloody discharge. Lance sometimes would have cysts on all four paws, making it impossible to manage."

- Barbara

My 6-year-old Weimaraner dog, Lance, has been suffering from painful, recurring interdigital cysts and paw infections since puppyhood. The cysts would well and bleed and cause him chronic discomfort. At times, it felt relentless and impossible to manage, with rounds of antibiotic treatments to help get the infections under control. Interdigital cysts can affect dogs for many reasons, but his cysts are caused by environmental factors. In Florida, pond water is used to irrigate the lawns in our neighborhood – and he's allergic to it. It's full of all sorts of harmful bacteria and organisms, but sadly there's not a lot we can do to see that change.

"My dog's chiropractor specialises in holistic pet health care, and she suggested we try New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey to help get the lesions under control. Well, the rest is history."

Manuka honey was the miracle we needed

As a retired veterinary technician, I knew there had to be a better way. I knew there had to be alternative treatments for dogs with skin allergies. A few months back, we were visiting my dog's chiropractor who specialises in holistic pet health care, and that's when she started talking about the amazing benefits of Manuka honey for dogs and natural remedies for dog infections. She explained that she'd often use Manuka honey for dog and pet health, in their diet, or topically on wounds and suggested we give it a try. I didn't want to give him another harsh round of antibiotic treatments if I didn't have to, so I thought why not? She recommended we try New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey, and the rest is history.

A hand reaching out to a gray dog in autumn leaves.

"At this point, Lance's paws are 80% better. And compared to where we have been it's an absolute miracle. I believe it's all because of the Manuka honey."

I started adding a teaspoon of the UMF™ 10+ Manuka honey to my dog's morning meal, and he absolutely loved it. And after just two weeks, I could see the difference in his paws. I couldn't believe it. We're now two months in, and this simple routine has significantly improved his paw health. His paws are now 80% better, and compared to where we have been it's an absolute miracle. There are fewer lesions and the bleeding has reduced. He's always had a bit of a funky stomach too, and since taking the Manuka honey I've noticed his stools are a lot firmer so I think it's helping his gut as well.

Jar of Manuka honey with a wooden spoon on a light background.

Thank you New Zealand Honey Co.

New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey has not only improved his quality of life but has brought me peace of mind, knowing he's happier and healthier. If I can share my story, and help someone then that's enough for me. My advice to those dealing with similar issues is to give New Zealand Honey Co.'s Manuka honey a try. It's a non-invasive and natural product, so you have nothing to lose. I'll continue using the Manuka honey as part of my dog's routine for as long as he needs it. I have no desire to explore other brands, New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey's efficacy, packaging, and customer service were exceptional, and this reinforces my loyalty. I love the packaging, it's easy to get my spoon in there and it came quickly when I reordered.

"The improvement has been life-changing for Lance. He's now more comfortable, his occasional paw licking has reduced, and so far we've managed to avoid more rounds of medication."

Two bottles of supplements held against a pink background.

"Just give Manuka honey a try. It's a non-invasive natural product – so you have nothing to lose."

Could Manuka honey help your dog's interdigital cysts?

Barb's dog had been suffering from interdigital cysts since puppyhood, taking a huge toll on his well being, and Barb's too. However, since using New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey things have changed. We're so thankful to Barb for sharing her dog's story with us. If you're seeking a natural remedy to assist your dog's health concerns, New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey could help.

Check out our dedicated Pet Manuka Honey product that comes in a squeezy bottle, with a complimentary dosing spoon that makes giving your dog Manuka honey easy without the mess.

We do not recommend the use of Manuka honey as a replacement for seeking professional veterinary help. Always consult veterinary professionals in an emergency.

Customer Pick

Barbara recommends UMF™ 10+

Explore the same Manuka honey Barbara uses for Lance: New Zealand Honey Co. UMF™ 10+ | MGO 263+.

UMF™ 10+ | MGO 263+ Authentic New Zealand sourced Added daily to dog's meal
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