At 4kgs, and 11 years old we knew there wasn’t much we could do for our tiny Pomeranian dog. She’s had a collapsing trachea since she was small, but we’d been able to manage it ourselves until recently. Now, the coughing fits were so bad that any excitement, nervousness, or fear would set her off. Something as simple as a child coming towards her would send her into an episode of coughing. It got to a point where we couldn't even put her in a harness, the pressure of the straps would make it difficult for her to breathe. We’d looked into surgery, but it wasn’t an option as she’s too small and too old. Seeing her like this made me anxious. I was on high alert all the time, wondering when the next coughing episode would start and if she was going to be okay.

Desperate for help, I joined Dogs with Collapsed Trachea Support and Discussion Group on Facebook. Here I found thousands of other dog owners just like me. I introduced myself, told the group our situation, and that I was looking for a natural cough remedy for dogs. As a vegan, I’ve always been into alternative medicine and natural therapies, so I made it clear that I didn’t want to go down the medicinal route. And that’s when it just kept coming… manuka honey, manuka honey, manuka honey, with lots of people recommending that I try New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey for dogs. They were all sharing their experiences, and educating me on the dos and don’ts of manuka honey. Many said that I needed to choose a brand that was authentic and traceable, and that I needed to choose a high grade in order to see results. With that new information and the recommendation, I searched the New Zealand Honey Co. website and found everything I needed to start our manuka honey journey.

We started her slowly on a lower dose. She started on the Manuka Honey UMF™ 15+| MGO 514+, and she’s now taking the Manuka Honey UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+. I didn’t notice a massive difference in the strengths, but what I did notice is that her symptoms subside for longer periods when she’s taking the UMF™ 20+ | MGO 829+, and the coughing is almost non-existent. I can count how many times it’s happened in the last three months since she’s started taking New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey. And I feel better too, I no longer feel anxious now that I have a solution to hand.

I give her the New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey twice a day, morning and night regardless of what kind of day she is having. And I always give it to her at the same time, straight after breakfast and straight after dinner, and I’ll top her up if she’s having an episode during the day. When she takes the honey she takes it directly off my finger, and she loves the taste. The second I say the word “honey”, she comes running. She’ll avoid water If she’s having a coughing episode. You’d think it would be the first thing she’d go for, but she just refuses. The second I offer her the manuka honey and she takes it, it immediately calms the coughing and soothes her throat. She had her first coughing episode just two weeks ago, and we’ve been taking New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey for over three months now.

I recently took her to the vet for a general check-up. We informed the vet that we were giving her a high grade of manuka honey from New Zealand Honey Co. to help with the coughing fits. The vet thought that was just fabulous, and encouraged us to carry on.

I also volunteer for the British Hen Welfare Trust, so we rescue hens from slaughter and rehome them with people. I noticed one of my colleagues there using manuka honey for wounds. She’d apply it directly to the open wound on the hen, and then bandage it up. She even keeps it in her medical kit so she has it on hand whenever she needs it. Watching her use manuka honey as a treatment for wounds, and having my own experience with my Pomeranian dog has changed how I see manuka honey. I now see it as medicine.

My family can’t believe I’m giving my dog manuka honey. They’re like wow, you’re crazy and I tell them the results speak for themselves. And you know what, if it works, I’ll keep going. I want my Pomeranian to be here for as long as possible. That’s the goal. So many of my friends and family have children, but we have dogs. And I will do anything for my dogs. It could cost the world, and I’d still do it. But the thing is, I can’t deny the results New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey has brought my dog. I simply can’t.

Jenny's Pomeranian, Pickles.

If you have a dog with a collapsed trachea, try New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey. You will thank yourself for it. I’m so grateful I found it when I did. Because of manuka honey, I no longer feel anxious about the coughing fits and I know that I have what I need to make her feel better.

Jenny’s Pomeranian had suffered with a collapsed trachea since she was little, this affected her daily life and stopped her from doing the things she loved. New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey not only soothed her coughing episodes and respiratory distress, but it also gave her back her quality of life. We’re so thankful to Jenny for sharing her story. If you’re seeking an effective and proven natural remedy, New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka honey could be what you’re looking for. Explore our product range online, or learn about the specific UMF™ grades to see which of our products is right for you.

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