Tessa was a pleasure except for one thing – she scratched non-stop. It was painful to watch and unbearable for her. Her itching and subsequent scratching was continual; she slept on our bed – we could not sleep at night for an entire year. She had dry skin, “brillo pad” hair, constantly chewed her paws, and had dandruff everywhere. Tuffs of hair were everywhere as a reminder of her misery. We tried prednisone, antihistamines, special veterinary diets, shampoos, sprays, and other drugs; we even gave her Ivermectin shots because we thought she had mites.

Tessa was only 6 months old and i didn’t have the heart to keep her on heavy medications. I started reading everything I could about human and dog allergies. I made several changes that had a beneficial effect – I noticed that if I took a “sham Wow” and damped it, wiped her off with it, I could eliminate dust and pollen after walks. I changed her flea medication because I noticed increased scratching after application. I did a blood test, found out she was allergic to chicken and oatmeal. I had been bathing her in oatmeal shampoo – recommended as a skin conditioner. I had noticed she scratched more after shampooing and couldn’t figure out why – I had no idea she might be allergic to oatmeal!

I started home cooking, eliminated all the food items that showed up in her blood test, and picked one protein source and one carbohydrate. I took copious notes and literally documented everything. I was told that it takes 3 months for an allergen (e.g ., chicken) to leave the body so, I had to be patient. I started with duck and potato, then went to fish and rice, etc. and slowly built up the repertoire of food items. I eliminated all raw hides, bones, treats, etc.

After 3 months, I saw a change. Then, after each month – I noted bigger changes. Now over a year later: her skin is completely clear, no dandruff, her coat is glossy and soft. She does not have ear or eye infections. She has stopped scratching. I was “readying” myself this spring as the pollens came bursting out (we back onto an oak ridge and have a lot of plant life) but there’s been no scratching this year. I understand now, that when you reduce the allergens in the food, you reduce the total allergen threshold. As a result, Tessa is completely fine with the pollens this year. Even though her blood test showed that she is allergic to some weed, grass and tree pollens, she isn’t scratching at all.

I now home cook complete and balanced recipes using HILARY’S BLEND supplement and I am not using any drugs at all. Tessa is a new dog – it’s unreal! I wish everyone knew about this because I understand that many dogs are put to sleep due to allergies – what a tragedy !!! On my many walks, trips to the park, and pet stores, I have met more and more people who are at their “wits end” due to their beloved pets continual ear/eye infections, biting paws, scratching, “hot spot” skin sores, etc. I tell all of them “Tessa’s story” – I hope this helps other owners whose dogs have these kinds of problems.