Do you want to know the biggest dog emergency we saw yesterday, so you know how to protect yourself from the same? It was a late in the afternoon call right before closing. The dog had been vomiting all day, couldn’t eat, and was now starting to get wobbly. The family was very concerned about a possible poisoning, since they had a very vocal neighbor who strongly disliked dogs (now that is a truly sad person to be sure). I warned them in advance, if the dog was critical, after coming here for an initial evaluation, they might still find themselves heading to an emergency hospital for overnight care. They understood.

The dog was Woodstock, a big, beautiful white great Pyrenees with the cutest black spots on his ears. He looked miserable, poor guy. I immediately felt his tummy (very painful), and checked his gums (pink but sticky), but his heart sounded ok, no swollen lymph nodes, and he was able to walk normally, though slowly, so we decided to start with bloodwork. He was a perfect gentleman for his sample. We ran it right in the lab we have on site (grateful for that), and by my well qualified team who stayed after hours to help (super grateful for that a well). We warmed up the x-ray machine, however, I promised that if we found the answer in the results, we might be able to save their money on those (grateful I have the knowledge and experience to feel confident about that). A few minutes later, we had the results. And our answers. I went back into the room to discuss what we found. To this the dad exclaimed with instant recognition, “Oh, for sure, it’s the pigs ears!”. You see, Woodstock had pancreatitis. A painful upset stomach often caused by eating something overly greasy the dog is not used to. We see this most commonly after Thanksgiving especially if dogs get into the trash. We treated him with fluids, antibiotics, pain medications, and pancreatic enzymes, and a lot of specific instructions on how to feed a bland diet for the next 3-4 days, and to watch for further vomiting, as then he might still ned that x-rays if say, that pig’s ear was actually causing an obstruction, as well. We will find out how he did today, I suspect he will be just fine.
The moral of the story is, I do not recommend pig’s ears. If you think about it, it’s pretty awful. Would you feed your dog dead cat ears to chew on for ‘fun’? I really don’t think so. The idea of one intelligent animal dying to feed another animal, is a tough one to actually wrap your head around, don’t you think? Have you ever thought about it? Why should pigs have to live on concrete, without bedding, inside small stalls in buildings, never getting to see outside, making stressed out chewing motions with their mouths all day long from stress and boredom, only to after a few months be herded down a hallway, and into a steel box, filled with gas, squealing in terror until they die? I recently was interviewed on a Podcast called All Beings Considered, and now have heard many stories from other veterinarians about what ‘meat’ animals live are really like behind the scenes, day by day. I knew it was bad, but now I am part of group of veterinarians who are actively trying to shine a light on what is happening with these animals, so I get to hear more about it, and see videos of it, every week.

As an animal lover, it’s super tough. Don’t you think? But there is nothing I can really do about it, except refuse to buy animal products (as I do), and refuse to feed my pets animal products (as I do), and teach others about how it not only can be done, but also all the science coming out proving how much better it is. Less cancer. Less allergies. Less inflammation in the body so less arthritis later in life. And I see it all day long in my practice, too. The proof is in the extra high fiber and antioxidant rich diet.
So if you are interested in learning more about how to keep your pet healthy, without the requirement of the death of another intelligent animal, then please reach out to me at Aspen Park Vet Hospital and we can get your family on the road to a healthy, compassionate diet.

And on a happier note, join us for the Breeder’s Cup Party this Saturday! Here is the link https://www.resqranch.org/breeders-cup-signup

And if you want something else to give your dog fun to do, without pig’s ears, how about a puzzle toy for Christmas? Here is a link to one in our store, get the perfect gift and feed a rescue horse, it’s a win-win! https://m0ztfs-p7.myshopify.com/products/interactive-dog-treat-puzzle-toy

Today I am grateful for a rewarding career, the sunrise, healthy animals, and all the things I already mentioned in my story.
​So do a little dance today to raise your vibration. Or do a big dance and turn the music up! You are the architect of your day, and you are doing great! Be kind to yourself, raise your vibration, and thank you for being an Animal Loving Angel. I appreciate you.
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​​​​​Check out my YouTube channel for a daily "Good Morning!" from the rescues and lots of free tips and training resources. https://www.youtube.com/@the1drq
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