This is Jeppy, a 3-year-old Chihuahua/Poodle Mix. Jeppy and his dad do everything together, including fishing.
Jeppy joined his dad fishing one afternoon, and when his dad left for a few seconds, Jeppy took advantage of the unsupervised fishing pole and enjoyed a tasty worm snack. Unfortunately, he also swallowed the fishing hook. Jeppy was rushed to the vet where his family was told that Jeppy would need surgery to remove the fishing hook. Jeppy's parents just had a baby, his mom isn't working, and the only income the family has right now is his dad's. This unexpected expense could not come at a worse time. Dogs are great companions, even when fishing; however, shiny lures and bait are pretty tempting for our furry friends. PetMD reminds us that if a fishhook should become embedded in the dog's paw, mouth, esophagus or stomach it requires special care (including sedation, minor surgery, endoscopy and pain medications) to remove it. For those who don’t know, if a fishing hook is caught in your dog’s mouth or paw, the dog will probably need to be sedated to have the tips cut before being removed. If the hook is swallowed, the situation is more dangerous. As the fish hook moves through the dog’s intestines, the barbs of a fish hook will damage the lining. These small cuts will likely heal but if the hook pokes through the intestinal lining bacteria will leak into the abdomen, which can lead to death. Be sure to reach out to your vet for any fish hook incidents with your pup. Jeppy's dad applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help with this unexpected veterinary bill, and we were more than happy to provide assistance. Jeppy had his surgery and his dad says he's recovering well, and that he learned a very valuable lesson to never leave any items unsupervised around Jeppy! No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Will you donate $10 today to help us continue to help fur kids get back on their paws? Donations are tax deductible. Or you can join our pack to help get fur kids back on their paws by becoming a volunteer. If you didn’t know, Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming.
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This is Pachino, a Shi-Poo pup. He's the light in his family's eyes, and his human siblings love spoiling him. So his family was very upset when he started throwing up and had severe diarrhea. They took him to the vet where he was tested for parvo, which was negative; however, he wasn’t getting better.
His family lives off of a single income, and his mom knew that she would need to pay for more tests, but was unsure of how she could pay for them. She applied to Fur Kids Foundation for assistance with Pachino’s additional veterinary care. After visiting with her children, Pachino's mom learned that they had been giving their furry best friend hot dogs, which were causing a very upset belly for this micro pup. Pachino was sent home with some medicine to help calm his belly and is expected to be feeling better in no time. His mom has also had a conversation with her kids about giving their pup treats. It’s hard to resist giving your begging pooch a bite of your steak, a nip of cheddar for the cheese tax, or even just a few extra of the Fido friendly treats you buy at the store. Some of us may feel that slipping our four legged companions a treat off our plate is often another way to show how much we love them. Unfortunately some of our table scraps can be harmful for our pups or even toxic, and can lead to weight issues. Hills Pet Nutrition reminds us that a dog’s digestive system is different from a human's. Human food is often too fatty for our dogs to digest, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis. Human foods can also contain an unhealthy amount of sodium and even be toxic for our dogs. Examples of toxic foods include:
And often, many of the processed foods we enjoy have artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which are extremely toxic to pets. It’s very important for you to learn what foods are toxic to dogs so that your dog isn’t given them. Now, we aren’t saying that you can’t give your dogs treats, or that all of the foods you enjoy can’t be given to your dogs. However, we do encourage you to give your pooch healthy, single ingredient, high-quality treats and factor them into their daily calorie requirements so they don’t become overweight. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Will you donate $10 today to help us continue to help fur kids get back on their paws? Donations are tax deductible. Or you can join our pack to help get fur kids back on their paws by becoming a volunteer. If you didn’t know, Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. This is Hope, a 2-year-old Pit Bull. Her mom says Hope isn't just a pet to them, she is family. Hope is her daughter's best friend, doesn't judge the family, and always listens.
The whole family was very upset when Hope started acting uncomfortable–not eating and showing signs of distress. Her dad had been chopping trees in the backyard and they were afraid Hope had chewed on a stick and it caused an obstruction. Hope's family has a single income and this expense was outside of their budget, so they applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help with Hope’s emergency veterinary bill. At the vet it was discovered that Hope didn't have an obstruction, but she was very constipated–thankfully that was what was causing her discomfort. Hope was monitored at the clinic and given some medication, and she was starting to be able to go potty when we last heard from her family. Most pups go No. 2 at least two times a day (or, as often as they are fed). VCA Animal Hospitals reports that if your dog is constipated, they will attempt to pass feces unsuccessfully several times. Other signs may include:
Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian if your dog doesn’t have a bowel movement within 48-72 hours of their previous bowel movement. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Will you donate $10 today to help us continue to help fur kids get back on their paws? Donations are tax deductible. Or you can join our pack to help get fur kids back on their paws by becoming a volunteer. If you didn’t know, Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. This is Liberty Bell, a 15-year-old Dachshund. Liberty has lived a full life with her mom who has done everything she can for Liberty. Over the years, they've shared a lot of experiences and made a lot of memories.
Liberty's mom has been out of work for the summer due to surgery. During this time, she noticed that her beautiful Liberty was declining in health quickly. As hard as it was for her mom to come to terms with the fact that her dog’s health was failing, she knew it was time to help Liberty cross the Rainbow Bridge. Being out of work for so long, her mom couldn't afford the extra cost for euthanasia. Liberty's mom applied for assistance so her sweet girl didn't have to suffer any longer. We wish her mom didn't have to feel this pain, but were happy we could be there for her during this incredibly difficult time. This isn't a typical happy ending blog we like to share, but it’s an important one. Part of Fur Kids Foundation's mission encourages responsible pet ownership. Sometimes that looks like getting your pet dental cleaning, spaying/neutering and vaccinations, while other times it looks like helping them cross the Rainbow Bridge so that they don't have to suffer. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Will you donate $10 today to help us continue to help fur kids get back on their paws? Donations are tax deductible. Or you can join our pack to help get fur kids back on their paws by becoming a volunteer. If you didn’t know, Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. This is Mister, a 10-month-old Pit Bull, who is his mom’s baby boy. One night while visiting a friend, Mister unexpectedly ran into the road and was hit by a car. However, when the incident was over, Mister’s seemed fine. So, his mom decided to keep a close watch on him overnight before rushing him to the vet.
Unfortunately, the next day Mister was limping and crying. His mom knew that he was going to need to be seen at the vet. Mister’s mom does the very best she can to provide for Mister and her family; however, she has a very small income. She applied to Fur Kids Foundation for assistance with Mister’s emergency veterinary visit and we were more than happy to help. At the clinic, Mister received x-rays, which luckily didn't show a break, and was given some pain medicine. Because of his young age, the vet will do a few follow up visits to ensure Mister is healthy and that his accident won't cause any issues as he ages. Even if you don't think your dog is hurt after being hit by a car, and you don't see any wounds, Fur Kids Foundation wants you to know that it is important to bring your dog to the vet. Many times, injuries are internal and may not be immediately obvious without having a thorough physical examination performed along with X-rays and/or an ultrasound. We encourage you to call your veterinarian's office while you are on the way or have another person let them know you are en-route with a dog that was hit by a car to allow the veterinary team to prepare for your arrival. Depending on the type of trauma your dog has experienced, they may need oxygen therapy, X-rays, an ultrasound, surgery, or simply medication to help prevent infection and ease pain. Some dogs that are hit by cars may not survive due to internal injuries and bleeding, while others will make a full recovery. The prognosis will depend entirely on the type of trauma endured from the car, and your veterinarian is best equipped to help treat that injury. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or sign up to become a volunteer. This is Shadow, a 3-year-old mixed pup. His mom rescued him from a bad situation a few years ago, saying he was very timid and scared, but has blossomed into a sweet and affectionate part of their family.
Shadow's mom was devastated when two neighborhood dogs got loose and attacked Shadow causing deep puncture wounds and severe injuries to his back legs. Shadow's mom is currently working part time while she is looking for full-time employment and was not expecting this at all. She knew Shadow's injuries needed to be addressed by a vet, but was afraid she wouldn’t be able to afford the cost of the treatment. She applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help with Shadow’s emergency veterinary care. Shadow's injuries were fixed up and thoroughly cleaned. Some of his injuries are in locations they cannot be bandaged, so his mom needs to keep them cleaned and dry; because of the time of year, maggots are possible to get into some infections. Aside from feeling sore and down, Shadow is expected to make a full recovery and his mom is hoping this attack doesn't hinder the growth he's had since coming home. Even if your dog's injuries don't look serious, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to take your dog immediately to the vet for an exam. Often, the puncture you see on the outside of the skin is just the tip of the iceberg in a bite wound–tissue can be damaged under the puncture, and a pocket is created. There may be bleeding or nerve damage under the skin that cannot be seen through the puncture. On top of that, dog’s teeth carry bacteria with it into the pocket and that creates a good environment for an abscess to form. If you do choose to wait, or treat the injury at home, if you see your dog vomiting, acting depressed or weak, or having difficulty breathing, it is an emergency and you should take your dog to a veterinarian ASAP. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or sign up to become a volunteer. This is Kanga, a 3-year-old Black Mouth Cur mixed breed. According to her mom, Kanga is "the greatest love of my life. She is everything to me. She was hurting and in pain and so sick, yet she tried to lick my tears and give me comfort with her sweet kisses."
Recently, Kanga suddenly became incredibly ill–she was vomiting frequently and unable to keep any food or water down, and often there was blood in her vomit; she also had bloody diarrhea. The vomiting and diarrhea made Kanga very weak and dangerously dehydrated. Once she realized how sick poor Kanga was, her mom rushed her to the vet where she learned that Kanga had hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. Once diagnosed, Kanga was required to stay overnight at the clinic to receive fluids, antibiotics and other stomach medication until she was feeling well enough to leave. Her mom, who has had medical issues and has been unable to work for the last two years, knew an overnight stay was going to be hard on her already limited income. She applied with Fur Kids Foundation for help with Kanga’s emergency veterinary care. We were more than happy to help. While still weak, Kango is home and expected to make a full recovery. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE), happens without warning in healthy dogs, and is frequently diagnosed by vomiting and bloody diarrhea; however, some dogs may have a painful abdomen, decreased appetite, weakness, or fever. It can affect any breed, age, size, or gender of canine. If left untreated, HGE can be fatal. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or sign up to become a volunteer. Meet Taz, a 1.5-year-old German Shepherd, and Rocky, a 10-year-old Chihuahua. This duo recently spent some time away from home in a dog boarding business when their parents had to make a trip to Colorado for a medical procedure for one of their children.
When Taz and Rocky's parents came back, both were coughing a lot. Their parents were scared that they both had kennel cough since they weren't vaccinated. The boarding facility told them that the dogs had barked the whole time they were gone, likely causing the cough and the horseness of their barks. Their parents brought them to the vet, where they were told the same thing. The vet said that the raspy barks should get better with time and they were sent home to recover. Unfortunately, neither of the dogs improved. They both continued to cough; however, poor Taz coughed so hard that he would throw up, which caused him to aspirate and get pneumonia. Rocky was coughing so hard he passed out. At the vet they found that he had a stage six heart murmur, and the coughing was causing him to lose oxygen. The bill from multiple stays at the veterinary clinic was far more than their parents could afford, especially with their recent medical trip out of state, so they applied to Fur Kids Foundation for assistance. With help from our supporters, we were able to help this family’s pups get the treatment they needed. We are happy to report that both pups are making a full recovery. According to the AKC, Kennel Cough (aka canine infectious tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease; it’s commonly caused by bordetella bacterium. Just like respiratory diseases in humans, kennel cough is spread from one dog to the other through airborne droplets, touching noses or other direct contact, or from surfaces that have been contaminated such as kennels, crates, water or food bowls. This disease is common to spread in areas where there are large gatherings of dogs, such as boarding and daycare facilities, parks, training groups, pet stores, and dog shows. Signs that you pooch may have kennel cough include:
One important note is that distemper and canine influenza both begin with symptoms nearly identical to kennel cough; as do a collapsing trachea, bronchitis, asthma, and even heart disease. It’s very important to take your dog to a vet should they have any of the signs outlined above. Thankfully, kennel cough is highly treatable (and preventable) in most dogs; however, it can be severe for puppies younger than 6 months old, senior dogs or dogs who are immunocompromised. A vaccine is available for kennel cough (bordetella bacterium), and Fur Kids Foundation strongly encourages pet parents of dogs who are frequently boarded, groomed, visit doggie day care, compete in canine sports, or are otherwise exposed to large groups of dogs would benefit from the vaccine. Check out this list of encouraged puppy vaccinations provided by the AKC. We encourage you to call the places that bring your dogs and make sure that you comply with their vaccination requirements. We also encourage you to check in with your vets every year to make sure your pets are up to date on all of their vaccinations to help keep your pup healthy. No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or sign up to become a volunteer. This is Bus, a 7-year-old Chihuahua Terrier Mix. His parents inherited Bus from their son when he was no longer able to care for him. Taking care of a pup wasn’t originally in their plans, but they couldn't pass up this handsome boy.
His parents are disabled and do the best they can for him by setting a budget for his necessities like food, toys, and treats. Recently they started to notice that Bus had bad breath and wasn't wanting to eat or chew anything hard. They knew it had to be something with his teeth. When they were told Bus would need multiple teeth pulled and that he had an infection that would require medication, his parents knew that they were outside of their budget. They applied with Fur Kids Foundation for help. According to VCA Animal Hospitals dental disease is one of the most common medical conditions seen by veterinarians; in fact, more than 80% of dogs over the age of 3 years old have active dental disease. When tartar collects on tooth surfaces and touches your dog’s gum line, it is time for a visit with your veterinarian about a dental cleaning. Fur Kids Foundation encourage you to have your pet’s teeth checked if you see any of the following signs:
Bus had multiple teeth removed and we are happy to report that he is already feeling better! No matter what is happening with your fur kid, at any stage of life, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your veterinarian sooner rather than later. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or sign up to become a volunteer. This is Jewel, a 5-year-old American Bully. Jewel's dad thought he would like to breed Jewel, so he never had her spayed.
A few months ago he noticed that Jewel had a slight vaginal discharge, but didn’t think he needed to talk to a vet about it. Recently, Jewel’s dad was put on temporary disability due to a work-related accident. Unfortunately, a little later on he noticed that the discharge was worse and Jewel was now acting like she didn’t feel well, so he brought her to the vet. The vet told Jewel's dad that she had pyometra and had it for a while now, which meant that Jewel needed life-saving surgery immediately. Jewel's dad applied to Fur Kids Foundation for assistance with the emergency veterinary visit. For those who don’t know, pyometra is an infection in the uterus that is often the result of hormonal changes. It is a serious and life-threatening condition that must be treated promptly and aggressively. Signs that a dog may have pyometra include:
Treatment for pyometra is an emergency spay, which Jewel had. She is expected to make a full recovery. We're sure even with surgery she already feels so much better! Jewel was lucky and survived Pyometra, but we've seen many cases of animals going a long period of time without being seen, and the infection continues to get worse. Jewel's uterus weighed four pounds due to the infection. If you notice your animal isn't feeling well and is not getting better after a day or two, Fur Kids Foundation strongly encourages you to call your vet and discuss what is happening. Please remember that Fur Kids Foundation is always available to apply to; we simply hate seeing animals suffer and are always happy to help. Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation or sign up to become a volunteer. |
Fur Kids FoundationWelcome to our blog! Get inspired by these amazing furry tales of recovery and hope! All because someone like YOU cared. Archives
May 2024
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