Knotty Creek Animal Rescue

Knotty Creek Animal Rescue We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit, ensuring every animal experiences love, care, and brighter tomorrows!

Aurora Update 💛We’re still waiting to hear back from the specialist reviewing Aurora’s ultrasound. The vet sent the imag...
07/31/2025

Aurora Update 💛

We’re still waiting to hear back from the specialist reviewing Aurora’s ultrasound. The vet sent the imaging out for a radiologist consult, and if we don’t have an update by the end of the day, we’ll be calling first thing tomorrow morning.

Yesterday was incredibly tough for Aurora. She was weak in the back legs and had a hard time standing. Her family came home to a heartbreaking and graphic scene on their porch—out of respect for both Aurora and her people, we’ve chosen not to share those images publicly.

She got home from the vet around 9PM last night. While she didn’t want dinner at first, we were able to coax her into eating half a chicken breast, a spoonful of pumpkin, and even a piece of bacon—just enough to get her full round of medications in.

This morning, she ate her breakfast and received her second round of meds. Although she was hesitant to leave her kennel, her mom gave her a gentle bath to clean up her back end and help her feel more comfortable. By midday, Aurora was up and trotting around the yard—and is now soaking up the sunshine in the grass.

She’s definitely feeling better, and it’s clear the medication is helping. But we aren’t out of the woods just yet. We’re still waiting on the ultrasound report to get a full picture of what’s going on internally.

What we can say is: today is a win—and we’re holding onto that.

We’re getting close to our fundraising goal, but we’re not quite there yet to finish covering Aurora’s vet bill. Please continue to share her story and, if you’re able, donate. Every little bit helps and we’re so grateful for the outpouring of support.

🔗 https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/emergency-vet-care

PayPal- [email protected]

Venmo-


🐕 Did You Know? Dogs Have a Second Nose.(And it plays a powerful role in how they "see" the world around them.)You alrea...
07/31/2025

🐕 Did You Know? Dogs Have a Second Nose.

(And it plays a powerful role in how they "see" the world around them.)

You already know your dog has a powerful sense of smell. But what you may not know is that dogs actually have two separate scent systems working at the same time.

In addition to their primary olfactory system, dogs have something called the vomeronasal organ—also known as Jacobson’s organ—which detects chemical signals we can’t even perceive.

👃 What Is the Vomeronasal Organ?
It’s a specialized scent-detecting structure located between the roof of the mouth and the nasal cavity.
This organ is wired to a part of the brain that processes instinctive and social behaviors, not conscious smell.
It’s used to detect pheromones and chemical cues—things like emotional states, reproductive status, territorial markings, and even sickness in other animals (and humans).

🧠 Why It Matters for Dog Owners:
🐾 Behavior Makes More Sense
Ever wonder why your dog freezes and "tastes" the air with their mouth slightly open? That’s the vomeronasal organ in action. It's how they gather deeper intel on people, places, and other animals.

👃 Not All Smelling Is Through the Nose
When a dog licks urine, sniffs another dog’s ears, or investigates a new visitor obsessively, they’re collecting information beyond simple scent—this organ decodes biological signals that shape behavior.

💛 Dogs Can Smell Emotions
Dogs can detect cortisol spikes (stress), adrenaline, and even changes in sweat. This helps them identify fear, illness, and emotional distress, which is why they’re so sensitive to human mood shifts.

🩺 Medical Detection Dogs Use It, Too
Dogs trained to detect seizures, cancer, or diabetic lows rely heavily on their vomeronasal organ to pick up subtle chemical changes before outward signs appear.

🐶 What This Means in Rescue and Training:
For rescue dogs—many of whom come from uncertain or traumatic backgrounds—this organ plays a role in how they process new environments, people, and dogs.

A dog who seems shy or reactive may be overwhelmed by chemical information from other animals or humans.
Dogs often sense emotional tension in a household before it becomes visible to people.
Giving dogs time to gather this "hidden information" can reduce stress and improve trust-building in new homes.

📚 Trusted References:
National Institutes of Health (NIH): “Structure and function of the vomeronasal organ”
AKC Canine Anatomy Series
Whole Dog Journal: “Your Dog’s Nose Knows—Twice”
Journal of Comparative Neurology: "Neurobiology of the Vomeronasal System"

👀 Your dog isn’t just sniffing. They’re analyzing chemistry, sensing emotion, and interacting with the world in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

So the next time they stop and sniff something with fascination, remember—they might be reading a story you can’t see. 🐾

💔 URGENT: She Needs Our Help 💔One of our girls was rushed to the emergency vet after being found weak and bleeding. She’...
07/31/2025

💔 URGENT: She Needs Our Help 💔

One of our girls was rushed to the emergency vet after being found weak and bleeding. She’s since undergone:

• X-rays
• Vaginal ultrasound
• Full bloodwork
• IV fluids

Thankfully, her bladder is intact, but she has significant inflammation in her abdomen and pelvic region. She’s now starting a strong course of medication and being closely monitored. Depending on how she responds, she may still need to be seen by a specialist.

Her current medical bill is $1,591.65, and she will need to return for follow-up care next week.

We’ve covered what we can, but this is a major unexpected expense. If you’re in a position to help — even just a few dollars — it truly makes a difference. 💛

📍 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/emergency-vet-care
🙏 And please share — her life depends on it.

🚨 EMERGENCY VET RUN — Community Dog Bleeding Internally 🚨This morning, a local dog owner walked out to a terrifying scen...
07/30/2025

🚨 EMERGENCY VET RUN — Community Dog Bleeding Internally 🚨

This morning, a local dog owner walked out to a terrifying scene — pools of blood on the porch and their dog laying near the trees, bleeding heavily from her back end. She is responsive but unable to walk, and the source of the bleeding is still unknown. It could be internal trauma, poisoning, or a rupture — but what we do know is she needs emergency medical care immediately.

We’re on our way to the ER vet now. The initial visit is covered to get her in the vet, but we need help to cover the full cost of diagnostics, treatment, and supportive care.

💔 Blood was found in multiple spots — both vomited and from the rear. We’re acting fast and doing everything we can to save her.

🧡 If you can help, please consider donating or sharing. Every single dollar goes directly toward her emergency vet care.

👉 DONATE HERE: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/emergency-vet-care
Memo: Emergency Vet — Bleeding Dog

We’ll update everyone as soon as we get news from the vet. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Please share this post!

🚨 What You NEED to Know About Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) 🚨One of the deadliest and most contagious viruses in dogs—especi...
07/30/2025

🚨 What You NEED to Know About Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) 🚨

One of the deadliest and most contagious viruses in dogs—especially puppies.

Parvo is a serious viral disease that spreads like wildfire and kills fast—especially in puppies under 6 months and unvaccinated dogs. It doesn’t just affect one dog—it can contaminate your entire yard, home, or kennel for years.

🦠 What Is Parvo?

Canine Parvovirus (CPV) attacks a dog’s gastrointestinal system, causing severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. There’s also a rarer form that attacks the heart, mostly in very young puppies.

It spreads quickly and can kill within 48–72 hours if untreated.

⏳ How Long Can Parvo Survive Without a Host?

This virus is shockingly tough. It can survive:

Up to 7 years in soil or porous surfaces like carpets or concrete

Surfaces like bowls, shoes, clothing, or kennels for months to years

Freezing and most cleaning products won’t kill it

✅ Only specific disinfectants—like bleach (1:30 dilution) or veterinary-grade virucides (Rescue™, Trifectant®, Accel®)—will eliminate it.

🐾 How Do Dogs Catch Parvo?

Parvo is spread through:

Direct contact with infected f***s

Indirect contact with contaminated surfaces (hands, shoes, floors, kennels, food bowls)

Dog parks, sidewalks, vet offices, grooming tables, or crates

💩 One infected dog sheds billions of viral particles—and it only takes a thousand to infect another.

📉 Symptoms of Parvo:

Lethargy, depression

Vomiting

Bloody or foul-smelling diarrhea

Dehydration

Rapid weight loss

Fever or low temperature

Collapse or sudden death in puppies

⚠️ Parvo acts fast. If you see symptoms, rush to the vet—don’t wait.

🛡️ Preventing Parvo:

Follow a vet-recommended vaccine schedule (starting at 6–8 weeks old)

Keep puppies away from public places until fully vaccinated

Quarantine any sick dog for at least 6 weeks

Disinfect any areas exposed to illness thoroughly

Always change shoes or sanitize before walking in high-risk areas like shelters or kennels

📚 Sources & References:

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: vet.cornell.edu

Merck Veterinary Manual: merckvetmanual.com

American Veterinary Medical Association: avma.org

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine

ASPCA Pet Health Center: aspcapetinsurance.com

Rescue™ Disinfectant FAQ: rescuedisinfectants.com

07/28/2025

💩💦 Giardia & Coccidia – The Invisible Parasites That Wreak Havoc in Puppies

These two protozoal parasites are among the most common causes of diarrhea in puppies and rescue dogs—especially those in group housing, outdoors, or rural areas.

🧬 Giardia:

Spread through water contaminated with f***s

Found in puddles, ditches, lakes, creeks, even wet grass

Puppies and immunocompromised dogs are most at risk

🧬 Coccidia:

Spread through contact with infected f***s or dirty surfaces

Often picked up in kennels, shelters, yards, or during transport

📉 Symptoms of Both:

Soft, mucousy, or watery diarrhea

Weight loss despite eating

Foul-smelling stool

Bloating or abdominal discomfort

Lethargy in moderate to severe cases

Giardia can be chronic or intermittent. Coccidia is particularly severe in young puppies, who can dehydrate quickly.

🧪 Diagnosis:

Requires microscopic f***l exam or ELISA snap tests

Multiple stool samples may be needed

🛡️ Prevention:

Clean up p**p immediately

Sanitize crates, water bowls, and play areas regularly

Don’t let dogs drink from standing or natural water

Keep high-risk pups off public grass until fully vaccinated

📚 References:

Cornell CVM, PetMD, Companion Animal Parasite Council, VCA Hospitals

07/25/2025

Blastomycosis in Dogs – The Hidden Fungal Danger in the Pacific Northwest

Blastomycosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, a fungus that lives in moist, organic-rich soil, decaying wood, and riverbanks—environments that are everywhere in the PNW.

🧬 How It Infects:

Dogs inhale microscopic fungal spores when they:

Dig or root in wet, muddy ground

Sniff rotting logs, piles of leaves, or compost

Walk along creeks, swamps, or riverbanks

Once inhaled, the spores transform in the lungs and spread through the bloodstream, affecting major organs.

🐾 High-Risk Dogs:

Hunting dogs or trail dogs

Puppies or immunocompromised dogs

Dogs who live or play near rivers, lakes, or woods

📉 Symptoms (May Take Weeks to Appear):

Persistent cough or labored breathing

Weight loss, fever, loss of appetite

Skin lesions that don’t heal or drain pus

Eye inflammation, vision loss, or swelling

Limping from bone infection (osteomyelitis)

⏳ Without treatment, the infection becomes life-threatening. Early detection is critical, but diagnosis can be difficult.

🛡️ Prevention:

Avoid allowing dogs to dig or sniff in damp, decaying areas

Clean dogs after muddy hikes or outdoor work

Ask your vet to run chest X-rays or fungal tests if symptoms match

📚 References:

Cornell Vet, CDC, Merck Vet Manual, PetMD

🕷️🌿

#5: Tick-Borne Diseases in the PNW – A Growing Threat in Forests and Trails

Ticks are no longer just an East Coast problem. In the PNW, tick activity is rising due to warming temperatures and wildlife movement. Ticks in our region can spread:

Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)

Anaplasmosis

Ehrlichiosis

(And rarely, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)

🧬 How Dogs Get Infected:

Ticks latch onto your dog during hikes, play, or even backyard time. Infection occurs after a tick feeds for 24–48 hours, injecting bacteria into the bloodstream.

🐾 Common Symptoms (Can Take Weeks to Show):

Limping that comes and goes or shifts legs

Joint swelling, reluctance to move

Fever, fatigue, or depression

Bruising or nosebleeds

In severe cases: kidney failure or neurological signs

🧪 Diagnosis:

Blood tests may need to be repeated

Some diseases lie dormant for months

🛡️ Prevention:

Use vet-recommended monthly tick preventatives (Simparica, NexGard, etc.)

Check your dog daily after hiking, especially:

Ears

Groin

Between toes

Under collar

Consider the Lyme vaccine if you’re in a high-risk area

📚 References:

CDC, OSU Extension, Merck Vet Manual, Companion Animal Parasite Council

07/23/2025

⏳ How Long Does Distemper Live Without a Host?

Distemper is less hardy than Parvo but still dangerous. It can survive:

Up to a few hours in the open air, depending on temperature and humidity

Longer on surfaces like water bowls, bedding, and toys—especially in cool, damp conditions

🧴 It is killed by most disinfectants, but airborne exposure makes prevention harder.

⚠️ Symptoms of Canine Distemper:

🩺 Early signs:

Fever

Watery or pus-like eye and nose discharge

Coughing

Lethargy

Loss of appetite

Vomiting or diarrhea

🧠 Neurological signs (often permanent):

Head tilt or twitching

Seizures (especially “chewing gum” seizures)

Wobbliness, circling, or paralysis

Thickened paw pads or nose (called “hard pad disease”)

Dogs that survive the acute phase often live with lifelong nervous system damage.

🛡️ Distemper Prevention:

Vaccinate on time! Puppies usually need vaccines at 6, 8, 12, and 16 weeks

Avoid high-traffic dog areas until pups are fully vaccinated

Keep sick or exposed dogs isolated for at least 4–6 weeks

Limit wildlife exposure (especially raccoons or foxes)

Use proper PPE and disinfection in rescue and kennel settings

❤️‍🔥 There Is No Cure—But It Is Preventable

Treatment is supportive only—fluids, antibiotics (to prevent secondary infection), seizure medication, etc. Survivors may suffer from neurological issues for life.

📚 Trusted Sources:

American Veterinary Medical Association: avma.org

Merck Veterinary Manual: merckvetmanual.com

Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine: vet.cornell.edu

CDC - Canine Distemper and Wildlife Risk: cdc.gov

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: vetmed.ucdavis.edu

07/21/2025

Blue-Green Algae Toxicity – A Deadly Summertime Risk in PNW Waters

Every summer, lakes, ponds, and even rivers in the PNW develop toxic algae blooms (cyanobacteria). Dogs are at serious risk because they love to swim, drink, and play in the water—often before signs are posted.

🌊 What It Looks Like:

Bright green, blue-green, or brown film

May look like paint, slime, or foam

Found in warm, stagnant water in lakes, ponds, or slow rivers

☠️ How It Harms:

Cyanobacteria produce neurotoxins and liver toxins

Just a few laps or licks of contaminated water can lead to:

Seizures

Liver failure

Death in under an hour

📉 Symptoms (Appear Within Minutes to Hours):

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling

Disorientation, tremors, seizures

Trouble breathing

Blue or pale gums

Collapse, coma, and death

💬 There is no antidote—only emergency care. Death often happens before you can reach the vet.

🛡️ Prevention:

NEVER let your dog drink from water with visible scum

Stay updated on Oregon & Washington water advisories

After any swim, rinse your dog off thoroughly

Carry clean water and a travel bowl when hiking

📚 References:

Oregon Health Authority, CDC, ASPCA, Washington Dept. of Ecology, VetMed Washington State University

🚨 Leptospirosis in Dogs: The Hidden Danger in Water and Wildlife 🚨What every dog owner, breeder, and rescuer should know...
07/19/2025

🚨 Leptospirosis in Dogs: The Hidden Danger in Water and Wildlife 🚨

What every dog owner, breeder, and rescuer should know.

Leptospirosis (or “Lepto”) is a serious bacterial disease that affects dogs, wildlife, livestock—and even humans. It’s spread through water contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rats and mice, and it can cause organ failure or death if untreated.

🐀 How Do Dogs Get Lepto?

The Leptospira bacteria thrive in warm, wet environments and spread easily through:

Standing water, puddles, ponds, streams, or wet soil

Urine of infected wildlife or rodents (especially rats, mice, raccoons, opossums, and skunks)

Contaminated food bowls, bedding, or soil

Open cuts, mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), or drinking contaminated water

Dogs can also get infected by sniffing or licking urine-soaked surfaces—and so can humans.

🧬 What Are the Symptoms in Dogs?

Fever and muscle pain

Vomiting and diarrhea

Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)

Increased thirst and urination

Weakness or lethargy

Nosebleeds or bloody stools

Kidney or liver failure

In some cases: sudden death

⚠️ Many dogs show mild signs at first, making early detection difficult. It can be fatal or cause lifelong damage to kidneys and liver if not treated fast.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Dog:

✅ Vaccinate annually (especially in rural, farm, or wet areas)

✅ Don’t let dogs drink from puddles, ditches, or unknown water sources

✅ Control rodents around your home, kennels, or barns

✅ Avoid high-risk areas after flooding or heavy rains

✅ Disinfect surfaces with a proper cleaner if exposed to wildlife

🚨👨‍⚕️Zoonotic Risk to Humans:

Leptospirosis can be passed from dogs to humans—especially through urine or contaminated water. Protect yourself when cleaning up accidents or caring for a sick pet by using gloves and disinfectants.

📚 References:

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): www.avma.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis

Merck Veterinary Manual: www.merckvetmanual.com

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: vet.cornell.edu

PetMD - Leptospirosis in Dogs: www.petmd.com

🐶🌊

07/18/2025

✨ Gut Health Is the Foundation ✨When your dog has digestive issues, the symptoms are easy to spot: loose stools, stinky gas, and poor appetite. But what about the not-so-obvious effects?

Poor gut health can impact energy levels, mood, immune function, and even coat condition.

That’s why Canine Essentials Probiotic was designed to support overall health—not just digestion.

🛒 Order on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7Sg58eD

✂️ Nail Trimming Matters — Here's WhyOvergrown nails affect a dog’s posture, joints, and confidence. Long nails can caus...
07/18/2025

✂️ Nail Trimming Matters — Here's Why

Overgrown nails affect a dog’s posture, joints, and confidence. Long nails can cause pain, splayed toes, and even arthritis over time.

💡 Tip: Use treats and go slow. Just trim the tip, and always avoid the quick!

🎥 Watch how-to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fz1kZhnYJU

Address

Riggs Hill Rd
Sweet Home, OR
97386

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+15416660076

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