Raya's Royals

21/08/2025

Ended up getting that painted and put up!! Should be 10x easier to find us now. 🥰

21/08/2025

21/08/2025

Can you tell who they'd protect first if someone were to break in? 😂💙💛

20/08/2025

Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms & How to Prevent

Tick-borne disease is a growing threat to both canine and human health. Ticks are parasites that attach themselves to animals and people, feed on blood, and transmit diseases directly into the host’s system. The disease occurs when an infected tick bites a dog or a human and transmits the disease into the victim’s body.

The geographic distribution of ticks is changing due to climate change, de-foresting, and the changing living and migrating patterns of deer, birds, and rodents. This can vary yearly or even by season. Ticks are in virtually all parts of the United States, including some urban areas, and many parts of the world. They present a danger to both people and pets.

The most important tick-borne diseases that affect dogs are Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis, and Hepatozoonosis. All can have serious health consequences for dogs and many can have serious health consequences for people as well.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a spirochete bacteria (Borrelia) carried by the Black-Legged Tick (more commonly known as the Deer Tick). This disease has typically been associated in the Northeast and upper Midwest areas of the United States. However, we are now also seeing it on the West Coast (Washington, Oregon, and California), as well as in Florida. In fact, Lyme has been detected on dogs in many parts of the country and also in some areas of southern Canada. The tick has to be attached to its host for about 36-48 hours for transmission of bacteria into the host. Signs of illness occur about 2-5 months after a tick bite.

It’s important to do a thorough check for ticks and remove them promptly after a walk in the woods or other grassy or shaded areas where ticks may reside. In urban areas, that may include your local dog park.

Signs of Lyme disease may include fever, lameness, limping, joint pain/swelling, enlargement of lymph nodes, and lethargy. Lyme disease can progress to kidney disease, which can become fatal. (Unlike Lyme in humans, dogs do NOT develop a “bull’s eye” rash.)

A veterinarian will usually use blood tests to diagnose a dog with Lyme disease. The initial test detects exposure to the tick-agent and helps the veterinarian determine additional testing as needed.

The treatment of a dog that is positive on the initial test but is otherwise healthy remains controversial amongst some veterinarians. When a veterinarian decides to treat a dog with Lyme, they’ll usually place the dog on antibiotics for 28-30 days.

There is a vaccination for Lyme disease and plenty of other tick preventatives. Though some question its duration and efficacy, the vaccine may reduce the rate and severity of the illness should it appear. Dog owners should speak to their veterinarian to determine if the vaccine is appropriate for their pet.

Canine Ehrlichiosis

Canine Ehrlichiosis is found worldwide. It is caused by several types of ticks: The Brown Dog Tick, Lone Star Tick, and Black-Legged Tick. Signs include fever, poor appetite, and low blood platelets (cells that help the clotting of blood), often noted by nose bleeds or other signs of bruising or anemia. Signs start about 1-3 weeks after the bite of an infected tick. Dogs diagnosed and treated promptly can have a good prognosis, but those who go on to the chronic phase have more difficulty recovering.

Anaplasma

Anaplasma is a disease caused by a bacterium carried by the Black-Legged Tick (Ixodes). Though Anaplasma is seen worldwide, there are two Anaplasma species known to detect disease in North American dogs:

Phagocytophilum: Northeast and the upper Midwestern United States

Platys: California and coastal states

The signs are similar to Lyme disease, though dogs with Anaplasma often have low blood platelets, which cause bleeding disorders.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

One of the more commonly known tick-borne diseases, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can affect dogs and humans. The American Dog Tick, Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, and Brown Deer Tick can carry the disease. This disease has been found in much of North, South, and Central America. Signs include fever, poor appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and joint pain. A dog may also have a low platelet count. Neurological signs, such as wobbliness, can sometimes occur.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is another disease caused primarily by the bite of a tick, but can also transfer from dog bites, transplacental transmission, and possibly through contaminated IV blood. Multiple tick species can carry this disease. The main issue associated with Babesiosis is “hemolysis,” or the breaking down of red blood cells. Symptoms include lethargy, pale gums, dark-colored urine, and jaundice.

Bartonella

Bartonella is an emerging infectious disease in dogs, as well as cats and humans. Also known as cat scratch disease (CSD), most infections occur after a flea-infested domestic or feral cat scratches a dog. CSD can occur wherever there are cats and fleas.

Hepatozoonosis

Hepatozoonosis is slightly different, in that a dog acquires the infection after ingesting an infected brown dog tick or Gulf Coast Tick. This disease is not zoonotic and people cannot catch this from infected dogs. This disease is generally found in the southern United States. Signs of the disease are pain and reluctance to stand or move, fever, muscle wasting, and mild-to-moderate anemia. This disease is severely debilitating and often fatal.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/tick-borne-diseases-dogs-prevent/?utm_campaign=20250719_1318_pupdate_drip-week-40+%232&utm_source=pupdate&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More

20/08/2025

How Do I Know if My Puppy Is Healthy?

Full of fun but sometimes mysterious, puppies always make you wonder about their next move. For new owners and those with previous paw knowledge, figuring out if a pup has a health issue can drive anyone batty. Is a loose stool OK? What about vomiting after a meal? And how many zzzs does a puppy need anyway?

What Does a ‘Normal’ Puppy Look Like?

When a puppy seems off their game, it helps to recognize the typical signs of good canine health. Making a daily habit of checking out your puppy’s physical and mental wellness can often make the difference between life and death.

“Dogs and cats are creatures of habit,” says Jerry Klein DVM, the American Kennel Club’s Chief Veterinarian, who is an expert in veterinary emergency and critical care.

Klein cautions owners to observe changes in their pup’s behavior and health and not to feel shy about contacting their veterinarian if they think their dog is acting odd.

“This includes changes in your pup’s appetite, repeated vomiting, or diarrhea in the same day or across several days,” says Klein. “Veterinarians would rather address issues early before they become significant.”

If you choose a new puppy from a breeder, it’s important to observe the pup’s overall condition and start with a healthy dog. Most likely, a reputable breeder will not offer an unhealthy pup for sale, but it’s helpful to spot puppies in tip-top condition on your own.

Signs of a Healthy Puppy

A Healthy Puppy’s Body

All dogs in a litter should have a similar body condition: not too plump or too bony. Puppy’s coats should be shiny and clean, without any irritate, red, or bare spots. These could indicate skin problems, such as mange or skin allergies. Puppy’s ears should be clean and free of order, discharge, and redness, and eyes should be bright and clear, also free of discharge.

A Healthy Puppy’s Temperament

When assessing a puppy’s activity level, remember to keep in mind their age, breed, personality, and Taking a nap is OK—even a few throughout the day is acceptable, but a puppy shouldn’t be lethargic once they’re awake. Once your puppy settles in, they should act curious to explore their surroundings and play with people or other dogs in the household.

When competing with their littermates for food, puppies are enthusiastic gobblers. After moving to a new home, it may take a few meals before your puppy cleans the plate. Skipping one or two meals is acceptable, but missing more than that or eating only a few bites warrants a call to the veterinarian.

When AKC Breeder of Merit Cathy Chapman, a 31-year breeder of Sadik Salukis, sells a puppy, she sends a few days’ worth of dog food she’s fed the litter.

“Feeding the same diet for a few days helps avoid loose stools or upset digestion,” says Chapman. “If owners want to change the food, it gives them a chance to do so gradually.”

What Does Healthy Puppy P**p Look Like?

Look for firm, regular stools and clear urine. Bloody urine may indicate a urinary tract infection. One loose or runny stool may not indicate a problem, but repeated bloody or watery stools lasting more than 24 hours could mean a problem. Bacteria, viruses, internal parasites, ingestion of a toxic substance, or overeating may be responsible.

As for vomiting, an occasional regurgitation is probably fine, but you’ll want to keep an eye on your puppy if they are vomiting. Repeated episodes after or during a meal signal a veterinary visit.

Common Conditions to Look Out For

Panosteitis

Chapman also advises owners about panosteitis, or “pano.” Large breed puppies between 5 months and 18 months are commonly diagnosed with pano, which is bone inflammation. The condition causes lameness or limping and may last a few days to a few weeks. It often goes away on its own.

“If they see their pup limping, they may not panic,” says Chapman. Fever, loss of appetite, or a high white blood cell count may accompany pano. These are signs of other serious illnesses, but a veterinarian can take blood samples and x-rays to rule them out.

Parvo in Dogs

Parvo is another condition far more dangerous and potentially deadly in puppies from 6 weeks to 6 months. Highly contagious, this virus weakens the immune system, attacks the stomach and small intestines, and increases the chance of a secondary bacterial infection.

Some commons signs of parvo include lethargy in dogs, weakness, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration. Recognizing the symptoms of parvo and getting your puppy to see the veterinarian immediately may help save its life. Many pups who survive the first three to four days of the disease can make a full recovery.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-my-puppy-healthy/?utm_campaign=20250719_1318_pupdate_drip-week-40+%232&utm_source=pupdate&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More

20/08/2025

Why Does My Puppy Go Wild at Night?

Just when you think your puppy should be settling down for the night, boom, your puppy jumps up and starts running around the house like there’s a squirrel to chase. But there’s no obvious reason for the behavior. There’s nothing ahead of them to chase and nothing behind chasing them. So, what’s gotten into them?

New dog owners are often surprised and even alarmed by this strange dog behavior. But there’s nothing to be worried about. Although it seems like your puppy is hallucinating imaginary playmates, it’s just a case of the zoomies.

What Are the Zoomies?

Zoomies are also known as “frapping” which comes from the acronym “F.R.A.P.” or “Frenetic Random Activity Period.” And that sums them up perfectly. Your puppy will show intense and random activity for a short burst of time. They might run in circles or start and stop on a dime. Play bows are often included in the display as well. This completely normal behavior is a way for your puppy to get rid of excess energy.

Because frapping releases energy, you can expect to see it when your dog is particularly excited or playful. Get that tennis ball out for a game of fetch and your puppy might start zooming all over the backyard. It will look like your puppy can’t contain their glee. At other times, a dog will get the zoomies after a stressful event, like after a bath. It’s as if they’re discharging the nervous tension that had built up. Or perhaps they’re simply delighted the event is over.

Zoomies also happen quite often at night. Especially with puppies who have been crated all day or have not been given enough opportunities to exercise. As soon as they get the chance to run around, they take it.

Even adult dogs get the zoomies, although the younger the dog the more frequently it seems to occur. Why is this such a common puppy behavior? Although puppies nap a lot, they also have huge bursts of activity each day. In general, they are more energetic than older dogs. As a dog ages and their energy level drops, the frequency of frapping usually drops too.

Are the Zoomies Safe?

You might be wondering if the zoomies are safe for your dog. There are only two concerns: obstacles and frequency. First, make sure there are no obstacles in your puppy’s path while they zoom. A fenced yard is a great place to let them get their energy out rather than a cluttered living room. Carpeted areas are safer too, so your puppy doesn’t wipe out and take a tumble. Also, make sure you keep any breakable knickknacks or delicate ornaments away from your puppy’s zooming path. If they bump a table leg, your heirlooms might go flying.

Second, watch the frequency of your puppy’s zooming. Most of the time it’s a harmless behavior that dogs appear to wholeheartedly enjoy. But if your dog is frapping all the time, you might be looking at something more serious. It could be an obsessive behavior that indicates a bigger problem. Your puppy might be dealing with a compulsive need to zoom or might be experiencing a high amount of stress. If you have any concerns about your puppy’s behavior, you can consult a dog trainer or animal behaviorist for help.

More likely, frequent zooming is a sign that your puppy isn’t getting enough exercise. Although puppies shouldn’t participate in strenuous exercise or activities like jumping that can damage their growing bones, puppies need physical and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and training sessions can give puppies a chance to release their energy. The more you meet your puppy’s physical and mental needs, the less they will need to frap.

How Do You Deal With the Zoomies?

Consider setting a routine for your puppy that includes time for play, time for training, and time for activity, whether that’s playing fetch in the yard or walking around the block. Be sure to get nap time in the routine too. Puppies need lots of rest spread throughout the day.

And although crates are an excellent training tool, your puppy shouldn’t be in there from dusk until dawn. If you can’t be home to let them out for bathroom breaks and some exercise, consider asking a neighbor or hiring a pet sitter to give your puppy some company and activity in the middle of the day. Then, when your puppy goes wild at night, you can relax and enjoy the show knowing there’s nothing to worry about.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-does-my-puppy-go-wild-at-night/?sc_src=email_2280807&sc_lid=139177371&sc_uid=HtPVuGmDqF&sc_llid=155&sc_eh=2fd4f473ed2742be1&utm_campaign=20250719_1318_pupdate_drip-week-40+%232&utm_source=pupdate&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More

20/08/2025

Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs

It’s important to protect your dog from poisonous plants. Whether you’re an avid gardener or have a few potted plants on your front stoop, some plants might not be your dog’s friend. In fact, many shrubs, trees, and flowers commonly found in the garden (and in the wild) are dangerous if your dog eats them. Some can cause discomfort, some will make your dog miserable, and some can even be fatal if ingested. If you think your dog may have eaten any poisonous plant, don’t wait – contact your vet or your local emergency vet right away to describe what they’ve eaten and any symptoms they’re experiencing.

Flowers and Bulbs Poisonous to Dogs

Autumn Crocus: These fall-blooming plants contain colchicine, which is extremely toxic, causing gastrointestinal bleeding, severe vomiting, kidney and liver damage, and respiratory failure. Symptoms might be delayed for several days, so don’t wait to seek veterinary attention if your dog has ingested any part of this plant.

Begonia: Often used in containers, these tubers can cause mouth irritation and difficulty swallowing when ingested.

Chrysanthemum: These common flowers contain lactones and pyrethrin, which cause intestinal irritation. While not lethal, eating any part of the plant can result in vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, skin rashes, and loss of coordination.

Daffodil: Ingesting any part of the plant, especially the bulb, can cause severe vomiting, drooling, tremors, respiratory distress, convulsions, and heart problems.

Daisies: These very common flowers contain sesquiterpene lactones which can cause gastrointestinal upset for dogs, especially if they eat a large amount of daisy plants.

Foxglove: All parts of these tall beautiful flowers, from the seeds to the petals, are extremely toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause cardiac failure and even death.

Geranium: All varieties of this common container plant are poisonous to dogs. The symptoms include lethargy, low blood pressure, skin rashes, and loss of appetite.

Iris: Ingesting any part of the plant can cause skin irritation, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy.

Lily: With so many different varieties of lilies, it’s hard to remember which are dangerous and which are relatively benign. Some — for example, daylilies — are extremely toxic to cats, but cause only gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Others, such as the calla lily, release a substance that burns and irritates a dog’s mouth and stomach. Symptoms can be mild to severe.

Lily of the Valley: Symptoms of ingestion include diarrhea, vomiting, a drop in heart rate, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Tulip and Hyacinth: The bulb is the most toxic part, but any part of these early-blooming flowers can be harmful to dogs, causing irritation to the mouth and esophagus. Typical symptoms include excessive drooling and vomiting. If many bulbs are eaten, symptoms may include an increased heart rate and irregular breathing. With care from a vet, dogs usually recover with no further ill effects.

Shrubs and Plants That Are Poisonous to Dogs

Aloe vera: This skin-soother for people contains saponin compounds which can make dogs sick if they chew and eat the plants. Consuming whole aloe vera plant material can give dogs gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. Aloe gel on its own isn’t toxic, but if a dog consumes whole aloe leaf, what they are eating includes the aloe latex which contains the toxic compounds.

Azalea and Rhododendron: Used in landscaping and found in the wild, the entire genus is extremely dangerous for dogs. Eating even a few leaves can cause serious issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, paralysis, shock, coma, and death.

Holly: Varieties include American holly, English holly, Japanese holly, and Christmas holly. Although some are less toxic than others, it is best to keep your dog away from any variety. Eating the leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal injury due to the plant’s spiny leaves. Symptoms include lip-smacking, drooling, and head shaking.

Hydrangea: With high concentrations of toxic substances in the flowers and leaves, ingestion, especially of the leaves and flowers, can cause lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal upsets.

Ivy: Although a vine rather than a shrub, ivy is a common part of many landscapes. The foliage of certain types of ivy plants is dangerous to dogs, although not usually lethal. Ingestion can result in excessive salivation and drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, a swollen mouth and tongue, and difficulty breathing.

Oleander: All parts of this popular ornamental shrub are toxic to humans and dogs. If your dog ingests the flowers or leaves, he can experience extreme vomiting, an abnormal heart rate, and even death. Other signs to look for include tremors, drooling, seizures, and weakness.

Peony: These gorgeous flowering plants contain the toxin paeonol in their bark. They may cause vomiting and diarrhea, if ingested in large amounts.

Sago Palm: Often used as an ornamental shrub in temperate zones, it’s considered one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Every part of the plant is toxic, especially the seeds. Ingesting just a few seedpods can result in acute liver failure. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody stools, decreased appetite, and nosebleeds.

Trees That Are Poisonous to Dogs

Black Walnut: The tree itself isn’t dangerous, but the nuts that fall to the ground can be. They start to decay very quickly and produce mold, so when a dog ingests them, they cause digestive upset and even seizures.

Chinaberry: The berries, leaves, bark, and flowers of this tree all contain toxins that can result in anything from vomiting and diarrhea to weakness, slow heart rate, seizures, and shock.

Fruit trees: The fruits of trees, such as plums, apricots, peaches, and avocados, contain pits and the seeds of cherries and apples contain toxins that can make your dog sick and are choking hazards. Even if they only eat the fruit, eating too much can cause diarrhea.

Horse Chestnut (Buckeye): This tree contains saponin, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, dilated pupils. It also affects the central nervous system and can lead to convulsions and coma.

Japanese Yew: All varieties, from the dwarf to the giant trees, contain dangerous toxins that can be fatal to dogs. Symptoms include tremors, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Because of their bright green leaves and red berries, they’re popular holiday decorations – but they shouldn’t be used in homes where dogs live.

Other nut trees: As a general rule, nuts are toxic for dogs. Avoid letting your dog eat the nuts from almond, pecan, hickory, walnut, or other nut trees. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal problems and intestinal blockage.

My Dog Ate a Poisonous Plant — What Should I Do?

If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, follow these steps:

Contact your vet, emergency vet, or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) for accurate advice.

Try to identify the plant by taking a sample, a photo, or by collecting any vomit in a plastic bag.
When you reach the vet or helpline, provide as much information as possible, including: the suspected plant and the time of ingestion, your dog’s weight, and any symptoms your dog is showing.

Under no circumstances should you induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by the vet. Specific plant poisons require specific treatments, and vomiting can make some cases worse.

Don’t fall for the myth that dogs instinctively avoid dangerous plants. While it’s sometimes true of animals in the wild, dogs have no ability to distinguish between safe and unsafe plants.

According to American Kennel Club Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein, the best cure is prevention. He recommends that you survey your yard regularly and identify any plants that may be dangerous. Then restrict your dog’s access to them. You may need to consult a landscaper to remove particularly stubborn plants. If you are in doubt about whether a plant your dog ate may be poisonous, seek professional help immediately. “The most common mistake pet owners make is to wait to see if the dog becomes ill before contacting the veterinarian,” says Dr. Klein.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/poisonous-plants-for-dogs/?utm_campaign=20250621_1320_pupdate_drip-week-36+%231&utm_source=pupdate&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More

20/08/2025

Kennel Cough in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Kennel cough in dogs is a highly contagious respiratory disease. But what causes kennel cough, and how can you prevent your dog from getting it? Learn more about kennel cough in dogs to help keep your pet healthy.

The bacterium that most commonly causes kennel cough is called Bordetella bronchiseptica, and you might even hear people refer to kennel cough by simply calling it “Bordetella.” Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where other dogs congregate. Places like boarding kennels, dog daycare facilities, dog parks, dog training groups, and dog shows, or even your local dog-friendly brewery or cafe. Dogs can spread kennel cough to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact (like touching noses), or contaminated surfaces (including water or food bowls).

Kennel cough is highly treatable in most healthy adult dogs, but it can be more severe in puppies younger than 6 months old or in dogs who are immunocompromised due to other health conditions.

What Are the Symptoms of Kennel Cough?

If your dog has kennel cough, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

-Strong cough, often with a “honking” sound (the most obvious symptom)
-Runny nose
-Sneezing
-Lethargy
-Loss of appetite
-Low fever

Although kennel cough is easily treatable in healthy dogs, Kevin Fitzgerald, DVM, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, explains that it’s important to report any coughing symptom to your veterinarian because it could be a sign of a more serious disease.

“The canine distemper virus and canine influenza virus both start off with symptoms nearly identical to kennel cough,” Dr. Fitzgerald says. Other conditions that can cause coughing in dogs include a collapsing trachea, bronchitis, asthma, and even heart disease.

How Is Kennel Cough in Dogs Treated?

Typically, mild cases of kennel cough are treated with a week or so of rest and supportive care, similarly to how you’d treat your own common cold. But your dog’s veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infection, as well as cough suppressant medication to ease the symptoms and help your dog (and you) sleep.

“Nebulizers and vaporizers utilizing inhaled antibiotics or bronchodilators have been reported to be beneficial but are usually not prescribed,” Dr. Fitzgerald said. Talk with your veterinarian for treatment recommendations.

Also, it’s helpful for owners to use a dog harness rather than a dog collar to walk a dog with kennel cough. Irritation of the tracheal area can aggravate the cough and possibly even cause damage. If you have a household with multiple pets and one shows signs of a cough, chances are all dogs in the home have been exposed. If your dog normally visits a dog daycare while you’re at work, you’ll need to keep them home to help limit the spread to other dogs.

Can Kennel Cough in Dogs Be Prevented?

A vaccine for kennel cough is available to inoculate dogs against the bordetella bacterium, the most common cause kennel cough. Dogs who are frequently boarded, visit dog daycare, compete in canine sports, or otherwise are exposed to groups of dogs may benefit from the vaccine.

Many training, boarding, and daycare facilities require proof of vaccination. The vaccine is available in oral, intranasal, and injectable forms, and depending on the form, it is usually given in two doses two to four weeks apart, followed by a booster every six months to a year.

Although most cases of kennel cough are caused by the bordetella bacterium, some are caused by other germs, like canine adenovirus type 2, canine parainfluenza virus, canine respiratory coronavirus, and mycoplasma. So the bordetella vaccine on its own may not prevent your dog from catching kennel cough.

If you notice your pet coughing, or if you plan to introduce your dog to a group of new dogs, speak with your veterinarian to see if the kennel cough vaccination makes sense for your dog.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/kennel-cough-in-dogs/?utm_campaign=20250621_1320_pupdate_drip-week-36+%231&utm_source=pupdate&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+More

19/08/2025

Well! I am back down to 4 dogs again. 😅 Nela ended up going home with a friend of mine over the weekend. ❤️ She'll still be local, seen many times, and be able to live with her litter mate Sunni. I'm extra happy for her. She's been needing a good place to call home besides my own. 🥰