Author: Katie Grzyb, DVM

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WRITTEN BYKatie Grzyb, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Katie Grzyb received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. She continued her clinical training at…,Storms can put a damper on anyone’s day, even for our canine companions. The rainy weather leads to wet walks, decreased exercise, and no outdoor playtime. But it’s not just that our dogs get damp—rainstorms can also lead to unforeseen dangers and issues for our four-legged friends. Here’s what pet parents need to be aware of when taking their pup out in the rain, and why it’s important to shorten playtime and walks during inclement weather. 1. Low Visibility, Lightning, and Thunder Rainstorms often bring fog, downpours, thunder, and lightning—all of which lead to decreased visibility and sudden, unexpected noise. Loud claps of thunder can spook many pooches, causing them to react and run away. This can lead to missing dogs and accidents, because cars have difficulty seeing through the inclement weather. It can be a deadly combination.     Thunder can cause dogs a great deal of anxiety. This stress can cause pets to hurt themselves as they try to chew or scratch their way into or out of rooms and crates (a common thunder phobia response). It’s important to discuss possible storm phobias with your primary care veterinarian, as there are many great options (both holistic and medication) to help calm dogs in storms.    Lightning strikes are also possible, though rare, and are usually fatal. Always avoid long walks during rainstorms, as lightning is attracted to metal (including umbrellas). 

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WRITTEN BYKatie Grzyb, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Katie Grzyb received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University in 2009. She continued her clinical training at…,Any abrupt change or illness can be very concerning, especially with a puppy. Puppies are prone to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and vomiting. Sometimes the stool is just soft, but it can also be pure liquid with blood. Causes of puppy diarrhea can range from mild belly upset to more severe viruses that can be fatal. That’s why it’s good to know whether your puppy’s symptoms require an emergency veterinarian visit or if you can wait to see your regular veterinarian in a few days.  Here’s some insight on what the stool might look like, when to see a vet, and possible causes for diarrhea in puppies. What to Do if Your Puppy Has Diarrhea It can be difficult to know when puppy diarrhea is a true emergency. If any of these signs are noted, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately for evaluation: Large amounts of bright red blood or black stool Liquid diarrhea Vomiting more than once Lethargy Not eating Not drinking Weakness/collapse Coughing/sneezing/eye or nasal discharge Tremors or seizures If your puppy has no other signs besides diarrhea and is still active and eating and drinking normally, then it is probably okay to wait one or two days to see your veterinarian. Do not bring your puppy into contact with any other dogs during this time, in case they have an infectious condition. It is best to contact your veterinarian before you make any diet changes or give over-the-counter medications, as puppies can be very sensitive to these. Your veterinarian may recommend a bland diet of boiled chicken (no skin or spices) and rice, plus sweet potato or pumpkin to ease digestion and increase fiber to re-form the stool. They may also recommend picking up a probiotic supplement while you wait for your appointment. This holistic supplement helps reintroduce good, healthy bacteria into the gut, which is very important in puppies whose gastrointestinal tracts are still growing and forming.