While pet ownership brings joy, it also carries serious responsibilities. Beyond daily care like feeding and exercise, keeping your pet healthy is crucial.
Even with the best intentions, it’s not always simple. Pets can’t explain when something feels off.
That was the challenge faced by a woman in Miami, Florida, whose dog began acting strangely. The cause wasn’t immediately clear.
A mistaken diagnosis delayed answers, and it took two more weeks and a detailed vet exam to uncover the truth.
Unexpected Results From A Routine Test*
Juniper, a cheerful Shih Tzu, had always been a lively part of her Miami home. But her owner, Kayla Valdes, noticed something was wrong. Juniper wasn’t behaving like herself.
Initially, Kayla suspected an ear infection, but that was ruled out. She then took Juniper to the vet, who recommended a blood test to check for allergies.
Kayla agreed, and the test was done. But the results took two weeks to arrive. When they did, Kayla was shocked.
Juniper was allergic to fish, peanuts, and turkey, ingredients that had been part of her regular meals. Kayla felt devastated and shared her emotions openly in the caption of the TikTok clip she posted via her account, @junietheshihtzu.
“I feel like i failed as a dog mom,” she wrote at the beginning of the clip caption.
But the post ended on a hopeful note:, stressing that she is “so glad that [Juniper] is now eating food she can have!”
Though the journey to answers took time, Kayla’s persistence showed her commitment to Juniper’s well-being.
Other Dog Owners Share Their Experiences
The video quickly gained traction, prompting responses from fellow pet owners who had faced similar challenges.
Here are a few memorable comments.
“My dog is similar. Dudes allergic to everything,” one user wrote.
“my dog is allergic to ground beef and sweet potatoes, learned the hard way for both,” another added.
And the third quipped: “I switched my dog to hydrolyzed food and it changed her life!”
Juniper’s story ended positively, but food allergies in pets can be difficult to identify and manage.
That’s why early detection is key.
And it’s not just food; some plants can be toxic to dogs, as well.
For those seeking guidance, VCA Animal Hospitals provides valuable resources on allergy awareness and pet safety.