Caring for a pet brings endless joy, but it also comes with weighty responsibilities. Beyond the daily routines of feeding, walking, and play, keeping them healthy is one of the most important tasks of all.
Even with the best intentions, that part isn’t always easy. Pets can’t tell us when something feels wrong, which makes uncovering the problem far more complicated.
That was exactly the challenge faced by a woman in Miami, Florida, when her dog began behaving in unusual ways.
The cause wasn’t obvious, and a misdiagnosis delayed the answers she needed. It took two more weeks and a thorough veterinary exam before the truth finally came to light.
Surprising News From A Standard Blood Test
Juniper, a bubbly Shih Tzu, had always been the lively heart of her Miami household. But her owner, Kayla Valdes, noticed that something had changed. Juniper wasn’t acting like herself anymore.
At first, Kayla thought it might be an ear infection, but that possibility was ruled out. She then brought Juniper back to the vet, who suggested running a blood test to check for allergies.
Kayla agreed, and the test was performed. The waiting stretched on for two weeks, and when the results finally arrived, they left Kayla stunned.
Juniper was allergic to fish, peanuts, and turkey, all of which had been regular parts of her meals.
Kayla was crushed by the news and poured her feelings into the caption of a TikTok clip she shared on her account, @junietheshihtzu.
“I feel like i failed as a dog mom,” she admitted at the start of the caption.
But she ended the post on a brighter note, writing that she was “so glad that [Juniper] is now eating food she can have!”
The road to answers had been long, but Kayla’s determination proved her devotion to Juniper’s health and happiness.
Pet Owners Relate To Juniper’s Struggles
The video quickly spread, drawing in responses from other dog owners who had faced similar battles with allergies.
“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 journey ended on a positive note, but her story highlighted how difficult food allergies can be to detect and manage in pets.
That is why early testing and awareness are so important. And it isn’t only food that poses risks. Certain plants can be toxic to dogs, as well.
For those looking for guidance, VCA Animal Hospitals offers helpful resources on allergy awareness and keeping pets safe.