Hi Friendses! I am Arbor! I have hydrocephalus, I am visually impaired, and I am here to spread da joy and happiness!!!
Yes, that’s Arbor and he’s with us today to share his story. This poor rescue soul has endured so much, but his spirit still has not broken.
Life didn’t spoil Arbor from day one. Born with severe health conditions, Arbor was predetermined to be tossed to the curve and forgotten by everyone.
Still, someone from above decided not everything would be lost: Arbor would have a chance.
Arbor will be loved by a special hooman, and finally, that day has come.
Right Is The Only Right Way
From the moment she saw him on I Stand With My Pack, Arbor’s mom knew she had to bring him home. The way this special dog pirouetted into her life was something incredible. She simply knew that it was her dog.
Hoomom didn’t waste her time. She drove straight to Los Angeles and way back from Southern California to Willamette Valley, Oregon, to bring Arbor into her loving family.
Arbor was born special in every possible way. Coming from a breeding-hoarding situation, being blind, and having congenital hydrocephalus did not make things easy for Arbs.
Luckily, he was rescued from a miserable life and offered a home.
If Arbor’s mom had never seen him, who knows who would have adopted him?
In Arbor’s case, hydrocephalus means he’s got almost no cortical matter in his brain. Most of his skull is water. Because of this condition, Arbor has some severe neurological deficits.
While other dogs turn left, right, and in any possible way, Arbor can only make right turns. His brain simply works the right way.
Thanks to the right treatments, Arbor gets to live his best life.
Every Day Is Arbor Day
You hear twinkle taps, and there’s Arbor, making these big laps around you. Of course, his laps always go to the right.
Being blind and with a condition that limits his normal life didn’t stop Arbor from enjoying family time to the fullest. He acts just like any dog despite all his disabilities.
Arbor loves his hooman brother, as well as the other four-legged siblings in the house. But, his hoomom is the favourite person of them all. Whenever she needs a hug or five minutes to relax her mind, there comes Arbor – all ready to snuggle and offer support.
This Pittie is a result of poor breeding, but his pure soul turned out just pawfect.
Arbor takes good care of his hoomom, and his hoomom takes good care of him. Adopting Arbor was a turning point in her life – a push into a new world where she finally pursued her dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Arbor couldn’t wish for a more perfect hoomom!
“I’m grateful for his existence and that’s what I wanna share with people. I’m not coming from a point of grief. I’m coming at it from a point of gratitude. I’m grateful that I get to share my life and my world with this beautiful soul,” she said in the video.
Hoomom took the right turn and stumbled upon Arbor.
And, Arbor did what he does best: took the right turn, too, and won the hearts of not just his family but thousands of others.
On his Instagram account, Arbor shares his daily wisdom, pawdorable situations, and sparkle spins.
A dog that was once mishandled and rejected by everyone now inspires not only pups but also humans. Arbor never gave up. He always went straight right, showing everyone he’s got the heart of a lion.
When nothing goes right, listen to Arbor and try going right once again.
If you’ve ever wondered why your furry friend can’t indulge in a piece of chocolate like you do, there’s a good reason behind it. As a seasoned dog trainer, one of the first things you learn is the strict no-chocolate rule for our canine companions. It’s not just a matter of taste preferences; there are some serious health risks involved when dogs consume chocolate.
You might be surprised to learn the impact a seemingly innocent treat like chocolate can have on your dog’s well-being. Understanding why chocolate is off-limits for your four-legged buddy is crucial for keeping them safe and healthy. So, let’s take a closer look at why dogs and chocolate simply don’t mix.
The Dangers of Chocolate to Dogs
The Toxic Components in Chocolate
Chocolate contains substances such as theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. These compounds can cause various adverse effects on a dog’s health, including vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and even seizures.
How Chocolate Affects a Dog’s Body
When a dog ingests chocolate, the toxic components present in it can be rapidly absorbed into their bloodstream. This can lead to serious issues like dehydration, muscle tremors, restlessness, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal. It’s essential to keep chocolate and any products containing it out of your dog’s reach to protect their well-being.
Understanding Theobromine
Why Theobromine is Harmful to Canines
Theobromine, found in chocolate, is detrimental to dogs because their bodies metabolize it much slower than humans. This compound affects a dog’s central nervous system and cardiovascular system, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and potentially fatal seizures.
Signs of Theobromine Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog ingests chocolate, watch out for symptoms of theobromine poisoning, such as restlessness, dehydration, and severe muscle tremors. These signs could indicate that your dog is experiencing toxicity from theobromine, requiring immediate veterinary attention to avoid further complications.
Chocolate Toxicity Levels in Dogs
Factors Influencing Chocolate Toxicity
Chocolate toxicity levels in dogs can vary based on several factors, including the type of chocolate ingested, the amount consumed, and the size of the dog. Dark chocolate, baking chocolate, and cocoa powder contain higher levels of theobromine compared to milk chocolate, making them more toxic to dogs. Smaller dogs are at a greater risk of chocolate poisoning due to their size and metabolism, which affects how quickly theobromine is absorbed into their system.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Chocolate Poisoning
It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs to seek prompt veterinary care. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. If you notice your dog exhibiting these signs, especially after ingesting chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice on the best course of action to ensure your furry companion’s well-being.
Immediate Steps if Your Dog Eats Chocolate
First Aid Measures for Chocolate Ingestion
If your dog eats chocolate, the first thing you should do is remove any remaining chocolate to prevent further ingestion. Keep any wrappers or packaging to determine the type and amount of chocolate consumed.
Next, contact your vet or an emergency animal hotline immediately. Provide them with details such as the type and quantity of chocolate your dog ate, the dog’s weight, and any symptoms observed.
Monitor your dog for any signs of chocolate poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, or tremors.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
If your dog ingests chocolate, it is critical to seek veterinary care promptly.
Consult your vet without delay if your dog displays symptoms of chocolate toxicity, including vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, increased heart rate, muscle tremors, or seizures.
Remember, early intervention increases the chances of successful treatment for chocolate poisoning in dogs.
Preventing Chocolate Accidents
Safe Storage Tips for Chocolate
When it comes to keeping your furry friend safe, storing chocolate out of reach is crucial. Make sure to place chocolate products in high cabinets or locked containers where your dog can’t access them. Remember, dogs have a keen sense of smell, so even a closed chocolate wrapper can attract them. Keeping chocolate well-secured prevents accidental ingestion and potential poisoning.
Alternatives to Chocolate for Treating Your Dog
If you want to treat your dog, there are plenty of dog-friendly alternatives to chocolate. Opt for treats specifically made for dogs, such as peanut butter treats, carrot sticks, or frozen banana slices. These alternatives are not only safe for your dog but also ensure they enjoy a tasty snack without any health risks. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry companion’s well-being.
Conclusion
Remember, chocolate is a big no-no for your furry friends. The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate can spell trouble for your pup, causing symptoms that range from mild to severe. To keep your dog safe, store chocolate where they can’t get to it, and opt for dog-friendly treats instead. Your pup will thank you for it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chocolate toxic to dogs?
Yes, chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and even death.
How can we prevent chocolate poisoning in dogs?
Store chocolate in high cabinets or locked containers out of reach of dogs to prevent accidental ingestion.
What are safe alternatives to chocolate for dogs?
Safe alternatives to chocolate for dogs include peanut butter treats or frozen banana slices.
Why is it important to recognize signs of theobromine poisoning promptly?
Recognizing signs of theobromine poisoning promptly is crucial as immediate treatment can save a dog’s life in case of ingestion.
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Hey there, I’m Janet Brooks, a dog-loving student from California. I’m all about helping pups in need, especially those without homes. Me and my awesome friends work together to give shelter and love to stray dogs. Oh, and I also write blogs about dogs to share helpful info.