A Utah family is coping with losing their dog after a vet reportedly euthanized him by mistake.

Andrea Martinez took to Facebook to share the devastating story on Monday, writing that the family took their pet dachshund Ziggy to the emergency room after “his breathing got weird.”

The emergency vet recommended surgery for Ziggy, which the family agreed to, Martinez said.

While the pup was undergoing the invasive procedure, the vet realized it was going to be “a lot more work and money than they expected” and called to get permission from the family to continue with the surgery or “go ahead and lay him down.”

However, Martinez claims she never received that call.

“But they didn’t call me,” Martinez shared in the post. “[T]hey called another [dog’s] mom thinking it was me, and she said no to go ahead and lay him down.”

Martinez did not find out her dog had been euthanized until someone from the vet’s office called later to tell her Ziggy had been put down. She said that when she “freaked out,” the vet realized “they called the wrong person the first time.”

“Then he got back on [the phone] and he apologized and said, ‘I’m so sorry that this happened, we got confused and ended up calling another dog’s mom,’” Martinez told KUTV. According to the vet, there was another dog named Ziggy, and the vet initially contacted that Ziggy’s family.

According to Martinez, she said she would have never agreed to let her dog go “without trying more” and blames the vet for “rob[bing] me the choice of saying ‘at least we tried.’”

Since finding out the heartbreaking news, Martinez has said she “can’t stop crying” and doesn’t know how to break it to her 6-year-old that “her best friend died.”

“Ziggy followed me EVERYWHERE and cuddled me every single night. He made my anxiety bearable. I feel so sick that this happened,” she wrote on Facebook.

The name of the vet in Davis County was not shared, but according to KUTV, they apologized for the unfortunate incident and waived the bill, as well as gifted the family an urn, plaque and Christmas ornament with Ziggy’s paw print.

Though with Ziggy’s condition during the surgery, there is no guarantee he would have made it through if they continued trying, per KUTV. However, that does little to help Martinez cope.

“This whole thing seriously makes me so sick to my stomach,” she said.

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Have you heard of Kissing Bug Disease? Known officially as Chagas Disease it’s transmitted through nocturnal insects known as Kissing Bugs.

Chagas disease has infected millions of people in Central America, Mexico, and South America has made it’s way to Texas, but now it’s becoming prevalent amongst dogs in Texas.

How Chagas Disease is Transmitted

The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) is the causative agent of Chagas disease. It’s a tropical disease that effects 8 million people across Mexico and Central and South America.

Most cases of Chagas are transmitted to humans from direct contact with the feces of an infected bug. Kissing bugs bite humans, suck their blood and then leave feces behind that may penetrate the skin.

Other ways people can get Chagas include:

• Organ transplantation
• Blood transfusion
• Congenital transmission (mother to baby)
• Consumption of uncooked contaminated food

So while it’s quite alarming that the disease has been spreading in the southern U.S. keep in mind the chances of you getting it directly from your dog are very slim.

Infection Rate in the United States

In the United States the infection rate is estimated to be between 300,000 and 1 million. Most human infections are likely due to exposure in Latin America. Both humans and dogs are succeptible to the disease.

Symptoms of Chagas Disease

Symptoms of Chagas disease in humans and dogs range from completely asymptomatic to acute myocarditis and sudden death to chronic progressive cardiac disease. There is no vaccine available for humans or dogs. Currently there are no Food and Drug Administration approved drugs available to U.S. citizens to treat Chagas. Many of the treatments available are only effective if the disease is caught in its early stages though the medications are generally not well tolerated.

Since the Texas Department of State Health began tracking the disease in 2013 only 19 human cases have been found.

Evidence That Disease Has Been Spreading, Especially Among Dogs

Researchers have found evidence that the disease has been spreading in Texas and New Orleans. The research team based at Texas A&M tested 205 shelter dogs in Texas, 9% of the dogs in every part of the state tested positive. The study only tested shelter dogs but it’s common amongst all dogs across the state. Shelter dogs had widespread exposure to T. cruzi across 7 ecologic regions in Texas, with a conservative statewide average of 8.8% seroprevalence. -CDC

Chances of Catching It From Your Are Dog Extremely Low

The chances of a dog passing the parasite onto his owner is very low. For the parasite to pass from a dog to a person it needs to go through the kissing bug. The only way a human can become infected through there dog is if the kissing bug bites the dog and then quickly moves onto bite the owner after the dog has been infected.

“The last thing we want to do is put a bad taste in people’s mouths about shelter dogs,” she says. “Shelter dogs are not posing a direct risk to humans.” – Dogs Carry Kissing Bug Disease in Texas & Latin America

If dogs in Texas are bitten by a kissing bug the chances of the bug carrying the parasite that causes Chagas are quite high. Seven species of these kissing bugs known as Triatoma have been found across the state. Keeping your dog indoors or in an outdoor enclosed kennel can reduce the risk of your dog coming into contact with kissing bugs.

Dogs Susceptible to Catching the Kissing Bug

Dogs arriving at shelters, particularly stray dogs, are susceptible due to their prolonged exposure to the outdoors which leads to a much higher exposure rate to vectorborne pathogens.

Since the kissing bug itself isn’t common outside of southern & central Texas the disease is still considered quite rare in the United States

So while it’s perfectly fine to be aware that there’s a potential new health risk spreading we don’t need to worry about catching it from our dogs. So go ahead and give your dog a kiss – you won’t catch the kissing bug from him.

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Virginia-based veterinarian Dr. Katy Nelson has three words of advice for dog owners thinking about breeding their dogs: Don’t do it. “Just because your dog is cute and your neighbor’s dog is cute does not mean they should get together to make puppies,” says Nelson. “You need experience and know-how to breed. It’s not something to be taken lightly.”

Nelson suggests spaying and neutering to avoid unplanned pregnancies. If you do find yourself tasked with the care of a pregnant dog, there are important steps you can take to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Below, Nelson weighs in on how to provide the best prenatal and postnatal care for your pet.

Veterinary Visits
When you first suspect your dog is expecting, it’s important that her veterinarian examine her in order to confirm the diagnosis. “Infections to the uterus can mimic pregnancy, with an enlarged midsection and discharge,” says Nelson. “These infections can be life-threatening, so it’s important to rule this out.”

Once your vet establishes your dog is indeed pregnant, her vaccination schedule should be checked to make sure she is up-to-date. “Maternal antibodies last 12 weeks in puppies,” explains Nelson, adding that the puppies “benefit from having a fully vaccinated mother.”

Dogs gestate their babies for nine weeks. Your dog will see her doctor two or three times during this period. The veterinarian can help you to anticipate what to expect during labor, especially if your breed has notoriously difficult deliveries. “Dogs with large heads and small butts often have labor complications,” says Nelson. “For example, bulldogs almost always need C-sections.”

Nutrition and Exercise
Because her most pressing need during pregnancy is for more calories, a pregnant dog should be fed a nutrient-dense puppy formula beginning immediately after her status as a mother-to-be is confirmed. Make sure, however, that the formula you choose is for small- to medium-sized pups, as large-breed puppy food contains fewer calories in order to slow growth.

Like a pregnant human, a pregnant dog can benefit from regular exercise. Stick with low-impact exercise, such as walking and chasing. If her muscles stay toned, she’ll have a safer labor and delivery.”

Labor Day
In advance, prepare a private, quiet place for the birth to occur. “Like human females, a female dog doesn’t want 10 people in the room when she’s in labor,” says Nelson. She suggests providing your pet with a birthing area — a comfortable bed or box. Nelson also suggests a room with a tiled floor to make cleanup easier.

Your veterinarian should speak with you about the signs that your dog is going into labor. “She may become very aloof, or on the flip side, very clingy,” says Nelson. Follow your dog’s lead: If she doesn’t want company, don’t force it on her. “Her hormones are raging. She’s very protective of these arriving babies. Read her body language and take it seriously.”

Postpartum
As with your pregnant dog, the most important consideration for your new mother is nutrition, specifically a higher caloric intake. She should continue to eat puppy food until her puppies have weaned (about eight weeks after birth). “Especially if the litter is big — more than three puppies — intense nutritional support is in order,” says Nelson. Consult your dog’s veterinarian about how much food she’ll need.

You should also be tuned in to the mother’s overall health. Postpartum dogs can develop eclampsia, which results from a calcium imbalance and can be life-threatening. It usually happens within a week of delivery, and signs include shaking, seizures and lethargy. If your dog exhibits these, get her to the vet immediately.

With the right medical and nutritional support, every dog can have a healthy pregnancy and a happy Mother’s Day — every day.

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ATLANTA (AP) — An Atlanta-area animal shelter that closed to suppress an infection resulting in at least four dog deaths could reopen as early as Friday.

Cobb County spokesman Ross Cavitt has said tests on dogs at the county shelter showed they had the highly contagious illness streptococcus zooepidemicus. The often fatal bacterial infection affects animals’ respiratory systems.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the shelter closed two weeks ago and stopped accepting new animals. In a county message on Twitter Monday, cleaners could be seen in full body suits scrubbing cages.

Cavitt said on Tuesday that remaining animals were being vaccinated and the facility is preparing to reopen by the end of the week.

The newspaper says animals adopted days before the closure didn’t exhibit symptoms after leaving.

Remaining animals have been held off-site.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico will consider whether to extend its medical cannabis program to help dogs with epilepsy and people with attention deficit disorder.

Five new petitions submitted to the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board seek new qualifying medical conditions for patients in the state’s medical marijuana program. The board meets in December.

The Department of Health withheld the names of petition sponsors on Wednesday in response to a request for public records.

One petition cites recent studies in veterinary medicine to recommend the authorization of cannabis for animals coping with seizures. The petition uses a YouTube video of an epileptic dog named Tecumseh to illustrate the suffering associated with the condition.

Cannabidiol derived from hemp or marijuana already is widely marketed for pets.

New York and California have recently considered allowing veterinarians to recommend medical cannabis for pets, said Carly Wolf, a policy coordinator with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. No state appears to explicitly allow that yet.

The petitioner in New Mexico says that authorizing cannabis for animals would minimize the danger of animal abuse by regulating the use of medical marijuana with pets and provide new treatment tools to veterinarians.

Another petition would allow marijuana for attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome, anxiety disorder and Tourette’s syndrome.

New Mexico’s medical cannabis program, initiated in 2007, has served nearly 80,000 patients who cope with conditions from cancer to HIV.

A large majority are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or severe chronic pain.

A coalition of state legislators is developing a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana after a bill this year stalled in the state Senate.

A working group appointed by the governor is seeking to ensure affordable access to medical marijuana if recreational marijuana is approved. That could mean tax-free medical cannabis in the future and possibly subsidized sales for impoverished patients.

Several states have seen an exodus of patients from medical marijuana programs and issues of affordability with the authorization of recreational marijuana.

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GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — An anonymous donor has given 40,000 pounds of pet food and snacks to the Rogue Valley Humane Society.

The Daily Courier in Grants Pass reported Thursday that most of the food will go to the organization’s pet food bank, which fed 5,000 cats and dogs from low-income households in the last year.

Some of it will also be delivered to homebound seniors who have pets.

Executive Director Margaret Varner says the truckload of donated food will cover the needs of both programs for at least six months.

The shelter itself is a no-kill facility and has room for 90 cats and 20 adult dogs.

The organization operates on donations and fundraisers and is not affiliated with the Josephine County Animal Shelter.

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Company Announcement

Go Raw, LLC, of Cottonwood Utah is recalling its 2lb. frozen bags of “Quest Beef Cat Food” because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Salmonella can affect animals. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

The affected products were nationally distributed through retail stores and are identified with the following UPC 6-91730-17101-8, Lot N128.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

This recall is being initiated after the firm was notified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture when sample was collected and tested positive for Salmonella. The firm did conduct their own test which resulted in a negative result. Salmonella is not evenly distributed throughout a lot which is why it could have been found on a small sample that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture took.

However, because of their commitment to overall safety and quality, Go Raw, LLC is conducting a voluntary recall of this product. Consumers should also follow the safe handling tips published on the packaging, when disposing of the affected product.

Consumers who have purchased 2lb. bags of Quest Beef Cat Food are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions should contact the company at 801-432-7478, Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 4pm MST.

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ALLEGANY, N.Y. (WIVB) — A dog survived after being ejected out of a house that exploded in Cattaraugus County on Monday.

State police say the incident happened on West Branch Rd. in the Town of Allegany.

At the time of the explosion, no people were inside.

It’s not clear what caused the explosion, but authorities are investigating it as a potential gas leak in the basement.

The owner of the house tells News 4 that he heard the explosion from 10 miles away. His dog was found outside and later got a clean bill of health at the veterinarian.

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Puppies are without a doubt some of the most adorable things on the planet. Parenting a new puppy, however, is no walk in the park. Here’s a guide to help you care for the new addition to the family.

When the time comes to finally bring your new puppy home for the first time, you can pretty much count on three things: unbridled joy, cleaning up your puppy’s accidents, and a major lifestyle adjustment. As you’ll soon learn, a growing puppy needs much more than a food bowl and a doghouse to thrive. And while it may be a lot of work initially, it’s well worth the effort. Establishing good and healthy habits in those first few sleep-deprived weeks will lay the foundation for many dog-years of happiness for you and your puppy.

1. Find a Good Vet

The first place you and your new puppy should go together is, you guessed it, straight to the vet for a checkup. This visit will not only help ensure that your puppy is healthy and free of serious health issues, birth defects, etc., but it will help you take the first steps toward a good preventive health routine. If you don’t have a vet already, ask friends for recommendations. If you got your dog from a shelter, ask their advice as they may have veterinarians they swear by. Local dog walkers and groomers are also a great source of ideas.

2. Make the Most of Your First Vet Visit

Ask your vet which puppy foods he or she recommends, how often to feed, and what portion size to give your pup.

1. Set up a vaccination plan with your vet.
2. Discuss safe options for controlling parasites, both external and internal.
3. Learn which signs of illness to watch for during your puppy’s first few months.
4. Ask about when you should spay or neuter your dog.

3. Shop for Quality Food

Your puppy’s body is growing in critical ways which is why you’ll need to select a food that’s formulated especially for puppies as opposed to adult dogs. Look for a statement from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the packaging to ensure that the food you choose will meet your pup’s nutritional requirements.

Small and medium-sized breeds can make the leap to adult dog food between 9 and 12 months of age. Large breed dogs should stick with puppy kibbles until they reach 2-years-old. Make sure your puppy has fresh and abundant water available at all times.

Feed multiple times a day:

• Age 6-12 weeks – 4 meals per day
• Age 3-6 months – 3 meals per day
• Age 6-12 months – 2 meals per day

4. Establish a Bathroom Routine

Because puppies don’t take kindly to wearing diapers, housetraining quickly becomes a high priority on most puppy owners’ list of must-learn tricks. According to the experts, your most potent allies in the quest to housetrain your puppy are patience, planning, and plenty of positive reinforcement. In addition, it’s probably not a bad idea to put a carpet-cleaning battle plan in place, because accidents will happen.

Until your puppy has had all of her vaccinations, you’ll want to find a place outdoors that’s inaccessible to other animals. This helps reduce the spread of viruses and disease. Make sure to give lots of positive reinforcement whenever your puppy manages to potty outside and, almost equally important, refrain from punishing her when she has accidents indoors.

Knowing when to take your puppy out is almost as important as giving her praise whenever she does eliminate outdoors. Here’s a list of the most common times to take your puppy out to potty.

1. When you wake up.
2. Right before bedtime.
3. Immediately after your puppy eats or drinks a lot of water.
4. When your puppy wakes up from a nap.
5. During and after physical activity.

5. Watch For Early Signs of Illness

For the first few months, puppies are more susceptible to sudden bouts of illnesses that can be serious if not caught in the early stages. If you observe any of the following symptoms in your puppy, it’s time to contact the vet.

1. Lack of appetite
2. Poor weight gain
3. Vomiting
4. Swollen of painful abdomen
5. Lethargy (tiredness)
6. Diarrhea
7. Difficulty breathing
8. Wheezing or coughing
9. Pale gums
10. Swollen, red eyes or eye discharge
11. Nasal discharge
12. Inability to pass urine or stool

6. Teach Obedience

By teaching your puppy good manners, you’ll set your puppy up for a life of positive social interaction. In addition, obedience training will help forge a stronger bond between you and your puppy.

Teaching your pup to obey commands such as sit, stay, down, and come will not only impress your friends, but these commands will help keep your dog safe and under control in any potentially hazardous situations. Many puppy owners find that obedience classes are a great way to train both owner and dog. Classes typically begin accepting puppies at age 4 to 6 months.

Tip: Keep it positive. Positive reinforcement, such as small treats, has been proven to be vastly more effective than punishment.

7. Be Sociable

Just like obedience training, proper socialization during puppyhood helps avoid behavioral problems down the road. At approximately 2 to 4 months of age, most puppies begin to accept other animals, people, places, and experiences. Socialization classes are an excellent way to rack up positive social experiences with your puppy. Just be sure to ask your vet about what kind of interaction is OK at this stage.

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As all owners know, walking your dog is a top priority to keep pups happy and healthy. Walks provide great low-impact exercise for dogs of all ages and their owners. It also allows dogs to explore the wide world that exists outside of their own backyards.

Dogs are stimulated by sights and sounds, and they want to understand their surroundings. Bringing your pup out into the world also helps desensitize them to noise and teaches them to keep calm in a crowd. What’s more, exploring as a group is something dogs innately crave. In the wild, canids venture out together in search of food, so being a part of a greater pack is part of their nature. One of the best ways to help your domesticated dog satisfy that instinctual need is to join a group dog walk.

Finding or Starting a Group Dog Walk

Group dog walks, or “pack walks,” are a great opportunity for both you and your pup to socialize. After all, if you’re going for a stroll, why not have some company? By finding a regular group to walk with, you’ll build a supportive community for both you and your dog.

So how do you find fellow dog owners in your neighborhood who will want to join you on your daily walks?

• Use Social Media: Facebook and Instagram are great jumping-off points. Start a Facebook group and invite people you know from the local dog park. Or neighbors that you see out and about with their dogs. Another option is to use that adorable Instagram account you have for your dog to promote a local group and connect with people that way.
• Join an Established Group: Platforms such as Meetup bring together people with mutual interests. Likely, someone in your area has already founded a dog-walking “pack” that you can join. And if no such group yet exists, take the lead and start a group dog walk yourself.
  
• Use Word of Mouth: Dog owners are naturally drawn to each other. It’s easy to make small talk while dogs play with each other on the street or at the dog park. Mention your idea to create a group dog walk for your fellow canine lovers. There will likely be others who have thought about doing the same thing and would be happy to help you get it started.

Joining An AKC Fit Dog Club

Another way to find your walking pack is via AKC Fit Dog Clubs, which are local groups that meet and accomplish certain fitness goals together with their dogs. Approved groups may include AKC clubs, independent dog training schools, and other dog-related clubs and organizations. AKC Fit Dog Clubs conduct at least four group fitness walks a year, as well as regularly scheduled canine fitness and conditioning classes. As you meet other participants in the club, you’ll also have the opportunity to form dog-walking packs outside the scheduled AKC walks.

Of course, there’s nothing quite like being rewarded for your success. You and your dog will receive an AKC Fit Dog car magnet if you achieve either of the following:

• For dogs and people in good shape: Walking at least 30 minutes 5 times per week for a total of at least 150 minutes per week for at least 3 months.
• For dogs or people who would benefit from shorter walks, such as senior dogs: Walking at least 15 minutes per session at least 10 times per week (two 15-minute walks per day) for at least 3 months.

Ensuring a Safe & Satisfying Group Dog Walk

You won’t be able to reap the benefits of walking your dog without also making sure it’s a safe and happy experience for all involved. Keep these guidelines in mind when on a pack walk:

• Always clean up after your dog.
• Keep walks shorter in extreme heat or cold.
• Bring fresh water for both of you to drink.
• Supervise your dog around young children and other dogs (even if the dogs are ones you walk with daily).
• Aim for five walks a week for about 30 minutes (or, as per the AKC Fit Dog guidelines, two 15-minute walks for senior dogs).

Make sure your fellow dog owners are aware of these tips as well. If you all make sure you’re approaching your group walk with the same mindset, your strolls will be something for people and pups alike to look forward to.

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