Silver Oak Swissies

05/27/2026

A few of the PocketFull of Sunshine pups celebrating their 4th birthday yesterday!! Looks like it was a Super Sunshiny Day!! ☀️🎉🎂🥳🐾

05/26/2026

Sending Happy 4th Birthday wishes to our PocketFull of Sunshine Litter!! Appa, Cassidy, Chloe, Jazzy, Schnitzel, Sneakers 😇, and Winston! Hope your day is filled with sunshine and lots of love!!

05/25/2026

🇺🇸❤️💙 Sharing a little holiday cheer with Sourdough peanut butter stars.. happy to share recipe.. just comment Silver Oak

05/23/2026

05/19/2026

Sitting here watching Poppi sleep after her emergency pyometra surgery yesterday. So thankful to the staff @ Warner Center Pet Clinic for saving her life! I thought I would share some basic information about Pyometra, what to look for, the different types, and how it is treated in most cases.

Pyometra is a serious infection in the uterus of an unspayed female dog. It usually happens a few weeks after a heat cycle when hormones make the uterus thick and vulnerable to bacteria.

What are the symptoms?
Some dogs get very sick quickly, while others start with subtle signs.
Common symptoms include:
Not wanting to eat
Low energy or acting “off”
Drinking more water
Vomiting
Fever
Panting
Swollen belly
Vaginal discharge (sometimes thick, bloody, or pus-like)
Some dogs still potty normally and may only seem quieter than usual at first.

The two types of pyometra:
Open Pyometra
The cervix is open, so infected fluid can drain out.
You may see:
Discharge from the v***a
Less pressure building inside the uterus
This is still serious, but it’s often caught earlier because owners notice the discharge.
Closed Pyometra
The cervix is closed, so the pus gets trapped inside.
You may see:
No discharge at all
Enlarged uterus filling with infection
Rapid decline once toxins build up
This type is more dangerous because the infection is sealed inside and can rupture or spread into the bloodstream.

What causes it?
After a heat cycle, hormone changes create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow inside the uterus. Over time, the uterus fills with pus and infection.

How is it treated?
The most common treatment is emergency surgery to remove the infected uterus and ovaries (similar to a spay, but much more urgent and complicated).
Treatment often includes:
IV fluids
Antibiotics
Pain medication
Monitoring bloodwork and organs
Most dogs recover very well when treated before the uterus ruptures or severe infection spreads.

Why is pyometra dangerous?
The infection can:
Spread bacteria and toxins through the body
Damage kidneys and organs
Cause sepsis
Lead to rupture of the uterus
Without treatment, pyometra is life-threatening.

The good news
Many dogs make excellent recoveries after surgery, especially when owners notice the early signs and get them to the vet quickly.

05/18/2026

Update: All went well, vet said pretty severe, so tomorrow recheck and another round of antibiotics. She’s home now, snoring next to me:)

UPDATE: she’s out of surgery, in recovery, waiting on vet’s call.

Asking for prayers.. Poppi is headed into emergency surgery for Pyometra.. I just love my shadow, she’s such a special, sassy, love bug!! Please send your positive vibes, prayers, whatever you’ve got! Thank you!

05/18/2026

#3 all breed and #6 in breed!! So proud of team Winston!! They are rockin it!! He’s a Bauer x Hinckley pup. 💙

05/17/2026

05/12/2026

I rotate my dog’s protein in their homemade dog food, as well as change up the veggies/fruit. Keeps a healthy gut biome.

A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Animal Science found that nearly half of dog owners feed the exact same dog food every day, same brand, same flavor, little to no rotation. Researchers also found that protein source, especially chicken🐓, heavily influences purchasing decisions.

While consistency may help some sensitive dogs short term, long-term dietary monotony can reduce microbiome🦠 diversity and create a less resilient gut ecosystem over time. Different proteins, fibers, and plant compounds feed different beneficial bacteria, so repetitive diets may contribute to dysbiosis, weaker gut resilience, lower postbiotic production, and a greater risk of sensitivities and inflammatory issues.

The takeaway? Convenience and routine may come at the expense of microbiome diversity and long-term gut health.
If you cannot change your food, adding a variety of foods like veggies can also help nourish the microbiome by providing different types of fiber and plant compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Probiotics as well can help support microbial diversity, strengthen the gut barrier, improve digestion, and increase resilience during stress, antibiotics, and dietary changes.

If you’re looking for a science-backed probiotic option for your dog, check out 👉🏼 proactivepaws.com

04/22/2026

When the girls are in season, it’s time for a “man”date to Home Depot!!