A few months back, Shock Naue published a post discussing the concept of vegan dogs. Following this, reader Michelle shared a heartwarming Peanut Dog Story, detailing her own dog, Peanut, and how a significant diet change ultimately saved his life after years of debilitating health issues. This is Peanut’s inspiring journey.
When Peanut D. Dog joined Michelle’s family, he arrived with a concerning medical history, complete with pre-scheduled vet appointments and medication. Despite these initial “red flags,” his irresistible charm and Pomeranian fluff were too captivating to overlook. Peanut quickly became a central focus for Michelle. peanut the dog story
Peanut’s early days were challenging, marked by a host of behavioral issues and frequent trips to the veterinarian. He had a penchant for destructive activities, including eating dirty laundry, gnawing wires, and ripping up carpets. More worryingly, he managed to ingest kitty litter, suffered repeated corneal scratches, and even poisoned himself by eating something toxic outdoors. These incidents, coupled with his incorrigible personality, hinted at underlying problems beyond mere puppy mischief.
Fluffy young Pomeranian dog with his full coat
As Peanut grew, veterinary visits revealed more serious health concerns. Blood tests showed elevated liver enzyme levels, joint examinations indicated instability requiring surgery on both back legs by his first birthday, and his coat was noted as being unusually coarse. He also experienced random periods of lethargy and grumpiness. Most alarming was his increasing unwillingness to eat, requiring Michelle to resort to syringe-feeding him blended food after exhausting other methods like hand-feeding or food games.
Sick Pomeranian dog wrapped in a towel being force-fed blended food with a syringe
Seeking answers, Michelle consulted numerous veterinarians, but comprehensive advice remained elusive. She tried various remedies, including milk thistle and melatonin, which offered temporary relief but failed to address the root cause of Peanut’s declining health. Obese, suffering from arthritis, and visibly sick, Peanut faced another blow: he began losing his hair. What started as small clumps progressed rapidly, leaving him almost completely bald within a year, necessitating sweaters for warmth. The situation became dire when Peanut stopped eating altogether, even reacting aggressively when food was offered, signalling to Michelle that he was in critical condition. You can read more about overcoming challenges with pets in inspiring true dog stories. inspiring true dog stories
A breakthrough came when Michelle found a vet who accurately diagnosed Peanut’s primary health problems: severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Atypical Cushing’s Disease, an imbalance of sex hormones. He was prescribed strong medication, oral steroids, and a restrictive diet of cooked potato, salmon, sea salt, and All Bran cereal. The initial response was dramatic. Peanut’s appetite returned, he became more active, and his destructive habits, like barking and damaging the house, re-emerged. He even ate paper towels, leading to another hospitalization. While this marked an improvement, life wasn’t perfect.
Pomeranian dog almost completely bald due to illness
Peanut remained dependent on daily steroids; without them, he would retreat, growling at anyone who came near. His medication and diet were essentially keeping him alive but weren’t fixing the underlying issues. His bald appearance served as a constant reminder that his health was still compromised.
Around this time, Michelle’s father, facing significant health challenges after multiple heart procedures, sought the expertise of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Jr., a proponent of a plant-based diet for reversing heart disease. Adopting Dr. Esselstyn’s diet immediately had a positive impact. Her father even noted that his hair stylist commented on his hair feeling thicker. This seemingly small detail resonated with Michelle as she looked at Peanut’s flaky skin and lack of fur. A revelation struck her about the potential connection between diet and health, similar to principles seen in inspiring true dog stories. Inspiring True Dog Stories
Inspired, Michelle drastically changed Peanut’s diet. She stopped the prescribed IBS food and instead gave him a small amount of salmon-based prescription canned dog food mixed with generous portions of dark, leafy greens like kale, mustard, collard, and turnip greens. She supplemented this with dog-safe fruits like strawberries and watermelon and a hefty serving of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers. For minor stomach issues, there are various remedies for a dog with an upset stomach to consider alongside diet changes.
Pomeranian dog showing new hair growth stubble after diet change
Six months into the new regimen, subtle signs of recovery appeared. Michelle noticed Peanut’s legs looked hairier, and distinct stubble was visible on his back. Encouraged, she began gradually weaning him off all his medications, including the steroid he had relied on for four years.
Just two months later, the transformation was undeniable. Peanut looked like a Pomeranian puppy again. His coat was thick and continued to grow, but unlike the coarse hair of his youth, the new fur was soft, shiny, and free of dandruff. His weight normalized, and for the first time in his life, his bowel movements were regular. The change in his energy and behavior was equally remarkable; he pranced around the house, barking and demanding attention, embodying the spirit of many resilient pets featured in heartwarming stories. At ten years old, Peanut was the healthiest he had ever been. pitbull toy story
When people question the health implications of a 95% vegan diet for a known carnivore, Michelle simply shows them the pictures as proof of Peanut’s miraculous recovery.
Michelle’s willingness to share this extraordinary story provides compelling anecdotal evidence of how diet can dramatically impact a dog’s health, even reversing severe, long-standing conditions. Peanut’s journey from a sick, bald, and lethargic dog to a vibrant, fluffy, and healthy companion is truly inspiring.
