Rusty’s first few weeks were anything but smooth. Our cross-state drive from Oregon to Arizona turned into a crash course in puppy health—and a deep dive into researching puppy wellness.
The Scare on The Road:
Eight hours into the drive, in the middle of the desert, came the GI issues. Eighteen stops for diarrhea. Rusty was so good about letting me know when he needed out—only once did he not make it. Calm and relaxed otherwise, I knew something more than stress was at play.
After twenty straight hours on the road, we didn’t go home. We went straight to the vet.
I was scared. Exhausted. And worried sick.
The Diagnosis: Giardia.
Giardia is a microscopic parasite that infects the intestines, spreading through contaminated water, soil, or feces. It’s especially common in puppies and disrupts nutrient absorption, causing foul-smelling diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. It’s zoonotic too—meaning humans can catch it from infected pets if hygiene isn’t careful.
The Battle Begins:
After the initial round of deworming medication, Rusty’s symptoms persisted. For two months, we tried everything: bland chicken and rice diet, weekly baths, daily bowl disinfecting, weekly mopping with veterinary disinfectant (Kennel Sol), daily toy/bedding washing, consistent butt wipes with pet-safe wipes, we even built a fenced, turfed dog run with proper drainage for pressure washing and sanitation. The labs kept coming back clean—no parasites, no infections. But the diarrhea didn’t stop. We were lost.
The Turnaround:
That’s when I leaned into research and began building a wellness routine tailored to Rusty’s sensitive system. One of the biggest shifts? His food.
We transitioned to Open Farm’s Digestive Health Wild Alaskan Pollock & Oatmeal Recipe—a vet-formulated kibble designed for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s crafted with:
Wild-caught Alaskan pollock – a lean, easily digestible protein rich in omega-3s
Oatmeal & pumpkin – gentle fibers that soothe the gut and support stool quality
Pre-, pro-, and postbiotics – to nourish healthy gut bacteria and improve nutrient absorption
No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives – just clean, traceable ingredients
This food gave Rusty a stable foundation. His digestion began to regulate, and his energy returned.
Alongside the new kibble, I added: Purina FortiFlora probiotic in the morning, a teaspoon of canned pumpkin + a pinch of ground flaxseed for his lunches, and half a teaspoon of Native Pet bone broth stirred into his dinner with warm water.
The bone broth became a nightly ritual—rich in glycine to soothe his gut, collagen for joint support, and minerals to boost hydration in our dry Arizona climate. After weeks of GI distress, it also helped detox his system and support liver recovery.
Rusty responded with brighter eyes, steadier energy, and a wag that finally felt like joy.
The Journey:
Rusty’s recovery has been raw and real, full of setbacks, small wins, and the kind of magic that only comes from loving deeply. From the first signs of GI distress and countless sleepless nights to the victories of a settled tummy and a wagging tail, every step has taught me something about patience, intuition, and the power of showing up.
This blog is more than a wellness diary—it’s a space for connection, for sharing what works, and for reminding each other that we’re not alone in the hard parts. If Rusty’s story resonates with you, I hope you’ll stick around.
Rusty’s journey is just the beginning, and so is ours.
From desert-friendly wellness routines to the products that helped us heal, Rusty’s Golden Living is your go-to for heartfelt stories, trusted tips, and a whole lot of puppy love and laughs.
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