My Jack Russell Zippee ate an entire eight-pack of sausages. I took him to the vet the next day, but it was already too late

Rhian Allen owned a Jack Russell all her life and was devastated when her nine-year-old dog was suddenly diagnosed with life-threatening pancreatitis.

Sydney’s mother told FEMAIL that Zippee had several allergies and other health problems growing up – and that the dog couldn’t even walk on a patch of grass without a nasty rash snaking up his legs and his stomach.

In 2017, Rhian accidentally left her garage door open and Zippee got into the trash, destroying an eight-pack of sausages.

The family didn’t expect that their impromptu meal would result in a swollen pancreas and $15,000 in medical bills — or that the treats would ultimately cost them their life.

This devastating result shows why everyone needs to be informed about dog nutrition – and why Rhian is sharing her story.

“When Zippee died, it was devastating,” Rhian said. “It all happened so quickly. One day he was happy and healthy and a few days later he was gone.

Doctors revealed that Zippee’s illness was caused by eating too many high-fat foods at one time.

Rhian said: “I felt terrible not knowing the dangers of a dog consuming fatty foods. If I had, we could have gone straight to the vet and saved him.

Even though she took Zippee to the vet the next day, it was already too late.

Rhian said the dog showed unusual symptoms for a few hours before vomiting.

“He looked really weird,” she said. “He was silent and moved slowly and sneakily – and he kept looking at me with pleading eyes.”

The mother was especially worried about taking Zippee to the vet on a Sunday because of the double costs, but she couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to him.

Four days and myriad tests later, doctors wanted to operate on Zippee’s pancreas and hoped it would eventually regenerate.

However, Zippee was unable to keep food down after the operation and doctors revealed there was only a 5% chance of success if he had another operation.

“I remember the call so well and it was so traumatic. We appealed to leave him alone and go in peace. We all went to the vet to say goodbye and it was absolutely heartbreaking.

“We had lost a member of our family and it was heartbreaking. We felt empty and it took us a very long time to feel normal again.

Moving forward, Rhian worked hard to educate herself about pet nutrition and how to best care for her dogs.

“When we got our two little cavoodles a few years later, I was determined to gain knowledge so they could live the longest, healthiest lives possible.”

“It played an important role in launching my business Active and healthy pet.

“I enlisted the help of pet nutritionists to create recipes and guides so that all dog owners can understand how diet is absolutely essential to their dog’s health and longevity.”