When My Dog’s Midnight Tummy Troubles Turned Into a Wake-Up Call—Literally
How my Papillon’s health concerns led me to a life-changing diagnosis
Meet Addie, My Special Little Guy
Atlas—affectionately known as Addie—is my 10-year-old Papillon with Mitral Valve Disease. But to call him just a dog doesn’t do him justice. He’s incredibly sensitive, has unique quirks, and interacts with the world in a way I often describe as “autistic.” He parallel plays with the other Papillons, has obsessive little routines, and struggles with coordination—like when he's trying to carry his ball up the stairs.
He also loves people. If we're on a walk and he sees someone in their yard, he stops completely and refuses to go further until I ask if he can say hello. If they agree, I drop his leash and off he goes, slowly lowering his head as if to say, “You may pet me now.” He won’t leave until he’s had a proper cuddle. Then he returns, leash back on, and we continue. He’s truly one of a kind.
The Sleepless Nights Begin
So when Addie started waking me up in the middle of the night with urgent diarrhea—sometimes bloody—I was worried. My vet and I worked through several possibilities: medication side effects, dietary issues, bedtime treats… but nothing seemed to resolve it fully. He’d have a few good nights, but the pattern always returned.
At the same time, I was dealing with my own health struggles. Chronic fatigue, stress, occasional episodes of heart racing—it was all adding up. And the added stress of Addie’s nighttime emergencies was pushing me to my limits.
Searching for Answers
My doctor and my homeopathic practitioner were working together to help me get to the root of my symptoms. Eventually, my doctor suggested a sleep study for sleep apnea. I hadn’t seriously considered it before, but once I started reading about the symptoms, I had an “aha” moment.
I stopped taking my melatonin and magnesium tissue salts at bedtime—just in case—and noticed a slight improvement. I completed the sleep study and was officially diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea.
That’s when the puzzle pieces started falling into place.
The Missing Link: Florida, a Dog Sitter, and a Conference Talk
It wasn’t until I attended Dr. Judy Morgan’s International Healthy Pet Experience in Florida that everything clicked.
🔹 Clue #1
While I was away, Addie stayed with a dog sitter—and he had no tummy troubles. None.
🔹 Clue #2
During the conference, Dr. Nick Thompson, DVM gave a brilliant presentation on IBS/IBD. He explained that dogs who are extremely bonded with their owners can actually mirror gastrointestinal issues when their person is unwell. The bell went off in my head. Could Addie’s “IBS” be related to my sleep apnea?
🔹 Clue #3
I returned home… and within days, Addie’s nighttime diarrhea returned.
The Turning Point
One week later, I received my CPAP (sleep apnea) machine. From the very first night using it, both Addie and I slept soundly. No more diarrhea. No more wake-up calls. Night after night, peaceful rest—for both of us.
That’s when I truly realized: Addie wasn’t physically ill. He was experiencing stress-induced digestive issues because he was worried about me. His sensitive little body was reacting to my labored breathing at night.
He was literally losing sleep over me.
Lessons from a Loyal Companion
I am beyond grateful for Addie. His gentle spirit, his loyalty, his sensitivity—they helped uncover something that could have gone undiagnosed for years. I went to that conference to learn how to help my clients and their pets, and while I did learn a lot, the greatest gift I received was the insight into my own dog’s wellbeing—and mine.
To Dr. Nick Thompson and the team behind the Raw Pet Medics: thank you for sparking the connection.
To Addie: Thank you for loving me so fiercely that you carried my burdens as your own.
Final Thoughts
If you have a highly sensitive dog, don’t underestimate their emotional connection to you. Our pets are often trying to tell us something—not just about themselves, but about us. Listen closely. Sometimes, their tummy troubles might be your wake-up call.