Photo: Healthy Pets Summit County

Your dog did a dog thing and ate something nasty on your hike. Then she rolled in it. So, you take her home and give her a bath. As you sit down to rub your sore feet, she starts heaving. You race her to the door just in time for her to throw up. She looks miserable and needs to go out every 15 minutes. Time to call the expert.

For many pet owners in Summit County, that expert is Heide Fowler, owner of Healthy Pets Summit County. Fowler specializes in getting dogs’ digestive systems back on track.

“I spent 2020 getting certified as a K-9 dietician,” Fowler says. “I specialize in gastro issues and helping dogs get healthy through diet and nutrition rather than medication. If it’s out of my wheelhouse, I send people to their vet. Sometimes, vets refer me to their clients.”

When dealing with a sick dog, Fowler advises considering the duration of symptoms. “If it’s more than 72 hours, they need to go to a vet first,” she explains. “If it’s just been a few hours, you might try pro- or prebiotic or organic pumpkin. I look at the age, size, and duration. If they have been on antibiotics, I can help clean their system and get them back on track. What they eat is important.”

Fowler’s expertise extends beyond digestive issues. For common complaints like bad breath, she offers this insight: “Biscuits and kibble don’t clean teeth—they have high sugar content. If they’ve had a vet determine their teeth are ok, we can help. Dogs naturally don’t have bad breath. Bad guts can cause bad breath. We can fix that.”

Healthy Pets Summit County opened its doors in 2018, inspired by Fowler’s sister-in-law’s similar business in Utah. By April 2019, the business had grown enough to warrant its own storefront on Fowler’s property. “Dogs are better than people,” she says. “I went from bartending for 30 years to this. My dogs are with me 24/7.”

The business remains a family affair. Fowler and her husband Mike run the shop, with Mike handling the behind-the-scenes operations. “Mike handles all the back end, taxes, and business elements,” Fowler explains. “He’s the brains behind the scenes.” Her parents, affectionately known as Mimi and Papa, also help out, with Mimi operating the cash register and Papa assisting customers with their packages.

Fowler takes pride in the store’s commitment to clean, natural, and holistic products. “I know where my meat and produce comes from,” she says. “I spend a lot of time with my brands, I know everything about it or it doesn’t come in here. I spend a lot of time making sure everything is top quality.”

In addition to healthy food and supplements, the store offers grooming supplies. “Our groomers use probiotic shampoos,” Fowler notes. “There are no coloring agents or perfumes. We also have specialized anti-allergy, anti-itch shampoos for dogs that have sensitive skin.”

Healthy Pets Summit County also serves as a community hub for dog lovers. “If someone has lost their dog, we want to help. The green space in front of my store is great for adoption events,” Fowler says. The store carries local brands and products, and Fowler is always ready to provide information on pet care services.

“If you’re looking for insight, information or direction, I’m a great resource,” she concludes. “I vet people, just like my products. I know their services, their products, or them, so I know that what they’re offering is good. I’m happy to pass that along.”