HOLIDAY SAFETY

Remember to "pet-proof" your house for the holidays. The following guidelines are recommended for protecting man's best friend:

• Food--certain food--can be fatal. Alcoholic beverages and coffee are exceptionally dangerous, as are onions, salt, yeast, fatty foods, macadamia nuts, and chocolate.  Keep Fido out of the trashcan, too--spoiled and moldy foods can also cause digestive problems.
• Keep poisonous plants out of reach or in areas where pets aren't free to wander. These include lilies, which can cause kidney failure in cats; poinsettias and holly, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea; and mistletoe, which can cause cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal upset.
• Keep the water in your Christmas tree stand covered. Tree water is often infested with fertilized, bacteria, and other harmful elements.
• Christmas trees themselves can be hazardous--kittens can become entangled in tinsel 
  and ribbon, and broken ornaments can be hazardous to delicate paws.
• Keep electrical cords--a chewing temptation--away from Fido and Fluffy.
• Plastic gift bags can suffocate--keep them out of animals' reach.
• Make sure candles and other unprotected flames are not within your pets' reach. Spilled 
  wax can cause burns if a curious cat or dog bumps into some and a flickering flame begs 
  to be sniffed, pawed at and knocked over.
• Human medications, often used more during the holidays, should be stored out of pets' reach.  Just one regular-strength ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a ten-pound dog.
• Fumes from wrapping paper burned in the fireplace can cause toxic fumes to birds.
• Place telephone numbers for your veterinarian, an emergency vet service, the SPCA, and 
  ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-ANI-HELP) in a convenient location.

Can My Pet Eat Pumpkins?

source: icalmpet

Your dog or cat may be curious about the pumpkins sitting on your front porch. Halloween is now in the past, and your pumpkin may be beautifully carved, but it might also be collecting bacteria. While it’s best they don’t eat that pumpkin, canned organic pumpkin (unsweetened – not pie filling), pumpkin seeds, and cooked fresh pumpkin have many benefits for dogs and cats. Pumpkin can help with the following pet ailments:

1) Digestive Health: Pumpkin is a fabulous source of fiber for our furry friends, as well as for us. Pureed pumpkin (with no added sugar or spice) can help dogs and cats with both constipation and diarrhea. Adding a tablespoon or two (in proportion to their size) to their regular meal is known to help keep them regular. It can also help dogs and cats with indigestion or upset stomachs. Gina LOVES it and would eat it right out of the can if allowed. Most cats are usually a little more finicky.

2) Urinary Health: According to Veterinarians Laci and Jed Schaible, co-founders of VetLIVE.com, pumpkin seeds are high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants (good for overall healthy skin and fur), and the oils in pumpkin flesh and seeds are believed to support urinary health. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium and iron, and may even reduce the likelihood your pet will develop cancer.

3) Weight Loss: Dogs seem to naturally love pumpkin. If you are looking to take a few pounds off of your pooch or kitty, try reducing a portion of their food and replace it with the same portion of canned pumpkin. Their tummy will feel just as full, and they might even thank you for the additional flavor.

Raw, Cooked, or Canned?

Both raw and cooked pumpkin is safe for dogs. (If your dog or cat has diabetes or chronic kidney disease, always ask your vet first.) As far as our healthy pooches go, seeds and flesh of fresh raw pumpkins are safe provided, of course, it’s not a rotten pumpkin that’s been sitting on the porch for four weeks. Pumpkin parts do go rancid very quickly! If you choose to go with canned, make sure it’s organic and doesn’t have added sugar.

Source: icalmpet

What To Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

What To Do If Your Pet 

Eats Something Toxic

In the wild dogs are scavengers, meaning they’ll eat
whatever they can find.Some pet dogs are the same
and will eat anything they find lying around.

There are lots of foods, items and substances in the
house and environment that can poison dogs or block
their guts.

Treatment and outcome varies a lot depending on
what it is your dog has chosen to eat.

Contact your vet immediately if your dog has eaten
something harmful. Acting fast could
save your dog's life!

Toxins, poisons and harmful items for dogs

There are many substances that are toxic, poisonous or harmful to dogs in the house, 
garden and environment, such as cleaning products, human medicines, poisonous plants,
antifreeze and foods (e.g. chocolate, grapes and onions).

Dogs also love to eat strange items which can cause gut blockages. Bones, rubber toys,
stones, socks, underwear and baby’s dummies are just a few examples. The list is endless!

Gut blockages are very serious and can kill a dog if not treated quickly.

Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten something harmful.

Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Twitching
• Sleeping more or being quieter than usual
• Not wanting to eat
• Standing with a hunched back or adopting a ‘bowing’ or ‘prayer’ position due to tummy pain
• Straining and not being able to poo (constipation).

Some dogs will vomit but the vast majority won’t show any signs immediately after eating something
they shouldn’t have. It usually takes a day or two for symptoms to develop (depending on what they’ve
eaten).

If you think that your dog may have eaten something harmful contact your vet immediately for
an emergency appointment.

Should I try to make my dog vomit?

No, never try to make your dog vomit unless your vet specifically asks you to do so. It can make
the situation much worse and you may end up harming your dog.

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if your dog has eaten something
they shouldn’t have. Never wait to see if a problem develops - your dog could become very ill or
even die without treatment. Acting fast could save your dog's life.

You know your dog best. Even if you’re unsure whether or not they have eaten something that
may harm them, if they’re not themselves or you are concerned it’s always best to contact your vet.

Treatment options

Treatment depends entirely on what your dog has eaten, and may include:

• Making your dog vomit (when instructed by vet)
• Activated charcoal in a meal (a liquid that helps absorb any remaining toxins, excess gas & fluids)
• Keeping them overnight on a drip to give them fluids
• Blood tests
• A medication to help reverse or prevent the effects of the toxin your dog has eaten
• X-rays
• An ultrasound scan of their tummy
• An emergency operation to remove a blockage.

Outlook

Toxins and poisons

• The outcome depends entirely on what your pet ingested and whether they get proper treatment.
• Most dogs that receive veterinary treatment quickly make a good recovery.
• Unfortunately some animals, even with correct treatment, develop health problems. 
• Health problems vary depending on what your dog has eaten.

Gut blockages

• Having a gut blockage is a very serious condition that can be fatal if left without treatment. 
• Often your dog will need an emergency operation to remove the item.
• Unfortunately, even with correct treatment, it's common for animals to develop complications.

Gut blockages can lead to serious complications

Why do dogs eat things they shouldn't?

Curiosity

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Sometimes they can accidentally swallow the things they
pick up out of curiosity.

Boredom

Dogs are very intelligent animals and they can get bored easily. They might fill their time by chewing
on or tearing up things in your house, swallowing something they shouldn’t in the process.

Lack of nutrients

Some dogs have a taste for things that we don’t think of as food, such as poo. This can be a sign that
they’re missing out on important nutrients. Speak to your vet for advice.

Stress

If your dog is stressed out, they might comfort themselves by chewing on something they shouldn’t.

Attention

Did they get a lot of fuss and attention last time they ate something they shouldn’t have? Your dog
might have learnt that eating a toy or chowing down on your slippers makes them the center of attention!

How can I stop my dog eating things 

they shouldn’t?

Read our tips for keeping your dog safe by helping to stop them eating things they shouldn't.



Source: PSDA June 2018.

National Responsible Pet Owners Month

The month of February is National Responsible Pet Owners Month! Animals have been our companions for thousands of years, whether it be cats, dogs, horses or even cows. Owning a pet is great fun, but also a great responsibility. 

Here are some tips for being the best pet owner you can be:

Make sure your pet is getting a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

Different types of animals need different types of diets, which means it's your job as a pet owner to make sure the food you're giving your pet is right for them. Obesity in animals is very common but can be detrimental to your pets health!

Bring your pet to the vet for regular checkups.

Bringing your pet in for a checkup at least once a year is essential in making sure your pet is healthy and happy. Your vet will check for any signs of illnesses that you may not be aware of!

Make sure your pet is groomed and has good hygiene.

All pets need regular baths and haircuts, but some breeds might need to be groomed more often than others. Keeping clean ears and teeth should also be a regular routine to keep dental disease away!

Pet-proof your home.

Sometimes, we don't realize the things in our own homes could be potentially dangerous for pets. Some house plants can be poisonous to pets if eaten, so always be cautious of what your pet could get into!

We hope these tips have inspired you to become the most responsible pet owner ever!

Sources: Morris Animal Inn National Today 

Microchipping Common Questions

Q: What is microchipping?  How do you do it?

​

A: Microchipping is a small chip that is implanted into an animal to track it.

A needle is used to place a little chip under the animal’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. That chip has a unique number on it that can be picked up and read by a scanner.

​

Q: Is it painful to my pet?

​

A: It hurts about as much as having blood drawn. It’s a large needle. There’s a pinch.

Q: How long does it take, and does it have to be done by a veterinarian?

​

A: It takes the same amount of time it takes to give any injection. It takes seconds. It takes more time to do the paperwork than implant the microchip.

No, it doesn’t have to be done by a veterinarian, although it’s recommended a veterinarian do it.

​

Q: Do all shelters scan for microchips when they find a pet?

A: All shelters should scan any pet that comes in for microchips and they should do so with a universal scanner. 

New Version of Canine Flu Now Infecting Cats

EVEN THOUGH THIS IS AN ARTICLE IS THREE YEARS OLD, IT IS STILL SOMETHING THAT IS IMPORTANT TO PAY ATTENTION TOO. CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE FROM PETMD

The “new” version of canine flu (H3N2) that began as a 2015 outbreak in the Chicago area is back in the news.

The latest surveillance data available through Cornell University shows that positive test results have been identified in dogs from 29 states. But even more interesting is the recent report from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine revealing that a group of cats housed in a Northwest Indiana shelter have tested positive for the H3N2 canine influenza virus.

According to Sandra Newbury, Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Shelter Medicine Program at University of Wisconsin:

“Suspicions of an outbreak in the cats were initially raised when a group of them displayed unusual signs of respiratory disease,” Newbury says. “While this first confirmed report of multiple cats testing positive for canine influenza in the U.S. shows the virus can affect cats, we hope that infections and illness in felines will continue to be quite rare.”

We already knew that feline infections were possible because South Korea cats were infected with this version of the virus when it was first identified, and one cat did test positive for the disease in the United States last year, but now the University of Wisconsin reports that it “appears the virus can replicate and spread from cat to cat.”

 “Sequential sampling of these individual cats have shown repeated positives and an increase in viral loads over time,” Kathy Toohey-Kurth, virology section head at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory says. Eight cats tested positive on consecutive tests. More had similar clinical signs but “recovered quickly before testing and tested negative.”

Dogs in the shelter did have H3N2 canine influenza when the feline infections were diagnosed, but the cats were housed in a separate part of the facility and the “cat areas were cleaned prior to cleaning the dog areas.” This just goes to show how contagious this particular flu virus can be.

READ FULL ARTICLE

SOURCE

Microchipping

Microchipping

The thought of a pet running away or being distracted by something running to chase it is a pet owners worst fear.  

A great way to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is having him/her microchipped.

At Thompson Veterinary Services we pride ourselves in helping families find their pets.  

Don't let another day go by without calling our office and making an appointment for your animal to be chipped today.  

Call our office:

(817) 404-9222

Source: DRTHOMPSONVET.COM

Source

Keep Pets Safe in the Heat

How and where to cool animals down when temps soar.

The summer months can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for pets and people. It's difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone thick humidity, but things really get tough in areas that are hit with the double blow of intense heat and storm-caused power outages, sometimes with tragic results.

Read the full article from the Human Society

We can help you keep your pets safe and cool this summer. Follow our tips for helping everyone in your family stay healthy and comfortable when the heat is on (and even if the power isn't).Previous

Next

Is Your Pet Overheated?

Is Your Pet Overheated?

Dehydration and overheating can be extremely dangerous for pets. And if you don't know what to look for when your pet is overheating, it can lead to heatstroke, which can be deadly. All too often we see this from pets, usually dogs, left in hot cars while someone runs into a store "for just a quick minute". I don't know if any of you have seen the video on Facebook of the vet in the hot car showing you how fast the temperature can climb in "just a quick minute", but those "quick minutes" usually aren't quick minutes and no animal, or human, should be left in a car for any amount of time. It's just too risky. 

Signs and Symptoms of Overheating

Heavy panting or rapid breathing

Excessive thirst

Glazed eyes

Vomiting or bloody diarrhea

Bright or dark red tongue or gums       

Staggering 

Elevated body temperature

Weakness or collapsing

Increased pulse or heartbeat

Seizures

Excessive drooling

Unconsciousness

How to Keep Your Pet Safe

1. Never leave your pet in your car. EVER.

2. Don't walk your pet on hot pavement or during the hot part of the day. Not only can the pavement burn their paws, but the heat rising from the hot surface can make your pet quickly overheat. It's best to go in the morning before the pavement heats up or in the evening and stick to the shaded areas and grass. 

3. Don't exercise your pet during the hot parts of the day. If you take your dog to the dog park, go during the cooler hours, like when you would walk them. And don't overdo it. Our pets tend to get a little excitable when it comes to playing and don't realize how hot they are getting when they are running and chasing a ball. We have to keep their best interest in mind.

4. Make sure there is always fresh water available to your pets. Outdoors and indoors there should be a bowl of fresh water for your pet. And if your pet gets too hot, you can always hose them down or turn the sprinkler on for them. 

Fire Safety and Pets

 National Pet Fire Safety Day

In 2009, July 15th was declared National Pet Fire Safety Day by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services to educate pet owners on how to keep their pets safe should a fire arise, to prevent fires, and to plan for unexpected emergencies. For pets, prevention is key in fire safety. For people, we tend to do fire safety drills with our family and have safe meeting places. For our pets, we can't just tell them "Fido, I need you to meet me by the big tree in the neighbors yard". Your pet is going to be scared and they're going to run and hide. 

Safety Tips

1. Extinguish open flames. Pet are curious and will want to investigate what the dancing flames are. They are not cautious creatures and will jump into an open fire. 

2. Use flame-less candles in the home. If they get knocked over by curious pets, they won't start a fire and pets won't get burned. 

3. Use metal and plastic bowls for water bowls outside. Glass bowls filled with water outside on a wooden deck can heat up and actually start a fire. 

4. Keep pets out of the kitchen while cooking. Cats like to climb and sizzling pots and pans can attract kitties. Hot grease and curious cats can cause a kitchen fire fast.

5. Remove stove knobs when you're not home. Stoves can't get accidentally turned on if there's no knobs.

6. Keep young pets in kennels while you're away from home. 

7. Keep leashes and collars by the doors and have a plan in case something does happen so everyone knows who is responsible for which pet. 

8. Put window clings on your windows with how many and what kinds of pets are inside. Put them on the windows of the rooms the pets are kept in while you're away. If you have dog in a kennel in the master bedroom and the cat is in the kid's room, each window needs a cling with the pet labeled for that room and another cling for the doors saying the total number of pets inside. 

Walking Your Cat

Take Your Cat on a Walk

Most people don't know you can actually train your cat to walk on a leash. Yep, you read that right. You can walk your cat. On a leash. Most cats like to be outdoors as being indoors constantly isn't natural for them. They aren't able to climb and hunt indoors like they would naturally do in the wild. And you can't just let your kitty run around outside because of the dangers of other animals, traffic, and poisons they can get into. There are several steps to take when trying to teach your cat to learn to walk on a leash. The first is knowing your cat. If you have an adult cat, it's going to be a little more difficult to train than a kitten would. If you know your cat would not EVER willingly let you put a harness on it or it freaks out when you try to take it outside, then don't even attempt to teach them to walk on a leash. It will just stress them, and you, out. No one needs unneeded stress. 

Training Your Cat 

1. Buy a harness, not a collar. Cats are like little magicians and get out of tiny spaces, including collars. You also don't want your cat to get spooked and dart up a tree and get choked by a collar or have the collar break. A harness is a much better option. It won't choke your kitty and it's harder for them to get out of.

2. Be patient and go SLOW. Cats are not dogs. They do what they want, when they want. If you're expecting Fluffy to sit and allow you to put a harness on her because Fido does, you have another thing coming! Fluffy will scratch, claw, run, hide, and hiss her disapproval with the situation. You can use treats and praise like you would your dog. Try training when your cat is hungry, and use treats as positive reinforcement. 

3. Get your cat used the harness and leash before going outdoors. If she puts a paw into it, give her a treat and praise her. As soon as you get the harness on, give her a treat and praise her. If she takes a step or two with the harness on, treat and praise. Continue this process until she's walking around with the harness on all over the house. If she just freezes and falls over or runs and hides, take the harness off and give a treat as a peace offering. Then start putting the harness near her food bowl so she can get used to it. Then try putting the harness on again after she has gotten used to the idea of it.  

4. Once she's used to walking around the house in her harness and leash, start by taking her outside just a little ways from the door. Again, patience and go slow. If you live in a busy area, lots of kids in the neighborhood or traffic, she may resist. Start with a few feet and try to go a couple more feet every time. You may need to coax her and let her know it's okay. Once she gets used to it and all the noises, she'll want to venture further. 

5. Don't let your kitty climb any trees and don't tie your cat to anything for even a second. If your cat gets spooked, it's too dangerous and she can get tangled up in the leash. 

6. Expect this to take a while. Depending on your cat, it can take a couple weeks to a few months. Expect some setbacks. It's not going to happen overnight. Just be patient with your kitty and in no time the two of you will be on lots of walks together!

Poisonous Plants to your Pets

Poisonous Plants to Your Pets 

When you think of poisonous plants, you may think of things inside your home that your cat or dog may get into, like holly or lilies. What about what you may have growing in your backyard? Like an apple tree? Sure your horse may love them, but were you aware your dog shouldn't have them? And even then, there's certain parts of the apple your horse shouldn't have. We found an awesome article that has a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your pets. It even breaks it down so you can click on what kind of pet you'd like to check out. Wanna know what kinds of plants is toxic to your horse? Click on horse under the toxic column. Wanna know what kinds of plants are non-toxic to your dog or cat? Click on dog or cat under the non-toxic column. We found this list on the ASPCA's website and there are 1027 items listed so if you don't want to look through them all, we suggest clicking on the animal and the type of plant your looking for. It even shows you the photo of the plant so you know EXACTLY what you're looking at. 

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Keep your babies safe!

Help Your Pet Beat the Heat

Help Your Pet Beat the Heat

We've been talking a lot about beating the heat and the dangers that come with the heat for your pets. As long as there are people who are still thinking it's okay to leave their pets in the hot car while they got into the store for "just a minute", we're going to keep preaching about the dangers and how to "beat the heat". 

1. Keep fresh water available at all times for your pet. 

2. Your pet needs 1 ounce of water per 1 pound of their body weight. If you have an 80 pound dog, he needs 80 ounces of water available to him. If your cat weighs 12 pounds, she needs 12 ounces of water.

3. Dogs sweat and keep themselves cool by panting. 

4. Cats sweat through their paws.

5. Make sure shade is available when outside.

6. Bring your pets inside to the air conditioning.

7. Rub them with damp towels. Dogs would probably appreciate a run through a hose or dog pool. We can't say the same thing for cats, though. 

8. Make them some frozen treats. 

9. Get them a cooling pad to lay on. 

10. Brush them daily to get rid of all that shedding undercoat. 

11. Don't laugh - freeze your dogs toys. Put them in some water and chicken broth and freeze them. It will also stimulate their mind while giving them a nice frozen treat to help them cool off.

Pet First Aid

Pet First Aid

We've shared a lot of posts on our social media about pet first aid and what should be in your pet's first aid kit, but do you know how and when to use those things? We'll start with prevention first and work through some different ailments that can happen to your pet. 

Prevention

Keeping your cat in doors will keep them from getting attacked by neighborhood dogs or other animals. Having your dog well trained and on a leash will prevent them from getting hit by a car. Making sure all your pets are microchipped and collared should they get away from your home can get them back to you safely and have you notified should something happen to them. Make sure you pet proof your home to keep your pets out of household chemicals and keep toxic plants.

Ailments

Toxins/Poisoning: Rodent toxins, cleaning agents, some plants, and antifreeze. There are some people foods that are toxic to pets. This first thing you should do if you find your pet has been exposed to something toxic is read the label. If it says to wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water, then you need to wash your pet thoroughly with soap and water. Same thing if it says to flush the eyes with water for 5 minutes. Then call your vet. If you find your pet has ingested something, call your vet, emergency vet, or you can call the Animal Poison Control Hotline (there is a fee for the consultation) immediately. Make sure you have the package available when you call to use as a reference and let them know the breed, size, sex, age, weight, how long they were exposed to the toxin and what their symptoms are.

Bleeding: There are two types of bleeding, external and internal. External is the kind we can see and usually tend to "freak out" when we see it because we know our pet is hurt. Internal is the kind we can't see, think more along the lines of a ruptured organ. This is usually more dangerous than the bleeding we can see. When your pet has external bleeding, apply some clean gauze pads over it and apply pressure for several minutes, same as you would for yourself. You can even take a gauze wrap and wrap it around the pad to hold it in place. If bleeding is severe, apply the bandage and head to the vet immediately. For internal bleeding you need to look for blood coming from the mouth, nose, rectum, blood in the urine, pale gums, coughing up blood, your pet may collapse, or have a weak pulse. If your pet has any of these symptoms, keep them calm, quiet, and warm and take them to the vet immediately. 

Fractures: These almost go hand in hand with external bleeding. If the fracture is an open fracture, there are now two wounds to take care of: the fracture and the bleeding wound. Don't try to set the fractures yourself. If your don't know what you're doing, you risk putting your pet in more pain and you can cause more harm to your pet. The best thing to do is to use something as a stretcher and wrap your pet in a blanket, cover any bleeding wounds, and transport them to the vet. 

Burns: There are different types of burns you need to know about. The obvious is a burn from something hot or a fire, but there are also chemical burns which can be caused from getting into those toxins. For burns from fire, apply ice water compress over the area to stop the burn. For chemical burns, flush the area with large amounts of water. 

Seizures: Do not try to hold your pet still. Move objects away from your pet so your pet doesn't get injured. After the seizure has stopped, usually a couple of minutes, keep your pet calm and quiet and call your vet. 

Choking and not breathing: Please be careful when dealing with a choking pet. When an animal is choking, it is more likely to bite because it is panicking, and this includes your little Fluffy and Snowball. If your pet is still able to breathe, get them to the vet immediately. If your pet has collapsed, place your hands on both sides of the rib cage (if your pet is small enough) or lay them on their side and strike the rib cage with your palm firmly until the object has come out or you've reached the vet's office. If your pet stops breathing and is not choking, it's best to take a pet CPR class, but you want to close their mouth and breathe into their nose until their chest expands. Keep giving rescue breaths every 4 seconds on the way to the vet. For no heartbeat, we advise you take a pet CPR class. 

Heatstroke: Move your pet to shaded or cool area. Submerge your pet in cool - cold water either by dumping water on your pet or using a hose. You can even take your pet inside to the bathtub. Place a cold wet towel around your pet and transport them to the vet.

After Hours Care Options

 

After Hours Care Options

You love your pets. They're family and you treat them as such. You tell your parents when their grand-dogger tried her first ice cream cone. Your cat isn't your pet, you are your cat's person. He has claimed you and meets you at the door and rubs your face as soon as you sit down. They only get the best from you. The best food, the best treats, the best toys, the best bedding, and the best vet that you spent a month and a half researching before deciding this was THE vet for your furbabies. Now something has happened and your wonderful vet is closed for the weekend. What do you do? If your vet has an emergency number, that's great. You're all set. All you need to do is call the emergency number and do what it tells you to do. But what if your vet doesn't have an emergency number for you to call? Do they have a recommended clinic for emergency situations or after hours? This may have been something you overlooked when you chose your vet and asked him or her all those questions during the first visit. It's okay. It happens. "Oh, my...How did I not think to ask what to do after hours?!" Because, like most pet owners, you don't want to think that accidents or emergencies are going to happen. I mean, we don't even want to think about them happening to ourselves or our human family members, but they do. That's why they're called accidents and emergencies.

Okay, your vet is closed for the weekend or holiday and there is no emergency number. Is there a 24 hour clinic they recommended in your paperwork that you just overlooked? If not, chances are you have Google, Bing, Siri, or something at your fingertips to look for an after hours clinic. With this option, you can see who is closest and sometimes, the price ranges with those little $$ next to the names of the clinic. Just keep in mind that in an emergency, the prices are going to be a little more than what you'd pay going to your regular vet, just as you'd expect to pay more going to the emergency room for yourself than your primary care doctor. Dealing with a pet emergency is not the same as dealing with a human emergency where you can just pick up the phone, dial 911 and an ambulance shows up taking care of everything. You need to know what number to call and where you are going. You are you're pet's ambulance.

What is an Emergency?

You have to ask yourself, is this an emergency or can it wait until Monday when I can call my regular vet? Well, that depends on a few things. If you feel it is an emergency, then it is. If you're not sure, then here's a list for you to go by.

1. Trauma of any kind. This can be from getting hit by car, falling from a few feet, or a dog fight.

2. Seizures. Especially if you're pet has never had a seizure before. 

3. They have extreme bleeding. You can't get the bleeding to stop or slow down. 

4. Having troubles breathing or are choking. 

5. Pale gums or a weak or rapid pulse. 

6. They have become unresponsive, disoriented, or paralyzed. 

7. Vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours. 

8. They have bright red blood or tarry looking stools or vomit.

9. Extremely high or low temperature.

10. Inability to urinate or defecate.

11. They are in extreme pain. 

What to do in an Emergency

First things first, remain calm. You won't do your pet, or yourself, any good if you can't keep yourself calm. You're going to have to answer a lot of questions when you get there, like what happened and when did it happen? Did your pet ingest something? What time did the seizure occur? When did you notice your pet having problems urinating? When is the last time your pet ate or drank anything? How much did they eat/drink? Is that normal for them? What did you try at home to fix the problem before bringing them into the clinic? Is your pet on any medications? Does your pet have any kind of illnesses, like Cushing's disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or something else they should know? Be patient. It's going to take awhile to assess your pet. The team will also do x-rays and lab work as well as anything else they need to do to help your pet. This can all take awhile. Make sure you follow up with your primary vet. Have the emergency clinic send the records to your regular vet if they don't give them to you, and call the following business day to schedule a follow up appointment. Your regular vet needs to know what happened to your pet so they can help with the follow up care and keep your pet healthy.