5 Tips to Pet-Proof Your Home

5 Tips to Pet-Proof Your Home

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested something toxic, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If […]

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Pet Fire Safety: Preventing Pets from Causing House Fires

Pet Fire Safety: Preventing Pets from Causing House Fires

Home fires occur all too often, putting our lives and our pet’s lives at risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 40,000 pets die in fires every year and approximately 750 of home fires are started by pets or wild animals. The American Red Cross has found that the majority of the […]

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Summer Heat Risks for Pets

Summer Heat Risks for Pets

If your pet is experiencing severe heat stress or a heat stroke (symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse, or a high rectal temperature) – these are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so […]

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Fur-tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode II: Puppy Survives an Accidental Shooting

Fur-tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode II: Puppy Survives an Accidental Shooting

Meet Riley, a four-month-old mixed-breed dog. Her owners were away at work, and a brother-in-law who lived with them was at home, performing maintenance on a firearm.  The gun accidentally discharged, hitting Riley in the chest. Without delay, the brother-in-law brought her to AERC, and her owners left work to be with Riley at our […]

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Hot Spots on Dogs

Hot Spots on Dogs

It’s one in the morning and you wake up to the sound of your dog incessantly licking at the base of his tail- over and over and over. You turn on the light to discover the area he is licking is now red, raw, and sensitive to the touch. This is a familiar scenario for […]

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5 Things Emergency Vets Want Cat Owners to Know

5 Things Emergency Vets Want Cat Owners to Know

Oh, the life of a cat owner! From 2:00 a.m. zoomies, to “I-can-see-the-bottom-of-the-bowl” catastrophes, to not being able to have “nice things” – maybe they all balance out when one is the Honored Chosen Lap. The bond between feline companions and cat owners is special but can also be stressful! As an ER veterinarian (and […]

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What to Do If Your Pet Is Overheated

What to Do If Your Pet Is Overheated

Heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, is a common pet emergency during these warmer months.  Dogs are not able to cool themselves by sweating the way people do.  Instead, they primarily cool themselves by panting. They only sweat a small amount from their paw pads.  This makes them more sensitive to heat stress. If a dog […]

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Fur-tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode I: Needle Fight Club

Fur-tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode I: Needle Fight Club

Scooter, a one-year-old kitten, was playing with a sewing needle and thread. Before her owner could take it away from her, Scooter suddenly appeared to become startled and ran off. Had Scooter possibly swallowed the needle or poked herself with it?  In an attempt to discover the answer, Scooter was brought to AERC’s Emergency Service. […]

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Why is My Cat Peeing Outside of the Litter Box? Is this an Emergency?

Why is My Cat Peeing Outside of the Litter Box? Is this an Emergency?

If your cat is peeing outside of the litter box, he may be trying to tell you something. Some cat owners understandably feel angry when their litter-box-trained cat is urinating outside the box. This can be very frustrating and can affect your relationship with your feline family member. While there are many behavioral reasons for […]

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Signs of Allergies in Your Pet and Therapeutic Options

Signs of Allergies in Your Pet and Therapeutic Options

If your pet is experiencing an allergic reaction or a yeast or bacteria infection, their symptoms can range from mild to severe: Difficulty breathing is considered “RED” – or true emergency– on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows […]

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