How to Know if Your Pet is Experiencing Respiratory Distress

How to Know if Your Pet is Experiencing Respiratory Distress

If your pet is having difficulty breathing, this is considered a “RED” – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Remove any neck collars or facial restrictions such as muzzles.   […]

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Why is My Dog Peeing Blood?

Why is My Dog Peeing Blood?

Note that straining to urinate or blood in urine for a dog is considered a “YELLOW” – or semi-urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend your pet be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours. When there is snow on the ground, it is easy to see the color of your […]

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Fur-Tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode VIII | A Mother’s Intuition

Fur-Tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode VIII | A Mother’s Intuition

In April 2020, Niko, a 3-year-old German Shepherd, had been a completely healthy dog, but out of nowhere, trouble came. That evening started like any other – Niko ate his dinner normally and seemed fine. But about an hour after he ate his dinner, he began to retch several times without producing anything. Immediately, a […]

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Tips for Managing a Pet with a Chronic Illness

Tips for Managing a Pet with a Chronic Illness

Having a pet diagnosed with a chronic disease can be overwhelming.  The following are some tips to help navigate your pet’s chronic illness.    1. Ask Questions Make sure you understand the diagnosis. Seek information from your veterinarian and staff so that you fully understand your pet’s disease process, expected treatment, and prognosis. The more you understand your pet’s condition,  the better able you will be to provide […]

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Urinary Crystals in Pets

Urinary Crystals in Pets

Urinary crystals are one type of “bling” that even fashion-conscious pet owners do not want! Urinary crystals and stones are caused by a buildup of natural minerals found in your pet’s urine. There are several types of urinary crystals and stones with the most common being struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxalate. Occasionally, cysteine conglomerations are seen. All these minerals can form crystals that resemble tiny, microscopic […]

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Sand Impaction in Dogs: What Happens When Your Dog Eats Too Much Sand

Sand Impaction in Dogs: What Happens When Your Dog Eats Too Much Sand

It’s summer, and that means it’s time to hit the beach! For many dog parents, Fido comes along for some fun in the sun. But before you start packing your beach bag, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with visiting sandy beaches and outdoor play areas. While many dog owners know the dangers of overheating, as well as water dangers such as blue-green algae, water […]

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Shelties & the Lance Tooth: Understanding this Genetic Tooth Abnormality

Shelties & the Lance Tooth: Understanding this Genetic Tooth Abnormality

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are fluffy, lovable dogs who look like smaller Collies. If you are a Sheltie owner or fan, you may have heard the news about a recent discovery of the genetic cause of the “lance tooth”, a tooth abnormality commonly found in Shelties, and how it relates to body size. Here is […]

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5 Reasons to Immediately Bring Your Dog to the ER

5 Reasons to Immediately Bring Your Dog to the ER

If you missed our 7 Reasons to Immediately Bring Your Cat to the ER, click here! Now, for the dog owners! Deciding if your dog needs to be seen through an emergency vet can be difficult. Here are a few of the most common reasons to immediately bring your dog to an emergency animal hospital: […]

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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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