{"id":10199,"date":"2025-05-01T16:18:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T16:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=10199"},"modified":"2025-05-01T16:18:17","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T16:18:17","slug":"pet-e-r-myths-with-e-r-vet-dr-schader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/pet-e-r-myths-with-e-r-vet-dr-schader\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet E.R. Myths with E.R. Vet Dr. Schader"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In April 2025, Dr. Schader, one of our emergency veterinarians, joined us on Facebook Live to bust some common myths about the animal ER! Missed it? No worries\u2014<\/span>check out a quick summary of the myths and Dr. Schader\u2019s expert answers below.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Schader has been a valued member of the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota team since 2011 and has spent the past seven years working as an emergency veterinarian. In the ER, she <\/span>frequently<\/span> encounters<\/span> common misconceptions shared by well-meaning pet parents. Here are some of the top myths she hears\u2014along with the facts, straight from Dr. Schader herself.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Myth: Diagnostics Will Reveal Exactly What\u2019s Wrong with My Pet<\/h2>\n

The Truth:<\/strong> Sometimes, pet parents bring their pet to the ER simply because something feels \u201coff\u201d\u2014their pet just isn\u2019t acting like themselves. In these cases, our team often recommends diagnostic tests to help guide treatment. While diagnostics can sometimes reveal a diagnosis, it\u2019s actually very common for results to come back normal. We understand this can feel disappointing, but normal results are still valuable.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal of ER diagnostics isn\u2019t always to find the exact cause\u2014it\u2019s to rule out serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that require immediate intervention. For example, if x-rays come back normal, we can rule out a surgical emergency like an intestinal blockage. Even normal bloodwork can help us eliminate 15\u201320 common causes of a pet\u2019s symptoms, allowing us to move forward with the safest and most appropriate treatment.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In many cases, supportive care\u2014like fluids, pain relief, or anti-nausea medications\u2014helps pets recover, even if we never pinpoint the exact cause. So, while normal test results may not give you a clear answer, they still give your veterinarian critical information to guide your pet\u2019s care.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Myth: Emergency Surgery Means RIGHT NOW<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Truth:<\/strong> When a pet comes to the ER and imaging reveals that surgery is needed, pet parents are often confused about the timing. When surgery happens depends on what\u2019s going on with your pet.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Take a common case: a Labrador who\u2019s eaten a sock and is vomiting. Whether the owner saw it happen or brought the dog in due to vomiting, our team would start with abdominal x-rays. If we see a fabric-like material in the intestines, that confirms a GI obstruction\u2014and explains the vomiting. In some cases, the dog is so sick that surgery needs to happen the same day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But more often, surgery isn\u2019t immediate. A dog with a <\/span>foreign body<\/span><\/a> is usually dehydrated from vomiting and may have low blood pressure. Before the dog can safely undergo anesthesia and surgery, he may need IV fluids. Sometimes, after rehydration, the dog might even pass the object on his own and avoid surgery altogether.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So while it <\/span>is<\/span><\/i> an urgent situation, it might not be an <\/span>emergency surgery<\/span><\/i><\/a> in the way you\u2019d expect. Instead, we often hospitalize the pet for fluid therapy and monitor closely. Surgery may take place in a few hours or even the next day\u2014once your pet is stable and it\u2019s safest to proceed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0Myth: If my pet poops, he doesn\u2019t have an obstruction.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Truth: When it comes to possible obstructions, pet parents often focus on whether their pet is still pooping\u2014but our ER veterinarians are paying much closer attention to signs like <\/span>vomiting<\/span><\/a>, not eating, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are more telling and are often what raise our concern about a potential obstruction.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to know that a dog with an obstruction<\/span> can<\/span><\/i> still poop. The intestines may continue to move normally for a while, and any stool passed could simply be from food eaten a day or two before. For example, if a dog swallows a sock, it might not cause a blockage right away. The dog could still be pooping even as the obstruction develops and starts causing symptoms like vomiting and appetite loss.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, while <\/span>constipation<\/span><\/a>\u2014especially in cats\u2014can be concerning, the presence or absence of poop isn\u2019t usually a reliable indicator of a foreign body obstruction in the GI tract.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Myth: If my dog gets too hot, he will stop exercising.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Truth:<\/strong> This is a common misconception, especially in the summertime. Many pet parents enjoy rollerblading or biking while their dog runs alongside them, thinking that if their dog gets too hot, they\u2019ll stop on their own. Unfortunately, this way of thinking may lead to <\/span>heatstroke<\/span><\/a> for the dog. Dogs are eager to keep up, especially when they\u2019re having fun with their human, whether it’s running or playing.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you slow down, your dog will usually follow suit, but if you keep going, they\u2019ll likely push themselves to keep up and satisfy you. This can be dangerous, as some dogs will keep running until they collapse. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to pay attention to the temperature, humidity, and your dog\u2019s individual heat tolerance. Make sure they don\u2019t overdo it, especially if they have a heavy coat (like a Saint Bernard or Newfoundland) or are a brachycephalic breed (like a French Bulldog, English Bulldog, or pug).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If it\u2019s 75\u00b0F or warmer, avoid running outside with your dog, and be extra cautious if the temperature is even 65\u00b0F with higher-risk breeds. Watch for signs like excessive panting. If that happens, take a break, head indoors, and cool off with A\/C and fresh water!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Myth: If a dog is wagging his tail, that means he\u2019s a happy dog.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Truth: This is a big issue, especially when it comes to children. A wagging tail is often mistaken for a sign of a happy, friendly dog. In reality, a wagging tail usually means excitement, but it doesn\u2019t always mean the same thing. It can indicate happy excitement\u2014or anxious excitement. For example, a dog may get nervous at the vet and tuck their tail between their legs, but other times, anxious excitement might have them wagging their tail high and fast.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These dogs can also be reactive, especially around children, so it’s crucial for pet parents to understand their dog’s body language and be aware of the body language of other dogs. A tail held high and wagging can signal aggression just as much as it can signal friendliness. Our ER often sees small dogs bitten by larger dogs at dog parks or on walks because the pet parent missed the warning signs from both dogs. This can be devastating. So, always pay attention to a dog\u2019s body language and monitor closely when around other dogs and children. Learn more about dog bite prevention and reading your dog\u2019s body language <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Myth: My dog learned their lesson after an emergency!<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Truth: We hear this a lot from pet parents who think their pet will never eat a sock again after needing surgery, but the truth is: pets don\u2019t make that connection. They don\u2019t understand that eating a sock led to surgery, so they\u2019ll happily eat another one if given the chance. Dogs, especially, love chewing on things they shouldn\u2019t, like socks and underwear\u2014and they will do it again.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, we\u2019ve seen dogs in our ER who have had 4 or 5 foreign body surgeries, and some dogs under a year old have already had two or three. Not only is this tough on your dog, but it\u2019s also costly! So, don\u2019t assume your pet has learned a lesson. Take action to prevent another incident. This could mean investing in a special muzzle, <\/span>crate training<\/span><\/a>, using baby gates to block off certain areas, or making sure things like laundry are kept out of reach. Preventing access to these items and <\/span>pet-proofing<\/span><\/a> your home is key to avoiding emergencies like foreign bodies!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Myth: It\u2019s okay to give Tylenol or ibuprofen to my dog.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The truth: We strongly advise against giving any <\/span>human medications<\/span><\/a> to your dog without the approval of a veterinarian, especially ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Medications like naproxen and ibuprofen can be extremely harmful to dogs, and even more so to cats. They can cause serious issues like ulcers in the GI tract or liver toxicity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pets have medications specifically prescribed by veterinarians that serve the same purpose as ibuprofen, but these are tailored to their unique needs and come with appropriate dosing to minimize side effects. Never self-prescribe human medications for your pet. If you’re concerned about your pet\u2019s health, contact your veterinarian to get a prescription with the correct dosage for your pet’s size and condition.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, don\u2019t use leftover prescriptions from other pets. Medications are prescribed with specific dosages in mind, and giving the wrong dose can lead to serious complications. Veterinarians also perform bloodwork before prescribing medications to ensure they\u2019re safe for your pet, especially if there are concerns about liver or kidney function. This helps avoid putting your pet at risk of adverse effects.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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We hope this helps clarify some of the common myths about the pet ER and gives you a better understanding of how to care for your pets, as well as a deeper appreciation for emergency veterinary medicine. If <\/span>you’re<\/span> ever unsure about something <\/span>you’ve<\/span> heard from a friend or read online from <\/span><\/span>Dr. Google<\/span><\/span><\/a>, we always recommend reaching out to your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital for guidance.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

More Reading:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n