Animal Emergency Care of Braselton

Halloween 2025 brings costumes, candy, and festivities, but for pets, it can mean sudden emergencies from toxic treats, stress, or escapes. With 75% of pet owners celebrating Halloween, quick action is crucial to manage risks like poisoning or injuries. Here are essential emergency tips to keep your pets safe during the spooky season. Handling Toxic Treat Ingestion Candy is a top Halloween hazard. Chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum), and raisins are toxic to pets, causing symptoms like vomiting, seizures, or kidney failure. If your pet ingests a treat, act immediately: - Identify the Substance : Note what and how much was consumed (e.g., dark chocolate, wrappers). - Contact a Vet : Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) for guidance. Time is critical, as 20% of Halloween vet visits involve poisonings. - Do Not Induce Vomiting : Follow professional advice, as forcing vomiting can worsen some cases. Keep a pet first-aid kit with activated charcoal (v...

As winter 2025 approaches, dropping temperatures, snow, and ice create challenges for pet care. Cold weather can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or joint discomfort for dogs, cats, and other animals, especially those with short fur or health issues. With 80% of pet owners concerned about winter hazards, proactive steps are essential to keep pets safe, warm, and healthy. Here’s how to winterize your pet’s care effectively. Keep Pets Warm and Comfortable Pets are vulnerable to cold, particularly short-haired breeds, seniors, or small animals. Provide insulated bedding in a draft-free area, like a cozy pet bed raised off cold floors. For outdoor time, use pet-safe jackets or sweaters for dogs, ensuring a snug but non-restrictive fit. Cats prefer warm indoor spots, so offer heated pads or blankets (supervised to prevent burns). Maintain indoor temperatures above 60°F, as hypothermia risks increase below this threshold. Check for signs like shivering or lethargy, which signal your pet is to...

Halloween 2025 brings spooky fun, costumes, and candy, but for pets, the holiday can pose serious risks. Toxic treats, decorations, and festive chaos can endanger dogs, cats, and other animals. With 70% of pet owners celebrating Halloween, proactive measures are essential to protect pets from harm. Here’s how to keep your furry companions safe from toxic treats and other Halloween hazards. Beware of Toxic Treats Candy is a major Halloween hazard. Chocolate, especially dark or baking varieties, contains theobromine, toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, or heart issues. Xylitol, a sweetener in sugar-free gum and candies, is highly dangerous, leading to rapid insulin spikes and potential liver failure. Raisins, often in trail mixes, can cause kidney damage. Keep all treats out of reach—store them in high cabinets or sealed containers. If hosting a party, ensure guests don’t leave candy wrappers or treats on tables. The ASPCA reports a 20% spike in poiso...

National Dog Week is a time to celebrate the joy, loyalty, and love our canine companions bring into our lives. But beyond treats and extra playtime, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on their safety and well-being. Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and knowing what to look out for—and how to respond—can save your dog’s life. Here are some of the most common dog emergencies every pet owner should be aware of. 1. Choking and Foreign Object Ingestion Dogs are naturally curious and often use their mouths to explore. Unfortunately, this can lead to choking or swallowing dangerous items. - Signs of choking: Pawing at the mouth, gagging, difficulty breathing, or blue gums. - What to do: Try to carefully remove the object if visible. If not, perform the Heimlich maneuver for dogs and get veterinary help immediately. 2. Heatstroke Even though National Dog Week falls in late September, warmer weather can still pose risks. - Symptoms: Heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, collapse, or seizu...