Emergency Vet Hospital

10/12/2024

Avocado: These are rich in fats which could lead to pancreatitis, an extremely painful abdominal condition. Ingestion of the stone or pit is also a concern as this could cause a gastrointestinal blockage.

Stone fruit: Stones and seeds are more dangerous than the flesh. The stones, leaves and plant stems of these fruits contain cyanide, which carries an obvious toxicity risk. Cyanide poisoning in dogs causes symptoms including:

⚠ Increased respiratory and heart rate
⚠ Heart rhythm issues
⚠ Dilated pupils

Apart from a choking hazard, fruit stones and seeds can cause gastrointestinal obstruction.

Bones: Once cooked these become brittle and splinter easily. This can lead to fragments getting stuck causing obstructions, gut irritation, constipation, diarrhoea and intestinal perforation, which is a very serious condition. Splintered bones damage the gums, teeth and throat; also posing a major choking hazard. Turkeys and chickens are hollow b***d birds; these bones will splinter when raw or cooked so must never be given to your dog or cat under any circumstances.

Meat string needs to be carefully disposed of, as this can be harmful if swallowed.

If you’re unsure what to do in an emergency situation with your pet, follow this hand emergency pet guide - https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

If you are concerned your dog may have eaten any of these, please contact your vet for advice or if your routine vet is unavailable, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, 0800 384 111.

02/12/2024

Tinsel is a dangerous festive decoration for pets. Ingesting even a small length of tinsel means they could suffer from an intestinal obstruction. Common signs that your pet has swallowed tinsel, or any other long, stringy object are:

⚠ Pawing at the mouth
⚠ Vomiting and diarrhoea
⚠ Lethargy and weakness
⚠ Dehydration
⚠ Abdominal pain

While tinsel is not poisonous, it is dangerous if swallowed as it can wrap around the tongue or anchor itself in the stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. As the intestines contract and move, stringy foreign bodies can slowly saw through the tissue resulting in severe damage. Your pet runs the risk of severe intestinal injury or rupture. Treatment for this inevitably involves abdominal surgery.

Edible ornaments and decorations: Homemade macaroni ornaments, candy canes and chocolate coins are lovely festive items, but unfortunately, they are harmful to our pets. Sugar from candy canes can cause a dangerous blood glucose surge in our pets. Chocolate is toxic, and the wrapping foil and plastic can be problematic as they work their way through the gut. String-containing macaroni ornaments pose similar dangers to tinsel. It is best to place edible ornaments and decorations where your pet cannot reach.

Candles & Lights: Just a reminder that lighting candles on or around a Christmas tree is extremely hazardous. Christmas trees are highly flammable, a pet can easily jostle the tree or knock over a candle. If using decorative fairy lights, keep them away from the bottom of the tree where pets can chew the electrical cords to prevent electric shocks.


If you’re unsure what to do in an emergency situation with your pet, follow this handy emergency pet guide - https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

If you suspect your pet has consumed something they shouldn’t have, contact your Vet immediately, or if your routine vet is unavailable, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, 0800 384 111.

14/11/2024

The Emergency Vet Hospital is open today and here to assist in an emergency.

📲Check out our pet emergency guide to help with assessing your pet’s health: https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

If you have an emergency with your pet and it can’t wait until your vet clinic is open, 📞please call us 0800 EVH 111

14/11/2024

If your vet clinic is closed this long weekend we are here for you until your vet clinic opens again.

If you experience an emergency with your pet, 📞please call first 0800 EVH 111

📲Check out our pet emergency guide to help with assessing your pet’s health: https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

04/11/2024

A friendly reminder that it is Guy Fawkes night tomorrow - this is a time when fireworks are often used. Fireworks can cause fear, anxiety and injury for your pets.🐶🐱

Here are some ways to keep them safe around fireworks:
🎆Keep your pets secure indoors away from open windows and with curtains closed.
🎆Give your pet somewhere safe and reassuring to hide, like a den, box, or crate.
🎆Make sure all doors and gates are closed so your pet cannot escape if they get frightened.
🎆Check on your pets regularly if there is fireworks going off near you to help keep them calm and prevent injuries.
🎆Make sure you're aware of afterhours vet contact details in case you need assistance.

If you do experience an emergency with your pets during the weekend and your routine vet is closed, we are just a phone call away 24/7.
Located 181 Lehmans Road, Rangiora.
PLEASE CALL FIRST 0800 EVH 111 (0800 384 111).

31/10/2024

Keep your pet safe this Halloween, check out these quick tips to ensure your pet remains safe this Halloween.

🍬Keep Halloween chocolate out of paws reach. If you have trick-or-treaters visit your property, before letting your pet out, ensure there are no dropped sweets that your pet might eat.

👻Decorations and costumes can be spooky. Keep your pets on a lead if you are taking them with you while trick-or-treating or answering the front door.

⚠️Strangers might leave gates or doors open so it is safest to keep your pets safely inside this evening away from windows where they can see strangers entering your property, and away from opening doors where they can escape outside.

If you do experience an emergency with your pets during Halloween and your routine vet is closed, we are just a phone call away 24/7.

Located 181 Lehmans Road, Rangiora.

PLEASE CALL FIRST 0800 EVH 111 (0800 384 111).

27/10/2024

The Emergency Vet Hospital is open today and here to assist in an emergency.

Check out our pet emergency guide to help with assessing your pet’s health: https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

If you have an emergency with your pet and it can’t wait until your vet clinic is open, please call us 0800 EVH 111

26/10/2024

If your vet clinic is closed this long weekend we are here for you until your vet clinic opens again on Tuesday morning.

If you experience an emergency with your pet, please call first 0800 EVH 111

Check out our pet emergency guide to help with assessing your pet’s health: https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

21/10/2024

Spooky dress-ups and loud noises can scare pets and cause them to bolt for a hiding place. A working microchip, has been registered with the Companion Animal Register can be helpful for safely returning your pet home to you promptly.

Avoid a trip to the pound or a visit to us with an injured pet that has been returned to you, and get your pet’s microchip checked to make sure it’s working properly, and your contact details registered with https://www.animalregister.co.nz/ are current.

Be prepared. Check it now.

18/10/2024

GET PREPARED FOR FIREWORKS SEASON 🎆

Vulnerable animals can bolt when they are frightened and can find themselves in difficult situations - Make sure your pets can be returned safely home to you if this happens.

Get your pet microchipped and registered. If they have been microchipped for a while, log in and check that your contact details are up to date:

https://www.animalregister.co.nz/

Also, ensure they are wearing an ID tag with your up-to-date contact details.

30/09/2024

During the spring to early summer months, owners who suffer from seasonal allergies are likely to be stocking up and using antihistamine medication. 💊

👀If you suspect your pet has ingested some of your human meds, keep an eye out for these signs:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Incoordination
• Wobbliness
• And tremors

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.📞

Symptoms will typically develop within four to seven hours after ingestion.

⚠️IF LARGE AMOUNTS OF ANTI-HISTAMINE HAVE BEEN INGESTED CONVULSIONS, RESPIRATORY DISTRESS AND COMA MAY OCCUR.

If you are unsure about what to do when your pet becomes unwell, especially in a stressful emergency situation, follow the advice on this handy Pet Emergency Guide.
https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

25/09/2024

🌽Sweetcorn itself is not toxic – lots of dogs (and some cats!) love the odd little bit. However, the danger occurs with corn on the cob. When a corn cob is eaten by a dog, it is just the right size to cause a serious intestinal blockage. It is one of the most common foreign bodies we encounter.

⚠️Please dispose of your corn cobs sensibly and ensure your dog is not given any.

If you are unsure about what to do when your pet becomes unwell, especially in a stressful emergency situation, follow the advice on this handy Pet Emergency Guide.
https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

16/09/2024

The warmer weather during the spring months often leads to the start of barbecue weather. If you are having a barbecue, keep your cat and dog at a safe distance.
🧅INGREDIENTS from a barbeque can be dangerous to your pet if it is within their access. From Kekab sticks, to fatty foods, garlic and onions there are many dangers for our pets.
🍢LEFTOVERS pose a big risk – so please always ensure you clean up well.
🤝GUESTS at your BBQ may not be familiar with what is and is not safe for your pet to eat. Please make sure everyone who is mingling with your pets is aware of the dangers for them.

If you are unsure about what to do when your pet becomes unwell, especially in a stressful emergency situation, follow the advice on this handy Pet Emergency Guide.
https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

11/09/2024

During the spring months keep a watch out for poisonous plants while your pet is spending time outside. ☀️

🌼Common toxic plants to look out for include lilies, daffodils and azaleas. Daffodils can be toxic, particularly the bulbs, however, the flower heads can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy. In severe cases, this may result in dehydration, tremors, and convulsions. These signs can be seen from 15 minutes to one day following ingestion.

👀Although bluebells are uncommon in New Zealand, all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs. If ingested it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. A significant quantity of bluebell Ingestion of bluebells can also cause a risk of heartbeat irregularity (arrhythmia).

🌷Other spring flowers to keep a lookout for include tulips and crocuses. They are less toxic, however, seek advice from your vet if you are concerned your pet has eaten them. 📞

If you are unsure about what to do when your pet becomes unwell, especially in a stressful emergency situation, follow the advice on this handy Pet Emergency Guide.
https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

06/09/2024

⚠️ You may not have this on your property, however your neighbours, friends or family who your dog visit might - so please don't let them just wander off, keep an eye on your pets when visiting areas outside your property!

Did you know calf milk replacer, calf meal and chick crumb are highly toxic and often fatal if drunk or eaten by dogs, cats, horses, sheep and goats.

Coccidiostats which are found in some of these products are fine for the intended species, but are highly toxic and often fatal if drunk or eaten by any other unintended animal. ‼️

❤️‍🩹There is no known antidote – only supportive care, and reducing absorption using appropriate veterinary medicines and treatment.

If you are visiting a property that may use these products, check they are securely out of reach of your pets paws!

In the event of accidental ingestion, please contact your veterinary team immediately for advice and treatment. In the event of accidental human ingestion, please contact your doctor or emergency room immediately. 📞

05/09/2024

If you suspect parvovirus, and your pooch is displaying symptoms such as:
• lethargy
• lack of appetite
• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

‼️❌‼️ PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CALL AHEAD ‼️❌‼️

For the safety of all animals in our hospital extra precautions will need to be taken when meeting with you and your dog.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/buhpLuu47XW166po/

📣 Our vet team is starting to hear reports of parvovirus cases around Christchurch again, so we encourage all dog owners to plan for, and prioritise their dog's essential vaccinations to prevent heartbreak. Parvovirus is highly preventable with the right vaccinations.

✅ It is important to factor in the cost for the vaccination to your household budget, this is an effective way of avoiding parvovirus, the cost of this is far less than managing the cost of a very unwell dog.

🛑 Unvaccinated dogs, and young dogs who are still to complete their primary vaccination course are most at risk of contracting this highly contagious viral disease which affects the dog’s gastrointestinal tract.

🛑 It can be passed on when dogs sniff, lick or eat contaminated faeces, or when dogs come into contact with contaminated food and water bowls, or footwear that contains the virus.

🛑 The signs of parvovirus usually occur within five to seven days of exposure and can include:
• lethargy
• lack of appetite
• fever
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

REDUCE THE RISK FOR YOUR DOG:
✅ Get your dog vaccinated.
✅ Stay away from unvaccinated dogs, and areas where dogs, who may be contaminated visit.
✅ Keep your pooch safe on properties with no history of parvovirus. The disease can survive in affected area for many months.
✅ Make sure visitors to your property do not bring potentially contaminated material, such as poo on their shoe!

02/09/2024

Just like people, pets can have allergic reactions to bites and stings. Although the risk of bee stings is present year-round, spring and summer bees are more active. 🐝
If your pet has been stung, you might see bumps, swelling of the skin, itchiness, and even in severe cases vomiting or drowsiness.

⚠️In cases where your pet is showing signs of distress from a sting, they really need to be checked out by the vet as soon as possible.
For severe swellings, or if your pet is very distressed, the vet can prescribe an antihistamine or a steroid which can help to alleviate the effects of the sting.

💡If you are unsure about what to do when your pet becomes unwell, especially in a stressful emergency situation, follow the advice on this handy Pet Emergency Guide.
https://www.emergencyvethospital.co.nz/pet-emergency-guide

24/08/2024

🛑 If you have an emergency with your pet this weekend, please note, due to maintenance, as of 8am Sunday there is a temporary entrance via the main RVC doors directly from the carpark.

PLEASE Always call first 0800 EVH 111. (0800 384 111)