1. Curb Boredom 🧸
Stock up on dog toys and fill hollow ones with treats like peanut butter, frozen banana slices, or dog food. Hide treats around the house for a fun game! 🐕🦺 Use positive reinforcement training to keep your dog engaged and happy.
2. Ease Into a New Routine 🌅
Start adjusting your dog to the new schedule before school begins. Get up early, take your dog for a long walk, and introduce new activities they'll enjoy when alone.
3. Bathroom Breaks 🚻
Know how long your dog can stay alone without a bathroom break. Take them out in the morning and have someone else do the same in the afternoon. If unsure, hire a pet sitter for midday breaks.
4. Trial Run with Noise 📺
Leave the TV or radio on when you're away to see if it helps your dog feel more relaxed. You can also try dog-specific noise machines.
5. Pet Classes 🎓
Consider enrolling your dog in a basic training or agility class. If time is tight, teach them tricks at home!
6. Morning Exercise 🌞
Get up early for a good walk or play session. This helps your dog stay calm during the day. Consider a midday pet-walking service if needed.
7. Distraction Techniques 🧩
Change up your leaving routine to reduce stress. Use a toy or treat to distract your dog as you go out, keeping them calm and occupied.
8. Strengthen the Bond ❤️
Make time for your dog in the evenings. Spend quality time together to maintain a happy and healthy bond. Discuss activities with your family and primary care vet.
#BackToSchool #DallasDogs #DallasAnimalUrgentCare #DallasUrgentVet
🎉 Meet Dr. Darcey, born and raised in the heart of Arkansas—Go Hogs! 🐗
He completed his undergrad at the University of Arkansas and then took his passion for animals to the University of Missouri, where he earned his veterinary degree. 🩺 Dr. Darcey is all about the thrill of emergency medicine! 🚨 When he's not saving the day, you'll find him skydiving through the clouds, scuba diving into the deep, or exploring new destinations. 🌍 Oh, and he’s also the proud cat dad of two furballs, Jack and Greyson! 🐾
#MeetDarcey #DallasAnimalUrgentCare #vetmed #dallasvet
So, What is Kennel Cough? 🤔
Kennel cough is a contagious respiratory illness in dogs, similar to a cold in humans. It spreads easily in places where dogs gather, like kennels, dog parks, and grooming facilities.
Symptoms of Kennel Cough 🤧
- Persistent, dry cough: Often sounds like a "honking" noise.
- Gagging or retching: Especially after activity.
- Runny nose: Clear or slightly cloudy discharge.
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing fits.
- Tiredness: Less energy than usual.
- Loss of appetite: Eating less food.
- Mild fever: Slightly raised body temperature.
Methods of Prevention 🚫
1. Vaccination: Receiving the kennel cough vaccine and keeping up with all basic shots can help.
2. Hygiene: Disinfect areas where dogs play and don’t share bowls, toys, or bedding.
3. Limit Exposure: Be careful in busy dog areas, especially during outbreaks. Introduce new dogs gradually and watch for symptoms.
4. Healthy Lifestyle: Feed a balanced diet for a strong immune system. Regular exercise can help keep your dog healthy and resilient.
By spotting symptoms early and taking preventive steps, you can help keep your dog safe from kennel cough. If symptoms appear, consult your vet for advice and treatment.
#KennelCoughAwareness #DallasAnimalUrgentCare #VetMed #DallasDogs
Say hello to Isaac! 👋 He is a 5-year-old poodle 🐩 who was brought to our clinic for vomiting 🤮, diarrhea 💩, and not wanting to eat 🍽️.
Isaac has a history of eating socks 🧦. About a week before coming in, Isaac passed a stool with a pair of underwear in it. After taking some x-rays, we found a small obstruction in his small intestines. After discussing the situation with his paw parents 🐾, they decided to proceed with an exploratory laparotomy. Sure enough, we were able to retrieve two socks!
After closing him up and waiting for him to fully recover from anesthesia, Isaac was able to go home 🏡 and finish his recovery with snuggles from his family! 🥰
Remember, if early intervention is sought, our team can often recover the swallowed objects without surgical intervention. 💉🔍
#dallasanimalurgentcare #vetmed #dallasdogs #DogsofInstagram #PuppyLove #DogsOfIG #DogLovers #PuppyLife #Dogstagram #InstaDog
Did you know that some dog breeds have a higher risk of injury when quickly moving from one level of furniture to another? 🛋️ Breeds like dachshunds, bulldogs, pugs, and corgis 🐶 are more prone to developing IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), which can occur chronically over their life or result from trauma/recent injury. 🩹 For our paw parents with pets that have long backs or short legs (or both!), here are some tips to help avoid this: 🐾
- Pet Ramps/Stairs: Use ramps or stairs for easy access. 🐾🚶♂️
- Non-Slip Mats: Ensure secure footing with non-slip mats. 🛡️
- Training: Gradually train with rewards. 🐶🍖
- Supervision: Always monitor when climbing. 👀
- Support Harness: Use a harness for mobility assistance. 🦮
- Furniture Height: Opt for accessible furniture heights. 📏
- Orthopedic Beds: Provide floor beds as an alternative. 🛏️
- Limit Access: Use barriers to restrict furniture access. 🚫 #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallasdogs #emergencyvet #vetmed #ivdd
Meet Bezy! 🐱 This brave kitten faced a challenging start in life. At birth, he wasn't breathing, and no heartbeat was detected. 💔
One of our technicians immediately began life-saving measures, and after some time, Bezy started crying! 🍼 Soon after, this tiny kitten began crawling on his own. 🐾
Bezy is now 6 months old and living his best life in his fur-ever home! 🏡❤️ #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallaskitten #vetmed
🌞 Tips to Enjoy the Outdoors Safely with Your Dog During Hot Weather 🌞
1. Stay Hydrated 💧🐶 - Always bring plenty of fresh water for both you and your dog. Hydration is key to preventing heat-related illnesses.
2. Avoid Peak Heat 🌡️🕒 - Plan your outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid the peak heat.
3. Use Paw Protection 🐾👟 - Hot pavement can burn your dog's paws. Walk them on grass or use protective booties to keep their paws safe.
4. Provide Shade 🌳🏖️ - Make sure there are shaded areas where your dog can take breaks and cool off. Carry a portable shade if needed.
5. Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car 🚗🔥 - Even with windows open, cars can become dangerously hot in minutes. Leave your dog at home if you can't bring them with you.
6. Watch for Signs of Overheating 🐕🦺🌡️ - Keep an eye out for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or disorientation. If you notice any of these signs, find a cool place immediately and offer water.
7. Cool Down with Water Play 💦🐾 - Let your dog splash in a kiddie pool, run through sprinklers, or enjoy a gentle hose-down to stay cool and have fun.
8. Use Cooling Products ❄️🧥 - Consider using cooling vests, mats, or bandanas designed to help keep your dog’s body temperature down.
9. Know Your Dog's Limits 🚶♀️🐕 - Different breeds and ages have varying tolerance to heat. Be mindful of your dog's specific needs and avoid overexertion.
10. Regular Grooming ✂️🐩 - Keep your dog's coat well-groomed to help with heat dissipation. However, avoid shaving their fur too short, as it can protect against sunburn.
Stay safe and enjoy the summer with your furry friend! 🐶❤️🌞 #dallasanimalurgentcare #DAUC #dallasdogs #vetmed
This is Grace! 🐾 This sweet 3-year-old Pitbull Mix was found by a wonderful family after seeing a post about a lost dog.
They went to feed her but found Grace lying laterally and unresponsive. They quickly brought Grace to our clinic, where she was immediately taken to the treatment area. The likely cause for Grace's condition was heat stroke.☀️🌡️ After discussing Grace's condition with her rescuers, we moved forward with a treatment plan to give her a fighting chance. After a day of careful monitoring and treatment, Grace showed significant improvement and was able to go home with the family that saved her.
Heat stroke in animals, like dogs, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Dogs have limited ability to cool themselves efficiently, making them vulnerable to heat stroke. 😓 Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heart rate, weakness, and collapse. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if heat stroke is suspected to prevent organ failure and possible death.
Prevention is key: Ensure pets have access to fresh water, shade, and avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather, especially for breeds with short noses or thick coats. 🐶 Never leave pets in parked cars, where temperatures can soar dangerously within minutes, even on moderately warm days. Taking these precautions can protect pets from the dangers of heat stroke and ensure their well-being during hot weather conditions.
#HeatStrokeAwareness #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallasdogs #vetmed
🍦 We All Scream for Ice Cream! 🍦
Yes it's yummy, but stick with a dairy-free option for your pup 🐶
Dogs have a hard time digesting dairy, and many adult dogs are lactose intolerant. Dairy-based ice cream can cause diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, constipation, stomach pain, and pancreatitis, so stick with a dairy-free option if you're sharing.
Also, some ice cream flavors are dangerous for dogs, including chocolate 🍫, rum and raisin 🥃🍇, peanut butter 🥜, xylitol, and coffee ☕. Be sure to avoid vegan ice cream too, as it may contain nut-based milks that are toxic to dogs.
Ice water 💧 is always your safest bet! #dallasanimalurgentcare #vetmed #icecream #dallasdog
⚠️DISCLAIMER: Detailed surgery pictures and clips are included in this post. Viewer discretion is advised.⚠️
🐾 Meet Indica! This sweet 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier came to us after her fur mom noticed her vomiting water beads. 😢
Her concerned paw parent explained that Indica had escaped and was missing for several days.
😓When she returned, they noticed she wasn't eating and was vomiting water beads. Dr. Weber advised an exploratory laparotomy to remove the beads for her best chance at recovery. After her owners approved, Indica was prepped for surgery.
Dr. Stepanek skillfully removed all the water beads, which were more than plenty, ensuring none remained. Indica was then closed up and monitored closely for recovery. 🐶 She was a superb patient and, after a couple more visits, was ready to go home!
This was an ❗️emergency❗️ case. Did you know water beads contain superabsorbent polymers that expand hundreds of times their original size when exposed to water? Swallowing them can quickly cause intestinal blockages requiring immediate attention. If your kids play with these or you use them for arts and crafts, take extra care to ensure they aren't ingested by anyone, including your fur babies! 🌟🐶🐱❤️ #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallasdogs #vetmed
Happy Tuesday! 🎉 Introducing Fat Tuesday! 🐾
She's a Beauceron, a rare breed. Her fur mama brought her in to get health testing done for the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). It's a database of x-rays and genetic tests used by dog breeders to ensure healthy puppies and by owners to keep their pets in tip-top shape. 🐶✨ And, of course, everything came back well! 🌟
#OFA #dallasanimalurgentcare #vetmed #FatTuesday
Meet Asui! 🐱 This 9-week-old Domestic Shorthair was found as a stray. 😿 Her adoptive mama brought her into us after noticing some bloody diarrhea. 💔
After the exam and initial diagnostics, Asui tested positive for panleukopenia. 😞 Feline panleukopenia, or feline distemper, is a serious viral disease in cats caused by the feline parvovirus. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), and lethargy. 🤒 To prevent this, vaccination is key to protecting your cat from this contagious illness. If infected, cats need supportive care to recover. 🩺💉
After several days of hospitalization, Asui is doing much better and having fun in her fur-ever home! 🏠😺
#PanleukopeniaAwareness #dallasanimalurgentcare #vetmed #dallascats
Meet Eliza! 🐱 She's a resilient 2-year-old Domestic Longhair who was discovered under a bridge with a serious injury to her back leg.
Eliza was really struggling, and it was clear there were other health issues besides the leg injury. After stabilizing her, we were able to perform surgery to amputate her injured leg, giving Eliza the best shot at a healthy life. Thankfully, Eliza pulled through surgery, and after careful monitoring to ensure her well-being, she's now thriving in her forever home! 🏡💕
#ElizaTheSurvivor #dallasanimalurgentcare #vetmed
Toxin ingestions happen quite frequently 😕. Here's Dr. Bixler with some insights on what you should do 🐾 and what we'd do if this ever happens to your furry babies! 🐶💉
#ToxinIngestion #dallasanimalurgentcare #vetmed
Meet Millie! 🐱 This adorable kitten came to us after her spay incision opened up 😔.
Despite thinking she was ready to climb her cat tree post-surgery, it didn't go well at all! Thankfully, her fosters brought her back to us for a quick fix. Just in time too, because Millie is off to her FUR-ever home this week! 🏡💕
#FosterWin #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallascats #vetmed
Meet Luna! 🌙🐾 She's a 4-year-old Pug whose concerned pawrents brought her to us with worries about possible labor problems.
As Luna was due to give birth soon, her paw parents wanted imaging to prepare for all possibilities. 🩻 X-rays revealed Luna was carrying SEVEN puppies! 🐶 Dr. Hurd recommended a c-section for a safe delivery. After Luna's owners agreed, our team prepared Luna for the procedure.
The surgery was successful, and Luna and her pups went home for celebratory snuggles! 🎉 Congratulations, Mama Luna! 🐾
#MamaLuna #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallasdogs #vetmed
Meet Reena! 🐶 She's a 13-year-old Shih Tzu who recently visited Dr. Hayden for a sudden slight cough, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Her concerned fur parents noticed that her cough caused her to retch and gag. They were troubled to see Reena turn away from her beloved kibble. After discussing Reena's symptoms with Dr. Hayden, it was discovered that she might have ingested chicken bones from the previous night. X-rays confirmed something lodged in her throat. 🩻
Reena's pawrents agreed to Dr. Hayden's treatment plan to remove the obstruction. With Reena lightly sedated, Dr. Hayden successfully used a laryngoscope to visualize and forceps to safely extract the bone. 🦴
#midcitiesanimalurgentcare #vetmed #dfwdogs
No More String, Harry!
This is Harry! 🐱 This 2-year-old Domestic Shorthair 😺 was brought to us for eating string. 🧵
Harry's concerned pawrents showed us a toy that he may have eaten about 6 inches of fabric from. Although he wasn't vomiting, he was definitely dumpy. 😿 Initially, we tried to get him to vomit it up. 🤢 That didn't work so Dr. Johnson discussed removing the fabric endoscopically or by surgical intervention. 🩺💉 After discussing their options, Harry's owners decided to try and see if we could remove it by endoscopy.
Fortunately, Dr. Johnson was able to find and pull out the fabric! 🎉 After waking up from anesthesia, Harry was ready to go home. 🏡
#NoMoreStringPleaseHarry #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallascats #vetmed
Meet Jedi! 🐱 This 8-month-old handsome Burmese 😺 was seen for vomiting. 🤮
After taking a look at him, Dr. Crivolio suspected Jedi had gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach and the intestines. This can be caused by dietary changes, infection, toxins, certain medications, or ingesting a foreign object. 🦠💊🍴
After hospitalizing and monitoring Jedi, fluids 💧 and some meds to help his gut motility 🩹 was the key to helping him. Once Jedi was able to eat and keep it down, he was ready to go home! 🏡
#JediAllBetter #dallasanimalurgentcare #dallascats #vetmed
