Veterinary Urgent Care- Irvine

11/04/2023

Daylight saving time ends this weekend! ⏰

At 2:00am on Sunday, clocks will "fall back" an hour, giving us an extra hour of sleep (and snuggle time with our pets!).

As a result of the time change, pets may need extra time to adjust -- something to keep in mind when it comes to their meal times and bathroom breaks.

11/01/2023

November is .

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 50% of dogs over age 10, and 25% of all dogs will develop cancer. Although there is less information for cats, our feline friends also commonly develop cancer.

Cancer can develop in any body system. Symptoms vary according to the organs affected, but may include:

• A lump or mass anywhere on your pet's body
• Difficulty eating or chewing, or a decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Persistent vomiting, drooling, or diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding from the nose or mouth
• Abdominal swelling
• A wound that will not heal
• Limping or lameness
• Excessive drinking/urinating
• Straining to defecate or urinate

Other diseases may cause similar symptoms, but reaching a diagnosis as quickly as possible is important. Cancer will not resolve on its own and early detection is critical for successful treatment.

If you have any questions about your pet’s health, please contact your veterinarian.

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween! We hope your day is filled with fun, spooky vibes, and wagging tails! 👻🎃🦇

Are your pets in costume this year? Comment a picture below!

10/30/2023

Halloween is almost here! 👻🎃 Are you ready? We recommend taking a few extra precautions to keep your pets calm and safe this holiday:

#1 Make sure your pets are wearing their collars and identification tags.
#2 Keep them clear of the door (in a separate room) if you expect a lot of new visitors or unusual activity. This will prevent them from darting outside.
#3 Watch out for decorations that can be hazards like lit candles, glowsticks, wires, cobwebs, or other items.
#4 Have a dress rehearsal. Check your pet’s costume to ensure they have full mobility and can breathe properly. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted and may lead to injury.

If you encounter any emergencies with your pet over Halloween contact us right away.

10/29/2023

As the holiday quickly approaches, it’s important to remember that several popular Halloween treats are considered toxic to pets. Some of these include:

🎃 Chocolate
🎃 Sugar-free candies or gum containing xylitol
🎃 Raisins (especially chocolate-covered)
🎃 Candy Corn
🎃 Caramel Apples
🎃 Macadamia Nuts

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, contact us right away. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

10/27/2023

October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month - a month dedicated to promoting the safe practices of handling and caring for all animals.

Here are a few simple things you can do for your pet today:

✅ Make sure your home is pet safe by keeping all toxic materials out of reach of curious pets. Here is a full list of pet toxins:
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/

✅ Microchip your pet in case they get lost

✅ Update all ID tags and information

✅ See your primary care veterinarian for a full physical exam to ensure your pet is in good health and up to date on all vaccines.

10/25/2023

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but there can be some pet hazards during this season. Here are some yard cleaning safety tips to consider:

🐈 When applying lawn care products, confine your pet in a safe area.
🐕‍ If your pet is exposed to any products, contact your primary care veterinarian immediately.
🍑 Even fruit that has fallen to the ground (e.g., fruit pits, berries, seeds, leaves, stems, etc.) need to be removed from the yard.
🌿 Plants that have lost their leaves can pose a hazard to your pet’s eyes as they run or play in the yard. Secure plants with a small barrier until they sprout leaves.

If your pet is exposed to any concerning substances, contact your primary care veterinarian immediately. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, call or visit us right away.

10/23/2023

Be sure to keep your pet safe from toxic plants this season! 🍂🍁

The ASPCA has created a list of the top 10 most popular fall plants so you can see which are pet-friendly and which are not: https://www.aspca.org/news/which-popular-fall-plants-are-safe-pets

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your family vet or an emergency vet near you. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435

10/21/2023

To close out National Veterinary Technician Week, we wanted to share the passion that veterinary technicians demonstrate in their day to day lives.

From the moment your pet is brought into our care, our veterinary technicians are actively working on creating a safe and calming environment. Our technicians always go above and beyond to ensure our pet patients are comfortable, loved, and get back to feeling their best selves as quickly as possible.

Veterinary technicians are guided by their passion for animals and their well-being and are some of the kindest and most caring individuals you will meet.

Thank you again to our tech teams for their hard work, passion, and dedication. Without you, we would not be able to deliver the caliber of care that we do!

10/15/2023

Today kicks off ! This is our favorite time of year when we get to show additional gratitude for our team members that work tirelessly to care for our pet patients pets. 🐕🐈❤️

From our entire family here, thank you all for the love and compassion you give to our patients daily!

Please join us in celebrating our dedicated vet techs by commenting your appreciation below!

10/12/2023

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Although we love the different shapes and sizes of our pet patients, obesity can lead to many serious health issues including diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, decreased life expectancy, and cancer.

If you are concerned about your pet's weight, we recommend speaking with your primary care veterinarian to determine the most appropriate plan for diet and exercise.

Check out this resource from AVMA for more information about speaking to your veterinarian about your pet's weight: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/your-pets-healthy-weight

10/10/2023

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, raising public awareness of mental health issues around the globe through education and advocacy. 🧠🌎

Far from being all puppies and kittens, veterinarians face long hours, staffing shortages, financial pressures, and other challenges associated with providing medical care to so many pets in need, all of which take a mental toll.

Let's remember to show kindness and patience towards your veterinarian and hospital staff the next time you visit. ❤️

NOMV Crisis Numbers: https://www.nomv.org/crisis-numbers/

10/08/2023

Jumping into a pile of leaves is full of fall fun! 🍁🍂🍁🍂 However, this environment can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Here are a few outdoor hazards to watch out for and tips to help keep your pets safe this season:

🍁 Monitor your pets when they are outside exploring new fall foliage that may be toxic.
🍁 Clear out any small sticks or items that may damage their gastrointestinal tract if ingested.
🍁 Inspect their fur regularly for ticks, fleas, or small wounds.
🍁 Check paw pads to ensure they don’t have any foxtails, thorns, or other materials stuck between their fur.

10/04/2023

Did you know this week is National Walk Your Dog Week? Walking provides many benefits for dogs (and humans too!):

✔️ Helps maintain a healthy weight
✔️ Promotes joint health by avoiding a sedentary state for too long
✔️ Regulates the digestive and urinary tract
✔️ Provides mental stimulation and helps release excess energy

Plus, walking together is a great bonding experience for you and your canine companion! What are some of your favorite local places to enjoy a walk with your dog?

10/03/2023

Beginning October 1, our center will be implementing new hours. Here is our updated schedule:

Monday, Thursday, Friday: 11AM - 8PM
Saturday & Sunday: 10AM-7PM

We hope these new hours will better accommodate you and your pet's needs. Please be sure to contact us if you have any questions or concerns!

10/02/2023

Fall calls for all kinds of autumn decorations around the house to kick off the season! But many decorations can look like fun new toys or tasty treats to your pets. Be mindful this season when putting up new décor around the house and do what you can to proactively prevent accidents!

Keep what you can out of paw's reach and double-check that any new plants, foods, and household products are pet safe before bringing them into your house: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

We hope your fall season is fun and safe for all family, friends, and pets! 🐕🐈🍂

09/27/2023

Fall weather can be warm one day and cool the next! Be aware of the fluctuating weather every day so you can make sure your pet is prepared no matter what!

Keep plenty of water handy when you are out with your pet in case they get overheated and be ready to head inside if it becomes too rainy or cold.

09/25/2023

Ear infections are a common problem in cats and dogs due to the L shape of their ear ca**ls.

🐶 Causes of pet ear infections include allergies, heat, trapped moisture, excessive ear wax, ear mites, foreign material, and unknown growth.

🦮 Breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, or Golden Retrievers can be more prone to ear infections.

👀 Symptoms of an ear infection include red or inflamed ear, black/brown or yellow/green discharge, strong odor, ear scratching or shaking of the head, whimpering, loss of balance, hearing loss, unusual eye movements, or walking in circles.

💭 If you suspect your furry friend has an infection, take them to your veterinarian to get checked out.

09/23/2023

Happy First Day of Fall! 🍁 🍂
This time of year marks the beginning of hazards that come with the start of cooler weather. Be aware of these dangers and follow this link to learn more about each: https://bit.ly/3EDPvLa

✅ School Supplies
✅ Rodenticides
✅ Antifreeze
✅ Mushrooms
✅ Wildlife

Let's work together to keep pets safe!

08/16/2023

We all know that smell: skunk! 🦨👃 Skunks are most active during the summertime. Curious dogs tend to rush right up to skunks, resulting in a very potent spray.

How do you prevent your dog from getting “skunked”? The best prevention is making your home inhospitable to skunks and being extra cautious from dusk to dawn – on walks, don’t give your dog loose rein to sniff around bushes and wooded areas where skunks are most likely found. If your dog does get sprayed, suit up for a bath of dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda! 🧼

07/28/2023

Is it too hot for your dog? 🥵 Heatstroke in dogs is a true veterinary emergency and completely preventable. Wait until the cooler part of the day for their walks/runs/fetch, give them plenty of water (doggy pools are great too!), and NEVER leave them alone in your car. Be especially diligent with elderly, obese, and brachycephalic dogs. If your dog shows signs of heatstroke (collapse, weakness, bloody diarrhea, excessive panting) seek veterinary care immediately.

We’re here if you need us!

What is Heatstroke? Heatstroke is a very serious medical condition caused by uncontrolled elevation of a mammal’s core body temperature by an outside source. It is a true veterinary emergency and can quickly become life-threatening. Heatstroke can cause airway swelling (making it difficult to brea...

07/24/2023

Self-care is not selfish, and you don’t have to earn it! 🧘‍♀️🌼🌱 For , our licensed Veterinary Social Workers are giving 6 quick self-care tips for veterinary professionals and anyone who needs them.

For our veterinary caregivers who spend their days caring for others, please remember to care for yourself too. Start your day with gratitude, eat well, go outside, make time for your favorite things, and prioritize yourself. 💚

07/12/2023

How can you tell if the pavement is too hot for your dog? 🥵 If the air temperature is over 80° F, pavement in the sun can be hot enough to burn a dog's paws. If you can’t keep your hand on it for more than 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog! Plan your walks for before 9 am or after 7 pm or walk only on grass or dirt. If your dog shows signs of burnt paws (limping, refusing to walk, paw licking, red/pink/dark color change in the paw pads, or missing pieces of the pads/blisters) seek veterinary care immediately. 🐾

Stay cool everyone! We’re here if you need us.

07/04/2023

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🍔🐾 Though we aren't open today, we're looking forward to reopening tomorrow. Have a safe holiday!

07/02/2023

Another reminder this weekend for dog barbecue safety! 🍢 🎆🌽 The 4th of July is the most popular U.S. holiday for grilling – and in our ERs that unfortunately means corn cob obstructions, skewer foreign bodies, and runaway dogs being brought in.

If you’re unable to keep a close eye on your dog or keep them leashed during your cookout, then keep them safely inside! 🐾

07/01/2023

As 4th of July celebrations are starting up, we are sharing some ways to keep your pup safe this fireworks season! 🎆🐾

Fireworks season can be a noisy and stressful time of year for dogs. A loud 💥BOOM💥 can cause even the most confident dog to pull out of their collar on a walk or escape from their yard. Read through the tips below and share with others:

🐶 A tired dog is a calm dog – exercise them earlier in the day to lessen anxiety at night
🐶 Take your dog on their last potty run before it gets dark & use a leash, even if your yard is fenced in.
🐶 Make sure their ID tags & microchip are up-to-date.
🐶 Don’t take your dog to parades, cookouts, etc. – they’re better off at home!
🐶 Create a safe space during fireworks with white noise (music, TV, etc.) with a puzzle toy to keep them occupied.
🐶 Turn on the AC & close the windows - dogs have escaped through window screens!

06/18/2023

“Thanks for buying us food, scooping our p**p, and giving us love.” Wishing a very Happy Father's Day to all the paw-some dads out there. 🐾

06/08/2023

Scholarship Recipient Spotlight 🎓📜 Meet Stacie from our sister hospital in Massachusetts, Bulger Veterinary Hospital. Stacie is a General Practice Supervisor and has been a part of the Bulger team for 6 years. She received an Ethos scholarship and enrolled in the Purdue/VetBloom online Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning Program in January 2022.

Stacie tells us: “I love the program because it is broken up into more manageable units that are easier to learn and remember. I am doing this program to fill in educational gaps from being on the job trained for 30+ years! I am impressed with how well the program is run.”

The Purdue VNDL is an AVMA accredited, science-based veterinary nursing program which leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree and represents an incredible opportunity for Ethos team members that are interested in furthering their education to become a credentialed veterinary technician. This opportunity is available at all our hospitals! Be watching your email for scholarship opportunities. We encourage any Ethos team members interested in becoming a credentialed technician to apply. 🩺🐾

06/05/2023

Hot summers mean foxtails! 🌾 One of the more common cases we see during the summer months are foxtails incidents. And this Summer has already been affected!

4-year-old Golden Retriever, Summer, visited our sister clinic in San Diego, Veterinary Urgent Care- Rancho Peñasquitos, for a possible foxtail in her back paw (see photo below showing swollen paw). The doctor performed a sedated foxtail explore and found several that were partially embedded. They also discovered many others in the fur around her other paws. All the foxtails were successfully removed, and the fur around her paws was trimmed to help prevent another foxtail accident. Summer was sent home with antibiotics and pain medication to help with the healing of her irritated paw.

To have a foxtail-free summer, here are some things to be aware of:
🌱 Avoid dry, grassy areas.
✂️ Keep long haired dogs well-groomed and their feet trimmed short.
🔍 Check between their toes and through their coat after walks.
🦮 If you must travel through grassy areas, keep your dog on a leash to maintain control of where they have access to.

06/02/2023

Let’s talk about ticks! This adorable 2-month-old Miniature Poodle, Milo, presented with two ticks on his ears that needed to be removed. With the help from our wonderful technicians, we were able to successfully remove them from his ears. Although Milo was a bit shy at first, he was giving us plenty of kisses by the time his treatment was over! 💚

Learn more about ticks, diseases they can carry, flea & tick prevention and current recommendations from two Ethos Veterinary Health doctors: https://www.urgentpetdoc.com/pawedcast/ticks-diseases-and-prevention/

05/31/2023

Let's talk about dog parks! 🐕🐩🐕‍🦺 If another dog snaps and bites your own pup at the dog park or while on a walk, it can be traumatic and chaotic for everyone involved. Bite wounds are a common case we see in our urgent cares.

We hope it never happens to you but if it does, we're here for you! Here are some tips on how to safely & calmly respond if your dog is attacked by another dog:

Dog bite wounds are a common veterinary emergency. Dog fights often occur at dog parks or doggy daycares or while on a walk or at a friend’s house. If another dog snaps and bites your own pup, the experience can be traumatic and chaotic for you and your dog and you may not know how

05/27/2023

BBQs & Dogs 🥩🌭🌽 The start of barbecue season is exciting, but did you know a lot of the foods & tools we use can be dangerous for dogs? Keep these things out of reach and remember to tell your friends & family: “don’t feed the dog!” 🚫 You may know what’s safe for your dog, but they may not.

Wishing everyone a safe & happy Memorial Day Weekend!

05/26/2023

Be aware of coyotes when letting your pups out unsupervised! 👀 Coyotes become most active during this is the time of year, especially during the hours of dusk and dawn.

We hope you & your pup never encounter a coyote, but if a situation does occur, BE LOUD! Start yelling, waving your hands, and making yourself as known as possible. Bring your dog to an urgent care (or an ER if it’s after hours) if your dog is attacked, even if you do not notice any bite wounds or blood. Prevention: leash up from dusk to dawn, even consider a coyote vest for your pup!

05/25/2023

Wellness is a family value at Ethos. We treat our patients, clients and each other with kindness and compassion every day. Sometimes it's important to be reminded to prioritize our own wellbeing.

The People & Organization team at Ethos encourages us with easy-to-access tools, support and challenges all year. Self-care can take many forms and even serve as a team-building activity! Between the 5k fun runs, mental health resources, caregiver support, and water-drinking and step challenges, it doesn't have to feel like a chore. At Ethos we encourage you to prioritize your wellness in May, and year-round too!

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every year in May, with the overall objective of raising awareness about mental health issues in the U.S. and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Whether your stressors come from work, home, family or your social life, it’s challenging to manag...

05/12/2023

It’s almost Mother’s Day weekend and for many that means…flower shopping! 💐🌷 Before you head to the store to pick out a perfect flower bouquet, did you know certain flowers are poisonous to dogs & cats?

Take a look at our list below to familiarize yourself with some common flowers to avoid if you’re bringing them into a pet household (especially cat owners), and read our blog for more information: https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/list-of-toxic-vs-non-toxic-flowers-what-should-you-buy/

05/04/2023

Our clinic is there for your dogs and cats when you’re unable to get in at their primary doctor, your pet’s condition is non-life threatening, and medical attention is needed.

A few conditions we can treat:
✅ Ear Issues
✅ Limping
✅ Scooting
✅ Dental issues
✅ Sneezing
✅ Allergic reactions
✅ ...continue reading more: https://www.urgentpetdoc.com/what-we-can-and-cant-treat/

Other conditions that should be seen right away at an ER:
🚫 Seizures
🚫 Toxins
🚫 Paralusis
🚫 Unable to urinate
🚫 Major trauma

We provide same-day veterinary urgent care for your pets when your primary care veterinarian is unavailable, your pet’s condition is non-life threatening, and medical attention is needed. We are open 7 days per week. For your convenience, and to reduce your pet’s stress, we encourage you to make...

05/03/2023

We hope you’re able to join in on the fun as we celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 20th with Dogs on Deployment! Food, drinks, live music, games - you name it!

And we’re excited to be sponsoring the live-stream of this event for those who are unable to make it in-person, but still want to celebrate with us! Tune in from anywhere 🤳💻

Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/dodtix-may20

04/29/2023

To all our veterinarians, specialists, relief doctors, per diems, and residents – Happy World Veterinary Day! 🏥🐾 Sometimes this profession is a**l glands, ear infections, and giving the pet insurance talk. But it’s also seeing your feline lymphoma patient go into remission, helping a spaniel with cataracts see again, that rewarding moment of extracting a tennis ball via endoscopy, and reuniting a dog with his owners after 6 nights in the ICU.

To all veterinarians today and every day, thank you for making the world a better place. 💚

04/26/2023

The California Superbloom is in full effect! 🪻🌻 And while we’re all so excited to head outside with our pups and enjoy with sunny weather, we need to be courteous of the wildflowers blooming. Their living space is also part of our environment which means our pup's, too!

Check out our blog to read more on safety tips for both your pup & our environment when heading outdoors: https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/keeping-our-pets-their-environment-safe/

04/21/2023

Mark your calendars! 🗓️🐾☀️🎶
Join in on a day filled with fun as we celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 20th at The New Children's Museum in San Diego! Find out more details in Dogs on Deployment's caption below.

And if you're unable to make it in-person, no fear! The event will be live-streamed - tune in 🤳💻

Love comedy? Love live music? Love beer? Love our military? Then it sounds like you need tickets to Dogs on Deployment's Armed Forces Day Celebration on May 20th in San Diego, CA, sponsored by GovX!

🎶Live Music by Haley Reinhart and
🤣Comedy by Ashley Gutermuth Mike Vinn and
🎲Play games for our cause
🏆Thousands of dollars in prizes by GovX GoPro and more
🎸Custom guitar by Pamelina H. and auction
🍺Beer by Wild Barrel Brewing
🍷Wine by Tackitt Family Vineyards
🍹Liquor by Terranova Spirits and Tito's Handmade Vodka with mixers by Snake Oil Cocktail Company
🥤Booze-free mocktails by Improv Booze-Free Cocktails
🌵Tequila tasting by Tequila ArteNOM
🍡Food by to keep you fueled
🐕Dogs because they're awesome
🪖and our Armed Forces!

Celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 20th in San Diego, CA, with Dogs on Deployment!

🎫Get your tickets > https://bit.ly/dodtix-may20

Military or veteran? Email us at [email protected] for a coupon code!

Not in San Diego? Don't worry! We'll be live-streaming the event, thanks to Ethos Veterinary Health!