Salem Veterinary Emergency Clinic

08/31/2024

07/25/2024

Here are some safety reminders to help everyone have a fun summer:

🚗Don't leave your pet in a vehicle. Even with the window cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly climb to more than 110 degrees. Dogs don't perspire, they pant. Heatstroke is life-threatening for animals and can happen when dogs are left in cars with the windows rolled up or cracked slightly. If not caught in its earliest stages, heatstroke can be fatal. Symptoms of heatstroke include: panting, dehydration, excessive drooling, increased body temperature - above 103° F (39° C), reddened gums and moist tissues of the body, production of only small amounts of urine or no urine, and rapid heart rate.

💦Provide your pet with plenty of clean, cool drinking water. This is very important in order to avoid dehydration. However, do not let your dog drink a lot of water before, during or after exercise because a condition called gastric torsion, or bloat, may result. A dog, especially a deep-chested breed like the German Shepherd, can die from bloat. Its stomach may swell and even rotate like a wringing towel, which cuts off blood supply through the stomach.

☀ Avoid exercising your pet during the midday summer heat. Exercising your animal is important, but it is better to do so in the early morning or evening hours when the temperatures are lower, and the pavement isn't so hot. Your dog can get damaged or blistered feet from hot asphalt. Consider running on the roadside or grass, or walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening.

🏃If you jog with your dog, it is important to ensure that your dog is healthy enough to jog with you, enjoys it, and that you have gradually built an exercise program that your dog can handle. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke if overworked, particularly in hot weather.

🏞You and your dog may be tempted to go into a river, lake or stream to cool off. Make sure to be aware of current toxic algae advisories, for your health and that of your dog: https://www.oregonvma.org/toxic-algae-advisories When in doubt, stay out.

07/16/2024

It's National Pet Fire Safety Day. Approximately 1,000 house fires are started by pets each year. And, unfortunately, numerous pets die in house fires. Here are some safety tips to reduce the risk of your pet accidentally starting a fire in your home, and general safety tips in case there is a fire. Always include your pets in your plans to respond to an emergency, such as a fire, earthquake or a situation that requires evacuation.

07/08/2024

Paws burn‼️

07/04/2024

♦️REMINDER OF FIREWORKS SHOW TONIGHT♦️

🆘🎆🎇 FIREWORKS SHOW at the Oregon State Fairgrounds on July 4 at 10 PM 🎇🎆🆘

(plus the 10,000 illegal fireworks that are going off all over town)

PLEASE…PLEASE.. PLEASE…have your dogs secured inside safely.

Dogs can jump 6 foot fences or dig under them when they are terrified from fireworks. Have them inside the house or garage with music or the tv on.

07/04/2024

♦️PSA: HOW TO MAKE A HOMEMADE THUNDERSHIRT!

Here is a quick way to make a homemade do-it-yourself thundershirt for your dog for tonight:

07/04/2024

This‼️

07/04/2024

Today, we're sharing some tips on what to do if you find a lost dog. Remember, never put yourself in harms way when dealing with a stray animal, and use caution when approaching stray animals. If you can safely contain a stray dog, see the tips below to help reunite the dog with his or her owner.

Visit mcdogs.net to view postings of lost and found dogs.

07/02/2024

What a heart warming story from Fences For Fido!

07/02/2024

Great advice from our friends at Dove Lewis

4th of July is almost here! 🎆🗽

While can be a fun way for humans to celebrate, the loud noises, flashing lights, and strong smells can cause anxiety for many . Be sure that your pet is in a safe environment, and has an ID tag/microchip in case they manage to slip out of your yard or home.

Check out more tips for a safe and fun holiday below!

07/01/2024

It's almost the 4th of July! Make sure your pet has ID (collar tag and/or microchip) in case they do get lost. And please check in with your veterinarian as soon as possible if you think your pet may need anxiety support for the upcoming holiday. 🎆

06/29/2024

The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of the year for our team at Marion County Dog Services. Throughout the next week, we'll be sharing tips on keeping your dogs safe, healthy and at home during the holiday.

Please make sure the information on your pet's microchip is up to date! Stray dogs can be scanned for microchips for free at any vet clinic or shelter, and having up to date information often means that your dog can get home safely without ever having to come to the shelter!

06/29/2024

July 4th is approaching, which means it's time to consider how fireworks will affect your pets. Shelters have a high influx of pets around Independence Day because the sound of fireworks can frighten them, and there's a greater chance they'll try to run away. Consider keeping your pets at home and indoors during the festivities, and talk with your veterinarian about ways you can reduce the risk of problems. Be sure your pet's microchip information is up-to-date in case they do escape and go missing. For more July 4th safety tips, visit http://bit.ly/2lC9d2M.

06/16/2024

Summer's here, and so is the return of foxtails! 🌾☀️

While they may seem harmless, these little troublemakers are barbed and can cause big problems for your if they latch on or get ingested. Learn how to protect your pet with our helpful graphic. 🦊

05/24/2024

Thanks to our Evergreen Veterinary Hospital friends for the holiday safety tips!

05/13/2024

Do you know what to do in case of a pet emergency? This checklist can ensure you're prepared. During today's theme of being prepared for emergencies, take a moment to learn these 7️⃣ things. You can find more helpful information here: https://bit.ly/3tc7Qs0

04/20/2024

Pet First Aid Awareness Month ♥️🐾♥️

03/25/2024

As Easter approaches, here are some reminders about potential hazards for pets in common Easter decorations and foods.

Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats
All parts of the Easter lily plant are poisonous—the petals, the leaves, the stem and even the pollen. Cats that ingest as few as one or two leaves, or even a small amount of pollen while grooming their fur, can suffer severe kidney failure.

Many other varieties of the lily family, including tiger, day, rubrum, stargazer, and Japanese show are also toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure within 72 hours. These lilies are commonly found in florist bouquets, so it is imperative to check for poisonous flowers before bringing bouquets into the household.

In most situations, symptoms of poisoning will develop within six to 12 hours of exposure. Early signs include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Symptoms worsen as kidney failure develops. Some cats will experience disorientation, staggering and seizures.

There is no effective antidote to counteract lily poisoning, so the sooner you can get your cat to the veterinarian, the better the chances of survival will be. If you see your cat licking or eating any part of an Easter lily, call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. If left untreated, the chances of survival are low.

Easter grass
Also potentially harmful is the fake plastic "grass" that often accompanies Easter baskets. When your cat or dog ingests something stringy like this "grass," it can become anchored around the base of the tongue or stomach, rendering it unable to pass through the intestines. It can result in a linear foreign body and cause severe damage to the intestinal tract, often requiring expensive abdominal surgery.

Chocolate
While the occasional chocolate chip in one cookie may not be an issue, certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the danger. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The chemical toxicity is due to methylxanthines (a relative of caffeine) and results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and possibly death. Other sources include chewable chocolate flavored multi-vitamins, baked goods, or chocolate-covered espresso beans. If you suspect that your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian.

Plastic eggs
Dogs may find plastic Easter eggs remarkably similar to balls, but, if eaten, the sharp pieces of plastic can cause GI issues.

Pennies (and coins)
If you (or the Easter bunny) leaves coin-filled eggs for little ones to find, please be aware that pennies, in particular, can be toxic if ingested. Pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, which can be harmful if consumed. If your dog, cat, or bird ingests coins, please contact your veterinarian.

03/23/2024

Don’t forget to keep all medications out of reach of your pet family members (and children)!

02/17/2024

Dog waste left in a neighborhood, trail or dog park can spread life-threatening parasites.

02/14/2024

February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month. Owning a pet is often fun (unconditional love!) but it also comes with responsibilities, including food, shelter, grooming, licensing, training, and regular examinations with a veterinarian. Families should plan for the costs of unexpected illness or injury through savings or pet insurance. And all companion pets should be spayed or neutered to help prevent pet overpopulation, reduce behavior issues and reduce the risk of certain health issues such as reproductive cancer. Our resources for responsible pet ownership can help you understand these issues and more: https://www.oregonvma.org/care-health/companion-animals/responsible-ownership

01/16/2024

Extreme cold weather is in the forecast for many parts of the US this week. Here are a few tips to ensure you keep your pets safe.

You can find more information - including tips for livestock owners - at avma.org/ColdWeather.

01/15/2024

*PLEASE SHARE*
COLD WEATHER IS UPON US! PLEASE KEEP your PETS SAFE! Check in with neighbors, people in your community and even remind family members and friends about pet safety when it's cold outside! ❄️

01/15/2024

Timely tips and information as we expect frigid temperatures in the days ahead.

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951334

01/15/2024

With extremely cold weather in the forecast for many areas of Oregon over the next several days, here are some reminders for keeping pets safe. Livestock and horses should have shelter as well as access to food and fresh—not frozen—water.

12/29/2023

Great advice shared by our Ash Creek Animal Clinic friends

New Years safety tips

12/20/2023

The holiday season can quickly spoil your cheer if you need to take your pet to the emergency clinic.

12/20/2023

Poinsettias are NOT the deadly flowers that popular legend has made them out to be.

This red beauty always makes a strong showing around the holidays. The sap of poinsettias can be irritating to the stomach leading to drooling 🤤, vomiting 🤮 and diarrhea 💩. Keeping this plant out of the reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, but you need not banish the poinsettia from your home for fear of a fatal exposure.