Salem Veterinary Emergency Clinic

12/16/2024

Puckering up under the mistletoe? Keep it away from your pets. Mistletoe also known as American mistletoe or Phoradendron leucarpum is common decorative plant seen during the holiday season. Mistletoe is consider a toxic plant and best to keep it away from your pet. While small ingestions of berries may lead to mild tummy troubles like vomiting and diarrhea, ingestions of leaves and stems may lead to more significant concerns like depression, tremors and blood diarrhea.

12/15/2024

Cat Herders Day is one of our favorite days of the year because tasks that may seem impossible (like, say, herding cats) are considered routine in the veterinary profession. Some days, the job of a veterinary professional really does feel like herding cats, both figuratively and literally, but we love our work anyway! 😾👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

11/22/2024

Rodenticides are very common in the winter months as rodents come looking for warmth. Unfortunately, rodenticides are just as appealing and deadly to pets. Find out how to keep your pets safe from rodenticide!

11/09/2024

11/09/2024

Today is International Human-Animal Bond Day, a day created by the Animal Bond Association to celebrate the special relationship between humans and animals! Veterinarians are proud to help keep animals healthy and support this bond.

“Animals are the bridge between us and the beauty of all that is natural. They show us what's missing in our lives, and how to love ourselves more completely and unconditionally. They connect us back to who we are, and to the purpose of why we're here.”

11/05/2024

🚨 Important Update: Leptospirosis Now a Core Vaccine for ALL Dogs
The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines have been updated to classify the leptospirosis vaccine as CORE for all dogs starting at 12 weeks of age – regardless of lifestyle, location, or breed.
Why the change?
🌆 ALL dogs are at risk—urban, suburban, and rural.
⚠️ Potentially fatal, even with treatment.
🔄 Zoonotic—it can spread from pets to humans.
🏢 Dogs in daycare and kennels also face exposure risks.
You can find the full update in the Nov/Dec issue of JAAHA, or check out the full 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines here: aaha.org/canine-vaccinations

11/05/2024

It's National Animal Shelter & Rescue Appreciation Week, a time to honor the important work of animal shelters, animal control agencies, rescue and humane organizations and the dedicated people who work to protect animals in our communities. Thank you!

10/30/2024

Why don't chocolate and pets mix? Here are 3 facts for pet owners to know on . You can find other dangerous foods for your pet here: https://bit.ly/2FSTha6

09/25/2024

It's mushroom season!

09/25/2024

“Everything I know, I learned from dogs.” ~ Nora Roberts

While every day is the best day to be a responsible dog owner, today is "Responsible Dog Ownership Day," a day to educate and remind dog owners—and prospective dog owners—about the basics of responsible dog ownership, including:
* Choosing a dog that fits your family's lifestyle.
* Ensuring your dog receives regular veterinary care.
* Exercising your dog and providing it with socialization opportunities.
* Feeding your dog a nutritious diet and well as limiting treats to 10% of daily calories to help it maintain a healthy weight.
* Helping to prevent disease through vaccination and flea/tick/heartworm preventive medication, as recommended by your veterinarian.
* Purchasing pet insurance and/or setting aside money in an emergency fund.
* Microchipping your dog and having it wear a collar with ID tag so your dog can be reunited with you if it becomes lost.

09/11/2024

Today on the anniversary of 9/11, we remember those who were lost and their legacies that live on...including the canine heroes at Ground Zero, their handlers and veterinary teams.

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.