Animal Medical Clinic

06/23/2025

06/10/2025

Cats are not always easy to read. Here are some pointers.

Did you know that cats rarely meow at other cats, so when they meow, they are usually trying to communicate with people. Cats can also alter the sound of their meows to convey different messages. Learn more about what your cat’s meow might mean at https://bit.ly/3FpZ2VR.

05/30/2025

Good reminder for all of us who take our dog boating or to the beach.

SALT WATER TOXICITY AND YOUR CANINE
By Megan Davis DVM
Suburban Animal Hospital

As summer weather approaches many owners are tempted to take their dogs to the beach or on the boat. You know the risks of heat stroke and what to watch for; but do you know about salt toxicity? This can be a common but serious problem in Southwest Florida. Knowing the symptoms could be life saving for your pup.

Initial signs are usually diarrhea and occasionally vomiting. The animal will likely also have excessive thirst. This then progresses to lethargy (which could easily be dismissed as simply being tired from a day out). Pets become uncoordinated (walking like they're drunk), anxious and confused. They may develop tremors and, in severe cases, the dog starts have seizures which may be fatal.

Salt toxicity doesn't just occur from intentional drinking of seawater. Dogs can also ingest large amounts from jumping into the water and many cases I've seen were from playing fetch with balls in the water or at the water’s edge.

If you suspect salt toxicity in your dog, you should seek veterinary care immediately. The vet is likely to recommend bloodwork to determine the sodium level in your pet’s blood then fluids to try and flush it out. Depending on severity this often needs to be done slowly as lowering the sodium level too quickly can cause swelling of the brain; thus hospitalization may be necessary.

The best way to prevent this is by providing lots of access to fresh clean water and have your dog take frequent breaks in the shade. Monitor them closely so you can disrupt them if they start drinking from the ocean. And be sure to rinse the saltwater off their fur when you get home.

05/28/2025

Year round protection is a must in coastal Georgia.

Protect your pet from this pest! Give heartworm preventive every 30 days or the 6- or 12-month injection for dogs.

05/25/2025

🚨Pet Emergency Care Memorial Day Weekend🇺🇸

Planning for Memorial Day? Don't forget to plan for your pet's safety too!

PURE Camden will be open and fully staffed for all pet emergencies throughout the Memorial Day weekend. Our doors are open to provide critical care when your regular vet may be closed.

Our hours:
Friday: 6pm-midnight
Saturday: 12pm-midnight
Sunday: 12pm-midnight
Monday: 12pm-midnight

Common holiday hazards to watch out for:
Toxic foods (chocolate, grapes, onions, Xylitol)
Heatstroke
Injuries
GI upset

If your pet needs urgent attention, don't hesitate to call us immediately at 912-798-7873

📍 Find us at: 5239 GA Highway 40 E, St. Marys GA 31558

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday.

05/21/2025

❤️

05/20/2025

More animals are lost during the summer months than any other time. Microchipping is the best way to increase your chances of getting your pet back home.

FREE Community Microchip Clinic – May 31st in Saint Mary’s!

Join us for a FREE microchip clinic for pets on Saturday, May 31st from 11AM to 5PM at the Sheriff’s Substation in Saint Mary’s!

This is a walk-up, outdoor event open to Camden County residents (please bring proof of residency—ID and a piece of mail).

What to Expect:
• Sign up on-site
• Quick and easy microchip implantation
• Go home with aftercare instructions
• Learn about our brand-new Community Microchip Scanning Stations!
• Enjoy browsing pet-related vendors during the event!

Important Reminders:
• Dogs must be leashed
• Cats must be kenneled
• Pets must be handleable and cooperative with restraint

Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your pet and connect with local pet-friendly resources! See you there!

04/30/2025

What else do you have in your pet’s first aid kit?

04/26/2025

More positive news in our community for pet lovers.