Animal Emergency Center - Rochester

  • Home
  • Animal Emergency Center - Rochester

Animal Emergency Center - Rochester Here when you need us - AEC provides full service emergency and critical care for your pet 24 hours

The Animal Emergency Center (AEC) provides full service emergency and critical care for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, small mammals / pocket pets, reptiles and other exotics. In fact, AEC is the only 24 hour emergency animal hospital in Southeastern Michigan with staff specifically trained and experienced in providing emergency care for exotic and avian species. Our facilities are also the only 24 hour emergency hospitals in the area that are AAHA certified.

11/07/2024

Summer Emergency Preparedness

Summer is here!! Time for being outside, enjoying the sun, and taking vacations!! Though we like to think of all the positives and fun of the summer, being prepared for emergencies can save the day and your pet! These are some of the common emergencies we see in the summer and how to avoid them:

HYPERTHERMIA (aka over heating/heat stroke)
If your pet is in a situation where their body temperature gets too high it can be deadly. If this does happen you should take a re**al temperature. If it is over 103 F they should be seen immediately by a veterinarian. In an hyperthermia situation you want to SLOWLY cool your pet by placing cool, wet towels over them, wetting their ears and feet, and placing them in front of a fan. Please don’t shock cool them. Transport your pet promptly to an emergency veterinarian.

To avoid this situation take preventative measures such as: not leaving your pet in the car; not walking them on hot and humid days; getting your dog a small pool or sprinkler; having a fan for your pet; and carefully monitoring your pet on hot days.

LACERATIONS
Cuts, scrapes and punctures are common during the summer. Cuts are a pathway for infection and many need surgical repair.
Avoiding these accidents can be difficult since they are usually just that, random accidents. Check out your yard and identify any possible hazards for your pet including sharp edges of decks and lawn furniture; damaged fences; sticks or branches at your pet’s level, etc.

TOXIN INGESTION
During the summer animals often spend more time outside and in the garage. Dogs will find rat/mouse bait, antifreeze, recreational drugs, and many other substances.

BUG / SNAKE BITE and ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Our pets are very skilled at finding things to get into, especially if that thing is moving on its own. Bug bites and stings and snake bites can become an issue in the summer months. Pets are exposed to more things outside and therefore can also have allergic reactions to environmental antigens, including bug bites. Identifying where bees, wasps, and other stinging bugs live and helping your pet avoid these areas or removing nests can limit exposure.

Michigan only has one venomous species of snake, the Eastern Massasauga. If you avoid the areas they like for their habitat (wet areas including marshes, meadows and low areas along rivers and lakes) than you will avoid the snakes. If you pet is ever bitten by a snake and you are concerned about what bit it, try to get a picture of the snake for proper identification. Don’t try to catch the snake unless you are 100% sure it is not dangerous.

HIT BY CAR
With windows open, more traffic in and out of the house, and families spending more time outside, we see an increase in the number of "hit by car" dogs we see in the hospital. Keep your dog on a leash when you’re outside and make sure window screens are secure (can’t be pushed out if a pet hits it) to avoid escapes and potential injuries.

FIREWORKS / THUNDERSTORMS
If your pet is afraid of fireworks, then you understand the potential for things going wrong in the summer. Many pet species will become stressed in these noisy situations and will try to escape. Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and other pets can all become highly stressed and anxious. Dogs and cats are especially known to try to run away from the noise, which leads to many lost and injured pets. If your pet doesn’t tolerate loud noises, talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications; place your pet in a room without windows and play the radio or TV to drown the sound out, and eliminate any possible structures that could potentially cause an issue if they panicked (e.g. getting stuck behind furniture or under the bed, knocking something over, etc.)

GET YOUR FIRST AID KIT READY / RESTOCKED AND LEARN BASIC PET FIRST AID
You probably have a first aid kit for your family, but do you have what you need for a pet emergency?

Many of the things in a human first aid kit are also needed for a pet first aid kit. Here is a basic list of what you want to have in your kit.
• Your Veterinarian’s Phone Number
• ASCPA Poison Control Phone Number (888) 426-4435
• Local 24hr Emergency veterinarian’s phone number
• Quick Stop for broken toenails
• Bandaging Materials including Gauze pads, Medical tape, Gauze rolls, and Sterile non-stick gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
• Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Ice pack
• Non-latex disposable gloves
• Re**al thermometer (your pet's temperature should be between 99°F and 103°F)
• Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)
• Bandage scissors (with blunt ends)
• Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
• Tweezers
• A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment
• A pet carrier
• Eye Wash
• Benadryl and accurate information on how to dose it for your pet

To learn pet first aid, the Red Cross has an online course that can be very educational and can help you prepare for pet first aid emergencies.
https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/first-aid/cat-dog-first-aid

Here at AEC we deal with a variety of medical emergencies daily and we understand the stress of having a sick or injured pet. If your regular veterinarian is unable to see your pet, please give us a call. We are always open to help with your pet’s emergencies.

Summer Emergency Preparedness:Avoiding Heat Stroke / HyperthermiaSummer is here - so of course in Michigan this week we ...
19/06/2024

Summer Emergency Preparedness:
Avoiding Heat Stroke / Hyperthermia

Summer is here - so of course in Michigan this week we are feeling it full blast!! Though we like to think of all the positives and fun of the summer, being prepared for emergencies can save the day and your pet!

Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke) is more likely to occur in dogs since they tend to be exposed to more situations that can increase their body temperature (such as being in a car, going for walks, or playing outside). That being said, cats and other pets can also suffer heat stroke and the associated damage it causes.

HYPERTHERMIA CAN BE LIFE THREATENING – PROMPT VETERINARY CARE IS CRITICAL

WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?
Heat stroke is a condition where the body temperature has elevated to a point of causing damage. Your dog or cat should have a body temperature between 99F and 103F. A body temperature higher than this is considered a fever. A temperature higher than 106F is associated with tissue damage, inflammation, organ failure, and heat stroke. Heat stroke may not kill your pet immediately, but without treatment, damage to organs can be fatal within a day. When the body temperature has risen above 106F your pet can experience problems ranging from difficulty clotting the blood, renal failure, seizures and death. Heat Stroke is not a condition to be taken lightly and treatment must be prompt for any chance of survival.

WHEN CAN MY PET DEVELOP HEAT STROKE?
Though there are physiological reasons for the body temperature of an animal to increase (similar to a fever related to an infection or pain) most severe cases of hyperthermia are related to environmental causes. In the summer, people continue to jog, play, and do other activities that can cause their body temperature to increase, but we generally adapt to different clothing, increased water intake, finding shade when we’re hot, etc. But we don’t always adapt our pet’s world to the same degree. Keep in mind that if the heat is affecting you, it is also affecting your pet.

During hot weather follow some basic guidelines for keeping your pet safe and comfortable:

• DO NOT leave them in the car – even when the windows are partially open – this may be the most common cause of hyperthermia in dogs
• Cut back on the walk – don’t take that jog with Fido – consider that your pet is wearing a fur coat and can only sweat through their feet and tongue – how would you feel on that jog?
• Realize that your pet may not limit themselves – if you keep throwing that ball, they will keep retrieving it without regard for their physical condition
• Offer cool spaces – shade, fans, air conditioning, and wading pools are just as pleasant for your pets as they are for you
• Watch your pet for any signs of hyperthermia and act quickly

IS MY PET AT RISK FOR HYPERTHERMIA?
All pets are at risk in the right situation, but some breeds are more likely to suffer from hyperthermia.
Brachycephalic Breeds: does your pet have a squished face and short nose? Then breathing is already difficult for them, when they get warm they are not very effective at panting and can overheat easily.
Older Pets: older dogs and cats can have trouble dealing with the heat
Young Pets: puppies and kittens cannot regulate body temperature
Sick Pets: especially pets with heart disease or lung diseases. Pets that have thyroid disease are also prone to overheating. Avoid putting these pets into hot situations.
Obese Pets: the extra layer of fat is not helping your pet
Thick Coated Pets: that extra fur traps heat well, which makes them perfect for cold environment. However - the summer heat is their enemy.

HOW CAN I TELL MY PET HAS OVERHEATED?
If you pet has been exposed to excessive heat and you suspect they may have overheated, your first move is to take their temperature. An inexpensive fast read, digital thermometer works great and should be part of your first aid kit for your pets. If the re**al body temperature is over 103F then there is reason for concern. If the temperature is over 106F your pet is critically ill and needs to get to a veterinarian ASAP.

In general, if your pet is acting ill after playing outside or being in a car, you should check their temperature. But other symptoms that can occur include:

For minor cases – panting, drooling, dry/tacky gums, lethargy, reddened gums, quickened heart rate, muscle tremors and not acting like themselves
For moderate cases – depression, they may be hiding and avoiding people, injected (very red) gums, diarrhea, vomiting, and quick or irregular heartbeat
For severe cases – vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, internal bleeding, seizures, coma, and death

If there is any chance that your pet has become hyperthermic, veterinary attention is highly recommended regardless of the severity.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH HEAT STROKE?
First and foremost, prompt veterinary care will be very important. Transport your pet to the veterinarian in an air conditioned car. However, there are some measures you can take at home to help slowly cool down your pet.
• Get into air conditioning – get your pet out of the heat
• Put rubbing alcohol on the paws – these are the areas where you pet usually release heat and the alcohol evaporates more quickly
• Place your pet in front of the fan – help dissipate the heat around your pet
• Moisten your pet’s fur with cool, not cold water – the water evaporates and takes heat with it
• Place ice packs on your pet’s abdomen and neck – make sure any ice packs are wrapped in towels and not in direct contact with the skin/fur

It is critical that the cooling process be SLOW. Do not douse your pet in ice water. DO NOT allow your pet to drink large amounts of water, small sips are fine, but drinking lots of water will lead to vomiting.

Hyperthermia / Heat Stroke is a real danger in summer but if you take precautions and know what to look for, it can be avoided and caught early, increasing the chance of survival and recovery.

If your pet has any health problems and your regular veterinarian is unavailable, please feel free to call us at AEC 24/7. We are always here to help!

Seizures are Scary!! What should you do?There are few things scarier than seeing your pet have a seizure. A seizure can ...
11/03/2024

Seizures are Scary!! What should you do?

There are few things scarier than seeing your pet have a seizure. A seizure can be as minor as facial twitching and a “spaced out” kind of episode, or can involve uncontrolled trashing, loss of bowel control, urination, and an unresponsiveness that last after the convulsions end. Any form of seizure activity is of concern and should be evaluated, but when do you rush into an emergency veterinarian?

Regardless of the kind of seizure, there is important information your veterinarian will need, so try not to panic (we know that will be hard) and be observant. Time how long the seizure lasts. What was happening immediately prior to the seizure? What exactly happened during the seizure (legs stiff?, defecating?, urinating?, vocalizing?, etc.) ? How did your pet act after the seizure (this is called the postictal phase)? How long before your pet was acting normally again?

If you pet has never had a history of seizures and has a single seizure that only last a couple minutes, you don’t necessarily have to get into the emergency veterinarian immediately (though if you are concerned, you should follow your gut and at least call for advice). Monitor your pet closely. There are many cases where a single seizure, which often remains unexplained, may occur and is never repeated. Follow up with your regular vet and have your pet examined as soon as you are able.
If your pet has multiple seizures, or if your pet is having a sustained seizure lasting more than 5-10 minutes, then they need to be seen immediately at your regular veterinarian or at an emergency facility. Your pet may need medication to stop the seizures. If you pet seizes for an extended period of time, their body temperature will increase and they have secondary complications from hyperthermia.

The reasons for your pet having seizures are varied, and in many cases there is never a clear diagnosis to explain them. A couple of the conditions that can cause seizures include epilepsy and brain tumors. Other reasons for seizures include toxins or electrolyte imbalance. It will often be recommended to follow up with a veterinary neurologist for seizure cases. Epilepsy can be treated with medications. Brain tumors don’t necessarily respond well to medications and the pet will continue to have seizures.

MARCH IS PET POISON PREVENTION MONTH“WHAT’S IN YOUR MOUTH????” A familiar phrase uttered almost daily by some pet parent...
04/03/2024

MARCH IS PET POISON PREVENTION MONTH

“WHAT’S IN YOUR MOUTH????” A familiar phrase uttered almost daily by some pet parents. Our canine and feline kids just love to grab things they aren’t supposed to! Here are a few hints to help keep the curious little buggers safe from ingesting something poisonous.

HIDE YOUR CHOCOLATE, HIDE YOUR SUGAR-FREE CANDY
Don’t think your dog can get that off the back of the counter?? Don’t think your cat will eat that?? We in the emergency vet med field can tell you that a lot of owners are shocked at the decisions their pets make. So be super sure that everything is secure and out of reach. If there are kids in the house, extra diligence is needed since kids love their pets and LOVE to feed them things.

CLEAN UP THE GARAGE
Various fluids used in motor vehicles can be dangerous to our pets. Makes sure any leaks or spills are cleaned up immediately and that any containers are stored safely away from kids and pets. Chemicals like antifreeze actually taste good to your pet, so they will lap it up willingly, not knowing its risk. Also, yard chemicals that are often stored in the garage need to be stored appropriately to avoid accidents.

TAKE YOUR MEDICATIONS WITHOUT AN AUDIENCE
Many incidents of pets ingesting the owner’s medications are the result of the owner accidently dropping a pill and the pet snapping it up like it’s a treat. Depending on the medication, this could be a very bad situation. A closed door between you and your pet is an easy way to avoid this problem.

MUSHROOM CHECK YOUR YARD
Mushrooms can be toxic… and apparently yummy, too. Regularly check your yard for any mushrooms. If you find any, make sure to find out what species they are. There are a variety of groups on Facebook that can help you out. If they are non-toxic, no worries. If they are toxic, then exclude your pet from that area. The mushroom you see is just the fruiting body of a large subterranean complex. Complete elimination can be difficult. If your pet eats a mushroom that you are not familiar with, get good pictures of the mushroom and check out “Poison Help: Emergency Identification for Mushrooms and Plants” on Facebook for an identification, then call poison control.

KNOW YOUR PLANTS
Inside the house; in the yard; on your normal walking routes - get to know the plants around you. That way if your pet eats one you will know what you are dealing with. For some plants, like lilies, just the pollen from the flower can be enough to cause problems. If your pet eats a plant you can’t identify, check out “Poison Help: Emergency Identification for Mushrooms and Plants” on Facebook for an identification, then call poison control.

RAT/MOUSE BAIT – JUST DON’T DO IT
Rat/Mouse bait is flavored to entice the target species, however, dogs and cats like that flavor too. Depending on the kind of bait used, there may or may not be an antidote treatment available to save your pet. Be aware that poisonous bait does not yield an instant kill in the rats/mice either, so they can ingest it, then get caught by a hawk, owl, or other raptor with the poison in their stomach, which can result in killing the bird. Using electric or snap traps is more humane and less dangerous for other animals in the area.

MOLE BAIT – SERIOUSLY, PLEASE DON’T
If you think rat/mouse bait is bad, mole bait takes things to a whole new level. Due to chemicals in the bait, when ingested it reacts with the stomach acid to make a toxic gas. So not only is your pet poisoned, they are breathing out toxic gases that effect you and your family. If a pet eats mole bait and is brought into the clinic, we have a respirator and other required PPE we wear while we try to induce vomiting, which we do outside. Its bad, really bad.

If your pet ever gets into something you think is toxic, your first call should be to ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Though there is a $95 charge, it can be well worth it. They will let you know if your pet requires treatment and will give you a case number so the veterinarian can call them for advice. Most veterinarians do not have all medications, toxins, and appropriate treatments memorized as there are far too many and new products coming out all the time. We routinely call poison control to consult on many toxicity issues, so make the call immediately if you are concerned. You will probably be on hold for a bit, but so would we. The faster you respond to a possible toxin ingestion, the better the odds of your pet surviving and recovering.

If you have a pet that has ingested something poisonous, contact your regular veterinarian immediately or us here at AEC if after hours. Do not wait for symptoms.

Address


Telephone

(248) 651-1788

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Animal Emergency Center - Rochester posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Animal Emergency Center - Rochester:

Videos

Summer Emergencies
Summer Emergencies

Summer Emergency Preparedness Summer is here!! Time for being outside, enjoying the sun, and taking vacations!! Though we like to think of all the positives and fun of the summer, being prepared for emergencies can save the day and your pet! These are some of the common emergencies we see in the summer and how to avoid them: HYPERTHERMIA (aka over heating/heat stroke) If your pet is in a situation where their body temperature gets too high it can be deadly. If this does happen you should take a rectal temperature. If it is over 103 F they should be seen immediately by a veterinarian. In an hyperthermia situation you want to SLOWLY cool your pet by placing cool, wet towels over them, wetting their ears and feet, and placing them in front of a fan. Please don’t shock cool them. Transport your pet promptly to an emergency veterinarian. To avoid this situation take preventative measures such as: not leaving your pet in the car; not walking them on hot and humid days; getting your dog a small pool or sprinkler; having a fan for your pet; and carefully monitoring your pet on hot days. LACERATIONS Cuts, scrapes and punctures are common during the summer. Cuts are a pathway for infection and many need surgical repair. Avoiding these accidents can be difficult since they are usually just that, random accidents. Check out your yard and identify any possible hazards for your pet including sharp edges of decks and lawn furniture; damaged fences; sticks or branches at your pet’s level, etc. TOXIN INGESTION During the summer animals often spend more time outside and in the garage. Dogs will find rat/mouse bait, antifreeze, recreational drugs, and many other substances. BUG / SNAKE BITE and ALLERGIC REACTIONS Our pets are very skilled at finding things to get into, especially if that thing is moving on its own. Bug bites and stings and snake bites can become an issue in the summer months. Pets are exposed to more things outside and therefore can also have allergic react

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Videos
  • Claim ownership or report listing

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Share