Frequently Asked Questions About Your Pet's Care

Due to circumstances beyond your control, not all the following actions may be possible; however, do as many as you can and seek immediate veterinary assistance.

• Read the label on the suspect product, taking note of its name and active ingredients. 
• Estimate how much is missing (i.e. a teaspoon, a cup, or the whole container).

• Call us during business hours at 937.435.5622 or an emergency / urgent care / after-hours facility. Provide as much information as possible about the product during the call. Bring the product and/or package if you are advised to take your pet to the veterinarian  Or...

• Call ASPCA Poison Control at 1.888.426.4435. Poison Control will provide immediate information on the severity of the toxin and steps to take to resolve it. There is a fee associated with the consultation. 

• If your pet has vomited on its own, bring a sample with you. 
• It is not recommended to induce vomiting with some toxins, therefore, follow all instructions provided on the phone call.

Get our Poison Prevention for Pet Owners handout in the Health & Safety section. 

When your pet is injured or bleeding, the best thing to do is seek emergency veterinary care immediately. 

It may be possible for you to deliver first aid at home if the injury is minor. 

• Resting is warranted for minor injuries resulting in limping. When resting your pet, we recommend no running, jumping, or playing, and walks limited to 5 minutes. 
• For swelling, a cold compress can be applied for 10-15 minutes twice daily.
• Apply pressure to bleeding wounds to assist with stopping the bleeding. 
• A triple antibiotic cream can be applied two to three times daily for minor wounds until healed. 
• Ace brand or similar bandages can be applied to minor wounds but need to be changed often to avoid infection. 

Call us during business hours at 937.435.5622 with any concerns about your pet's condition. We will be able to make recommendations over the phone. For Evergreen non-business hours assistance, contact an emergency / urgent care / afterhours facility.

***  Heat stroke can be life threatening!  ***  

• Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, is an extreme elevation in body temperature that can result in damage to bodily functions and organs.
• Signs of heat stroke include labored or rapid breathing, dry or red gums, weakness, vomiting, collapse, or even seizures.

• Brachycephalic dogs, or short-nosed dogs like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs, are at a higher risk of heat stroke. 

• Call us during business hours at 937.435.5622 or an emergency / urgent care / after-hours facility.  Provide as much information about the symptoms your pet is experiencing; this allows the veterinary team to be prepared for treatment upon your arrival. Provide air conditioning for your pet during transportation.
  
• Do not try to cool your pet too quickly! This could result in a quick drop in body temperature which can complicate treatment for heat stroke.

• Help prevent heat stroke by:
  • providing shade and fresh water outside on hot days
  • do not leave your pet outside unattended
  • walk in the early morning or late evening
  • avoid poorly ventilated or enclosed areas like garages

Get our Heat Stroke handout in the Health & Safety section.

Signs of dog arthritis

• Difficulty walking
• Not wanting to go on walks
• Pausing on stairs
• Less playful
• Difficulty going potty

Signs of cat arthritis

• No longer using cat tree or perch
• Difficulty jumping up/down
• Pausing on stairs
• Less playful
• Difficulty using litter box

If your pet displays any of these signs then he/she may be suffering from arthritis pain.  The good news is there are a lot of options that can be tailored to your pet's unique needs!  

Schedule an appointment with us to discuss all of your pet's options including oral medication, physical therapies, environmental modifications, and now, an injectable monoclonal antibody that targets joint pain specifically.  

Visit the Zoetis Petcare links below to learn more about medications that my help your aging companion and friend:

•  Librela for dogs 
•  Solensia for cats