At AECC, we are taking precautionary safety measures with our clients, staff, and community in mind. Our goal is to remain open 24/7 while also minimizing exposure for all visitors. Below are a few steps we're taking as we remain dedicated to caring for your pets.
▪️Controlled Access
▪️Phone Triage to streamline visits
▪️Prohibiting Outside Items for hospitalized pets
▪️Social Distancing
Thank you for your understanding and continued support! Please call with any questions. ☎️ (256) 533-7600 🐾🚨
September is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Did you know that pets can develop breast cancer too? Spaying and neutering can reduce risks.
Today is Wacky Wenesday! What funny things do your pets do?
Do you know what to do if your pet eats rat poison? The first step is to call a vet! They will likely ask that you bring the pet and the rat poison packaging in.
No one wants to encounter a choking pet, but it’s important to respond quickly. If your pet is conscious, do a modified Heimlich maneuver. Place the pet on its side, applying pressure right behind the ribs and pressing your hands forward. If your pet is unconscious, open its mouth and try to clear the object out with your fingers. This may help push the item out. Get someone else to drive to the animal hospital immediately, so you can continue to do this on the way.
Today is National Comic Book Day! Did you know that everyone's favorite great dane has his own comic book? He does. https://www.dccomics.com/blog/2020/05/14/zoinks-dc-offers-more-than-250-scooby-doo-comics-for-free?fbclid=IwAR1Wfo-RBg_xDerNtYGnyAozRxd77ByK7kldykqWiuM_rYfxsLYWTAKDZZA
DCCOMICS.COM
Zoinks! DC Offers More Than 250 Scooby-Doo Comics for Free | DC
October is National Diabetes Month. Early diagnosis is best so please see your primary care vet if you believe your pet has diabetes.
Household chemicals, medications for people and common foods including grapes, onions and chewing gum can cause serious problems for pets. Please call us first if you have concerns or questions.
Toe beans! Do you have any special names for your pet's anatomy?
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! We are lucky to have some amazing shelters and rescues in our area. If you are looking for a fuzzy new family member, please check out our local shelters and rescues!
Our Pet First Aid and CPR classes will be resuming soon! The class date and info on how to register will be posted. If you had registered for the postponed class in March, please send us a message if you would like to attend.
Our techs really are multitasking super heroes!
Staff Celebrations and Vet Tech Week continues - A BIG Thank You to Dr. Bell, Dr. Gaub, Dr. Pritchett, Dr. Reisdorff, and Dr. Tucker for sponsoring Waffle Wednesday for this special week. Everyone needs a treat now and then. Our techs/staff appreciated it a waffle lot. ;)
Pet Obesity Awareness Day is a reminder for pet parents to learn more about healthy weight and what you can do to keep your pet fit and lean. 🐶🐱
Obesity health issues can cause:
1. Shortness of breath
2. Sleep apnea
3. Restriction of movement
4. Strain on the heart
Maintaining a healthy body condition with correct food portions and regular exercise will allow your pet to live a healthier, happier life.
Our Pet First Aid and CPR class is back! If you registered for the postponed class in March and would like to attend this event, just let us know. We look forward to seeing you!
*Tickets available now*
TUE, NOV 10 AT 6:30 PM CST
Pet First Aid and CPR Class
October is a great time to revisit your safety measures to ensure your pet is protected during an emergency. Here’s a few tips:
🐶 Keep pet collars and name tags with up-to-date information.
🏡 Pet-proof your home, make sure to remove all choking hazards and chemicals. ✔️ Be proactive and keep up to date with immunizations.
🐈 Learn basic first aid and list veterinarian and emergency hospitals nearby.
🐰 Know your pet and watch for any signs or changes in behavior.
📝 Have a plan in case of a disaster.
It's "National Make a Dog's Day"! A day celebrated as encouragement to adopt shelter dogs that are often last to be adopted. Do you have an "underdog" or rescue pup? Drop a photo 📷🐾 of your rescue baby below to celebrate!🎉
Our beloved pets make our day every day! Give extra love to your fur family. ♥️
Halloween is approaching. This can be a fun time for excitement and overindulgence. But if pets accidentally ingest candy or décor, it can quickly become a real horror. Here’s a few items to make sure your pets avoid:
🍫 Chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs.
🍬 Candy is high in sugar and fat and can lead to pancreatitis. Also watch out for candy wrappers.
🍇 Grapes and raisins are extremely poisonous and can cause kidney failure.
🕯 Lit pumpkins with candles can burn curious pets.
If your think your pet has ingested any of these items, call your veterinarian and watch for any unusual symptoms.
Is your pet a foodie? We get it. We love yummy food too! Apart from exercise and mental health, diet is the biggest contributor to wellbeing. Here’s a few tips to ensure your pet maintains a healthy diet:
• Examine food labels to make informed purchases.
• Avoid fatty table scraps.
• Don’t over feed and limit treats.
• Look after teeth and gum health.
• Change fresh drinking water daily.
• Wash bowls with vinegar rather than cleaning products.
• Examine food labels to make informed purchases.
• Avoid fatty table scraps.
• Don’t over feed and limit treats.
• Look after teeth and gum health.
• Change fresh drinking water daily.
• Wash bowls with vinegar rather than cleaning products.
Today is National Black Cat Day (not to be confused with Black Cat Appreciation Day). If you share your home with one of these black beauties, share a picture below! 😻
Trick or treaters may make your pets nervous or anxious due to the increase in noise, decorations and unfamiliar people. Ensure your pets are kept safe in a separate room during peak activity hours. If you decide to dress your pet for the occasion, here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind:
1) Ensure pet costumes don’t impair their vision, movement or air intake.
2) Avoid costumes that have small choke hazards.
3) Avoid dying your pet’s fur. Even if it’s labelled as non-toxic to humans, it may still be harmful to your pet.
Unlike humans, your pet may experience different allergy symptoms, these are some things to look out for 🍂
✔️ Skin itchiness, redness or irritation
✔️ Painful stomach or diarrhea
✔️ Ear or eye infections
✔️ Bumps on the skin
✔️ Hair loss
✔️ Scratching and chewing on feet or skin
✔️ Sneezing or reverse sneezing
✔️ Watery eyes
If you notice these symptoms in your pet, consult your veterinarian. They can assess the situation and even run tests to determine what your pet is allergic to.
Cutest patient from last night ❤ This little cutie was brought in for frequent urination and is being treated for a urinary tract infection. Hopefully she'll feel better soon!
Having recently had 2 cats brought to us with an adverse reaction to dog flea products, we thought it was worth bringing to the attention of all our cat owners.
Dog flea products are intended for the treatment of fleas and ticks in dogs *only*. They contain permethrin, a substance that is safe for dogs but causes a toxic reaction in cats when present in spot-on products, due to its concentration.
Cats treated with even small amounts of spot-on products containing permethrin, or allowed to groom dogs treated with a dog only flea product, can develop nervous signs such as depression, drooling, tremors, seizures, vomiting and staggering. Adverse reactions can be fatal.
Some pet owners apply spot-on products containing permethrin that are indicated for use in dogs to their cats by mistake, or because they think that it is safe if they use only small amounts of the product. It is not safe to use any spot-on product containing permethrin in cats.
If you have applied any of the products listed above to your cat do the following:
▪️Wash off the product from the cat with water and a mild detergent.
▪️Seek immediate treatment from your veterinarian, and take the product package with you for your cat's vet visit.
Why do cats knock things over? That's a question cat owners have been wondering forever. Well animal behaviorists might have the answer. https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-knock-things-over?fbclid=IwAR0tcVq4zpmwwJa6LbmiP7nCzQBS8G58PtG-6v44sW_YT46hE0BjfHQOwYI
PETMD.COM
Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?
We know today is Halloween but... don't forget to turn the clocks back tonight! ⏰
Happy Halloween! Our hospital is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Whether you are staying-in or venturing out, we wish you a fun, festive and safe holiday! Are your pets dressed up for the occasion? Share your pics with us!
What is Reverse Sneezing? It can look and sound scary but rarely requires treatment.
https://www.petful.com/pet-health/reverse-sneezing-dogs/?fbclid=IwAR3FHnvPyQDDK_Hjc-V9z1QNUH9fzxTVKxLbcD9O99aethuzoL_6Odd_OKc
PETFUL.COM
Reverse Sneezing in Dogs: Yes, It's a Thing (Here's What to Know)
Today is World Kindness Day! One way to be kind would be to foster or adopt from Huntsville Animal Services, Greater Huntsville Humane Society (GHHS) or one of our amazing local rescues. 🐶🐱
A disease like Parvovirus in dogs is highly contagious and can have deadly consequences. Here’s what you need to know:
🐩 Parvovirus attacks the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system
🐕 The main source is faces of infected dogs
🐶 Can affect puppies too young to be vaccinated, puppies within their vaccination course and unvaccinated adult dogs
🐕 Vaccinating your pet is the only way to protect them from the disease
If your dog exhibits symptoms, take them to your nearest veterinarian to be tested immediately. The quicker they can be treated, the better the chance of recovery.
We would like to say a big thank you to all the brave men and women who have served this country 🇺🇸 Thank you!
Cancer is a leading disease-related cause of death for domestic dogs and cats. This month, help us spread the word to educate others on what to watch out for. Warnings signs are:
• Loss of appetite or difficulty eating
• Lump and bumps
• Rapid weight loss
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting
• No interest in playing or exercising
• Difficulty with stool/urination
• Abnormal stiffness
• Severe lethargy
• Blood from mouth or rectum
• Increased thirst and urination
• Respiratory changes
• Masses along jaw or tooth line
If you notice any signs of concern, contact your veterinarian to assess your pet’s health.
It's National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week! A BIG thank you to our local shelters for all you do. The pet community, veterinary professionals, and pet parents are truly grateful for your service to North AL and the surrounding areas!
Have a rescue from a local shelter? - Drop a photo 📸 below, and let us know where your fur baby was rescued from! 🐾
Thanksgiving is almost here! While we’re excited for the delicious feast, it’s important to understand which foods are toxic for pets. Keep your cats and dogs away from:
• Stuffing – as it may contain onions or garlic
• Ham and other Pork – can cause pancreatitis, upset stomach or diarrhea
• Turkey Bones – splinters may cause indigestion or bowel obstruction
• Mashed Potatoes – may have been prepared with butter and milk
• Salads with Grapes/Raisins – can cause kidney failure
• Chocolate Desserts – toxic to both cats and dogs
If your pet does ingest any of these foods, call your veterinarian immediately.
November is Peanut Butter Lovers Month. 🥜A lot of us love this sweet spread but many dogs love it too! Regular peanut butter is safe for dogs in small amounts (remember too much of a good thing is still too much) but sugar free peanut butter may contain Xylitol which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
And here is a book with adorable pictures of dogs eating peanut butter!
November is pet diabetes month. You may be unaware that your cat or dog may have diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can cause a number of serious health issues. Risks that may lead to diabetes include middle to older age, genetics, breed and obesity.
If you think your cat or dog has symptoms,
ensure they have a proper diet and exercise and visit your veterinarian to get tested. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent or delay health complications.
This is Game and Puzzle Week! Did you know there are games and puzzles for your pets? They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Rover has rated some of the best dog puzzle toys in this article.
https://www.rover.com/blog/best-puzzle-toys-for-dogs-in/
ROVER.COM
The 17 Best Puzzle Toys That Actually Help Bored Dogs
Happy Thanksgiving! Our hospital is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Today, and always, we’re grateful to serve the people pets our community. We’re wishing you all a peaceful, joyful day full of warm hearts, happy tails and full plates.
What are you grateful for? Share your comments below!
Having guests over for Thanksgiving? These are some precautions to take for anxious, shy or overly excited pets.
✔️ Try putting anxious pets in a quiet room with their favorite toy and plenty of water.
✔️ Take care near entrances so they don’t make a break for the door. Ensure your pets have the proper ID just in case.
✔️ Practice socializing your pet to help put them at ease in different situations.
If your pet is particularly upset about houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions.
Take the following safety precautions when travelling with your pets this holiday 🐈🐕:
🐶 No heads out the window of the car, it’s not safe. Pets should always be safely restrained.
🐾 Frequent pit stops for bathroom, hydration and exercise breaks.
✔️ Ensure correct food intake, don’t be tempted to share your snacks.
🚗 Never leave pets alone in cars.
🐱 Ensure your pet is safe and comfortable, bring their favorite blanket or travel bed.
Where are you taking your pet this Thanksgiving? Comment below.
A small reminder to please see your primary care veterinarian for any refills before they close for Thanksgiving. 💊
One of the trickiest cases we see are intestinal foreign bodies. They can be very hard to diagnose, particularly with partial blockages, where the object doesn’t block completely. The most common symptom is repeated vomiting , but again, with partial blockages, sometimes the animal won’t vomit at all.
The consequences of missing a foreign body can be dire. Sharp or large objects can cut through, or place so much pressure on the intestines that the blood supply is compromised, and the intestinal wall starts to die. If this happens, intestinal contents will leak out into the abdomen, which can in turn result in sepsis and be fatal.
And to make things more complicated, many foreign bodies cannot be seen on radiographs. In these cases, we rely on palpation (feeling the abdomen) and barium studies (feeding the animal a white barium liquid, and taking repeated radiographs to watch the barium passing through the intestines).
This x-ray may not look like much but this sweet guy chewed up and ingested fabric from a pair of jeans, which required surgery to remove. He presented for vomiting and diarrhea was seen on exam. He was lucky; his intestines still looked good but the denim had to be removed from 3 locations in his intestinal tract. He stayed in hospital for 2 days on IV fluids. Today he is doing much better and has hopefully learned from his experience.
The Holidays are filled with festive activities and decorations. It’s important to keep in mind that some plants and foods are toxic for you pets. Keep them away from:
🎄 Christmas trees, poinsettia plants, holly and mistletoe, lilies and daffodils. If it’s difficult to keep your pets away from plants, go for artificial plants over the real thing.
🍫 Alcohol, caffeine, candy, chocolate, dairy products, eggnog, garlic, onions, chives, ham and bacon, nutmeg, nuts, raisins, salt, sugar and turkey bones.
If your pet does ingest any of these, call your veterinarian immediately.
Whether you live with a cat or kitten, or are thinking of adopting one, here are some ways you can celebrate them this month:
🐈 Spend time with your cat or a friend’s cat
🙌 Give back to cats in need by volunteering at your local shelter
🎁 Buy some new cat toys or furniture to keep them entertained
😸 Teach your cat a trick – they can learn things like fetching, sitting & shaking hands
😍 Treat your cat to some grooming, it’s great for bonding
👩⚕️ Schedule a check-up
Got more ideas on how to treat your cat special? Share with us!
If you find your pet with an open wound, follow the steps below and take them to your veterinarian for treatment.
1. STOP THE BLEEDING. Apply direct pressure with an absorbent dressing or material. This will protect the wound during transport to the veterinary hospital.
2. LEAVE THE WOUND OPEN. The hospital team will disinfect and stitch it up if needed.
3. CLEAN DAILY. Follow your doctor’s instructions. A mild antiseptic solution or warm water 2-3 times daily helps to remove any crusted discharge.
4. PREVENT LICKING. A bandage can help protect from contamination or excessively licking.
Toys are important to your pet’s wellbeing; they provide entertainment and comfort. As pets play with any object they can get their paws on, ensure their safety. 🐾
• Pet-proof your home by removing string, ribbon, rubber bands and children’s toys from their reach.
• If you’re planning on buying them a new toy, make sure it’s the appropriate size. Toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your pet’s throat.
• Make sure to discard toys when they start to break or are torn.
It’s fun to decorate the house for the holidays, but there are potential dangers for our pets. Here’s a few tips on how to prevent them.
🎄 Christmas tree – securely anchor the tree, keep pets away from the tree and the water.
🌱 Avoid mistletoe and holly – opt for artificial plants made from silk or plastic.
🎉 Tinsel and lit candles – both will attract attention, so it’s best to decorate with something other than tinsel as it can cause stomach issues and don’t leave lit candles unattended as pets may burn themselves.
⚡️ Wires – keep wires, batteries and ornaments out of your pet’s reach.
Wishing our Jewish community a Happy Hanukkah 🕎
For our Jewish clients celebrating Hanukkah, we would like to offer these tips to ensure your pets remain healthy and happy during the eight-day celebration
🕎To avoid your pet being burned or causing a fire hazard, ensure that your pets are confined away from the lit Menorah.
♟Keep holiday game pieces, such as the dreidel, out of paw’s reach from your pet to avoid accidental ingestion.
🍫Likewise, keep chocolate gold coins away from your pets. Not only can the theobromine and caffeine in the chocolate be toxic to your pets, the shiny foil wrapper can also cause intestinal issues if digested.
🍩Hanukkah treats, like latkes and sufganiyot (doughnuts), should also be kept away from pets. Ingestion could lead to a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea. Also, some ingredients can have even more dangerous consequences such as anemia.
Today is Christmas Card Day, are your pets on your Christmas cards? 🐱🐶
Please remember to refill your pet's medications before your regular veterinarian closes for the holidays. 💊
A smile for your Friday! 🙂
🎄All jokes aside, cats (and pups!) are known to be curious and sometimes cause mischief around the holidays. However, the ASPCA mentions items such as wires and ornaments can be harmful for our pet family.
💡Remember to keep wires, ornaments, and decorations such as snow globes out of paws' reach. Wires can deliver a shock, and ingesting ornaments may cause an unexpected emergency.
Stay safe and happy through the season!
Our team is here for you 24/7/365.
📞(256) 533-7600
As the weather is cooling down, we recommend preparing your pets for the cold weather.
🐶 Provide a warm, cozy place to sleep
❄️ Get your dog a jacket or sweater
😍 Provide adequate shelter
🐾 Protect and inspect your dog’s paws, keep them as dry as possible
☔️ Protect them against hypothermia – keep them inside when it’s really cold, only going outside for bathroom breaks
🙌 When exercising, allow your dog a slow warmup
🐕 Keep them away from heaters
Orbit and Asteroid were a blast to meet yesterday! As mentioned, we had a great time visiting with the HH Canines for Coping team yesterday. Thanks to WHNT News 19 for sharing and encouraging gratitude gifting during the season and into 2021.
2020 has been a difficult year for many, and we're thankful to serve a wonderful community with 24/7 care. 🐾
WHNT.COM
‘Canines For Coping’ dogs gifted holiday treat basket
Today, we met Asteroid and Orbit of HH Canines for Coping! 🐾
Our team at Animal ER gifted both Orbit and Asteroid with one year's supply of food and a basket of fun toys/treats.
2020 has been a difficult one for so many in our community and across the world. We're encouraging giving back to support each other and those who serve our community daily. Thank you to HH Canines for Coping for all caring and much needed support you provide for patients at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children.
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Our hospital manager/licensed vet tech, Deanna Bayless, chose these two pups and the program for our gratitude gift this season. Deanna is a therapy dog owner and handler through Heart to Heart Pet Partners.
@HH_CaninesforCoping. >> https://www.instagram.com/hh_caninesforcoping
https://www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org/what-we-do/our-programs
Huntsville Hospital Foundation
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24/7 ER & Critical Care
#stayingpawsitivein2021 #huntsvilleveternarians #huntsvilleemergencyveterinarian #huntsvillealabama #madisonalabama
Sorry for the inconvenience but we have been having trouble with our phone system since the explosion in Nashville. Thank you for your patience this holiday weekend.
You can still call us but phone is cutting out. Did you know you can text us too?
Wishing all who celebrate a joyous Kwanza!
We’re wishing everyone a very merry Christmas! As a reminder, we’re open today and here for your pets if you need us.
The risk of hypothermia becomes higher during the cold weather. Protect your furry friends this winter. If you think your pet may be showing signs, get them to a veterinarian immediately and take action steps below:
• Remove them from the cold
• Wrap them in warm coats or blankets
• Use your body warmth to increase their body temperature
• If they lose consciousness and are breathing, put them in the recovery position
• If you know pet CPR, respond quickly if they stop breathing.
Today is the Winter Solstice which is longest night of the year. What do your pets like to do on these long cold nights?
I think we can all agree, 2020 has been a total doozy! We’re excited to kick in the new year. Let’s make the next 12 months the best! Here’s a few resolutions you may want to consider for you and your pet(s):
• Get more exercise
• Start measuring your pet’s food
• Try new activities
• Incorporate more playtime
• Schedule regular check-ups
• Update their ID info
• Replace old toys
• Schedule grooming time
• Create a safe and happy home
What are your new year resolutions? Let us know in the comments.
Our team is here for you through the evening and into 2021 🎇 - around the clock ER and critical care.
Wishing you and your family a safe, happy, and bright 2021.
📞 (256) 533-7600
https://www.animalercriticalcare.com/
New Year’s Eve celebrations may include fireworks; however, they can be terrifying for pets and may cause them to escape and become lost. Here’s some ways to help keep them safe.
✔️ Secure pets in a comfy place indoors
✔️ Make sure all pets have ID tags
✔️ Keep alcohol out of paws reach
✔️ Never let pets outside during fireworks
PLUS beware of NYE decorations like streamers, noisemakers, tinsel and balloons. Keep them away from pets to avoid ingestion.
Does your pet have dry, itchy or flaking skin that’s making them uncomfortable? This can often be prevented with high quality diet, parasite preventatives, regular grooming and supplements. If they’re still suffering despite your best efforts, consider taking them to your veterinarian. Here’s more information below
👉 Potential causes:
Food or environmental allergies, parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, systemic disorders, cold weather, poor nutrition or bathing habits.
👉 Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause, therefore it’s best to see your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist.
Sorry for the inconvenience but we have been having trouble with our phone system since the explosion in Nashville. Thank you for your patience this holiday weekend.
You can still call us but phone is cutting out. Did you know you can text us too?
Celebrating Blood Donor Month with another introduction!
This beautiful boy is Kreature. He is just over a year old and one of our new blood donors. He loves his Benebone and playing tug of war. His favorite person is his mom, our very own Dr. Tucker. ❤️
Proper pet training can make a big impact in your dog’s health and wellness. Behavior lessons can help them stay engaged, reduce anxiety, limit destructive behaviors, understand their boundaries and keep safe.
With consistency, praise, well-timed rewards, a level head and lots of practice, you and your pooch will continue to strengthen your bond.
Do you have any special tips and tricks to share? Upload a photo or video of your well-trained dog in action!
To kick off celebrating Blood Donor Month we'd like you to meet 5 year old Marlin. Marlin is type A blood, the most common blood type for the average American housecat.
Sydney, one of our team members, is Marlin's cat mom. This guy enjoys riding on Sydney's shoulders and attempting to steal her food - especially asparagus! 😁
Thank you Sydney and Marlin for your donations in order to help care for our patients! 🥰
To celebrate Blood Donor Month, we would like to introduce you to some of our amazing blood donors. They are the pet family members 🐶🐱 of some of our wonderful AECC crew. With the help of our donors, our team can help save lives.🩸 Stay tuned for introductions and photos!
I think we can all agree, 2020 has been a total doozy! We’re excited to kick in the new year. Let’s make the next 12 months the best! Here’s a few resolutions you may want to consider for you and your pet(s):
• Get more exercise
• Start measuring your pet’s food
• Try new activities
• Incorporate more playtime
• Schedule regular check-ups
• Update their ID info
• Replace old toys
• Schedule grooming time
• Create a safe and happy home
What are your new year resolutions? Let us know in the comments.
A hematoma (a blood blister) commonly occurs in dog’s ear flaps. 🐶 This happens when a blood vessel in the ear bursts and bleeds into the space between the ear cartilage and skin. It can be caused by scratching, shaking of the ears or bite wounds. Dogs with long floppy ears are at greater risk.
A hematoma must be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to determine the best medical treatment. It’s important to identify the underlying cause, which in many cases may be an infection or allergy.
We're continuing to celebrate Blood Donor month here at AECC! Pistol is our oldest active blood donor. Cats usually retire from donating blood at around 10 years old. She is 7 years old and loves to play with sparkly cat toys. Pistol is loved and adored by our receptionist and social media champion, Kathleen (and her entire family)!
Just like people, dogs need plenty of activity throughout the year. One of the best ways to kick off the new year is to start a new walking or routine.
🐾 Regular exercise will help control their weight.
🎉 Make sure to change up the route to keep your dog interested and excited.
😎 This is also a great opportunity to teach your dogs some new tricks, to burn off energy and to spend time together.
🐩 You can play fetch, visit a dog park, and create games too.
Though we typically only see this type of case every other month, last night we treated two patients (from different families) with beef marrow bones stuck on their lower jaws. Both of these babies required sedation, and the bones were able to be removed. The Good News - Both patients went home happy although a bit groggy! Their pet parents won't be feeding them bones again.
Tyr is one of our feline blood donors. He likes to sleep under blankets but also enjoys running around the house to confuse his owners, April and her family.
National Pet Safety Month reminds us of the responsibility that comes along with having pets. We recommend the following steps to stay vigilant with your pet’s safety:
💡 Be proactive with vaccinations
🏡 Pet-proof your home and property
👀 Identify your animals with collars and tags
📝 If disaster strikes, have a plan for your pet’s care
✔️ Learn basic first aid, always call your vet if you need assistance
🐈 Know your pet so you notice if their behavior changes or they seem ill
Puppies can get into a lot of trouble and puppy proofing is hard because they can get into places you wouldn't expect them to.
New Years weekend, we had this beautiful guy come in for eating rat poison. Miller ate it before grandma could get it away from him. He was brought in quickly so we could induce vomiting but Miller had a surprise for us.
Before eating the rat poison, he had snuck into the laundry basket and eaten 5 socks! 🧦 The good news: They all came up and he's doing well!
He's lucky because socks often require surgery to be removed. It is recommended that objects such as
🧦 socks
🩲 underwear
🥎 small toys
are kept away from puppies who might either chew or ingest them.
This is Draven. He is our largest blood donor. This friendly, big guy is a 2 year old Great Dane. He is owned by our technician, April and enjoys sleeping and digging large holes. We hope he doesn't dig too deep! 😉🐾
Today is dress up your pet day (did you know that was a holiday?) and we'd love to see your pets in costume! 🐶🐱
To continue our blood donor spotlight, Odin is a 4 year old American Bully. He only donated once last year. Dogs can donate blood as often as once every 4 to 6 weeks but since our donors only donate as needed, they typically donate once every 3 months or less. Odin's favorite things are dog cookies, his Wubba toy, and of course, hugs and kisses from his mom, Dr. Tucker.
Smokey is one of our blood donors and is just 2 years old. He is owned by our technician Katie. Smokey enjoys playing fetch and keeping his family on their toes. We hope he doesn't get into too much trouble.
Fizzgig is our oldest canine blood donor at 6 years old. Canine blood donors typically retire at 8 years old. This sweet boy loves dog cookies and walks with his mom, Dr. Tucker.
During the winter months, cats will often seek out any warm space they can find. Unfortunately, common cozy places include underneath a car and a warm car engine which pose obvious danger. Here’s a few actions you can take to avoid these types of catastrophes:
🐱 Keep your cat safe and warm inside
💭 Check on your cat before taking any trips
🚘 Give any cats that might be hiding in your car a warning by pounding your hood or loudly closing the door before you start your car
📢 Give cats time to escape your car after you’ve made the loud noises
Continuing the celebration of our amazing blood donors, T is a clinic favorite. She is 6 years old and loves to come to the clinic to make the staffs day. She is loved by all but owned by our technician Katie and her husband.
Titty Trout donated blood for the first time in December. He has type B blood which is very rare for American domestic cats. Since his blood type is more rare, he will donate less often than others since the majority of our patients have type A blood.
He is just over a year old and was bottle raised by his mom (our technician) Sydney. 🍼 His favorite things are to cuddle with mom and sneak a few bites of dog food. I hope the dogs don't mind sharing.
Are you prepared for the unexpected? 🚨
Follow the link for information we've prepared for our pet parents. We hope no one needs emergency care, but our team is here for you 24/7!
📞(256) 533-7600
🏥 2112 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, AL, 35801
https://www.animalercriticalcare.com/what-to-do-in-a-pet-emergency
ANIMALERCRITICALCARE.COM
What To Do In A Pet Emergency | Animal Emergency & Critical Care
Continuing our blood donor introductions, Maddie is a 2 year old golden retriever. She is one of our newest blood donors. She lives with her mom, Dr. Paula and her favorite activity is playing with Dr. Paula's kids.
A key ingredient found in antifreeze is ethylene glycol which is highly toxic and affects the nervous system and kidneys. Unfortunately, it has a sweet taste which can be enticing to your pet with only a small amount being fatal.
➖ Where ethylene glycol is found: base of portable basketball hoops, toilets, printer and pen ink, eye masks, snow globes.
➖ Signs your pet has ingested antifreeze: unsteadiness on their feet, vomiting, depression, increase in thirst and urination, loss of appetite, seizures.
If you think your pet has ingested antifreeze, take them to a veterinary hospital for immediate medical treatment.
Cod is just over a year old. He is another one of our new blood donors. He is blood type AB, which is another rare type. He spends his day sneaking food from the dog's bowls and sunning himself in the window. He lives with his mom, our technician Sydney and his furry housemates.
Periodontal disease is inflammation in a tooth’s support caused by plaque (bacteria) and can indicate bone loss. If left untreated, it can cause loose painful teeth as well as internal disease. 😔
Signs include bad breath as dog’s and cat’s breath shouldn’t have a disagreeable odor, inability to chew hard food and/or excessive drooling.
To evaluate the severity and treatment, needed, your pet must be examined. Treatment can vary from teeth cleaning, polishing, fluoride treatment, deep scaling and in severe cases surgery.
Prevent periodontal disease in your pet with daily teeth brushing and regular dental checkups at the vet.
Erron may be new to Animal Emergency & Critical Care but is far from new to the field. Erron has over 8 years of experience as an emergency veterinary tech with her last position being at Auburn. What she enjoys most about working in emergency veterinary care is doing anything she can to make what is usually a bad day better for people and their pets. She loves working one on one with patients and watching them better, though her favorite thing is when the patients get to go home happy and healthy. Erron and her husband share their home with their 3 cats Rupert, River Song, and Tali.
Does your canine companion or feline friend have red gums, yellow teeth or smelly breath? These could be a sign of serious oral disease that, if left untreated, could lead to infection, severe pain and even organ damage. Your pets mouth is vital to their livelihood. Just like humans, pets require regular oral health and dental checkups.
Warning signs to look out for include your pets pawing at their mouths frequently, excessive drooling and/or unwillingness to eat harder foods. 🐩🐈
February is Black History Month. Tuskegee University is maybe best known for the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II, but did you know they have a veterinary school (where two of our amazing veterinarians graduated from)? 🎓
https://uncf.org/pages/frederick-douglass-patterson-2
UNCF.ORG
Frederick Douglass Patterson, 1901-1988 | UNCF
Are you prepared for the unexpected? 🚨
Follow the link for information we've prepared for our pet parents. We hope no one needs emergency care, but our team is here for you 24/7!
📞(256) 533-7600
🏥 2112 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, AL, 35801
https://www.animalercriticalcare.com/what-to-do-in-a-pet-emergency
ANIMALERCRITICALCARE.COM
What To Do In A Pet Emergency | Animal Emergency & Critical Care
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may be getting ready to spend time with your loved one. It’s important not to forget about your pet too. Make sure they’re safe by keeping them away from:
🌟 Lilies as they’re highly toxic to cats
🌹 Roses as ingesting a thorn can puncture their paws or throat
🍫 Chocolate and lollipops are toxic to both cats and dogs
🍷 Wine, cocktails, and beer can cause serious harm to their tiny stomachs and internal systems
🎁 Gift wrapping can be hazardous if chewed or swallowed
🕯 Candles should be avoided in case they burn their paws on the wax or flame.
Dog training isn’t solely for good dog behavior, but essential to a long lasting, healthy relationship with your furry friend.
Ideas for activities to do with your best friend this month:
🐶 Attend a dog training class, watch a video or follow an expert online
👉 Teach your dog a new skill or trick
🐾 Give them some socialization time at a dog park
🐕 Find them an interactive toy to help stave off boredom, and stimulate their natural curiosity
How do you keep your dog stimulated and well trained? Share your comments below.
While many are looking forward to today's Super Bowl, we're looking forward to Animal Planet's #puppybowl and Hallmark Channel USA's #KittenBowl! 🐶🏈🐱
What are you watching today?
It's almost time! We are proud to be sponsors of this fabulous event! 🐾🐶🎉
SAT, FEB 6
2021 Dog Ball
Periodontal disease is inflammation in a tooth’s support caused by plaque (bacteria) and can indicate bone loss. If left untreated, it can cause loose painful teeth as well as internal disease. 😔
Signs include bad breath as dog’s and cat’s breath shouldn’t have a disagreeable odor, inability to chew hard food and/or excessive drooling.
To evaluate the severity and treatment, needed, your pet must be examined. Treatment can vary from teeth cleaning, polishing, fluoride treatment, deep scaling and in severe cases surgery.
Prevent periodontal disease in your pet with daily teeth brushing and regular dental checkups at the vet.
As winter storms are on the way we hope you and your pets can stay safe and warm at home but we are here in case of emergency. If you have to leave your home, please drive safe. ❤
Today's President's Day and this is the first time we have a shelter pet as a "First Pet".
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-dogs-set-paws-white-house-grounds/story?id=75474587
ABCNEWS.GO.COM
Biden dogs set paws on White House grounds
In our world, love has many four-letter words including woof and meow. 🐩🐈 It’s special day to recognize your sweethearts, so don’t forget to give your pets a little extra love and pampering today! Our hospital will is open 24-7 in case you need us.
Share a picture of your pet in valentine spirit or just being simply lovable.
As the weather is getting colder this week, we would like to provide you with some tips to keep your fur babies safe and warm on these cold days and nights.
We name our pets, but have you ever wondered what they call you? 🤔 What name would your best friend give you?
Tell us in the comments below. 🐕🐈😎
February is Beat the Heat Month, when low-cost spay and neuter services are available for furry family members.
Medical Benefits:
🐈 Spaying (females) helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
🐕 Neutering (males) helps prevent testicular cancer and some prostate problems.
Spaying or neutering can assist with the homelessness crisis as it prevents the birth of unwanted pets and therefore reduces the cats and dogs euthanized because they don’t have a home.
If your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, contact your regular veterinarian or @NorthAlabamaSpayAndNeuterClinic to schedule an appointment.
Today is Love Your Pet Day. We truly believe in celebrating that daily! 🐱❤🐶
Have a special photo of you and your pet? Share in the celebration by commenting below. ⬇️
February is heart health month. ❤ Several studies have suggested pets help lower the risk of heart disease. This includes lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the calming effect while petting your furry friends also helps reduce the impact of stress on your body.
So remember, keep your pets and yourself healthy with plenty of affection. It’s a reciprocal relationship. 😍
How are your pets reacting to the cold weather? Does your dog partake in snow zoomies or prefer to stay snuggled up indoors, nice and warm?
Drop a fun "snow day" photo below in the comments to share a mid week smile! 🐾🐕🐈
As winter storms are on the way we hope you and your pets can stay safe and warm at home but we are here in case of emergency. If you have to leave your home, please drive safe. ❤
Give a dog a bone, or better yet, a biscuit! Did you know bone-shaped milk biscuits were invented in America? In 1907, Carleton Ellis came up with the idea when a slaughterhouse asked him to “do something” with waste milk. The cow’s milk minerals made for tasty and healthy treats.
Today, biscuits come in many forms and shapes. Does your dog have a favorite type? Do they perform any special tricks for their treat? Share a picture or video with us!
February is Beat the Heat Month, when low-cost spay and neuter services are available for furry family members.
Medical Benefits:
🐈 Spaying (females) helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
🐕 Neutering (males) helps prevent testicular cancer and some prostate problems.
Spaying or neutering can assist with the homelessness crisis as it prevents the birth of unwanted pets and therefore reduces the cats and dogs euthanized because they don’t have a home.
If your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, contact your regular veterinarian or @NorthAlabamaSpayAndNeuterClinic to schedule an appointment.
Today is Love Your Pet Day. We truly believe in celebrating that daily! 🐱❤🐶
Have a special photo of you and your pet? Share in the celebration by commenting below. ⬇️
February is heart health month. ❤ Several studies have suggested pets help lower the risk of heart disease. This includes lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, the calming effect while petting your furry friends also helps reduce the impact of stress on your body.
So remember, keep your pets and yourself healthy with plenty of affection. It’s a reciprocal relationship. 😍
How are your pets reacting to the cold weather? Does your dog partake in snow zoomies or prefer to stay snuggled up indoors, nice and warm?
Drop a fun "snow day" photo below in the comments to share a mid week smile! 🐾🐕🐈
A reminder to all pet owners to be cautious when it comes to both natural and processed pet toxins. Look out for:
❌ Human Medications – make sure to keep them in locked cupboards
❌ Baits & Poisons – the use of things like roach baits and weed killers should be avoided if possible
❌ Human Food – such as chocolate, coffee, onion, salt, and sultanas
❌ Toxic Plants – keep plants out of reach from your pets, both indoors and outdoors
❌ Household Items – socks, personal hygiene items, batteries, cleaning products, glow in the dark jewelry, paint, soaps and shampoo
❌ Alcohol & Cigarettes – don’t leave either unattended
If your pet consumes anything from this list, contact your vet immediately.
Today is If Pets Had Thumbs Day! What kind of mischief would your pets get into, if they had thumbs?
Today is National Peanut Butter Lovers' Day! How do your pets take their peanut butter? In a Kong, as treat flavoring, or from your finger? 🥜
Give a dog a bone, or better yet, a biscuit! Did you know bone-shaped milk biscuits were invented in America? In 1907, Carleton Ellis came up with the idea when a slaughterhouse asked him to “do something” with waste milk. The cow’s milk minerals made for tasty and healthy treats.
Today, biscuits come in many forms and shapes. Does your dog have a favorite type? Do they perform any special tricks for their treat? Share a picture or video with us!
February is Beat the Heat Month, when low-cost spay and neuter services are available for furry family members.
Medical Benefits:
🐈 Spaying (females) helps prevent uterine infections and breast tumors. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
🐕 Neutering (males) helps prevent testicular cancer and some prostate problems.
Spaying or neutering can assist with the homelessness crisis as it prevents the birth of unwanted pets and therefore reduces the cats and dogs euthanized because they don’t have a home.
If your pet needs to be spayed or neutered, contact your regular veterinarian or @NorthAlabamaSpayAndNeuterClinic to schedule an appointment.
Just like us, our furry friends also feel the effects of seasonal allergies.
🌿 Common allergens include trees, grass, weed pollens, mold, mildew and dust.
🐕 You’ll recognize your dog has an allergic reaction via their skin, if its red and irritated, excessive licking or grooming, bold or thinning patches of fur, itching, or rubbing their face or snout on furniture.
🐶 To reduce symptoms, bathe your dog regularly, clean their ears, regularly wash their paws.
🩺 If it’s severe and persistent, see your vet so they can determine what the cause is to minimize exposure or see if a referral to a veterinary dermatologist is needed for your pet.
Today is Namesake Day! Who or what is your pet named after? Drop a GIF or image below of who/what your pet is named for.
A reminder to all pet owners to be cautious when it comes to both natural and processed pet toxins. Look out for:
❌ Human Medications – make sure to keep them in locked cupboards
❌ Baits & Poisons – the use of things like roach baits and weed killers should be avoided if possible
❌ Human Food – such as chocolate, coffee, onion, salt, and sultanas
❌ Toxic Plants – keep plants out of reach from your pets, both indoors and outdoors
❌ Household Items – socks, personal hygiene items, batteries, cleaning products, glow in the dark jewelry, paint, soaps and shampoo
❌ Alcohol & Cigarettes – don’t leave either unattended
If your pet consumes anything from this list, contact your vet immediately.
Today is If Pets Had Thumbs Day! What kind of mischief would your pets get into, if they had thumbs?
Today is National Peanut Butter Lovers' Day! How do your pets take their peanut butter? In a Kong, as treat flavoring, or from your finger? 🥜
St. Patrick’s Day is fun to celebrate however it can quickly become hazardous to our pets if we aren’t careful. 🐶🐱
🍻 Keep your pets away from alcohol as any consumption can cause hypothermia, disorientation, vocalization, tremors, coma and seizures
☘️ Shamrock is usually the plant type named oxalis acetosella for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s toxic for cats and dogs as it can cause oral pain, hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea and or swelling.
If your pet has consumed either, we recommend calling your vet for the best course of action.
Before disaster strikes, it’s crucial that you keep your family and pets safe. Having a plan and practicing it will ensure you can act quick if the time comes.
🚗 Always take your pets with you if you are leaving home
🦴 Pack supplies for your pet in your emergency kit. Include items such as food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, medications, copies of medical records, first aid kit, current photo of your pets in case they get lost, and pet beds and toys if possible.
🗺 Make an evacuation plan for your family and your pet/s including a safe place to take your pets
It's Daylight Savings Time! Don't forget to set your clocks forward an hour. Your pets will thank you for it!
Gardening can be an extremely relaxing past time, however while you’re choosing plants for the backyard, make sure the avoid the following which are toxic for your pets:🐕🦺🐈
❌ Lilies, Sago Palm, Tulips, Azalea, Oleander, Castor Bean, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Chrysanthemum, English Ivy, Pothos and Schefflera.
✔️ Instead try pet friendly plants like Bamboo, Basil, Catnip, Chamomile, Lavender, Marigolds, Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme, Violets and Wheat Grass.
Just like us, our furry friends also feel the effects of seasonal allergies.
🌿 Common allergens include trees, grass, weed pollens, mold, mildew and dust.
🐕 You’ll recognize your dog has an allergic reaction via their skin, if its red and irritated, excessive licking or grooming, bold or thinning patches of fur, itching, or rubbing their face or snout on furniture.
🐶 To reduce symptoms, bathe your dog regularly, clean their ears, regularly wash their paws.
🩺 If it’s severe and persistent, see your vet so they can determine what the cause is to minimize exposure or see if a referral to a veterinary dermatologist is needed for your pet.
Today is National Puppy Day! If you're interested in adopting another canine family member please check out our amazing local shelters and rescues such as Huntsville Animal Services and Greater Huntsville Humane Society (GHHS)
We’re excited that Spring is finally here! If you’re planning on doing some Spring cleaning in your house, backyard and shed, here’s some pet-safety tips to keep in mind.
🏠 Clearing – avoid leaving tempting objects within reach
🧹 Cleaning – keep your pet away whilst you’re using cleaning products and open windows to disperse any fumes
🔨 Household Hazards – if your completing DIY projects, put tools and other objects away after use
🌱 Garden – return gardening tools to the shed after use and keep your pet out of the shed where you store chemicals
Today is World Poetry Day, so we wrote a poem for your dog!
Woof Woof Woof Woof Woof
Woof Woof Woof Woof Woof Woof Woof
Woof Woof Woof Woof Woof 🐶
Hello Spring! Today is the first day of Spring, which means warmer weather and more time outside. What does your pet like to do outside? 🌳🐶🌞
MON, APR 19 AT 6:30 PM CDT
Pet First Aid and CPR Class
