NB Animal Urgent Care Blog

The Ultimate Survival Guide for Sneaky Pet Poisonings and Swallowed Objects

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:52:17 GMT

Pet ownership brings a plethora of joyous moments, but it also carries the responsibility of ensuring our furry companions remain completely safe. Unfortunately, pets often find themselves in precarious situations involving hidden poisons and swallowed objects. This guide aims to equip pet owners with essential knowledge to handle such emergencies effectively. When a crisis occurs, knowing how to coordinate with emergency vets can make a massive difference in your animal's recovery. These dedicated professionals are always ready to assist families when unexpected medical crises arise at home.

Being prepared means understanding the environment from a pet's perspective and anticipating the unique curiosity that drives animals to explore. Many items that are harmless to humans pose severe risks to domestic pets, making proactive education an absolute necessity. By learning the signs of distress and the appropriate steps to take, you can remain focused during an event. This baseline awareness allows families to enjoy their pets fully while minimizing potential risks. Let us explore how to safeguard your home and ensure your pet receives the finest care when specialized medical assistance is required.

Identifying Common Domestic Poisons

A surprising number of common household foods can be toxic to pets, and owners must be aware of these dangers. Foods such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, and onions top the list of harmful substances. According to veterinary industry data, nearly twenty-nine percent of urgent pet cases were caused by accidental consumption of harmful items, particularly chocolate, xylitol, and foreign materials. Addressing these mishaps frequently requires a combination of induced vomiting, endoscopic procedures, and charcoal treatments, which result in substantial medical bills and support the broader veterinary urgent care sector. Recognizing these situations early allows you to contact emergency vets immediately.

Understanding the harmful effects of these everyday items will help in preventing exposure before an accident happens. Pet owners should store such foods securely, away from the reach of curious mouths. Special care should be taken during holidays and celebrations when these items are more abundantly present. Xylitol, a sugar xylitol found in sugarless gum and toothpaste, is particularly dangerous, causing rapid insulin release. Educating household members reduces the chances of accidental poisoning and keeps your pet safe. Taking these simple precautions ensures a happy home environment for everyone.

Recognizing Sudden Toxicity Symptoms

Recognizing early physical symptoms of poisoning is vital for prompt intervention. Common indicators include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and sudden lethargy, which are the body's natural response to expel harmful toxins. Unusual behavior such as restlessness, pacing, or unsteadiness can also signify a serious medical issue. Immediate evaluation is crucial as these symptoms can progress rapidly and cause internal damage. Documenting your pet's exact symptoms can help emergency vets quickly identify the cause and provide proper life-saving treatment.

It is important to understand that not all toxic symptoms manifest simultaneously. Certain poisons target specific organs, causing varied reactions; for example, antifreeze impacts kidneys severely, while chocolate affects the cardiovascular system. Owners should be mindful of any sudden changes in normal activities, as subtle behavioral signs are often the first warning signals. Quick identification is pivotal to preventing long-term complications, allowing providers to administer supportive care efficiently.

Executing Immediate First Aid

In the unfortunate event of a poisoning, the first step should always be to seek professional guidance. Staff members at specialized clinics and poison control phone lines provide vital resources and clear advice on the best actions to take based on the specific substance. Keep information such as the type of poison, the approximate amount ingested, and the exact time of exposure ready to relay. The speed of your response markedly affects your pet's prognosis and recovery.

While preparing to transport your animal, remain calm and ensure the pet is safe from further toxic exposure. Having a planned strategy streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on providing details for treatment decisions. Medical teams will instruct you on whether immediate transport is necessary or if specific home interventions can stabilize the animal during transit. Relying on emergency vets ensures access to advanced diagnostic tools and professional treatments that cannot be replicated at home.

Implementing Preventive Home Safety

Implementing structured training strategies is a proactive approach to preventing pet poisonings and accidents involving swallowed objects. Training pets to recognize and avoid potential dangers through positive conditioning and reinforcement techniques significantly mitigates everyday risk. For instance, teaching robust leave it or drop it commands helps manage on-the-spot impulses, preventing the rapid ingestion of harmful household items. Positive reinforcement builds strong behavior patterns, aligning obedience with safety and ensuring your pet listens reliably.

Regular reinforcement of these commands is needed because domestic threats evolve and change within a household environment over time. Working with pets consistently improves their response times and situational understanding in various rooms. Introducing mild distractions within practice sessions ensures they make safe choices when confronted with unexpected temptations when you are not looking. This training minimizes the likelihood that you will need to rush to emergency vets due to accidental ingestion.

Managing Swallowed Foreign Objects

Pets, especially younger animals and certain energetic breeds, display natural tendencies to chew on or swallow foreign objects. Commonly swallowed items include small toys, socks, clothing scraps, stones, and cooked bones left on dinner plates. Unobserved ingestion of these objects can cause serious health issues such as severe blockages or perforations in the digestive tract. Depending on the object's material, size, and shape, different clinical treatment approaches are required to safely extract the item.

Ingested objects can cause dangerous blockages at various points in a pet's digestive system, leading to serious health consequences if left unaddressed. Early recognition of obstruction signs bolsters a pet's survival chances and minimizes discomfort during the treatment process. Symptoms may include persistent gagging, excessive drooling, repeated vomiting, or obvious abdominal pain. If you observe these red flags, consulting emergency vets is the best course of action to diagnose the location of the blockage.

Navigating Urgent Care Solutions

When a pet requires clinical intervention for a swallowed object, veterinary professionals utilize advanced imaging technology to plan the removal safely. X-rays and ultrasound scans allow the care team to see exactly where the object is lodged and determine if surgery is necessary. In many cases, non-invasive techniques can be used if the item is caught early enough in the stomach. These advanced procedures highlight the incredible capability of modern medicine to protect animals from internal harm.

Having an established relationship with local clinics ensures you know exactly where to go when an unexpected accident occurs. Quick action saves time, reduces stress, and allows the veterinary team to begin supportive treatments immediately upon arrival. Medical professionals work tirelessly to stabilize injured animals, providing a safe environment where your companion can heal comfortably. Knowing that emergency vets are equipped with the latest technology gives pet owners immense peace of mind during stressful situations.

Protecting your pet from the unexpected requires a balance of at-home vigilance, proper training, and swift medical action when emergencies arise. By understanding household hazards and maintaining a secure environment, you can significantly reduce the risks of poisoning or foreign body obstruction. When incidents do happen, remaining calm and contacting emergency vets immediately ensures the best possible outcome for your animal companion. For comprehensive, reliable care and rapid medical assistance during any pet crisis, you can always count on the dedicated team at NB Animal Urgent Care.

Keeping Your Pet Healthy: What Your Local Emergency Veterinarian Recommends For Your Pet

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:10:47 GMT

Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. Whether you share your home with a playful puppy, a curious cat, or a senior pet enjoying their golden years, maintaining their health is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership. While regular veterinary care plays a major role in wellness, there are many daily habits and preventative measures that contribute to a pet's long-term health and happiness.

Veterinary emergencies can happen unexpectedly, which is why preventative care remains so important. By understanding the recommendations commonly shared by a local emergency veterinarian, pet owners can help reduce health risks, identify warning signs early, and support their pet's overall well-being throughout every stage of life.

Schedule Routine Wellness Exams

One of the most important recommendations from any veterinarian is to schedule regular wellness visits. Routine examinations allow veterinarians to evaluate your pet's overall condition and identify potential concerns before they become serious health problems.

Many illnesses develop gradually and may not show obvious symptoms in the early stages. During wellness appointments, veterinarians assess weight, mobility, dental health, heart function, and other vital indicators. These evaluations create a health baseline that helps detect changes over time. A local emergency veterinarian often sees cases that could have been addressed earlier through preventative care, making routine checkups an essential part of maintaining your pet's health.

Provide a Balanced Diet

Nutrition serves as the foundation of good health. Pets require balanced diets that provide appropriate amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals based on their age, size, breed, and activity level. Overfeeding and poor nutrition can contribute to obesity, joint problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Likewise, nutritional deficiencies may weaken the immune system and negatively affect overall wellness.

A local emergency veterinarian recommends selecting high-quality food that meets your pet's specific needs and monitoring portion sizes carefully. Healthy eating habits can help pets maintain an ideal weight and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity has become one of the most common health concerns among pets. Excess weight places additional strain on joints, organs, and the cardiovascular system while increasing the risk of numerous medical conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight requires a combination of proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Pet owners should monitor body condition scores and discuss weight management strategies during veterinary visits.

A local emergency veterinarian frequently treats complications that are made worse by obesity, including respiratory distress and mobility issues. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can significantly reduce these risks.

Keep Vaccinations Current

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect pets from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccines help strengthen the immune system and reduce the likelihood of infection from various viruses and illnesses.

Vaccination schedules vary depending on species, age, lifestyle, and regional risks. Staying current with recommended vaccinations helps protect both individual pets and the broader pet community. Veterinarians work closely with pet owners to determine appropriate vaccination schedules and ensure pets receive the protection they need throughout their lives.

Pay Attention to Dental Health

Dental care is often overlooked, but oral health has a major impact on a pet's overall wellness. Dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infections, and even complications affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver. Signs of dental problems may include bad breath, difficulty eating, inflamed gums, or excessive drooling. Routine dental evaluations allow veterinarians to identify issues before they progress.

Many recommendations from a local emergency veterinarian include regular dental assessments because untreated oral disease can eventually contribute to more serious health concerns.

Watch for Behavioral Changes

Pets cannot communicate discomfort the same way humans can. Instead, changes in behavior often provide valuable clues about their health.

Sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, unusual aggression, hiding, excessive vocalization, or changes in bathroom habits may indicate underlying medical issues. Pet owners who pay close attention to behavioral changes are often able to seek veterinary care sooner. Early intervention frequently leads to better outcomes and may help prevent minor issues from becoming emergencies.

Protect Against Parasites

Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms can cause significant health problems if left untreated. Preventative parasite control helps protect pets from discomfort, illness, and potential complications.

Many parasites can also affect humans, making prevention important for the entire household. Veterinarians recommend year-round parasite prevention plans tailored to regional risks and individual pet lifestyles. A local emergency veterinarian may encounter severe cases involving parasite-related complications, reinforcing the importance of consistent preventative care.

Provide Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Physical activity helps maintain healthy muscles, joints, and cardiovascular function. Exercise also provides mental enrichment, helping reduce boredom and destructive behaviors. The amount of exercise needed varies by species, breed, age, and health condition. Active breeds often require more physical activity, while senior pets may benefit from gentler forms of exercise.

Mental stimulation is equally important. Interactive toys, training activities, and environmental enrichment can help keep pets engaged and mentally healthy. Regular exercise supports physical wellness while contributing to emotional balance and behavioral health.

Create a Safe Home Environment

Many veterinary emergencies occur because pets encounter preventable hazards within the home. Toxic plants, medications, household chemicals, electrical cords, and small objects can all pose serious risks.

Pet owners should evaluate their homes from a pet's perspective and remove potential dangers whenever possible. Securing hazardous materials and limiting access to unsafe areas can significantly reduce accident risks. A local emergency veterinarian often treats accidental poisonings and injuries that occur in otherwise loving homes. Creating a safe environment remains one of the best preventative measures available.

Understand Common Emergency Warning Signs

Recognizing signs of a medical emergency can help pet owners seek prompt veterinary care when needed. Symptoms that may require immediate attention include difficulty breathing, severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, collapse, seizures, significant injuries, or sudden inability to walk.

Knowing what constitutes an emergency allows pet owners to respond quickly and potentially improve outcomes for their pets. Veterinarians encourage owners to familiarize themselves with emergency symptoms and have contact information readily available should urgent care become necessary.

Plan Financially for Unexpected Veterinary Care

Emergency veterinary care can be stressful both emotionally and financially. Planning ahead allows pet owners to make healthcare decisions without unnecessary delays during urgent situations. Some pet owners choose emergency savings funds, while others utilize pet insurance to help manage unexpected costs.

According to MarketWatch, 12.9% of animal owners rely on pet insurance to cover emergency vet costs. A local emergency veterinarian often recommends discussing financial preparedness before emergencies occur so owners can focus on obtaining timely care when their pets need it most.

Monitor Senior Pets More Closely

As pets age, their healthcare needs evolve. Senior pets are more susceptible to arthritis, kidney disease, heart conditions, vision changes, and cognitive decline.

Regular monitoring becomes increasingly important during the senior years. More frequent wellness visits may be recommended to identify age-related conditions early and improve quality of life.

Veterinarians often encourage owners of older pets to watch closely for subtle changes in mobility, appetite, energy levels, and behavior. A local emergency veterinarian can attest that early detection often makes a significant difference in managing age-related health concerns.

Keeping pets healthy involves much more than responding to illness when it occurs. Routine veterinary care, proper nutrition, exercise, dental health, parasite prevention, and a safe environment all contribute to a longer, healthier life. By following these recommendations commonly shared by a local emergency veterinarian , pet owners can take meaningful steps toward preventing health problems and identifying concerns early. If you suspect a pet emergency, contact our team at NB Animal Urgent Care in New Braunfels, TX.

Can Emergency Veterinarians Help With My Dog’s Allergies?

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:21:00 GMT

As a pet owner, it can be distressing to see your beloved dog suffer from allergies, which can cause itching, discomfort, and a general decline in their well-being. When these issues arise suddenly or acutely, you might wonder whether emergency veterinarians can provide the help your dog needs. In this blog post, we'll explore how emergency vets can assist with allergies, when to turn to them for help, and how to manage long-term allergy care for your dog.

When to See an Emergency Veterinarian for Allergies

Emergency veterinarians specialize in managing urgent and severe health issues in pets, including sudden allergic reactions. If your dog experiences symptoms like severe itching, swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, it may be time to visit an emergency vet. These professionals are trained to assess and treat acute conditions, providing immediate relief with the necessary medications.

Short-Term Allergy Relief Through Emergency Care

According to Otto, the number one reason dogs are brought to the vet is for skin allergies. These allergies can cause your dog to experience itching, rashes, and skin irritation. Emergency veterinarians can provide short-term relief for these symptoms using antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Specialized Care for Chronic Allergy Management

While emergency veterinarians can be lifesavers in acute allergic reactions, chronic allergy management requires a more comprehensive approach. For long-term care, a veterinary dermatologist or your regular vet may be needed to identify allergy triggers and develop a tailored allergy management plan. This may include allergy testing, dietary changes, or prescription medications that can help reduce allergic reactions over time.

When to Seek Emergency Vet Help vs. Routine Care

If your dog suffers from frequent allergic reactions, it's essential to consult both emergency veterinarians and your regular vet. Emergency care is invaluable for addressing sudden allergic reactions that pose immediate risks to your pet's health, but ongoing allergy management will likely require the expertise of your primary veterinarian. In severe cases, such as anaphylaxis, emergency veterinarians can administer life-saving treatments, but for ongoing care and prevention, your regular vet will provide a more sustainable plan for managing allergies.

Emergency veterinarians are essential when it comes to managing acute allergic reactions in dogs. If your dog frequently suffers from allergies, it's best to work with both emergency and regular veterinarians to ensure they receive the best possible care and live a comfortable, healthy life. For more information, reach out to NB Animal Urgent Care.

Why You Should Keep an Emergency Vet Clinic on Speed Dial

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:33:00 GMT

As a pet owner, you cherish the love and joy that your furry friend brings into your life. However, as with any loved one, pets are susceptible to unexpected illnesses or accidents that demand immediate medical attention. Having access to emergency veterinary care at a moment's notice is not just a precaution; it's a vital component of responsible pet ownership. Let's explore why keeping an emergency vet clinic on speed dial is an essential step in safeguarding your pet's health and well-being.

Emergencies Can Happen Anytime

Firstly, emergencies can happen anytime, often when least expected. Whether it's a sudden illness, an unfortunate injury, or an allergic reaction, having an emergency vet clinic quickly accessible can make all the difference. The immediacy of professional medical care in these situations is crucial, as it can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a life-threatening situation. In these instances, every second counts, and being prepared can alleviate some of the stress and panic that accompany pet emergencies.

Not All Veterinary Clinics Offer 24-Hour Services

Secondly, not all veterinary clinics offer 24-hour services, which can be problematic during out-of-hours emergencies. Familiarizing yourself with emergency vet clinics in your area ensures that you're informed and prepared, no matter when a crisis arises. According to Dogster, an online pet resource, 47% of pet owners in the past year have experienced a serious medical issue or had to rely on emergency care. This statistic underscores the importance of having a readily accessible emergency contact to provide timely care that could potentially save your pet's life.

Peace of Mind for You and Your Family

Moreover, having an emergency vet clinic on speed dial ensures peace of mind for you and your family. Just as you wouldn't want to be unprepared in a medical crisis involving a human family member, your pet deserves the same level of thoughtful preparedness and attention. Knowing that you have immediate access to professional veterinary assistance can reduce anxiety and lead to more efficient decision-making when your pet's health is at stake. This preparedness can be particularly comforting during high-stress situations.

Keeping an emergency vet clinic on speed dial is an indispensable part of being a responsible and caring pet owner. The unpredictability of life with pets mandates that we are always ready to act swiftly and decisively when our animals need it the most. By ensuring that your pet can receive quick, professional medical help at any time, you are doing your part to preserve and protect the cherished bond you share. Preparedness and quick action can make all the difference in safeguarding your pet's health and well-being.

If you're looking for reliable emergency veterinary services, trust NB Animal Urgent Care to provide compassionate, expert care when you need it most. Save our number today and ensure your furry family member is always in safe hands.

What to Expect From an Emergency Vet Visit

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 13:11:00 GMT

As a pet owner, you’ll eventually have a pet emergency. When pet emergencies come up, you need reliable emergency vet care available. According to Marketwatch, the average cost of visiting an emergency vet is about $201 to $500. Here are a few things you can expect in the event you visit one of these facilities.

Emergency Vet Care Explained

An emergency vet facility is a vet clinic that provides veterinarian care outside of regular office hours. This could include injuries or unexpected illness. These types of clinics are equipped to handle these situations with speed and effectiveness. They will have all the tools, equipment, and supplies on hand to deal with most types of pet emergencies.

Getting Ready for the Visit

It’s always a good idea to call ahead before going to the emergency vet clinic. If you call ahead, the staff may be able to give you information on your pet’s situation that can help you avoid a visit altogether. Even if your pet needs care immediately, calling ahead is the best way to ensure you get quick and effective service. It’ll help the staff get prepared for your visit.

When You Arrive

When you first arrive at the clinic the team will greet you and get ready to help your pet. They will assess your animal’s condition and create a plan of action to give it the care it needs. This triage stage is similar to when you visit the emergency room. This is a quick evaluation to help them judge how critical the animal’s situation is.

Exam and Treatment

Following triage, the team will do a more thorough examination of the animal. They will develop a treatment plan. This usually includes x-rays, blood tests, or other tests. Once they’ve determined your pet’s condition, they will inform you of the action plan. If there are different treatment options, those will be explained to you. This is the time to ask any questions you may have about treatment. The vet will walk you through all the steps of treatment to make sure you’re comfortable with what is happening.

After Care

The emergency vet will give you instructions for caring for your pet at home. In most cases, you’ll be advised to follow up with your regular vet later on for follow up.

These are just a few things you can expect when you visit an emergency vet clinic. If you’re looking for emergency vet services, please contact NB Animal Urgent Care today.

3 Services Provided by Local Emergency Veterinarians

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:52:00 GMT

Pets are wonderful additions to any family and often are the best companions people will ever have. If you have a pet, you know how important it is to keep them healthy. The last thing you want is to realize they need emergency care. However, it's a common problem pet owners face. According to Dogster, an online pet resource, 47% of pet owners in the past year have had a serious medical issue or had to rely on emergency care. Professional veterinarians provide these critical services for pets in urgent need of medical attention. Here are a few key services provided by local emergency veterinarians.

1. Diagnostic Services

Emergency veterinarians use advanced diagnostic tools such as X-rays, ultrasound, and blood tests to quickly assess the condition of pets. This allows them to determine the appropriate course of treatment. Instead of guessing or trying to research their symptoms online, bring your pet in for emergency diagnostic care.

Once your veterinarian understands the problem, you can make an informed choice on how to move forward. Sometimes immediate surgery is required, while other times all you'll need to do is give your pet prescribed medication. Whatever the problem is, a skilled vet can ensure your pet gets the care it needs.

2. Surgical Procedures

In emergencies, veterinarians may need to perform surgical procedures to address life-threatening conditions or injuries. Emergency veterinarians are trained to perform a variety of surgeries to stabilize and treat pets. They will then provide specialized care and monitoring. Local emergency veterinarians have the expertise and equipment to provide critical care services, including oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, and continuous monitoring of vital signs.

3. Emergency Stabilization

In critical situations, pets may require emergency stabilization to stabilize their condition before further treatment can be administered. Emergency veterinarians are trained to quickly assess and stabilize pets to improve their chances of recovery. Once your pet is stabilized, emergency veterinarians can assess and manage their pain to ensure comfort and well-being.

Local emergency veterinarians play a crucial role in providing immediate care and support to pets during emergencies. Their expertise, quick response, and dedication help save the lives of many pets in urgent need of medical attention. If you need assistance from local emergency veterinarians, contact NB Animal Urgent Care today. We offer competitive pricing and overnight hospitalization!

How to Know if Your Pet Needs Emergency Services

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:11:00 GMT

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. When you adopted them as a puppy or as an elder, you agreed to take on the task of caring for them. Besides feeding them, giving them water, walking them, and giving them love and attention, you need to ensure that they receive the proper veterinary care. Sometimes, that may mean acting quickly in the event of an emergency. In fact, according to PetKeen.com, 33% of pets need to see a local emergency vet every year. Here's how to know if yours does.

Physical Trauma

Severe injuries require immediate care. In our experience, a common cause of severe injuries includes your pet being hit by a car or other vehicle, for example. In this situation, you must immediately bring your pet to see a local emergency vet. They can take X-rays of your pet to see the extent of the injury and to determine the next course of action. If your pet encounters any sort of severe injury or accident, don't hesitate to bring them in. The clock immediately starts ticking as soon as they are injured.

Eye Injuries

Just like people, eyes are an important part of your pet's body. If there's any kind of eye injury, bring them in to see the vet as soon as possible so that they can try to save your pet's eye. Otherwise, even a minor injury might worsen. At its worst, it might get infected and require the removal of one or even both of the eyes.

Lacerations or Bite Wounds

Lacerations can happen in several different ways. Your pet might have gotten into a fight with another household pet and lost badly. Not every injury is the result of aggression as they could have hurt themselves while playing or running. Just like people, the injured area can get infected if left untreated. If you see that your pet is bleeding, you need to bring them in for an emergency visit.

There are other reasons for an emergency vet trip. Your pet could have eaten something poisonous, for example. The main thing to remember is that you shouldn't wait. Fast veterinary treatment ensures that you and your pet can continue to spend time together for years to come.

Are you looking for a local emergency vet ? We have an in-house diagnostic lab, and we provide emergency triage. Depending on the severity of the situation, we can keep your pet overnight. Please contact NB Animal Urgent Care if you have any questions.

3 Reasons Your Animal Needs to Visit an Emergency Vet

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 21:46:00 GMT

Do you have a beloved cat or dog that you're the proud pet parent of? If so, you understand how much furry ones mean to you and that they're part of your family. You also want to ensure they're always well cared for and healthy. While urgent and emergency care is not needed for all situations, here are a few that warrant immediate examination by a trained professional.

1. Acute Vomiting or Diarrhea

Your animal may rarely turn down food or a yummy snack. Because of this, your furry one may eat something that'll cause it to throw up or have temporary diarrhea. When your pet vomits one time, it's not an automatic cause for alarm. If you've seen multiple bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea, it's time to see an emergency vet . This situation can happen if your pet has ingested spoiled food or something high in fats that is causing pancreatitis. In some cases, they may even have foreign material blocking their stomach or intestines that needs to be removed or a gastrointestinal infection requiring medications to clear.

2. Toxic Ingestion

In addition to spoiled food, your pet may ingest something even worse like sugar-free gum or antifreeze. Dogs and some cats tend to be very curious and often put just about anything in their mouths. Be mindful of having your animals around pesticides or cleaning products. If such chemicals were to get into your pet's food or water supply, they could cause severe and life-threatening side effects. While food that's gone bad can cause issues, be aware of food that might also be toxic to your specific pet, like chocolate and onions.

3. Urinary Tract Obstruction

Your pet can also suffer from a urinary tract infection or obstruction. Signs of such an ailment may include blood in their urine, urinating more often than normal, or squatting but no urine coming out. The urine may also be accompanied by a nasty odor or discoloration. If you notice these signs, bring your pet in immediately.

These are just three reasons your pet may need urgent or emergency care. Having a reliable and compassionate vet available can ensure your beloved pet is well cared for during times of injury or illness. Luckily, here at NB Animal Urgent Care, we are here to help your beloved animal through any medical problems they're experiencing. All patients are triaged in a timely fashion and diagnostics can be started even if the doctor is not immediately available. We want you and your pet back home where you are both comfortable as soon as possible. Thank you for entrusting us with the care of your beloved pets!