It’s storm season here in Minnesota, and we want pets to be safe during scary, uncertain weather conditions. Our most important piece of advice is this: Be prepared and have a family emergency plan that includes your pets! That said, here are a few other tips on how pet parents can prepare for a tornado, as well as how to keep your pets safe during a tornado. Tornado Prep
read moreIf you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested products that contain metaldehyde (such as snail or slug bait), this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your
read moreIf your pet collapses or is unable to walk or get up, these are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! If your pet is experiencing weakness, incoordination, or neck pain, these are considered a “YELLOW” – or semi-urgent case – on
read moreIf your pet hasn’t eaten or drunk water in more than 24 hours and/or is unable to lie down due to severe pain or discomfort, these are considered “ORANGE” – or urgent cases – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within the next 12 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team
read moreIf your pet experiences a medication overdose or ingests your other pet’s medications, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency
read moreIf your pet was bitten by a venomous snake, this is considered a “RED” – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage chart. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Calmly and safely move pet away from snake. Back away slowly from the snake. Injured pets may be aggressive so proceed with
read moreIf your pet has severe or multiple injuries after a dog bite incident, this is considered “RED” – or a true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Note that a small wound or laceration with no signs of current infection are considered a “YELLOW” –
read moreIf your pet is having difficulty breathing, this is considered a “RED” – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Remove any neck collars or facial restrictions such as muzzles. If your pet is having difficulty breathing caused by heat, learn more here. Seek
read moreCardiomyopathies are diseases of the heart muscle, and they can affect dogs, cats, humans, and a multitude of other species. There are different types and causes of cardiomyopathies, which is why it’s important for pet parents to work with a family veterinarian or board-certified veterinary cardiologist to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you have concerns about your pet’s heart health, here is information regarding common causes and
read moreNote that straining to urinate or blood in urine for a dog is considered a “YELLOW” – or semi-urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend your pet be seen by a veterinarian within 24 hours. When there is snow on the ground, it is easy to see the color of your dog’s urine, which makes it easier to spot problems. But if you see red
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