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Burnt Paw Pads

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:36 GMT

Every summer, thousands of dogs suffer painful paw pad burns from hot pavement — and most pet owners never see it coming. While you're enjoying the warm weather and sunny walks, the ground beneath your dog's paws can reach scorching temperatures that cause serious, lasting damage in a matter of seconds. Burnt paw pads are one of the most common and most preventable summer emergencies we treat at our clinic, yet they remain one of the most overlooked hazards of the season.

Why Pavement Is More Dangerous Than You Think

Asphalt and concrete are essentially heat traps. On a mild 77°F (25°C) day, asphalt can climb to 125°F. On an 87°F day, it can reach 143°F — hot enough to cause third-degree burns in under a minute. Your dog walks barefoot on this surface every single time you head outside.

The 7-Second Rule: Before your walk, press the back of your hand firmly against the pavement for 7 seconds. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog to walk on. This simple test could save your dog from a painful injury.

Signs Your Dog Has Burnt Paw Pads

Because pavement burns can happen quickly and painlessly at first, many dog owners don't realize the damage until they get home. Watch for these warning signs during or after a walk:

Limping or refusing to walk — your dog may suddenly stop, sit down, or favor one or more paws.

Excessive licking or chewing at their paws after returning from a walk.

Pads that appear darker than normal, red, or visibly raw.

Blisters or loose, peeling skin on the paw surface.

Whimpering or crying when paws are touched.

What to Do If Your Dog Burns Their Paws

If you suspect your dog has burnt paw pads, act quickly and calmly. Here's what to do:

Get off the hot surface immediately. Carry your dog if possible to prevent further damage.

Cool the paws gently. Pour cool (not cold or icy) water over the pads. Do not use ice, as extreme cold can worsen tissue damage.

Keep the area clean. Loosely wrap the paws with clean bandaging to prevent dirt and bacteria from entering.

Do not apply human creams or ointments. Many human burn products are toxic to dogs if licked.

Seek veterinary care right away. Even minor-looking burns can be deeper than they appear. A vet can assess the severity, clean the wounds properly, prescribe pain relief, and prevent infection.

How to Prevent Burnt Paw Pads

Prevention is always easier than treatment. A few simple adjustments to your summer routine can keep your dog's paws safe all season long:

Walk early or late in the day. Pavement is coolest before 10am and after 6pm, when the sun is low and temperatures have dropped.

Stick to grass and shaded paths. Choose grassy parks, trails, or shaded sidewalks over open blacktop whenever possible.

Use dog booties. Purpose-made dog shoes with rubber soles provide excellent protection. Look for breathable styles to avoid overheating.

Apply a paw balm. A vet-approved paw wax can strengthen and moisturize pads, improving their resistance to heat and abrasion over time.

Always do the 7-Second Test before heading out. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

When to See a Veterinarian

Any suspected paw pad burn warrants a veterinary visit, but you should seek emergency care immediately if your dog shows any of the following:

Severe limping or complete refusal to put weight on a paw.

Pads that are visibly blistered, raw, or missing layers of skin.

Signs of significant pain, distress, or unusual aggression when paws are touched.

Any signs of infection appearing within 24-48 hours, such as swelling, discharge, or a bad odor from the paws.

Burnt paw pads are a painful and stressful experience for any dog, but with prompt care they heal well. The key is acting fast, keeping the wounds clean, and getting professional veterinary support. Pavement burns are one of the top reasons dogs visit our emergency clinic during summer — and virtually all of them are preventable.

We're Here When Your Dog Needs Us

If your dog is showing signs of burnt paw pads or any other summer-related emergency, don't wait. Our team provides 24/7 urgent and emergency veterinary care to keep your pet safe and comfortable, no matter what time it is.

Need advice or urgent care? Call us immediately at 512-284-2877.

Location: 14360 Falcon Head Blvd. Bee Cave, TX 78738

Your pet's health and safety are our top priority, all summer long.

Water Toxicity & Drowning

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:33 GMT

Summer means more time near the water — lakes, pools, rivers, and beaches. For most dogs, swimming is pure joy. But what many pet owners don't know is that water itself can be a hidden danger. From exhaustion-related drowning to a surprisingly common condition called water intoxication (hyponatremia), the risks of aquatic fun go far beyond the obvious. Knowing what to watch for could save your dog's life.

What Is Water Toxicity in Dogs?

Water toxicity, also called hyponatremia, occurs when a dog ingests too much water in a short period of time. This dilutes the sodium levels in the blood to dangerously low levels, causing cells throughout the body — including brain cells — to swell. It sounds unlikely, but it happens more often than you'd expect, particularly in active dogs who fetch balls or toys from water repeatedly.

Dogs don't just drink the water — they swallow large amounts while diving, catching toys, or playing in sprinklers and hoses. Small and toy breeds are at higher risk, but even large, healthy dogs can develop water toxicity after prolonged water play.

Signs of Water Toxicity

Water toxicity can escalate rapidly, and the early symptoms are easy to miss or dismiss as post-swim fatigue. Watch closely for these warning signs, especially in the 30–90 minutes after water play:

Lethargy or sudden loss of energy after swimming.
Nausea, vomiting, or bloating.
Loss of coordination or stumbling.
Glazed eyes or a blank, unfocused stare.
Excessive drooling or pale gums.
Seizures or collapse — these indicate a severe, life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.

The Drowning Risk: It's Not Just for Non-Swimmers

Many people assume only dogs who can't swim are at drowning risk. In reality, even strong, confident swimmers can find themselves in danger. Fatigue sets in faster than most owners expect, and dogs often won't stop swimming when exhausted — especially if they are focused on a ball or toy in the water. Currents, steep pool walls, cold water, and entanglement in aquatic vegetation are all serious hazards.

Watch for these signs of drowning distress in the water:

Struggling to keep their head above water or sinking at the back end.
Paddling frantically or erratically.
Visible exhaustion or slowing down significantly in the water.
Inability to find or reach an exit point (e.g., pool edges with no ramp).
Coughing, choking, or gagging during or after swimming.

What to Do in a Water Emergency

If your dog is in distress in the water or shows symptoms of water toxicity afterward, every second counts. Here's what to do:

Get them out of the water safely. Never put yourself in danger. Use a leash, a pool noodle, or reach with your arm from solid ground if possible.
Position them to drain water. Hold your dog with their head lower than their body to help drain water from the lungs if they've swallowed a large amount.
Keep them warm and calm. Wrap them in a towel and keep them still. Cold water can trigger shock, especially in smaller breeds.
Do not give them more water to drink. If you suspect water toxicity, additional water will worsen sodium dilution.
Go to an emergency vet immediately. Both drowning and water toxicity are life-threatening. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Call ahead so the team can prepare.

How to Prevent Water Toxicity and Drowning

With the right precautions, your dog can enjoy the water safely all summer long:

Use a well-fitted dog life jacket. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, a life jacket adds buoyancy that reduces fatigue and dramatically lowers drowning risk.
Limit swimming sessions. Take regular breaks every 10–15 minutes to prevent exhaustion, especially in hot weather. Give your dog time to rest on land.
Bring fresh water to drink. Dogs that are thirsty will drink whatever is nearby. Keeping a fresh water supply reduces the chance they'll gulp pool, lake, or ocean water.
Limit toy retrieval from water. If your dog obsessively fetches from the water, set a firm limit on repetitions. Each dive means more water swallowed.
Install a pool ramp. If you have a home pool, make sure your dog can exit without your help. A dog ramp or dedicated steps can be lifesaving.
Never leave your dog unsupervised near water. Even the strongest swimmers can get into trouble. Always maintain line-of-sight supervision when your dog is in or near water.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care

Any dog that has been submerged, has inhaled water, or is showing any symptoms after water play needs veterinary attention right away — even if they seem to have recovered. Secondary drowning (where fluid builds in the lungs hours later) and delayed water toxicity symptoms can both be fatal without treatment.

Seek emergency care immediately if your dog:

Was pulled from the water unconscious or unresponsive.
Is having a seizure or has collapsed.
Is breathing with difficulty or has a persistent cough after swimming.
Is showing neurological signs such as confusion, loss of balance, or an inability to stand.
Has vomited repeatedly or appears severely bloated.

Time is critical in both drowning and water toxicity cases. Treatment for hyponatremia involves carefully controlled IV electrolyte therapy to restore safe sodium levels without causing further harm — something only a veterinary team can manage safely.

We're Here for Your Dog, Day or Night

Water emergencies can happen in an instant, and they require fast, expert care. If your dog has been involved in a water-related incident or is showing any of the symptoms described above, please don't wait to see if they improve on their own. Our team is available 24/7 to provide the urgent care your dog needs.

Need advice or urgent care? Call us immediately at 512-284-2877.

Location: 14360 Falcon Head Blvd. Bee Cave, TX 78738

Your pet's health and safety are our top priority, all summer long.

Ticks, Fleas & Mosquitoes: How to Protect Your Dog This Summer

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:30 GMT

Summer in Austin is beautiful — but it comes with some uninvited guests. As temperatures rise across Central Texas, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes explode in population, turning every backyard hike or trail walk into a potential exposure event for your dog.

What makes this especially dangerous is how silent these threats are. Your dog may come home from a walk with a tick already attached and you'd never know — until symptoms appear days or even weeks later

What's at Stake

These aren't just nuisance pests. They are vectors for serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases:

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease (causing joint pain, fever, and kidney damage) and Ehrlichiosis (a bacterial infection that attacks white blood cells).
Mosquitoes are the primary carrier of Heartworm , a parasite that lives in the heart and lungs and can be fatal if left untreated.
Fleas cause intense skin irritation, allergic reactions, and can even transmit tapeworms.

Prevention is Everything

The single most effective thing you can do is ensure your dog is on a year-round, vet-approved parasite prevention plan. This typically includes a monthly heartworm preventative and a flea/tick preventative — your primary vet can help you choose the right combination for your dog's lifestyle and size.

The Post-Hike Tick Check

After every walk in grassy or wooded areas, do a full-body tick check before your dog comes inside. Run your fingers slowly through their coat and pay special attention to:

Behind and inside the ears
Between the toes and paw pads
In the armpits and groin area
Under the collar
Around the tail base

If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking, and never use petroleum jelly or heat. After removal, clean the area with rubbing alcohol and wash your hands.

When to Call Your Vet

If your dog develops a fever, sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen joints, or a rash after a tick bite, contact your veterinarian immediately. Many tick-borne diseases respond well to treatment when caught early.

At Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists, we're here 24/7 if you're ever concerned about your pet's health. Call us at 512-284-2877 or visit us at 14360 Falcon Head Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738.

BBQ Season & Your Dog: The Cookout Foods That Could Send You to the Emergency Vet

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:28 GMT

There's nothing quite like a Texas summer cookout — the smell of the grill, the laughter, the cold drinks. And your dog, nose working overtime, is right there in the middle of it all hoping something falls their way.

But that "harmless" scrap from the grill could land you in the emergency vet. Several common cookout staples are genuinely dangerous — even fatal — to dogs, and the danger often comes from the most unexpected places.

The High-Risk Items to Watch For

Cooked Bones That leftover rib bone might seem like a natural treat, but cooked bones become brittle and can splinter into sharp shards. These fragments can puncture the esophagus, stomach, or intestines — a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery.

Corn Cobs Dogs love them. Dogs should never eat them. Corn cobs are one of the most common causes of intestinal blockages we see in emergency medicine. They don't digest, they don't pass — they get stuck. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and straining. This is always a surgical emergency.

Xylitol This artificial sweetener is found in sugar-free condiments, ketchup, peanut butter, and some baked goods. Even a small amount can cause a rapid, potentially fatal drop in blood sugar in dogs. Check your labels, especially on anything sugar-free.

Grapes and Raisins Even a single grape can cause acute kidney failure in some dogs. The exact mechanism isn't fully understood, which is exactly why there is no "safe" amount. Keep fruit salads and snack trays well out of reach.

Onions and Garlic Both are toxic to dogs and damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. This includes powdered forms — meaning burgers seasoned with onion powder are also a risk.

Alcohol Even small amounts of beer, wine, or cocktails can cause serious toxicity in dogs, including vomiting, disorientation, dangerously low blood sugar, and respiratory failure.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe at Gatherings

Designate a specific area for your dog away from the food table and grill.
Brief your guests — well-meaning people will try to sneak your dog "just a little bite."
Provide your dog with their own safe, dog-friendly treats so they don't feel left out.
Secure trash cans with lids. Dogs will raid a garbage bag full of bones and corn cobs without hesitation.

If Your Dog Eats Something They Shouldn't

Don't wait to see if symptoms develop. Call your vet or an emergency animal hospital immediately — early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes. You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is open 24/7, 365 days a year. If you're ever worried your dog ate something dangerous, call us right away at 512-284-2877.

Yes, Dogs Can Get Sunburned: How to Protect Your Pet This Summer

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:25 GMT

Most pet owners know to watch for heatstroke in the summer, but sunburn? That one often comes as a surprise. Yes — dogs absolutely can get sunburned, and for some dogs, repeated sun exposure can even lead to skin cancer over time.

Which Dogs Are Most at Risk?

While any dog can experience sun damage, some are significantly more vulnerable:

Dogs with white or light-colored fur
Dogs with thin or short coats (think Dalmatians, Whippets, Boxers, and Bull Terriers)
Dogs with pink or unpigmented skin around the nose and ears
Dogs who have had areas shaved for surgery or grooming
Senior dogs whose skin has become thinner over time

Where Sunburn Shows Up

Sunburn in dogs most commonly appears on:

The bridge of the nose
The ear tips
The belly (especially when dogs lie in the sun on their back)
Around the eyelids

It looks similar to human sunburn — red, irritated, sometimes flaky or peeling skin. In more serious cases, blistering can occur.

How to Protect Your Dog

Use Pet-Specific Sunscreen This is critical: do NOT use human sunscreen on your dog. Many human sunscreens contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), both of which are toxic to dogs if ingested — and dogs will lick whatever you put on them. Look for sunscreens specifically formulated for pets and apply to the nose, ear tips, and belly before heading outside.

Limit Peak Sun Exposure UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to schedule outdoor time for the early morning or evening hours.

Provide Shade If you're spending extended time outdoors — at a park, lake, or backyard — make sure your dog has consistent access to a shaded area. A canopy, tree cover, or umbrella works well.

Consider Protective Clothing Yes, dog sun shirts are a real thing and they work. UV-protective dog shirts are especially useful for dogs with very thin coats or skin conditions.

What to Do if Your Dog Gets Sunburned

Move them to a cool, shaded area. You can apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area for comfort, but avoid any products with lidocaine, benzocaine, or fragrances. If blistering, swelling, or significant irritation is present, contact your veterinarian.

Our team at Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help with any summer health concern. Reach us at 512-284-2877 or visit us at 14360 Falcon Head Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738.

Is Your Dog Dehydrated? The Signs Pet Owners Miss Every Summer

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:21 GMT

Dehydration is one of those summer dangers that creeps up quietly. Your dog may seem fine one hour and be in serious trouble the next — especially during the intense heat of an Austin summer when temperatures regularly climb above 100°F.

Understanding the signs of dehydration and knowing how to act quickly can make a meaningful difference in your dog's health and safety.

Why Dogs Dehydrate Faster Than We Realize

Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting, which causes them to lose moisture rapidly. Unlike humans, they don't sweat through their skin (only slightly through their paw pads). On a hot day — especially during exercise — a dog can lose fluids far faster than they're replenishing them, even if water is available.

The Warning Signs of Dehydration

Dry, sticky gums (healthy gums should be moist and slick)
Loss of skin elasticity (see the test below)
Sunken eyes
Lethargy or unusual fatigue
Reduced or dark-colored urine
Excessive panting even when at rest
Loss of appetite

The At-Home Skin Test

This is one of the easiest ways to check your dog's hydration in the moment. Gently grasp the skin on the back of their neck or between their shoulder blades, lift it slightly, and release it. In a well-hydrated dog, the skin snaps back into place almost instantly. If the skin returns slowly or stays "tented" in place, your dog is likely dehydrated and needs water and veterinary attention.

How to Keep Your Dog Hydrated This Summer

Refresh water bowls multiple times per day — dogs are more likely to drink from a clean, cool bowl.
Bring water with you on any outing, no matter how short. A collapsible bowl is easy to pack.
Avoid exercise during peak heat hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Opt for early morning or evening walks.
Add some flavor. If your dog isn't drinking enough, try adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken or beef broth to their water to encourage drinking.
Watch dogs that are extra vulnerable — puppies, seniors, brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs), and overweight dogs are at higher risk.

When Dehydration Becomes an Emergency

Mild dehydration can often be addressed with water and rest in a cool environment. However, if your dog is severely lethargic, vomiting, has collapsed, or isn't responding to water, this is a veterinary emergency.

Intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary to safely rehydrate your pet and restore electrolyte balance. Do not delay — severe dehydration can affect kidney function and other organ systems quickly.

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is open 24/7 with board-certified specialists and emergency care teams ready when you need us most. Call 512-284-2877 anytime.

Hidden in the Grass: Lawn and Garden Chemicals That Are Dangerous to Your Dog

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:18 GMT

Your backyard might feel like a safe haven for your dog — fenced in, familiar, and fun. But during summer, when lawn care routines ramp up across Austin neighborhoods, it can also quietly become one of the most chemically loaded environments your pet encounters.

The danger is deceptive precisely because it's invisible. Treated grass looks perfectly normal. Landscaped flower beds look beautiful. And your dog, nose to the ground and paws padding through it all, has no idea.

How Dogs Are Exposed

Dogs come into contact with lawn and garden chemicals in two primary ways:

Through their paw pads. Paw pads are permeable — chemicals on treated grass can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream as your dog walks across the lawn.
Through grooming. After a walk or time in the yard, dogs lick their paws. Whatever is on those paws goes straight into their system.

Common Lawn Products That Are Dangerous to Dogs

Fertilizers: Many contain nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sometimes iron or zinc — all of which can cause gastrointestinal distress or toxicity in dogs when ingested in larger amounts.
Herbicides (weed killers): Products containing glyphosate or other chemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and in high exposures, more serious neurological symptoms.
Pesticides and insecticides: Organophosphates and carbamates (found in many common bug sprays and yard treatments) are particularly toxic to dogs and can cause tremors, seizures, and respiratory distress.
Snail and slug bait: Products containing metaldehyde are extremely dangerous to dogs and can cause rapid-onset seizures. This one is a true emergency.
Cocoa mulch: Made from cocoa bean shells, this popular garden mulch smells appealing to dogs — and contains theobromine, the same compound that makes chocolate toxic.

How to Make Your Yard Safer

Wait before letting your dog out after any lawn treatment. Most products require the area to dry completely before it's safe — check the product label and add extra time.
Rinse your dog's paws after every outdoor trip during lawn treatment season.
Choose pet-safe lawn products where possible. There are many effective organic and pet-friendly alternatives available.
Know what's planted. Walk your yard and identify everything growing there. When in doubt, look it up or ask your vet.

Signs of Lawn Chemical Poisoning

Watch for excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, wobbling, tremors, or seizures after outdoor time. If you suspect exposure to a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. Bring the product label with you if possible — it helps determine the appropriate treatment.

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is open 24/7 and equipped to handle toxin exposures and poisoning emergencies. Call us at 512-284-2877 or find us at 14360 Falcon Head Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738.

Toxic Plants Common in Austin Yards and Landscaping

Sago Palm — Extremely toxic. All parts of the plant are dangerous, but the seeds are the most lethal. Even a small amount can cause liver failure.
Lantana — Common in Texas landscaping. Toxic berries can cause severe vomiting and liver damage.
Oleander — Highly toxic to dogs. Can affect the heart.
Lilies — While more dangerous to cats, some lily varieties can cause GI upset in dogs.

Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car: Why This Summer Rule Has Zero Exceptions

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:16 GMT

This one feels like common knowledge by now — and yet, every summer, dogs die in parked cars. Often it's because an owner made a quick decision: "I'll just run in for a minute." Sometimes they lose track of time. Sometimes they genuinely didn't realize how dangerous it could be.

The facts are stark, and they're worth repeating.

The Temperature Reality

On an 80°F day, the interior of a parked car can reach 99°F in just 10 minutes — and over 119°F within 30 minutes. On a 90°F day, it can climb past 130°F.

Cracking the windows makes very little difference. The greenhouse effect inside the car traps radiant heat regardless of ventilation. Shade provides only modest relief — the interior still heats rapidly. Dogs cool themselves by panting, which is far less efficient than the way humans sweat. They simply cannot cope with that rate of temperature increase.

What Happens to a Dog in a Hot Car

Within minutes of being in a dangerously hot car, a dog can begin to experience heatstroke — a condition where the body's core temperature rises to a level that causes cell damage across every organ system. At 104°F, they are in distress. At 107°F or above, organ failure and brain damage can occur rapidly. This is not a slow process. It is a medical emergency that escalates in minutes.

Signs of Heatstroke

Heavy, frantic panting
Bright red or purple gums
Thick, sticky saliva
Vomiting or diarrhea
Stumbling or disorientation
Collapse

The Only Rule: Don't Do It

There is no errand short enough to make leaving your dog in the car a safe bet. If you're going somewhere your dog can't come inside with you, leave them home. If that's not possible, bring a second person who can stay outside with the dog in a running, air-conditioned car — or use a drive-through, curbside pickup, or find a pet-friendly establishment.

If Your Dog Was in a Hot Car

Move them to a cool, air-conditioned environment immediately. Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to their paw pads, belly, and the back of their neck. Do not force water into their mouth. Get to an emergency vet immediately — even if they appear to recover, internal damage may not be visible.

We're here for you around the clock. Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists: 512-284-2877, 14360 Falcon Head Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738. Open 24/7, every day of the year.

When the Sky Explodes: How to Help Your Dog Through Thunderstorms and Fireworks This Summer

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:14 GMT

July 4th is one of the biggest nights of the year for animal shelters. The day after Independence Day consistently sees a surge in lost and stray dogs — animals who panicked at the sound of fireworks and bolted, squeezing through fence gaps, jumping over walls, or chewing through screens in a desperate attempt to escape the noise.

Thunderstorm and fireworks anxiety is one of the most underestimated summer dangers for dogs. And it doesn't take a dramatic reaction to create a dangerous situation. Even a normally calm dog can be pushed past their threshold by a particularly close lightning strike or a fireworks display that goes on longer than expected.

Why Dogs React So Strongly

Dogs hear at roughly four times the frequency range of humans and are significantly more sensitive to sudden, loud sounds. Fireworks and thunder don't just sound loud to them — they're often genuinely disorienting and frightening in a way we can't fully replicate. Add in the flashing lights, the smell of smoke, and changes in barometric pressure (which dogs can detect before a storm), and the experience can feel overwhelming.

Signs of Anxiety to Watch For

Trembling or shaking
Excessive panting or drooling
Pacing or inability to settle
Hiding under furniture or in closets
Destructive behavior (chewing, scratching at doors)
Attempting to escape the yard or home
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Barking or howling persistently

Creating a Safe Environment

Designate a Safe Zone Set up a quiet, interior room — ideally one without windows — where your dog can retreat. Include their bed, a worn piece of your clothing (your scent is calming), water, and their favorite toys. Let them choose to go there rather than forcing them.

Use Sound Masking A white noise machine, a fan, or calming music can help muffle the sound of booming. There are playlists specifically designed to calm anxious dogs — search "dog anxiety music" or "Through a Dog's Ear" on music streaming platforms.

Stay Calm Yourself Dogs read our energy closely. If you're anxious about their anxiety, it can amplify the cycle. Stay calm, act normal, and offer gentle reassurance without reinforcing the panic.

Close Everything During fireworks events or approaching storms, close windows, blinds, and doggy doors. Reduce visual stimulation from flashing lights. Make sure your yard is fully secured before nightfall on high-risk evenings.

Talk to Your Vet About Anxiety Support

For dogs with moderate to severe anxiety, there are evidence-based tools your vet can offer — including calming supplements, anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, and in some cases, prescription anti-anxiety medications for high-stress events. Don't wait until the 4th of July to have this conversation. Plan ahead with your primary vet in June.

The Most Important Preparation: Microchipping

If your dog is not microchipped, make an appointment today. A collar and tag can fall off or be removed — a microchip cannot. Make sure your contact information is current in the microchip registry. This one step dramatically increases the chance of being reunited with a lost pet.

Also double-check your yard fencing before summer storm season and before any major holiday. Look for gaps, loose boards, or sections that could be pushed through by a panicked, adrenaline-fueled dog.

If Your Dog Bolts Act immediately. Post on local Facebook community groups and Nextdoor with a clear photo. Contact your local shelter to file a report in case the dog is turned in. Walk the neighborhood — lost dogs often circle back near their home.

At Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists, we care about your pet's wellbeing year-round — not just in emergencies. If anxiety is significantly affecting your dog's quality of life, we encourage you to work with your primary care vet to build a management plan.

And if an emergency does arise this summer — from injury, illness, or anything in between — we are here. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. 365 days a year.

�� 512-284-2877 | �� 14360 Falcon Head Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738

How to Keep Your Pet Safe (and Sane) During Severe Storms

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:11 GMT

There is nothing quite like the panic of watching a massive storm roll in while your dog is violently shaking under the bed, or your cat has vanished into some impossible-to-reach crevice in the closet.

Animals don’t get that the loud noises will eventually pass. To them, it feels like the world is ending. And honestly, it’s heartbreaking to watch.

Whether you're dealing with a sudden summer thunderstorm or prepping for a major hurricane, managing storm anxiety and having a legit safety plan is a huge part of being a pet parent. Let’s break down what’s actually happening in your pet's head, how to calm them down, and the stuff you need to have ready before the power goes out.

Animals don’t get that the loud noises will eventually pass. To them, it feels like the world is ending. And honestly, it’s heartbreaking to watch.

The 3-Step Severe Weather Game Plan

If you live anywhere prone to severe weather, you can’t wing it. You need a simple plan so you don't panic when things get real.

Step 1: Before the Storm (Prepping)

First up, get your paperwork and IDs sorted. Make sure your pet’s collar tags have your current phone number on them. If they’re microchipped, log online right now and double-check that your contact info is up to date.

If you have exotic pets, like reptiles, birds, or small pocket pets, remember they are super sensitive to temperature. If the power goes out, you need a plan, whether that means a backup generator or battery-powered heating pads.

Finally, map out pet-friendly spots. If you have to evacuate, you need to know ahead of time which local hotels or emergency shelters actually allow animals, because a lot of human shelters don't.

Step 2: During the Storm (Lockdown)

Bring all outdoor animals inside the second a warning pops up. Don’t wait for the rain. Once inside, keep cats in their carriers and dogs on leashes if things get really intense. If a window breaks or a door blows open from the wind, a panicked pet's first instinct is going to be to bolt outside into the chaos.

Step 3: After the Storm (The Clean-Up)

Before you let your dog out to do their business after a big storm, go do a yard sweep yourself. Look for downed power lines, broken glass, loose nails, shattered fences, or nasty, contaminated floodwater they might try to drink.

Also, keep an eye out for delayed stress. Some pets take a few days to fully decompress after a scary event. If they’re pacing, refusing food, or hiding for a couple of days afterward, just give them some extra love and time to reset.

Quick Checklist: The Emergency "Go-Bag"

If you have to leave your house in a hurry, you shouldn’t be running around trying to find stuff. Keep a waterproof bin packed and ready by the door with these essentials:

Two weeks of food & water: Plus a manual can opener if they eat wet food.
Collapsible bowls: Great space savers.
Meds & Records: A two-week supply of any medications, plus waterproof copies of their vaccine records (shelters will ask for these).
Sanitation supplies: Poop bags for dogs; a small litter box and scoop for cats.
Leashes, collars, and crates: One carrier per pet.
A physical photo of your pet: Sounds old-school, but if cell towers go down and you get separated, you’ll need a physical picture to show people or print out.

At the end of the day, the best thing you can do for your pet is just be prepared. Having a plan takes the pressure off you, which in turn takes the pressure off them.

Understanding Anemia in Dogs: What Owners Need to Know

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:07 GMT

Finding out your dog has anemia can be scary, especially since it is usually a sign of a larger, underlying health issue rather than a standalone disease. In simple terms, anemia means your dog has a lower-than-normal count of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout their body.

When those oxygen levels drop, your dog's organs and tissues don't get the fuel they need to function properly. Depending on the cause, it can range from a mild condition to a sudden, life-threatening emergency.

Here is a breakdown of what causes anemia, the warning signs you need to look out for, and how vets treat it.

The Three Main Causes of Canine Anemia

Vets generally categorize anemia based on how those red blood cells are being lost. It almost always boils down to one of three issues:

Blood Loss: This is the most straightforward cause. It happens when a dog loses blood due to a major injury, trauma, surgery, or internal bleeding from something like an ulcer or a tumor. It can also happen slowly over time from heavy parasite infestations, like a severe flea or tick problem.
Red Blood Cell Destruction: Known as hemolytic anemia, this happens when your dog’s body destroys its own red blood cells faster than it can replace them. This is typically caused by an autoimmune disorder where the immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks its own healthy blood cells.
Decreased Production: In this scenario, the bone marrow simply isn't making enough new red blood cells. This usually points to a chronic, long-term health issue like kidney disease, bone marrow disorders, severe infections, or certain cancers.

Warning Signs Your Dog Might Be Anemic

Because anemia directly impacts energy and oxygen, the signs can show up quickly or develop gradually over time. Key symptoms to watch for include:

Pale Gums: This is one of the quickest ways to check for anemia at home. A healthy dog's gums should be a healthy pink. If you lift your dog's lip and their gums look pale pink, grayish, or completely white, that is a major red flag that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Lethargy and Weakness: While a lazy afternoon is normal, an anemic dog will seem genuinely weak. They might struggle to get up, refuse to go on walks, or spend almost all of their time sleeping because their muscles lack the oxygen needed to move.
Rapid Heart Rate: If you notice your dog's chest thumping rapidly even when they are completely at rest, their heart is likely working overtime to pump what little oxygen-rich blood they have left through the body. A resting heart rate consistently over 130 beats per minute is a cause for concern.
Difficulty Breathing: Heavy panting without exercise, labored breathing, or gasping for air means your dog is struggling to get oxygen. Any breathing issue should always be treated as a veterinary emergency.
Dark or Bloody Stool, Vomit, or Urine: If the anemia is being caused by internal bleeding, you might see blood clots or a dark, tarry appearance in their stool, vomit, or urine.

How Vets Treat Anemia

Anemia cannot be cured without identifying and treating the root cause. Once a vet runs blood work to confirm the diagnosis, treatment usually involves a mix of immediate stabilization and long-term care:

Medications and Steroids: If the anemia is caused by an autoimmune response, vets will use heavy doses of steroids to suppress the immune system and stop it from destroying red blood cells. Antibiotics or antiparasitics are used if a severe infection or toxins are to blame.
Blood Transfusions: In severe or sudden cases, a blood transfusion is necessary to save the dog's life. This buys the veterinarian time to figure out the underlying issue while keeping your dog stable.
Surgery: If internal bleeding from a tumor or an ulcer is the main culprit, surgery may be required to stop the blood loss and remove the source of the problem.

The Bottom Line

If your dog is showing signs of extreme weakness, pale gums, or breathing issues, don't wait to see if it passes. Anemia is a symptom of a deeper medical issue, and getting to an emergency vet quickly can make all the difference in their recovery.

Feline Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Protect Your Cat

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:05 GMT

Discovering your cat has diabetes can feel overwhelming. It is a chronic, lifelong condition, but it doesn’t mean your cat can’t live a long, happy life.

Just like in humans, feline diabetes affects how your cat's body processes sugar for energy. Normally, the pancreas produces insulin, which helps your cat's cells absorb glucose from food. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin—or the cells stop responding to it properly—sugar builds up in the bloodstream, leaving the cells starving for energy.

Catching the signs early and working closely with your vet makes all the difference. Here is what you need to look out for, how the condition is managed, and how you can help prevent it.

The Most Common Symptoms of Cat Diabetes

Cats are notorious for hiding illness, but diabetes leaves a few distinct clues. The earliest signs usually involve your cat's bathroom and eating habits:

Increased Thirst and Urination: Because the body is trying to flush out excess sugar, diabetic cats will drink massive amounts of water and fill up the litter box much faster than usual. If you use a water fountain or automatic refiller, this can be tricky to spot, but you might notice them hanging around the water bowl constantly or even having accidents outside the litter box.
Inordinate Appetite with Weight Loss: Your cat's cells aren't getting the energy they need, so their brain constantly tells them they are starving. You might notice your cat becomes insatiable, eating everything in sight, yet they are rapidly losing weight.
Lethargy: Lacking proper energy from glucose, a diabetic cat will often become noticeably weak, less playful, and spend almost all their time sleeping.
Walking Flat on Their Hocks: In advanced or unmanaged cases, high blood sugar can cause nerve damage in the hind legs. You might notice your cat walking flat on their back ankles (hocks) rather than on their toes.

Knowing the Risk Factors

While any cat can technically develop diabetes, certain factors significantly increase their risk:

Obesity: Carrying excess body fat is the leading cause of insulin resistance in cats.
Age and Gender: Older cats and neutered male cats are statistically more prone to the condition.
Lifestyle: Indoor cats with low activity levels face a higher risk.
Medications: Long-term use of certain drugs, like steroids, can sometimes trigger diabetes.

How Feline Diabetes is Treated

Managing a diabetic cat takes commitment, but it quickly becomes a routine part of your day. Treatment typically relies on three main pillars:

Insulin Injections: Most diabetic cats require small insulin injections under the skin once or twice a day, usually right after a meal. Your vet will teach you how to do this safely at home—the needles are incredibly tiny, and most cats tolerate them very well.
Dietary Changes: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they thrive on protein. Switching your cat to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate prescription diet is crucial for stabilizing blood sugar. In fact, with strict dietary management and weight loss, some cats can actually go into diabetic remission, meaning they no longer require daily insulin.
Routine Monitoring: You will need to keep a close eye on their energy levels, appetite, and hydration, alongside regular vet checkups to monitor their blood glucose levels.

Two Critical Warning Signs of a Crisis

When managing a diabetic cat, you need to watch out for two severe complications that require immediate emergency veterinary care:

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This happens when the body completely lacks insulin and begins breaking down fat for fuel instead, producing toxic acids called ketones. Symptoms include vomiting, severe lethargy, a total loss of appetite, dehydration, and a strange, fruity or sweet smell to their breath. DKA is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): If a cat gets too much insulin or misses a meal, their blood sugar can drop dangerously low. Watch out for trembling, weakness, disorientation, stumbling, or seizures. Keeping liquid emergency glucose (like Karo syrup) on hand to rub on their gums can buy you critical time on the way to the ER.

How to Prevent Feline Diabetes

If your cat is healthy, the best way to protect them from diabetes is to manage their weight and keep them moving.

Ensure you feed them a high-quality, protein-focused diet and strictly limit high-carbohydrate treats or human scraps. For indoor cats, build regular playtime into your daily schedule—using laser pointers, feather wands, or puzzle feeders to keep them active. Finally, never skip your annual vet visits, as routine blood work and urinalysis can catch blood sugar changes long before physical symptoms appear.

Cat Urinary Tract Issues: Signs, Causes, and When to Worry

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:04 GMT

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box or seems to be visiting it every five minutes, it is natural to assume they have a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, feline urinary issues are a bit complicated.

While UTIs are incredibly common in humans and dogs, actual bacterial urinary infections are relatively rare in young to middle-aged cats. Instead, these symptoms usually point to a broader umbrella of conditions known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), or a stress-induced condition called Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC).

Because certain urinary issues can quickly spiral into a life-threatening emergency, knowing the signs and understanding what is actually going on in your cat's bladder is essential.

Signs Your Cat Has a Urinary Issue

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, but urinary pain is hard for them to mask. Watch out for these common warning signs:

Litter Box Avoidance: If your cat suddenly pees on cool surfaces like tile floors, the bathtub, or your laundry, they aren’t doing it to be spiteful. They associate the litter box with the pain they feel while urinating, so they look for other places to go.
Frequent Trips with Little Results: You might notice your cat anxiously running in and out of the box, straining, and only producing a few drops of urine at a time.
Crying Out While Peeing: Meowing, yowling, or crying while inside the litter box is a direct sign of physical pain and distress.
Excessive Licking: Cats will frequently and intensely groom their genital area to soothe the burning sensation and inflammation.
Blood in the Urine: The urine may look pink, cloudy, or have visible spots of blood in the litter.

The Real Culprits: UTI vs. FIC vs. Blockages

When you take a cat with urinary symptoms to the vet, they will run tests to figure out which of these conditions is actually causing the problem:

Bacterial UTIs: Actual bacterial infections only account for a small percentage of urinary issues in younger cats. When they do happen, it is typically in older cats (around age 10 or older) or cats with underlying health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, which change the composition of the urine and make it easier for bacteria to grow.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC): This is the most common diagnosis for cats under 10. "Idiopathic" means the exact cause is unknown, but it essentially amounts to a severe, sterile inflammation of the bladder wall. FIC is heavily triggered by environmental stress and anxiety. Disruptions like moving houses, a new pet, changing their food, or even a dirty litter box can cause a stress response that inflames the bladder.
Urinary Blockages (The Ultimate Emergency): Severe bladder inflammation can cause a buildup of crystals, mucus, and cellular debris that creates a physical plug in the urethra. This prevents your cat from emptying their bladder entirely.

Critical Emergency Warning: Urethral blockages happen almost exclusively in male cats because their urethras are much narrower than females'. If a male cat is completely blocked and cannot urinate, toxins build up in their system rapidly.

A blockage can cause kidney failure or a ruptured bladder, becoming fatal in as little as 24 to 48 hours. If your cat is straining productively without passing urine, treat it as a strict medical emergency.

How Vets Diagnose and Treat the Problem

A vet will start by collecting a urine sample for a urinalysis. They will spin the sample down to look under a microscope for bacteria, red blood cells, white blood cells, or crystals. They may also take X-rays to check for solid bladder stones.

Cat Clinic of Seattle+ 2

Your cat's treatment plan will depend entirely on what the vet finds:

For True UTIs: The vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill off the bacterial infection, often paired with temporary pain relief to keep your cat comfortable while the medicine kicks in.
VEG ER for Pets
For Stress-Induced FIC: Because there is no bacteria to kill, antibiotics won't help. Treatment focuses on pain management and anti-inflammatory medications. The long-term fix involves reducing household stress, adding environmental enrichment, and using synthetic pheromone diffusers to calm your cat.
VEG ER for Pets
For Crystals or Stones: Your vet may recommend a strict prescription therapeutic diet designed to alter the pH of your cat's urine, which helps dissolve existing crystals and prevents new ones from forming.
Small Door Veterinary
For a Complete Blockage: This requires immediate hospitalization. The vet will sedate your cat and pass a urinary catheter to flush out the obstruction, flush the bladder, and provide intravenous fluids to stabilize their kidneys.

Tips for Preventing Urinary Issues at Home

While you can't prevent every medical issue, you can drastically lower your cat's risk of urinary problems with a few simple lifestyle adjustments:

Boost Hydration: Cats naturally have a low thirst drive and produce highly concentrated urine. Feeding wet food (or mixing water into their kibble) is one of the best things you can do to flush out their bladder regularly. Adding a pet water fountain can also encourage them to drink more.
The Golden Litter Box Rule: Keep plenty of clean boxes around. The standard rule is to have one box per cat, plus one extra (so a two-cat household needs three boxes). Scoop them daily and keep them in quiet, low-traffic areas.
Vetster
Manage Household Stress: Try to keep your cat’s daily routine consistent. If you are introducing a new pet or moving, do it slowly and give your cat a safe, quiet space to decompress.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Overweight, indoor-only cats who get very little exercise are statistically much more prone to lower urinary tract diseases. Keep them active with daily interactive playtime.
Small Door Veterinary

5 Things Dogs Ingest That Require an Immediate Trip to the Emergency Vet

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:01 GMT

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and as any pet parent knows, their judgment on what qualifies as "food" is incredibly questionable. While a dropped piece of cheese or a stray scrap of bread is harmless, there are several everyday household items that can turn lethal within hours if swallowed.

If your dog gets into any of the following five items, do not wait for symptoms to show up. Head straight to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

1. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

Whether it is a dropped Ibuprofen pill, a bottle of human antidepressants chewed off a nightstand, or even a double-dose of their own flavored veterinary medications, pills are highly toxic to dogs.

Human pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) can cause sudden kidney failure, liver failure, or severe stomach ulcers in dogs, even in tiny amounts. Medications for blood pressure, ADHD, or sleep can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, or severe seizures.

2. Household Cleaning Products

Chemical-based liquids like bleach, laundry detergent pods, toilet bowl cleaners, and disinfectants can look or smell strangely enticing to a curious dog.

Ingesting these products causes immediate chemical burns to the mouth, tongue, esophagus, and stomach lining. Laundry pods are especially dangerous because they are highly concentrated; when a dog punctures the pod in their mouth, the chemicals can be easily inhaled into the lungs, leading to severe respiratory distress or asphyxiation.

3. Toxic Human Foods

While some human foods are safe for a treat, others act as direct poisons to a canine system. The big culprits to watch out for include:

Chocolate and Caffeine: Contain stimulants that a dog’s body cannot metabolize, leading to dangerous heart rates, tremors, and seizures.
Grapes and Raisins: Can trigger sudden, irreversible acute kidney failure in certain dogs, even in tiny quantities.
Xylitol (Birch Bark Extract): A common sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, peanut butter, and baked goods. It causes a massive, immediate drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and acute liver failure.
Onions and Garlic: Damage red blood cells, causing severe anemia over the days following ingestion.

4. Toxic Houseplants and Yard Plants

Many common plants look beautiful in your living room or garden but are highly dangerous if your dog decides to graze on them. Sago palms, for instance, are incredibly toxic—ingesting just a few seeds or leaves can cause total liver failure and death. Other problematic plants include sago palms, azaleas, oleander, autumn crocus, and certain varieties of lilies. Always look up a plant’s toxicity level before bringing it into your home or landscaping your yard.

5. Hard Plastics and Small Toys

Dogs have incredibly strong jaws and can easily chew through and swallow chunks of hard plastic containers, leftover food packaging, or plastic parts from broken toys (like squeakers and buttons).

Unlike soft items that might pass, hard or sharp plastic pieces can easily slice the stomach or intestinal lining. Even worse, they frequently cause a physical bowel obstruction. If a piece of plastic gets wedged in the intestines, it cuts off blood flow to the tissue and can cause the intestines to rupture, leading to a life-threatening abdominal infection.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Dangerous

If you catch your dog eating something they shouldn't, taking the right immediate steps can completely change the outcome:

Remove the Danger: Immediately take the remaining substance or object away from your dog so they cannot swallow any more of it.
Do NOT Induce Vomiting on Your Own: Never force your dog to throw up using hydrogen peroxide or other home remedies without explicitly being told to do so by a veterinarian. If they swallowed something sharp (like plastic) or caustic (like cleaning chemicals), bringing it back up can cause twice as much damage to their esophagus.
Grab the Evidence: If possible, grab the product packaging, the remaining pills, the piece of the plant, or a sample of the food. Bring it with you to the ER so the veterinary team knows exactly what chemical or toxin they are treating.
Go Immediately: Time is your greatest asset. If you get your dog to the vet within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion, the vet can often safely induce vomiting in a controlled environment, or administer activated charcoal to absorb the toxins before they ever hit your dog's bloodstream.

Blue-Green Algae: The Hidden Lake Danger That Can Kill a Dog in Minutes

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:52:00 GMT

When the weather warms up, there is nothing better than letting your dog cool off with a swim in a local lake, pond, or stream. But before you let them jump into the water, you need to know about a hidden summer threat that is entirely lethal: blue-green algae.

Despite the name, blue-green algae isn’t actually algae at all. It is a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. Under the right conditions, these bacteria multiply rapidly into massive "blooms" that release incredibly potent toxins.

Even a few sips of contaminated water, or a dog simply licking the residue off their fur after a swim, can cause total organ failure or fatal neurological damage within hours—and sometimes in as little as 15 minutes.

Because there is no antidote for this toxicity, understanding what to look for and acting instantly is the only way to save a dog's life.

What Does Blue-Green Algae Look Like?

You cannot tell if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it, so the safest rule of thumb is to treat all visible algae as dangerous. It thrives most in stagnant, slow-moving, or warm freshwater and typically forms a thick layer of scum or floating mats on the water's surface.

Watch out for water that looks like:

Spilled green paint: It often forms bright green, blue-green, or brownish-red streaks across the surface.
Pea soup: The water may look thick, foamy, or heavily discolored.
Bad odors: The area around the water might smell strongly of rotting plants or swamp gas.

The Two Ways the Toxins Attack

Cyanobacteria produce different types of poisons, and both are devastating to a dog's body:

Neurotoxins (Brain): These attack the nervous system with terrifying speed. Symptoms can hit within minutes of exposure. Watch for sudden muscle tremors, twitching, rigid or robotic walking, excessive drooling, seizures, paralysis, and sudden collapse. Because these toxins paralyze the respiratory muscles, they often lead to rapid respiratory failure.
Hepatotoxins (Liver): These attack the liver cells. Early signs include severe vomiting and diarrhea (which may contain blood), followed by extreme lethargy and pale or yellowish gums (jaundice). If a dog survives the immediate exposure, the liver damage can cause severe internal bleeding and acute liver failure within a couple of days.

What to Do If You Suspect Exposure

If you realize your dog just swam in or drank from water containing blue-green algae, do not wait for them to start acting sick. This is a strict, life-or-death veterinary emergency. Take these steps immediately:

Get Them Out of the Water: Pull your dog out of the area immediately so they don’t drink any more of it.
Stop Them from Licking: This is critical. A dog’s natural instinct after swimming is to groom themselves. If they lick the toxic bacteria off their coat, they will ingest a lethal dose. Hold them firmly or use a towel to wrap them up to block them from licking their fur.
Rinse Them Thoroughly: If you have access to clean, fresh water (like a hose or bottled water), rinse your dog's coat, paws, and face immediately to wash away the bacteria. Do not use lake water to rinse them.
Drive Straight to an Emergency Vet: Call the nearest emergency veterinary hospital while you are on the way. Tell them you are coming in with a dog suspected of blue-green algae exposure so their medical team can prepare treatment protocols before you even walk through the door.

How to Protect Your Dog This Summer

Preventing exposure is the only foolproof way to keep your dog safe.

Never let your dog drink from or swim in stagnant ponds, canals, or lakes with visible scum, foam, or discoloration. Always bring plenty of fresh, clean water and a collapsible bowl with you on hikes and beach trips so your dog isn't tempted to drink from natural water sources. Lastly, look out for local public health signs posted near boat ramps or beaches warning of active toxic algal blooms.

Porcupine Quills in Dogs: Why You Should Always Treat It as an Emergency

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:51:58 GMT

If your dog has a high prey drive or loves exploring the brush, an encounter with a porcupine is a real danger. Dogs don't learn their lesson after the first prick; they usually double down, which means they end up with a muzzle, mouth, or chest full of sharp, painful quills.

A common mistake pet parents make is thinking they can just pull the quills out at home with a pair of pliers. However, porcupine quills are not just large splinters. They are highly sophisticated defensive weapons, and treating them as a DIY project can cause severe internal damage or leave your dog with life-threatening infections.

Here is why a quill strike is always a veterinary emergency and what you need to do immediately if your dog gets stuck.

The Hidden Danger: Microscopic Barbs

From a distance, a porcupine quill looks smooth. Under a microscope, however, the tip of each quill is covered in hundreds of tiny, backward-facing barbs.

These barbs act like little anchors. Once a quill enters a dog's flesh, the barbs lock it into place. Even worse, the normal movement of your dog's muscles acts like a pump, slowly pulling the quill deeper and deeper into the body over time.

If left untreated, quills can migrate through the body tissue. They can easily pierce blood vessels, travel into the lungs, puncture the chest cavity, or even migrate into the eyes and joints. Once a quill travels deep inside the body, finding and removing it requires major exploratory surgery.

What to Do Immediately After a Quill Strike

If your dog runs back to you with quills stuck in their face or body, your immediate actions are critical to keeping them safe:

Do NOT Try to Pull Them Out Yourself: Pulling quills out hurts immensely. A panicked dog will bite, even if they love you. Furthermore, without heavy sedation, a dog will squirm, causing the brittle quills to snap off beneath the skin. A broken quill tip left behind will cause a painful abscess or continue migrating deeper into the body.
Minimize Your Dog's Movement: Keep your dog as calm and still as possible. Do not let them run around, as muscle movement pushes the quills deeper. If you have a crate or a leash, use it to keep them contained.
Stop Them from Pawing at Their Face: Most quills end up in the muzzle, lips, and face. Your dog’s natural instinct will be to rub their face against the ground or paw at the quills. This will only break the quills or push them further into the roof of the mouth and eyes. Hold your dog's paws or gently wrap their head in a towel to keep them from scratching.
Do NOT Cut the Quills: There is an old myth that cutting the hollow end of a quill collapses it and makes it easier to pull out. This is entirely false. Cutting the quill actually makes it splinter, making it much harder for a vet to remove cleanly.
Withhold Food and Water: Because your dog will need to be sedated or put under general anesthesia at the vet clinic to have the quills removed, keeping their stomach empty is vital for their safety under anesthesia.

What to Expect at the Vet Clinic

Removing quills safely requires professional veterinary care. Once you arrive at the clinic or emergency hospital, the medical team will take over:

Heavy Sedation or Anesthesia: The vet will administer strong pain medications and sedate your dog completely. This ensures your dog feels absolutely no pain and allows the vet to thoroughly inspect the entire body without your dog moving.
A Hidden Mouth Inspection: Porcupines often defend themselves when a dog bites down on them. This means quills are frequently hidden deep inside the mouth, under the tongue, or down the throat. A sedated exam is the only way a vet can safely find and extract these hidden dangers.
Antibiotics and Pain Management: Once all visible quills are pulled out using specialized surgical instruments, your dog will be sent home with a course of antibiotics to prevent infection from the dirty quills, along with anti-inflammatory pain medications to keep them comfortable during recovery.

The Bottom Line

Porcupine quills are incredibly painful and structurally designed to move deeper into your dog's body. The faster you get your dog to a veterinary clinic, the easier it is for the vet to remove the quills cleanly before they break or begin migrating into vital organs.

The Ultimate Guide to Toxic Plants: Keeping Your Pets Safe Indoors and Out

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:51:55 GMT

One of the easiest ways to brighten up your home or yard is with a few beautiful plants. But if you have dogs or cats, that stunning new houseplant or backyard shrub could actually be a hidden hazard.

Many common plants contain natural chemical defenses that are highly toxic to animals. Because pets—especially curious puppies and kittens—love to chew on leaves and dig up roots, knowing exactly which plants pose a threat can prevent a major medical emergency.

Here is a breakdown of the most dangerous indoor and outdoor plants for pets, the symptoms of plant poisoning, and what to do if your pet takes a bite.

4 Highly Toxic Plants to Keep Far Away from Pets

While many plants can cause a mild upset stomach, these four are exceptionally dangerous and can be fatal even in tiny amounts:

Sago Palms: Popular in warm-climate landscaping and as indoor bonsai trees, every single part of the sago palm is intensely poisonous to dogs and cats. The seeds (or nuts) contain the highest concentration of toxins. Ingesting just one or two seeds can cause severe vomiting, liver failure, and death within days.
Lilies: If you have cats, true lilies (such as Easter, Tiger, Asiatic, and Stargazer lilies) are an absolute zero-tolerance hazard. Even a tiny sip of the water from a lily vase, a bite of a leaf, or licking a bit of lily pollen off their fur can trigger sudden, irreversible acute kidney failure in cats. Interestingly, true lilies do not cause kidney failure in dogs, though they can still cause an upset stomach.
Oleander: This common outdoor evergreen shrub features beautiful pink or white flowers, but it contains cardiac glycosides. These toxins directly disrupt the heart muscle. Eating even a small amount of the leaves or flowers can cause a dangerously low heart rate, severe tremors, collapse, and fatal heart failure in both dogs and cats.
Azaleas and Rhododendrons: Frequently found in backyard gardens, these blooming shrubs contain grayanotoxins. If a pet grazes on the leaves, it can disrupt their body's cellular function, leading to excessive drooling, vomiting, a drop in blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, and central nervous system depression.

Warning Signs of Plant Poisoning

If you didn't catch your pet in the act but suspect they ate something bad in the garden or living room, look out for these classic signs of plant toxicity:

Intense drooling, pawing at the mouth, or foaming
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Extreme lethargy, weakness, or trouble standing
Heavy panting or labored breathing
Pale, yellowish, or unusually dark gums
Sudden changes in urination (drinking constantly or not peeing at all)
Muscle tremors, instability, or seizures

What to Do in a Plant Emergency

If you see your pet chewing on a toxic plant, or if they are showing signs of poisoning, act immediately. Time is the most critical factor in preventing the toxins from being absorbed into their system.

Move Your Pet Away from the Plant: Safely clear any remaining leaves or stems from their mouth.
Identify the Plant: If you don't know the name of the plant, take a quick, clear photo of the leaves and flowers, or carefully wrap a section of it in a paper towel to bring with you.
Do Not Induce Vomiting on Your Own: Never force your pet to throw up using home remedies unless a veterinary professional explicitly instructs you to do so.
Go Straight to the Vet: Head to your closest veterinary clinic or emergency animal hospital. If possible, call them on your way to let them know what plant your pet ate so they can prepare the correct treatment protocol ahead of your arrival.

How to Build a Safe Green Space

The best way to protect your pets is to cross-reference any new greenery with a trusted pet safety database before bringing it home. If you want the look of lush plants without the risk, stick to certified pet-safe alternatives. Outdoors, plants like marigolds and sunflowers are safe choices. For indoor spaces, opt for vibrant, non-toxic options like Boston Ferns, Spider Plants, Parlor Palms, or African Violets. Taking a few minutes to check a plant's safety ensures your home stays beautiful and your pets stay completely safe.

What animals know about dying

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:55:39 GMT

By Sara Engram

Bear was a beloved old dog, dying of cancer.

As he neared death, his owner reluctantly scheduled an appointment to have him put down.

But the night before, Bear did something out of character.

Instead of curling up in his usual hallway spot and drifting off to sleep, he visited each family member's bedroom.

One by one, he nudged his nose through the doorways, seeking out the people he’d spent his life with. He let each of them pet him, then returned to his place in the hall.

They woke the next morning to discover that Bear had died peacefully in his sleep.

His quiet goodbye saved his owner the agony of taking him on that final trip to the vet.

She called a friend with the news, exclaiming through her tears: "He didn’t make me do it, did he?"

What did Bear know? Was it just a coincidence?

Any of us who have shared our lives with an animal probably have a ready answer for those questions.

Even if we can’t fully explain it, our own experiences tell us that Bear knew something.

Stories that echo our own

After all, we’ve already learned big lessons from them:

Birds and insects inspired flying machines.
Bats taught us about sonar.
Wolf packs helped us understand social bonding.

What if their end-of-life experiences offer clues not just about biology, but also about presence, acceptance, and connection?

That’s especially true for our companion animals. But what about other animals?

I’ve watched generations of squirrels dart across yards, scamper up trees, and try to raid bird feeders.

But I almost never see dead squirrels unless they’ve been hit by a car. Where do they go when it’s time to die?

Do they seek out hidden places for protection or solitude? How do they know when to do that?

Animals may not understand mortality the same way we do. But it seems obvious that they know what they need to know about death.

Perhaps that’s why those moments of clarity described in end-of-life experiences feel so poignant.

They remind us that dying doesn’t always need fixing.

Sometimes it just needs presence. And moments to honor our connections with each other.

Death as a teacher

British biologist Rupert Sheldrake has collected hundreds of stories like this . They are anecdotes about dogs, cats, and other companion animals who seem to behave with uncanny intuition at the end of life.

In some cases, they rally unexpectedly for a final moment of connection. In others, like Bear, they seem to choose their time, leaving their humans with what seems like a mix of grief and grace.

A woman wrote to Sheldrake about her dying cat. She had placed him gently in his bed and stepped away for a moment. As she returned, she saw that he had struggled out of bed to make his way toward her.

When she scooped him up, he let out one long purr before slipping away.

She understood his message. He wanted to say goodbye. He wanted to be with her when he died.

These stories feel familiar, perhaps because they echo something we understand.

Hospice workers often report similar moments – end-of-life experiences of a final rally of energy, a moment of clarity, a parting message.

Sheldrake’s collection of stories shows that humans aren’t the only creatures who can feel a strong urge to connect with others as death approaches.

A lesson in letting go

When Mae cried over Bear, her words to her friend expressed her relief. He had spared her that agonizing trip to the vet.

And he had given her a glimpse of how to let go with grace.

That sounds like wisdom worth honoring.

Sara Engram writes Mortal Matters, a weekly reflection on mortality, meaning, and the stories we leave behind. Read more at https://saraengram.substack.com/

Heatstroke in Dogs: How to Spot the Signs and Act Fast

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:49:22 GMT

Summer is the season for outdoor adventures, but rising temperatures bring a silent danger for our canine companions, Heatstroke. Unlike humans who sweat across their entire body to cool down, dogs rely almost exclusively on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads. When the environment becomes too hot, this mechanism fails, leading to a life-threatening medical emergency.

As a pet owner, knowing the difference between "a hot dog" and "a dog in crisis" is the single most important skill you can learn this season.

The 7 Early Warning Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke doesn’t always happen instantly. It often starts as heat exhaustion. If you notice these symptoms, you must intervene immediately.

Excessive, frantic panting: Panting that doesn't subside even when the dog is resting.
Bright red or purple gums: This indicates that the body is diverting blood flow to the skin to try and cool down.
Thick, sticky saliva: If their drool looks like glue or isn't dripping, it’s a red flag.
Lethargy or weakness: Your dog seems reluctant to move or is having trouble standing.
Confusion or disorientation: They aren't responding to their name or seem "dazed."
Vomiting or diarrhea: Especially if these occur after outdoor activity.
Collapse: This is a late-stage symptom and requires immediate emergency intervention.

If your dog shows symptoms, your reaction time matters. Do not wait for them to get better on their own.

Move to Shade or A/C Immediately: Get your dog out of the sun. If you have a car with air conditioning, move them there immediately.
Offer Small Amounts of Water: Do not force them to drink, but have fresh water available.
Cooling (Crucial Step): Apply cool—not ice-cold—water to their paw pads, ears, and stomach.
Why not ice? Ice can cause "vasoconstriction" (the narrowing of blood vessels), which traps heat inside the body and makes the situation worse.
Transport to the Vet: Even if your dog seems to recover after cooling down, you must go to the vet. Heatstroke can cause internal organ damage that isn't immediately visible.

What to Do If You Suspect Heatstroke (The "Cool, Don't Freeze" Rule)

How to Prevent Heat Exhaustion

Prevention is always better than cure. Follow these three rules to keep your dog safe this summer:

The "Shadow" Rule: If you are outside, your dog must have access to a shaded area at all times.
Limit Activity to the "Golden Hours": Walk your dog before 9:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. Avoid the heat of the day (12 PM – 4 PM) entirely.
Carry Water Everywhere: Always bring a portable, collapsible water bowl. If your dog stops panting, it’s a good sign that they are regulating their temperature.

While we hope you and your pup have a safe and fun-filled summer, emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Heatstroke is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate professional intervention.

When it’s urgent and if it’s serious, you need Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists , our team is available 24/7 to provide expert emergency care, advanced diagnostics, and critical support for pets in distress. We are located in Bee Cave and are always ready to step in when your primary veterinarian is unavailable or when the situation requires specialized equipment and round-the-clock monitoring.

Don't wait for the symptoms to worsen. If your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, lethargy, or severe discomfort, call us immediately or bring them in.
Save Our Info: We recommend saving our contact details in your phone now , before you need them.

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists �� 14360 Falcon Head Blvd, Bee Cave, TX 78738 �� (512) 284-2877 �� www.violetcrownvet.com Open 24/7 for walk-in emergencies — no appointment needed.

Need Emergency Help? We’re Here for You.

Guide to Summer Dog Safety: 10 Emergency Situations Every Owner Should Know

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 02:17:13 GMT

Summer is the season of adventures, beach trips, and backyard BBQs. But for our four-legged friends, the rising temperatures and shifting environment can create hidden dangers that aren't always immediately obvious to busy pet owners. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just hanging out in the backyard, knowing how to spot and prevent these 10 common summer emergencies can save your dog's life, and spare you a stressful trip to the emergency vet.

As the days grow longer, our daily routines with our pets naturally change. While we’re busy planning hikes and outdoor fun, it’s easy to overlook how the environment affects our canine companions, who are significantly more sensitive to heat and seasonal changes than we are. Being a proactive pet parent isn't about being paranoid or limiting the fun; it's about being informed so you can confidently navigate the risks and ensure that every memory you make this season is a happy, healthy one.

1. Heatstroke & Heat Exhaustion

Dogs cannot regulate their temperature as efficiently as humans. Heatstroke can cause organ failure in a matter of minutes.

The Warning Signs: Heavy, frantic panting, thick/sticky saliva, bright red or purple gums, stumbling, or vomiting.
The Immediate Action: Move to the shade or air conditioning immediately. Apply cool (not ice-cold) water to their paws, belly, and ears. Seek professional veterinary care immediately , even if the dog seems to recover.

2. Burnt Paw Pads

Asphalt and concrete are essentially heat traps. By midday, asphalt can reach 140°F, causing third-degree burns within seconds.

The Prevention: Use the "7-Second Test." If you cannot hold the back of your hand against the pavement for seven full seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on.
Pro-Tip: If you must walk during the day, look for grassy paths or use dog booties with rubber soles.

3. Water Toxicity & Drowning

Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and even the best swimmers can succumb to exhaustion or water intoxication (hyponatremia).

The Danger: Drinking excessive amounts of pool or lake water can throw off their electrolyte balance.
The Prevention: Use a well-fitted life jacket, even for dogs who know how to swim. Bring a collapsible water bowl and fresh water to the beach to keep them from drinking the salt or pool water.

4. Tick and Parasite Proliferation

Summer is prime time for ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, which carry Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Heartworm.

The Prevention: Ensure your dog is on year-round, vet-approved parasite prevention. After every hike, perform a "Tick Check": run your hands over their entire body, paying special attention to behind the ears, between toes, and in the armpits.

5. Dangerous "Summer Foods"
(BBQ Hazards)

Cookouts bring a buffet of dangers that are toxic or physically dangerous to dogs.

The High-Risk Items:
Cooked Bones: Can splinter and puncture the stomach/intestines.
Corn Cobs: Often cause life-threatening intestinal blockages.
Xylitol: Found in some sugar-free condiments/snacks; it causes rapid, fatal drops in blood sugar.
Grapes/Onions: Highly toxic to dogs.

6. Sunburn

Dogs with thin hair, white fur, or pink noses are at high risk. Sunburn in dogs usually appears on the bridge of the nose, ear tips, and belly.

The Prevention: Apply a pet-specific sunscreen (do not use human sunscreen, as ingredients like Zinc Oxide are toxic to dogs if ingested). Provide ample shade if you are outdoors for more than 30 minutes.

7. Dehydration

Dehydration in dogs often creeps up before owners notice.

The Test: Gently pull the skin on the back of their neck. It should snap back into place instantly. If it stays in a "tent" or folds back slowly, your dog is likely dehydrated.
Prevention: Keep water bowls clean and refreshed multiple times a day. If you notice your dog is lethargic, offer a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth mixed with water to encourage drinking.

8. Lawn & Garden Toxins

Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can be absorbed through paw pads or ingested when a dog licks their feet after walking on treated grass.

The Prevention: If you treat your lawn, keep your dog inside until the product has completely dried or been watered into the soil. Be wary of Sago Palms and Lilies, which are highly toxic to pets.

9. The "Parked Car" Effect

Even with windows cracked, a car can reach dangerous temperatures in under 10 minutes.

The Reality: On an 80°F day, the temperature inside a car can spike to over 100°F. Never leave your dog in the car. It is a "zero-tolerance" emergency that can result in fatal heatstroke before you even get back to the vehicle.

10. Thunderstorm & Fireworks Anxiety

July 4th and summer storms often cause "panic flight." Dogs often jump fences or chew through screens in a desperate attempt to escape the noise.

The Management: Create a "Safe Zone" in a room with no windows or an interior room. Use white noise machines or calm classical music to mask the booming sounds. Ensure your dog is microchipped and that your contact information is current.

We hope this season is filled with nothing but long walks, backyard play, and happy memories with your furry best friend. By keeping these safety tips in mind and knowing what to look out for, you are already doing a great job as a proactive pet parent.

However, we know that despite our best efforts, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it is a sudden case of heat exhaustion, a mysterious limp, or an accidental snack they should not have eaten, please know you do not have to navigate it alone.

We Are Here for You, Anytime

If you are ever worried about your dog's health or think they might be experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, please do not wait to see if it passes. You know your pet better than anyone; if something feels wrong, trust your gut.

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is open 24/7, 365 days a year. We are always here to provide expert, compassionate care whenever your pet needs it most.

Need advice or urgent care? Call us immediately at 512-284-2877 .
Location: 14360 Falcon Head Blvd. Bee Cave, TX 78738

Your pet’s health and safety are our top priority, all summer long.

10 Common Dog Eye Injuries to Watch for & When to Visit an Emergency Vet

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:37:10 GMT

What Causes Eye Injuries in Dogs?

A dog eye injury can occur for a number of reasons, including:

Fights: If your pet gets into a squabble with another, it may result in an eye injury.
Foreign Objects: Dust, dirt, or small debris can easily make their way into your dog’s eyes.
Aging: As dogs age, they are more likely to develop cataracts or dry eye.
Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues can increase the risk of eye injuries.
Accidents: Mishaps can happen. Even something as simple as playing rough can cause eye injuries.

Dogs are always curious, playful, and, at times, a little too adventurous for their own good. One moment, they’re zooming through the park, and the next, they’re squinting or tearing up—signs that something might be wrong with their eyes. As a pet owner, it’s vital to know how to tell if a dog eye injury is serious or if it’s something you can treat at home.

Dog eye injuries are more common than you think. Some heal on their own, but others can lead to complications if left untreated. Let’s take a closer look at what pet owners need to know about identifying and treating a dog’s eye injury.

10 Common Dog Eye Injuries to Look Out For

Eye injuries in dogs can be mild, or they can be serious. Here are some of the most common eye injuries that dog owners should be on the watch for.

1. Corneal Ulcer

This is a painful wound on the surface of the eye. It’s often caused by infections, untreated dry eye, or even scratches. Common symptoms are squinting, redness, cloudy eye, tearing, or pawing at the face.

2. Scratched Cornea

This is a painful scratch on the other eye area, often from rough play or frequent rubbing. Symptoms may include rapid blinking, watery discharge, redness, and light sensitivity.

3. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

“Pink eye” is a term for inflammation of the conjunctiva, a clear membrane covering the eye. Similar to humans, it can be caused by infections, allergies, or irritants. Visible signs are swelling, redness, yellow or green discharge, and excessive tearing.

4. Proptosis

This is a severe eye injury where a pet’s eye is popping out, usually due to dog eye trauma. Symptoms include a bulging eye, inability to blink, and severe swelling.

5. Foreign Objects

Everyday objects like dust, sand, or other debris can get trapped in your dog’s eye. Excessive blinking, watery eyes, squinting, and frequent rubbing are common signs of this.

6. Eye Bleeding (Hyphema)

This is internal bleeding in the eye and is often caused by trauma, high blood pressure, or clots. Some signs may be a blood-filled eye and vision problems.

7. Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy lens that affects vision, often due to aging or genetics. You may notice a white or blue-gray discoloration in the eye, difficulty seeing in low light, and increased clumsiness.

8. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve caused by increased pressure in the eye and may cause blindness. Symptoms include redness, cloudy eye, and pain.

9. Eye Inflammation (Uveitis)

This occurs when the middle layer of the eye is inflamed, often caused by infections or underlying health conditions. Dogs may show signs of pain, swelling, or their eye may look different.

10. Puncture Wounds

These are deep injuries that penetrate a dog’s eye, often from fights, rough play, or a dog bite.

Dog Eye Injury Home Treatment Options

You’re probably asking yourself, “Can a dog eye injury heal on its own?” The answer is yes—if it’s minor. Here are some remedies you can try at home to aid your pet through any discomfort.

Saline Solution: Rinsing your pet’s eyes with saline can remove any dirt or debris.
Cone for Protection: An Elizabethan collar or “pet cone” can prevent further irritation.
Cold Compress: Apply a cool compress to the affected area to reduce swelling, but only if there’s no open wound.

Monitor your pet’s symptoms closely. Home treatments can sometimes help treat immediate discomfort, but they’re usually not a replacement for professional treatment from your veterinarian.

How to Tell if a Dog Eye Injury is Serious

It’s time to call the vet if your dog shows any of the symptoms:

Open wounds or bleeding
Eyes closed due to swelling
The eye looks misshapen
Cloudy eyes
Eye popped out of the socket
Vision loss

When to See the Emergency Vet for Eye Injuries in Dogs

Paying close attention to their symptoms and any behavioral changes makes a difference. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above and see your dog is in pain, they may require immediate attention. A visit to an emergency vet or animal hospital may be the best course of action.

If you are a pet owner in the Austin, TX area and need emergency vet care, call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists at 512- 284-2877.

Your Next Steps for Dog Eye Injury Treatment

Being proactive can prevent long-term damage when it comes to any injury. Don’t take any chances with your dog’s vision if they have an eye injury. If you are in or near Austin, TX, reach out to our team. We provide expert emergency vet care, advanced diagnostics, and gentle, specialized treatment for your furry friends.

Injuries in pets are inevitable, but you can take action. Call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for emergency vet care in Austin, TX. Our goal is to assess and provide the most appropriate treatment to ensure your pup receives the care they need.

What is Urinary Obstruction in Cats?

kchrapliwy@gmail.com (Kerry Chrapliwy) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:43:51 GMT

Keeping your cat’s litter box clean is essential for maintaining its long-term health. Even after meticulously scooping the urine clumps, replacing the litter once a week, and scrubbing every inch of the litter box every couple of weeks, your cat may still experience urinary issues. Urinary obstruction in cats is one of the more serious ailments affecting the urethra and requires urgent medical attention.

What is Urinary Obstruction?

Urinary obstruction in cats describes situations involving a partial or full blockage of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the cat’s external opening. You might hear your veterinarian call it a urethral blockage or urethral obstruction, and it’s one of the most common reasons for cats to see their vets.

A urinary obstruction may be referred to as FLUTD, or feline lower urinary tract disease. You may also hear the term FIC, short for feline interstitial cystitis, which refers to inflammation of the bladder. Urinary obstructions are most common in young castrated male cats, but can occur in older pets and intact males as well. FIC is also much more common in cats younger than 10.

Risks of Urinary Obstructions

Urinating is a vital function for almost all creatures, as it eliminates waste and maintains appropriate levels of bodily fluids. Retaining urine can result in:

Bladder tear (rupture) due to increased pressure
Renal (kidney) damage or failure
Heart problems due to electrolyte imbalances

What Causes Urinary Obstructions in Cats?

The inflammation that occurs with FIC is a common cause of urinary obstructions in cats. Two other ailments commonly associated with urinary obstructions are uroliths (bladder stones that can travel to the urethra) and urethral plugs, which consist of bodily crystals and mucus. Cancer is a rare cause of urinary obstructions.

Preventing Urinary Obstruction

Maintaining your cat’s general health, which involves regular vet check-ups, can reduce the chances of urinary obstructions. Ensuring your felines have access to enough water and food is also essential, as is helping them stay at healthy weights.

Male cats are prone to urinary obstructions and other FLUTDs because their urethra is narrower and longer than those of female cats. Some cats who experience frequent urinary obstructions may benefit from a procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU), which widens the urethral opening.

Treating Urinary Obstruction: When to See an Emergency Vet

It’s a good idea to take your cat to a vet as soon as possible if you notice signs of urinary obstruction, as serious health problems can crop up within 12 hours or less. Untreated urinary obstructions can cause death in cats within 24 hours, so time is of the essence.

Common symptoms of urinary obstructions in cats include:

Frequent urination (more than four times per day)
Weak urinary flow
Urinating only a few drops at a time (or nothing at all)
Bloody or cloudy urine
Vocalizing or crying out while urinating
Straining while urinating
Urinating outside of the litter box
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Decreased appetite
Excessive licking of their genitals

If you suspect your cat is exhibiting these symptoms but aren’t sure, we strongly recommend erring on the side of caution and bringing them to a vet as soon as possible. Depending on the location of the litter box, it may be difficult to tell whether your cat is having trouble peeing or not urinating at all. Your vet may insert a catheter to drain the backed-up urine, and your cat may need to take medications for a few days.

Call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for Austin Emergency Vet Services

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists have seen countless urinary obstructions in cats. Our medical staff’s expertise is second to none; you can rest assured that we’ll do everything we can to get your furry companion as healthy as possible. Our facility offers 24/7 emergency services for your pet’s more urgent medical needs. You can call ahead at (512) 284-2877 or simply reach out if you have any questions about our services. Feel free to message us online if that’s more convenient for you.

My Dog Ate Chocolate But is Acting Fine: What’s Next?

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 19:27:56 GMT

It’s a sad fact of life for pet owners that one of our favorite treats can be deadly for our dogs. So, what if your dog ate chocolate but is acting fine? The potential health complications depend on the amount and type of cocoa they eat, and there are a number of symptoms that can alert you to serious problems. If your dog ate chocolate chip cookies or counter-surfed their way into a cup of hot cocoa, here’s what you need to know about chocolate toxicity and when it’s time to call the vet.

Understanding Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

So, what is in chocolate that is toxic to dogs? To understand dog chocolate toxicity, we have to look at a key ingredient: cocoa beans. Many animals, including cats and dogs, can experience chocolate toxicosis if they ingest cocoa products.

Cocoa contains compounds known as methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine. While humans can consume (and enjoy) these chemicals, dogs can’t metabolize them properly.

Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine in all forms. A single discarded tea bag or a mouthful of spilled coffee grounds can spell disaster for your furry friend. And while we may not think about the caffeine content of our sweet treats, an average ounce of dark chocolate contains about 23 mg of caffeine.

Is white chocolate toxic for dogs?

It’s less likely, but it all depends on how much they eat. While white chocolate contains less cocoa than milk or dark chocolate, the high fat and sugar content can lead to other problems. Aside from an upset stomach, the sudden ingestion of high-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis in dogs.

6 Signs Your Dog Ate Chocolate

Theobromine and caffeine affect the central nervous system and heart. In mild cases, this means gastrointestinal distress and dehydration. At higher doses, dogs can experience seizures, cardiac failure, and even death. If you suspect your dog may have gotten ahold of some chocolate, here are some common initial symptoms to look out for:

Vomiting and diarrhea
Excessive thirst and urination
Restlessness
Increased body temperature
Rapid heart rate and breathing
Muscle tremors

My dog ate chocolate but is acting fine: should I be worried?

There’s a saying when it comes to toxins: the dose makes the poison. The severity of your dog’s reaction depends on their size and how much chocolate they consumed. Dark chocolate and baking cocoa are higher in theobromine and caffeine, while milk and white chocolate have less.

When dogs eat chocolate, the physical signs aren’t immediately apparent. Depending on how much they ate, symptoms can begin to show between 6-12 hours after ingestion. If you know or suspect your dog ate chocolate, immediately call your vet for advice. Monitor your pet closely for symptoms and take note of any unusual behavior.

What to Do if Your Dog Ate Chocolate & When to See an

Emergency Vet

As with any serious health risk, it’s best to play it safe and contact your vet if your dog ate chocolate, even if they are acting fine. Even if they aren’t in immediate danger, early intervention is crucial for preventing long-term health consequences, which can include kidney failure and heart disease.

Following a potential chocolate-eating incident, keep a close eye on your dog and contact an emergency vet right away if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.

Only a professional can treat chocolate toxicity in dogs, so it’s vital to get help as soon as possible. Your vet can provide the best course of action for your dog’s specific situation. To help your dog, a vet may induce vomiting, administer IV fluids to combat dehydration, and give them activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of toxic compounds.

Dog Ate Chocolate? Call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for Emergency Care in Austin

When your dog consumes chocolate in any amount, it’s important to act fast. Our 24/7 Emergency Department is ready to provide the best possible care for your pet in need.

Our qualified team will quickly assess your dog’s condition and get them the quality attention and treatment they deserve. Chocolate toxicity is a serious issue that requires urgent care, and Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists are here to help.

For non-emergency concerns, contact us through our website or call (512) 284-2877 to learn more.

Why is My Cat Breathing Heavy?

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 19:26:54 GMT

Nearly all animals breathe heavily from time to time, whether to cool down or catch their breath after physical activity. Dogs panting and breathing heavily is normal, but cats usually don’t exhibit this behavior. So, if you notice open-mouthed or labored breathing in your feline friend, you might wonder, “Why is my cat breathing heavily?” The team here at Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists can help you clarify why your cat is breathing heavily and what to do next.

What causes heavy breathing in cats?

Cats sometimes breathe heavily or pant when they feel hot, stressed, or after physical activity. Heavy breathing of this kind is normal and should resolve on its own as your kitty calms down, rests, and cools off.

However, persistent and recurrent heavy breathing could indicate that your pet is sick. Thinking about what your cat was doing before the heavy breathing began may help you determine whether it’s normal.

If you’re not sure why your cat is breathing heavily, fast, or loudly, it’s time to take them to see the vet.

Signs of Breathing Difficulties in Cats

Cats that are having a hard time breathing may seem to be working hard to move air in and out of their lungs. They might also show signs relate to heavy breathing , such as:

Rapid breathing
Noisy panting with an open mouth
Coughing or wheezing
Lowering the head, extending the body forward, and appearing to be gagging or about to vomit

Common Causes of Abnormal Heavy Breathing in Cats

Hearing your pet struggle to breathe comfortably can be stressful. Fortunately, many causes of heavy breathing in cats are treatable.

Asthma & Chronic Bronchitis

Heavy, labored breathing with an open mouth can be a sign of asthma in cats. Other common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, panting, and an increased respiratory rate. Chronic bronchitis may cause similar symptoms.

Heart Failure & Fluid Build-Up

Congestive heart failure, which most frequently affects older cats, causes fluid to build up in the lungs and restricts breathing. It can also lead to the enlargement of the heart, which may cause breathing troubles. Even in the absence of heart failure, conditions like hydrothorax can cause fluid to build up in and around the lungs. Fluid build-up makes it difficult for the lungs to bring in as much air as they need and may also lead to rapid breathing, coughing, and panting.

Heartworm

Heartworm disease is a highly preventable condition that often causes breathing difficulties in cats. It’s a severe, potentially fatal disease that you can avoid by giving your cat heartworm prevention medication each month.

Respiratory Infections

A respiratory infection can also make it difficult for cats to breathe normally. These typically begin as viral infections and then develop into secondary bacterial infections, which may cause more severe symptoms.

Other Conditions Related to Heavy Breathing

Other less common causes of heavy breathing in cats include the following:

Trauma or injury to the chest, lungs, heart, etc.
Anemia
Neurologic disorders
Obstructions caused by foreign objects
Pain and inflammation
In some cases, heavy breathing may be a sign of cancer in cats

How to Treat Heavy Breathing in Cats

Treatment for heavy breathing in cats will depend on its underlying cause. Depending on your feline friend’s symptoms, treatment might include:

Antibiotics
Oxygen therapy
Steroids
Antihistamines
Surgery or procedures to drain fluid or remove tumors

When is heavy breathing in cats a sign of an emergency?

Anytime you’re unsure about your pet’s ability to breathe comfortably, it’s time to call your veterinarian. Heavy breathing that doesn’t resolve after a few minutes of rest is never considered normal and always warrants a visit to a professional.

If you’re concerned that your cat is having a hard time breathing, you should consider it an emergency. Don’t wait until symptoms become severe to ask for help. If your cat shows other symptoms, like coughing or wheezing, be sure to mention those to your veterinarian, too.

Looking for an Emergency Vet in Austin? Call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists

As a pet owner, there may be a few things that catch your attention, like seeing your cat having trouble breathing. Reaching out to a veterinary professional is always the best way to address the situation.

If your cat is breathing heavily, contact our vet team immediately to learn what steps to take next. Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is your go-to for Austin emergency vet services and critical care treatment .

Whether your cat needs emergency care, surgery, or another treatment intervention, our team has the expertise required to help them get back to feeling like themselves.

Contact us today or call us at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 urgent and emergency care.

How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:27:25 GMT

An emergency vet visit is a trip to a veterinarian or animal hospital with professionals who specialize in emergency veterinary care. When unexpected health issues strike, a visit to an emergency vet may be unavoidable. But how much does an emergency vet visit cost, and what can you do to reduce the price of care? Let’s take a closer look.

How much does an emergency vet visit cost on average?

An average trip to the emergency vet could cost pet owners anywhere from $150 to $1,000, depending on the issue at hand.

For most basic emergencies – that is, those where your pet can be treated and released within the same day – you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars.

But how much does an emergency vet visit cost if your pet needs advanced treatment services? Let’s break down some estimates of the cost of some common interventions used in emergency care:

Vet Exam: $150 to $250
Basic Blood Work: $50 to $200
Basic Imaging: $150 to $700
Hospitalization: $2,000 to $3,000
Emergency Surgery: $2,000 to $5,000+

Emergency Vet vs. Regular Vet Costs

In most cases, a trip to the emergency vet will cost more than a trip to your regular vet. The average cost for a regular vet visit in the US is about $61. However, you can generally expect to pay more than this for an emergency, even if the treatment your pet receives is fairly straightforward.

There are a few reasons this tends to be true:

Emergency vet clinics often offer more advanced treatment options and diagnostics, allowing them to deliver life-saving care
Vets and staff at emergency clinics have advanced training and skills
An emergency visit may come with access to veterinary specialists

Factors Affecting the Cost of ER Vet Visits

We know that the average emergency vet cost may vary, but what factors – other than your pet’s condition – can affect how much you’ll pay? Below are a few more key factors that might influence emergency vet prices:

Pet age
Type of animal
Breed
Gender
Age
Health history
Pet behavior: for example, pets that show aggressive behavior may require medication to calm down, which might increase the cost of care
Your location

How can I make ER vet visits more affordable?

Emergencies don’t follow a schedule. For many pet owners, emergency vet costs can seem legitimately cost-prohibitive. However, there are some ways you can reduce the cost of care.

In some cases, you might be able to get help with emergency vet bills by crowdfunding online or working with local charities and nonprofit organizations designed to support pets and their owners. In others, you can use options like those below to offset vet prices.

Pet Insurance

One of the best ways to ensure that you can access affordable emergency vet services is to plan wisely. Set up an insurance fund so that you have the money you need to cover vet costs at a moment’s notice.

Some pet owners choose to achieve this by setting up a savings account and depositing a set amount of money each month, creating a sort of “safety net.” Another option is pet insurance – just be sure to set it up early, before emergencies happen.

Payment Installments

Some emergency vet clinics may offer payment or installment plans via credit cards specifically designated for medical care that allow you to cover the cost of care over time. Instead of paying the entire amount due at once, you may be able to pay off your balance over a period of several months, often with zero or lower interest rates than traditional credit cards. Because they are limited to medical care, approval rates are also better with higher limits available if needed.

Preventative Care

Avoiding emergency care altogether will always be the best way to reduce its cost. While not all emergencies are avoidable, many can be mitigated with preventative care.

Be sure to take your furry friend to their regular vet visits, stay up to date on all vaccinations and medications, and bring up concerns to your vet before they evolve into something serious.

Looking for an Emergency Vet in Austin? Call Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists

As we can see, there is no single answer to the question, “How much does an emergency vet visit cost?” It all depends on the situation, your pet, and the vet you visit. In general, though, you can expect to pay several hundred or even several thousand dollars for treatment.

The cost of care is nothing to scoff at, which is why it’s important to choose veterinary professionals who are reputable, reliable, and able to help you navigate your pet’s treatment journey.

Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is an Emergency Vet Hospital offering emergency and Critical Care Treatment Services , including emergency surgery, to our community.

When you need access to a trustworthy Austin 24-hour vet and emergency treatment center, our team is here to help.

What to Know About Intestinal Blockage in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 19:25:08 GMT

If there’s one thing we can say about dogs, it’s that they love to eat. Dogs are naturally curious animals that will eat just about anything and everything. But when that willingness to bite, chew, and steal your shoes causes your dog to eat something they shouldn’t, they may develop an obstruction in their digestive tract. Signs of intestinal blockage in dogs typically indicate yo ur p et needs emergency veterinary care , so it’s important to know how to identify the symptoms and act quickly if you spot them.

What is an Intestinal Blockage?

An intestinal blockage or bowel obstruction in dogs is a partial or complete blockage in the stomach or intestines that prevents food or liquids from passing through.

In some cases, an intestinal blockage can disrupt normal blood flow and cause deterioration in the bowels. A blockage can cause tissue death (necrosis) or breakage by pressing on the intestinal wall, leading to a bowel rupture or perforation.

More commonly, though, a blockage prevents the absorption of water and nutrients through the digestive tract. This can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

If you believe your dog ate something they shouldn’t have, swallowed a foreign object, or is experiencing any signs of an intestinal blockage, contact your vet immediately. If you live in Austin, 24-hour emergency vet services are available here at Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists.

Signs & Symptoms Your Dog Has a Possible Blockage

Some of the most common symptoms of a gastrointestinal blockage in dogs include:

Vomiting
Anorexia (you might notice that your dog won’t eat like usual)
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Bloating
Whining
Hunching
Weakness

What Causes Intestinal Blockages in Dogs?

A dog intestinal blockage is usually caused by a foreign body – an item the dog eats that then causes an obstruction – but this isn’t always the case.

Foreign Objects

Most intestinal blockage in dogs is caused by foreign objects your dog eats. Common examples of obstruction-causing items include:

Balls
Bones
Toys
Rocks
Articles of clothing (like socks or underwear)
Tampons
Fruit pits
Linear objects (string, yarn, thread, etc.)

Masses or Tumors

Dog tumors or masses, which are abnormal new growths of tissue in the digestive tract, may also lead to an obstruction. This is most likely to occur in senior dogs.

Certain Medical Conditions or Procedures

Other health problems or medical procedures might also cause gastrointestinal blockages in dogs. Some examples of other conditions that might come into play include:

Strictures and adhesions, which are often caused by scar tissue in the intestines
Hernias
Intestinal twisting or torsion
Severe inflammation of the intestines
Internal parasite infections (like worms)

Treatment for Intestinal Blockage in Dogs

When a dog starts to show symptoms of a bowel obstruction, veterinary professionals must act quickly to diagnose and treat the problem.

Diagnosing Bowel Obstructions in Dogs

Your veterinarian will likely start by asking about the symptoms you’ve noticed as they examine your pet. In some cases, dogs can be made to vomit immediately at the vet’s office, which allows them to purge the foreign object before it causes a blockage.

But if your dog already shows signs of an obstruction, your vet will move on to a general physical examination. They may perform initial blood work, an X-ray, or an abdominal ultrasound to further evaluate the situation.

Treatment Options

Once the cause of your dog’s symptoms has been confirmed as an obstruction, your vet will determine the best treatment approach based on your dog’s size, symptom severity, and the size of the object in question.

Sometimes, the item ingested is small enough to be passed normally through a dog’s stool. Items that are lodged in the upper digestive tract can often be removed with a flexible endoscope.

However, if interventions like these fail, the foreign object isn’t moving on its own, or if the obstruction gets worse, your vet will likely recommend surgical treatment.

Bowel Obstruction Surgery for Dogs

Before pursuing bowel obstruction surgery, your vet may recommend admitting your dog into an animal hospital so they can receive IV fluids to fight dehydration. They can also receive medication for pain and nausea to help them stabilize.

Most gastrointestinal obstructions occur in the stomach or intestines, which means a gastronomy or enterotomy is typically needed to remove the blockage. Once the offending item is removed, your vet can close the gastrointestinal tract.

What should I do if my dog ate something bad or may have an intestinal blockage?

If you notice signs of an intestinal blockage in your dog, don’t wait to speak up. The first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian, even if you’re not sure what your dog ate or if they need to be seen.

Visiting an Austin pet emergency hospital like Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists allows you to access all the care your pet may need in one place. From emergency to critical care services and surgical treatment, our facility and staff are equipped to help you through each step of the recovery process.

Visiting an Austin pet emergency hospital like Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists allows you to access all the care your pet may need in one place.

From emergency to critical care services and surgical treatment, our facility and staff are equipped to help you through each step of the recovery process.

Understanding Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Surgery & Other Treatment Options

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:25:58 GMT

Hip dysplasia: these two simple words raise alarm bells for many large- and giant-breed dog owners. But in reality, dogs of any size can experience this common but potentially painful condition. Hip dysplasia in dogs can significantly reduce your pet’s quality of life, but there are steps that you can take to ensure your best friend gets the help they need before things worsen.

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition that affects the “ball and socket” function of the hip joint. Canine hip dysplasia is no different.

When the “ball” of the joint doesn’t properly fit into the “socket,” the two rub and grind together instead of smoothly sliding against each other. Over time, this results in deterioration of the joint, eventually leading to loss of function.

It’s most common to see hip dysplasia in dogs that are large or giant breeds, but the condition occurs in smaller breeds, too.

Signs of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Some dogs begin to show symptoms of hip dysplasia as young as a few months old. However, many cases of dog hip dysplasia develop over time as your pet ages. Hip dysplasia may emerge alongside osteoarthritis , which impacts the cartilage of joints instead of bone.

Specific symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the hip dysplasia. Generally, though, potential signs of hip dysplasia in dogs include:

Limping or lameness in the back legs
Reluctance or difficulty rising, jumping, running, etc.
Loss of muscle mass on the hind legs
Shifting of weight to the front limbs (i.e., noticeable enlargement of muscles)
Decreased physical activity
Decreased range of motion in the hips
Hip pain and stiffness

What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Dogs?

It’s usually not possible to pinpoint a specific cause behind hip dysplasia in dogs. In many cases, several factors may be responsible for the condition’s development, including:

Genetics. Hip dysplasia is hereditary. As a result, genetics are considered the biggest single risk factor for hip dysplasia in dogs. The condition is most common in larger breeds, like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever.
Nutrition. Improper nutrition – which can easily affect larger dog breeds that grow rapidly – can also influence a dog’s likelihood of developing hip dysplasia.
Exercise. Too little or too much exercise may put extra stress on the joints, whether due to weakness in surrounding muscles, excess weight, or wear and tear from impact on surfaces.
Obesity. Carrying extra weight can also put a lot of stress on your dog’s joints, possibly exacerbating or even causing hip dysplasia.

Understanding Dog Hip Dysplasia Treatment Options

Left unaddressed, hip dysplasia in dogs can significantly affect your four-legged friend’s quality of life. Fortunately, treatment for canine hip dysplasia is typically fairly straightforward.

Lifestyle Changes

For milder symptoms, lifestyle changes may be enough to help your dog get back to their happy, healthy self. These changes will depend on the risk factors that affect your dog.

For instance, dogs with obesity can benefit from losing weight to take stress off their hips. Likewise, dogs that tend to over-exercise may find relief from symptoms if their exercise or outside time is restricted a bit more.

Pain Management

Many dogs benefit from using joint supplements that help lessen the severity of symptoms and promote good joint health. It’s also possible to use anti-inflammatory pain medications (under your vet’s supervision, of course) to calm down swelling and tightness in the joints.

Surgery

In cases where hip dysplasia has led to severe joint laxity or has been impacting your dog for a while, surgical treatment may be your best next step. Some of the most common examples of dog hip dysplasia surgery options include:

Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (DPO/TPO)
Total hip replacement (THR)
Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) for puppies around 10 to 18 weeks old

Does My Dog Need Hip Surgery? Your Next Steps

If your dog’s hip dysplasia has begun to affect the use of their limbs, surgery may be the most efficient way to prevent further damage.

Only a veterinary professional can tell you whether your dog is a good candidate for surgery, which means it’s crucial to visit a qualified provider if you believe your dog might be living with hip dysplasia.

Rest assured, though, that dog hip dysplasia surgery has a high success rate and low risk of complications. This is especially true when you seek the care of a veterinary service provider with experience performing dog hip surgery and similar procedures.

Contact Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists today to learn more about your next steps. your pet to see a pro. Call us today at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 emergency care.

The team at Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists features some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the area. We are far more than an Austin pet emergency hospital – we are also proud to offer a wide variety of veterinary surgical services that help your pets stay healthy and mobile. Don’t wait to reach out for the help that your pet deserves. Contact Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists today to learn more about your next steps. your pet to see a pro. Call us today at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 emergency care.

The team at Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists features some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the area. We are far more than an Austin pet emergency hospital – we are also proud to offer a wide variety of veterinary surgical services that help your pets stay healthy and mobile.Don’t wait to reach out for the help that your pet deserves. Contact Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists today to learn more about your next steps. your pet to see a pro. Ca ll us today at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 emergency care.

Why Won’t My Dog Eat? 5 Potential Causes & What to Do

kchrapliwy@gmail.com (Kerry Chrapliwy) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:23:54 GMT

You fill up Fido’s bowl only to find it still overflowing with kibble hours later – despite your best efforts, you can’t seem to get your pup to be interested. If you’re like many dog owners, this scenario and the question, “Why won’t my dog eat?” are nothing new. But what causes dogs to not eat, exactly, and what can you do to change it?

Why Won’t My Dog Eat? 5 Potential Reasons

If your pooch is turning their nose at the food they used to scarf down, there are a few common issues that may be at play.

1. Picky Eaters

Some dogs are just picky eaters, plain and simple. Likewise, you might find that your dog won’t eat because they’re uncomfortable with some element of their feeding situation.

How to Address It

First, conduct a small investigation. Did you get the same food as usual? Is it the right flavor? Is it expired, wet, or moldy? Some dogs also respond well to specific types of food. You might find that trying to switch food causes your pet to eat less or stop eating altogether. In other cases–if your dog won’t eat kibble, for example–trying a new food, like a wet formula, might be beneficial.

2. Underlying Medical Issues & Pain

A decrease in appetite is a common sign of illness, pain, and many medical conditions our dogs can experience. Medical problems may be particularly likely to be behind appetite changes if your dog shows other symptoms, too, like vomiting or nausea.

Similarly, if your dog is over the age of three, they likely have some form of periodontal disease , just like 80-90% of adult dogs.

How to Address It

If you think your dog may be in pain, sick, or injured, the first step you should take is to call your veterinarian. When dental issues are at play, visit your vet and have your pet checked for tooth issues, gum disease, abscesses, or tumors. In other cases, you may be able to encourage your dog to eat more by doing things like:

Adding dog-friendly broth (no onions or garlic, low sodium, etc.) or warm water to their food
Preparing meals of boiled chicken and rice to soothe the stomach
Heating their food in the microwave

3. Behavioral Issues

Dogs experience emotions and stress, just like us humans. That means that behavioral challenges like anxiety, depression, and fear can lead to changes in our furry friends’ behavior. It’s also possible for aging and senior dogs to experience changes in eating patterns and behavior.

How to Address It

If you can identify an obvious trigger for your dog’s behavioral challenges, do your best to avoid it near mealtime. It also helps to set your dog’s eating area up in a safe room of their own when stressors (like visitors or other dogs) are present.

Meanwhile, if your old dog won’t eat, you can try to feed them by hand. You can also place a nonslip mat down near their bowls to help them stand securely.

4. Changes in Environment or Routine

Whether it’s due to motion sickness, stress, or even time differences, decreased appetite in dogs can easily follow changes in routine.

How to Address It

Try to keep your dog on as consistent a schedule as possible each day, particularly when it comes to feeding times. Create and stick to a mealtime routine that helps your pup understand when it’s time to focus on chowing down.

5. Overfeeding

It’s not as difficult to overfeed your pet as you might think. In fact, many dogs don’t eat the full amount stated on the packaging of their food products. If your dog is carrying some extra weight yet seems unwilling to eat at mealtimes, it may be because they’re getting too many calories elsewhere.

How to Address It

Reduce the amount you feed your dog, and cut back on the treats. Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise each day to keep them healthy and happy.

When Dogs Not Eating Becomes an Emergency

In some cases, the answer to the question “Why won’t my dog eat?” is simple. But in others, a refusal to eat may be a sign your dog needs emergency vet care .

If not eating is the only symptom you notice in your dog, you may not have an emergency on your hands. Most adult dogs can go a few days without eating as long as they continue drinking water. However, if your dog won’t eat or drink anything, it’s time to contact your vet.

If your dog is very young, has an existing health condition, or is showing symptoms like those below, it’s time to contact an emergency vet:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy and unresponsiveness
A tense or distended abdomen: your dog may yelp when their abdomen is touched

Visit a provider like Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for quick, effective, and compassionate care that helps your pooch get back on their paws.

We are your go-to Austin emergency vet clinic , proudly serving the furry friends of our community. When you need an emergency vet in Austin or specialty veterinarian services, look no further than our team of experts to offer the care your pet deserves. And, when your dog won’t eat, don’t hesitate to act – whether that means addressing the problem at home or taking your pet to see a pro. Call us today at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 emergency care.

Visit a provider like Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for quick, effective, and compassionate care that helps your pooch get back on their paws.

Paw Pad Burns: What to Do & How to Protect Your Pooch

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:24:33 GMT

Paw pads are made of skin cells, just like the skin on our hands. That means they’re susceptible to injury and overuse – including burns from contact with hot surfaces. They also play a key role in protecting your dog’s feet and tendons. As temperatures rise and time outdoors skyrockets, it’s more important than ever to be aware of paw pad burns, what causes them, and how to avoid them.

What Causes Paw Pad Burns?

Most cases of dog paw paw burns are caused by high temperatures. On hot, sunny days during the summer, the pavement our dogs walk on can quickly and easily reach dangerous temperatures.

Dogs can also get paw burns from extremely cold temperatures, particularly if they walk over salt used to melt ice. Paw injuries may likewise occur if your furry friend comes into contact with any strong chemical agents.

How hot is too hot for dog walks?

When ambient temperature exceeds 85°F (29°C), it’s hot enough for your dog to get paw burns from concrete and asphalt. So, if the temperature near you reaches or surpasses this threshold, it’s probably too hot to take your dog for a walk.

Signs of Paw Pad Burns to Look For

Since paw pad burns can be extremely painful, it’s important to take signs of them seriously. If you notice any of the following warning signs of burnt dog paws, get your pet off any hot surfaces as soon as possible:

Limping
Refusing to walk
Excessive licking or biting of the paws
Visible blisters
Discolored paw pads or paws that look darker than usual
Extreme redness and swelling
Missing skin
Missing parts of the paw pad

How to Protect Your Dog from Paw Pad Burns & Injuries

Keep your four-legged friends safe from paw pad injuries this summer and all year round with these essential tips:

Perform a 10-second test on surfaces. On warm days, place your hand or bare feet on the pavement for about 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for you to touch for that long, it’s too hot for your pets, too.
Time your walks for cooler temperatures. Avoid walking your pet at the hottest time of day, and try to schedule walks during cooler periods, like during the late evening.
Stick to the grass. On warmer days, your dog can still enjoy the outdoors by staying in grassy areas like parks.
Consider dog booties. If you can’t avoid hot surfaces on your walks or want to be extra cautious, you can get some dog boots to protect your pet’s paws.

How to Treat Dog Paw Burns

If you believe your dog’s paws may have been injured by hot pavement, the first thing you should do is assess the severity of the burn , if possible.

First-degree burns are the mildest and cause light pink to red skin, slight swelling, and skin sensitivity.
Second-degree burns are more severe and usually cause more severe swelling, blistering, and tough skin that may ooze fluid.
Third-degree burns are usually considered a medical emergency. These burns are severe and cause necrosis (death) of nearby tissue, which may lead the skin to crack and ooze pus or fluid.

Mild first-degree paw burns might respond well to at-home treatment. Here are a few things you can do to keep your pet comfortable and help their paws heal quickly:

Soak your dog’s paws in cool (NOT ice) water or apply cold compresses to the area for at least 30 minutes
Disinfect the paws and pat them dry.
Cut away hair around the paws to prevent infection before bandaging them or covering them with socks to prevent licking.

When Should You Go to the Vet for Paw Burns?

If your dog’s paws don’t look better after a day of at-home care, it’s time to take them to the vet. Likewise, if your dog has burns any more severe than a mild first-degree burn, it’s best to head straight to the vet. This is especially true if you notice other signs your pet needs emergency veterinary care , like sudden changes in mobility or collapsing.

Even if you’re not sure if your dog is experiencing a paw burn, if your pet seems uncomfortable or is struggling to get away, you should still visit a vet for pain relief.

Count on Violet Crown as Your Austin Emergency Vet Clinic

Sometimes, small mistakes – like spending too much time outside on a hot day – can quickly cause our pet’s health to take a turn for the worse. But taking action quickly makes a huge difference.

When you need to visit an emergency vet in Austin , TX, look no further than Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists. We know that taking care of a potential emergency for your pet can be scary. Our mission is to help pet lovers access compassionate, effective care from the area’s leading veterinary professionals.

Don’t wait to seek the help your furry friends need. Contact us or call our Austin emergency vet clinic at (512) 284-2877 today for 24/7 urgent and emergency care.

Count on Violet Crown as Your Austin Emergency Vet Clinic

Don’t wait to seek the help your furry friends need. Contact us or call our Austin emergency vet clinic at (512) 284-2877 today for 24/7 urgent and emergency care.

5 Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Veterinary Care

Tue, 14 May 2024 19:23:16 GMT

Pets often feel unwell at less-than-ideal times. Maybe you’ve noticed your pet coughing or limping on a weekend or holiday. Or maybe they’ve gotten injured, and your regular veterinarian can’t fit you in right away. In these situations, it’s normal to wonder if your pet needs emergency vet care or if they can wait until the next available appointment.

Every second counts when an animal experiences a medical crisis. But it’s not always easy to determine when to take a pet to an emergency vet. Even experienced pet owners can find it challenging to make the right decision. Here are five signs of a pet emergency to help you determine if your pet needs immediate veterinary care.

1. Heavy Panting

Panting after an energetic play session or a hard run is normal. However, excessive panting can be a sign of several serious health issues.

Heatstroke is commonly associated with heavy panting. This life-threatening condition occurs when animals get too hot and can’t regulate their body temperature properly. They pant excessively as they try to cool down and may have distressed breathing.

Other symptoms of heatstroke can include:

Agitation or pacing
Confusion or lethargy
Drooling
Excessive thirst
Red gums
Searching for shade
Seizures
Vomiting

Intense panting can also be a sign of pain in pets . Seek emergency veterinary care if your pet has sudden onset or uncontrollable panting, especially if exposed to hot temperatures.

2. Seizures

Witnessing your pet having a seizure can be terrifying, especially for the first time. Seizures typically have three phases:

Pre-ictal: Your pet may act anxious, cry, or pace around before a seizure begins. These signs can be subtle.
Ictal: The seizure occurs during this phase. Symptoms may include excessive drooling, urination, defecation, and loss of consciousness.
Post-ictal: The pet may seem confused or have trouble walking.

Your pet needs to see an emergency vet if they have multiple seizures in 24 hours. You should also go to the vet for an emergency visit if they have a seizure lasting more than five minutes or get injured while seizing.

3. Choking

Pets can choke on food, toys, clothing, and other objects. They can also choke if their collar gets caught on something. Symptoms of choking include:

Blue or pale mucous membranes
Coughing
Drooling
Gagging
Pawing at the mouth

Carefully open your pet’s mouth if you suspect they’re choking on an object. Look inside and use your hooked index finger to remove any objects caught in their mouth. If the item is lodged in their throat, use tongs or tweezers to remove it.

Seek emergency care if you can’t remove the item or your pet struggles to breathe. You can also call the emergency vet and ask them to walk you through the Heimlich maneuver.

4. Sudden Weakness or Collapse

Your pet may develop sudden weakness or the inability to walk during a medical emergency. For example, you may notice your pet dragging their hind legs and falling over. Many serious conditions can cause these symptoms, so recognizing them can help you know when to take your pet to the ER vet.

Sudden weakness or paralysis can indicate heart disease . Cats may develop rear weakness if a blood clot travels to their back legs. A heart condition can also cause pets to walk with a limp or lose the ability to stand.

Spinal injuries can also cause temporary weakness or paralysis in animals. For example, a fibrocartilaginous embolism prevents blood flow to the spinal cord. Seek veterinary care immediately to give your pet the best chance of recovery.

5. Exposure to Toxins

Our homes are filled with foods and items that can poison animals. Here are a few common toxins :

Alcohol
Antifreeze
Bleach
Garlic
Grapes
Insecticides
Marijuana
Mothballs
Onions
Play-Doh or clay
Xylitol in sugar-free gum and candy

Many popular houseplants and landscaping plants can also poison pets. For example, your pet may get sick after eating aloe vera, hibiscus, hydrangea, and lilies.

Contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous substance. They can help you determine when to see the emergency vet and recommend actions you can take at home to protect your pet’s health.

Get Immediate Care for an Austin Veterinary Emergency

This article covers five common signs your pet needs emergency care, but it’s not exhaustive. Other symptoms include fractured bones, inability to urinate, uncontrolled bleeding, and refusing to drink for over 24 hours. Contact an emergency vet in Austin or the closest location if your pet exhibits these symptoms or seems distressed. And always trust your gut if something seems wrong. Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists is a leading Austin emergency vet hospital . Our expert team provides fast and compassionate care for every medical emergency. Contact us immediately if you need an ER vet in Austin.

Understanding Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

kchrapliwy@gmail.com (Kerry Chrapliwy) — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 18:47:35 GMT

Just like humans, your four-legged friend relies on their joints for a lot of things. Moving, walking, running, playing – many of the behaviors happy dogs exhibit depend on healthy joints. While it’s common, osteoarthritis in dogs can also significantly affect your pet’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments for dogs with arthritis to help manage pain, inflammation, and damage. Let’s take a closer look.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA), or arthritis, is a chronic, progressive joint disease. It’s a top cause of joint pain in dogs. The condition causes the gradual loss of joint cartilage, which leads to changes in bones, pain, and inflammation.

In healthy joints, cartilage is the cushion that allows joints to move smoothly through their full range of motion. However, in cases of OA, this cartilage cushion starts to break down. This can happen for all kinds of reasons, from injury to age to repetitive stress and disease.

Osteoarthritis commonly affects dogs as they age, but it can occur in young dogs, too. It’s especially likely to affect dogs who have other contributing factors, like obesity or other orthopedic conditions.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for OA in dogs. However, there are steps you can take to slow its progression.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

We know that OA commonly affects dogs and that early intervention is one of the best ways to slow its progression. That begs an important question, then: “How do I know if my dog has arthritis?”

Our furry friends may not be able to speak to us, but they can clue us into how they’re feeling through body language. Signs of arthritis in humans are fairly similar to those of osteoarthritis in dogs; symptoms include:

Pain
Stiffness
Lameness or a change in gait
Weight gain
Sudden changes in behavior, like irritability or aggression
Decrease in activity or reluctance to exercise, walk, or run
Difficulty getting up from lying down, navigating stairs, or jumping on furniture
Loss of muscle mass or muscle wasting over the limbs and spine
Difficulty posturing to urinate or defecate, which may lead to having accidents in the house

Causes of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

In many cases, there’s more than one cause of osteoarthritis in dogs. Sometimes, there may be no obvious underlying cause at all. Still, there are a few factors that typically contribute to the condition’s development:

Orthopedic diseases like cranial cruciate ligament tears, patella luxations, hip and elbow dysplasia, or previous fractures can lead to OA by causing repeated injuries to joint cartilage. Repetitive high-impact activities can also cause damage.
Obesity also plays a significant role in the development of OA because it places extra force on the joints.

Other risk factors for arthritis in dogs include:

Age
Breed: large or giant breeds are more likely to have conditions like hip dysplasia and OA
Genetics
Improper nutrition
Infections that affect the joints, such as Lyme disease

Managing Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Treatment Options

Depending on its underlying cause, dog arthritis treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, pain management, physical rehab, and joint support. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Lifestyle Changes

Helping pets shed extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight can go a long way in treating osteoarthritis. Sticking to low-impact activities for exercise and using ramps to get on and off furniture also helps.

Professional Physical Rehabilitation

Using an underwater treadmill, swimming, balance, and range of motion exercises can help ease pain and keep the joints from getting too stiff.

Pain Management

Options like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) support joint pain relief for dogs. Medications like gabapentin can also be used in combination with NSAIDs.

Joint Support

Using supplements like fish oil, undenatured type II collagen, and Adequan can help promote optimal joint health for your pet.

Joint Surgery for Dogs

While surgery is rarely needed for joint pain treatment for dogs, it’s sometimes required. It’s most commonly recommended in cases with a clear underlying cause of OA, like hip or elbow dysplasia.

How will my vet diagnose osteoarthritis?

If you believe your dog may have arthritis, the first step to take is visiting your veterinarian. Your vet will diagnose OA using one or more of the following:

Physical Exam: During a physical, your vet can observe your dog’s posture and gait. They can also feel for any abnormalities in the joints or signs of pain.
X-Rays: Sometimes, X-rays may be necessary to fully assess the joints and diagnose underlying orthopedic conditions.
Advanced Imaging: In some cases referral to a specialty hospital such as Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists may be recommended for advanced imaging like a CT. These tests help your vet accurately evaluate the state of your dog’s cartilage, joints, and soft tissues surrounding the bone, which don’t show up on an X-ray.

If you’re located in or near Austin, TX, you can count on Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for comprehensive osteoarthritis care.

Our diagnostic imaging deparment is equipped with all of the resources necessary to diagnose OA and related conditions, including cranial cruciate ligament tears, patella luxation, elbow and hip dysplasia. Plus, our team of specialists can help you navigate the treatment process, whether it involves simple lifestyle changes or something more involved, like surgery. When you notice signs of pain or discomfort in your furry friend, don’t wait. Reach out to Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists to learn what steps to take next. Contact us on the web or give us a call at (512) 284-2877 to learn more.

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The Temperature Reality

What Happens to a Dog in a Hot Car

Signs of Heatstroke

The Only Rule: Don't Do It

If Your Dog Was in a Hot Car

When the Sky Explodes: How to Help Your Dog Through Thunderstorms and Fireworks This Summer

Why Dogs React So Strongly

Signs of Anxiety to Watch For

Creating a Safe Environment

Talk to Your Vet About Anxiety Support

The Most Important Preparation: Microchipping

How to Keep Your Pet Safe (and Sane) During Severe Storms

The 3-Step Severe Weather Game Plan

Step 1: Before the Storm (Prepping)

Step 2: During the Storm (Lockdown)

﻿ Step 3: After the Storm (The Clean-Up)

Quick Checklist: The Emergency "Go-Bag"

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Understanding Anemia in Dogs: What Owners Need to Know

The Three Main Causes of Canine Anemia

Warning Signs Your Dog Might Be Anemic

How Vets Treat Anemia

The Bottom Line

Feline Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatment, and How to Protect Your Cat

The Most Common Symptoms of Cat Diabetes

Knowing the Risk Factors

How Feline Diabetes is Treated

Two Critical Warning Signs of a Crisis

How to Prevent Feline Diabetes

Cat Urinary Tract Issues: Signs, Causes, and When to Worry

Signs Your Cat Has a Urinary Issue

The Real Culprits: UTI vs. FIC vs. Blockages

5 Things Dogs Ingest That Require an Immediate Trip to the Emergency Vet

1. Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

2. Household Cleaning Products

3. Toxic Human Foods

4. Toxic Houseplants and Yard Plants

Step 3: After the Storm (The Clean-Up)

5. Dangerous "Summer Foods"
(BBQ Hazards)