It is difficult for both you and your pet when the veterinarian recommends an overnight stay. Your veterinarian knows best and if they think that an overnight stay is necessary, it is important to listen to them. Being separated from your pet, especially during the stress of a medical emergency, will likely increase the anxiety of both you and your pet.

1. Ask Questions

It is important to ask any questions you may have regarding the procedure and the overnight stay. Gathering information will help ease your stress and help you prepare your pet. Ask if someone will be in the facility around the clock to supervise your pet. Ensure that you know if the pet must be fasted prior to the procedure and learn about any necessary post-procedure care.

2. Bring Some of Your Pet’s Regular Food

If your pet will be staying long enough to require food, you should consider bringing some of your pet’s regular food with you. A dramatic change in diet can upset the pet’s stomach. Additionally, the regular food will be familiar to the pet.

3. Bring Home to Them

Check with your veterinarian before you bring along any of your pet’s personal belongings. If the procedure has a high-risk of infection or other complications, you may have to refrain from bringing anything. Otherwise, you can bring your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, or bed to help make them much more comfortable in the unfamiliar surroundings. Keep in mind that accidents are common when pets are in such stressful situations, so the item may be returned soiled.

Medical emergencies are the dark side of pet ownership. It can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety. Learning as much as you can prior to the procedure can help you make life as simple for your pet as possible. If you are concerned about your pet’s necessary overnight stay, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital today!

Dogs are curious by nature. Every time you bring something new into your home, your dog has to give it a thorough inspection. The same behavior will apply to the outdoors. There is an excellent chance your dog will be sticking its nose into the homes of other animals, which may result in getting bitten. Most spiders won’t be able to pierce your dog’s skin, but there are a few kinds that can. Among these types are several poisonous varieties, such as black widows, which is why it is so important to know the signs of spider bites in your pet.

Common Signs

There are many signs that may indicate that your pet has been bitten. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, you should check for other signs of a bite. It will be important to monitor their behaviors to catch progressing symptoms before they get too bad. Some common signs of spider bites include:

• Swelling of body parts or abnormal bumps
• Fever- keep an animal thermometer around your house to accurately measure your pet’s temperature
• Behavioral changes- if a normally active, enthusiastic pet begins to behave more reserved, there may be an underlying problem
• Lack of appetite- if your pet is ignoring their food, especially if this is out of character for them, you should check for other problems
• Lethargy- many pets can be lethargic at times, but excessive lethargy can indicate a spider bite

What to Do

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more difficult it will be to help your pet.

Spider bites can be deadly for your pet. It is important to ensure that you are always paying close attention to your pet’s behaviors. If you think your pet may have been bitten by a spider, contact us at Borrett Animal Hospital immediately.