Amherst Veterinary Hospital

☀️ Summer is almost here, and while it's a season full of adventures, it's also the time of year when we see some of the same emergencies walk through our doors.

As you and your pets enjoy the warmer weather, keep an eye out for these common summer hazards:

🐾 Heat Stroke – Never leave pets in parked vehicles and be mindful of hot, humid days.

🦔 Porcupine Quills – Curious noses and porcupines don't mix!

🕷️ Lyme Disease & Ticks – Check your pets regularly and ensure they are up to date on tick prevention.

🏖️ Sand Impaction – Eating or swallowing too much sand at the beach can lead to serious intestinal issues.

🌊 Salt Water Toxicity – Drinking ocean water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

🌿 Ma*****na Toxicity – Keep all cannabis products safely stored and out of reach of pets.

🐕 Dog Fights – We often see an increase in injuries at dog parks and beaches when pets are off leash. Always supervise interactions and know your dog's comfort level around other dogs.

🔥 Burnt Paw Pads – Hot pavement, sand, and even campfire embers can cause painful burns. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.

🍔 Pancreatitis – Too many fatty human treats like hot dogs, bacon, burgers, and ice cream can trigger painful and potentially serious pancreatitis.

🎆 Lost Pets During Fireworks – Loud noises can cause even well-behaved pets to panic and run away. Make sure collars, ID tags, and microchip information are up to date before celebrations begin.

The good news? Many of these emergencies are preventable. A little extra caution can go a long way toward keeping your furry family members safe, healthy, and happy all summer long.

If you have any questions or concerns this summer give us a call! ☀️

With the weather getting warmer, we want to warn our community about a very common emergency we see far too often this time of year: heat stroke in pets.

🌡️ Did you know? On a 24°C day, the inside of a parked car can reach 38°C in just 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked!

Leaving your pet in a hot car, even for a "quick errand," can lead to heat exhaustion, organ failure, or even death. It’s not worth the risk.

Signs of heat stroke in pets include:
☀️ Heavy panting
☀️ Drooling or foaming at the mouth
☀️ Lethargy or collapse
☀️ Vomiting or diarrhea
☀️ Red or pale gums

👉 If you suspect heat stroke, move your pet to a cool area and call us immediately.
Let’s keep tails wagging and whiskers safe this summer!

Just a reminder that our clinic is closed today for Victoria Day. 👑
If your pet needs urgent care, our emergency line is available 24/7! 🐾

We hope you're all having a great long weekend! ❤

Just a friendly reminder that we will be closed on Monday for Victoria Day. 👑

Our emergency line is available 24/7!
Have a fun & safe long weekend! ❤