Posts by Sydney Fairman
Primary, Urgent or Emergency Vet: When Does Your Pet Need What?
Primary, Urgent or Emergency Vet: When Does Your Pet Need What? Quick answer: Primary vets handle routine care like checkups and vaccines during business hours. Urgent care clinics treat same-day, non-life-threatening issues such as minor wounds or mild lameness. Emergency vets treat life-threatening conditions—trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures—and are often open 24/7. When in doubt,…
Read MoreA Pet Owner’s Guide to Toxic (and Non-Toxic) Autumn Midwest Flora
A Pet Owner’s Guide to Toxic (and Non-Toxic) Autumn Midwest Flora The following guest blog was written by the ASPCA Poison Control (APC). Quick answer: Several popular fall plants, including black walnut, yews, wild mushrooms, autumn crocus, mums, croton, and burning bush, are toxic to dogs and cats and can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to…
Read MoreI Think My Cat Has an Eye Infection. Is It an Emergency?
I Think My Cat Has an Eye Infection. Is It an Emergency? Quick answer: Treat a suspected cat eye infection as an emergency. Symptoms like redness, swelling, discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or light sensitivity can signal conditions such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, uveitis, or glaucoma; all of which can worsen within hours and…
Read MorePancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and What to Do
Pancreatitis in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, and What to Do Quick answer: Pancreatitis in dogs is inflammation of the pancreas that can range from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, and diarrhea. Prompt veterinary care is essential—early diagnosis of pancreatitis and treatment significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce the…
Read MoreWhen Is It an Emergency? A Pet Owner’s Guide
When Is It an Emergency? A Pet Owner’s Guide Quick answer: Common signs your pet needs emergency veterinary care includes difficulty breathing, seizures, sudden collapse, suspected poisoning, severe trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, inability to urinate, and a bloated abdomen. When in doubt, call your local Emergency Veterinary Care Center (EVCC) immediately. Our team can help you decide what to…
Read MoreThe 5 Most Common Insecticides and What Pet Owners Need to Know
The 5 Most Common Insecticides and What Pet Owners Need to Know The following guest blog was written by the ASPCA Poison Control (APC). Insecticides, pesticides and rodenticides are commonly used in and around the home to control unwanted pests, but many pet owners don’t realize just how varied these products can be, or how different their effects may be if a pet is…
Read MoreBlue-Green Algae Poisoning in Dogs: Signs, Treatment & Prevention
Blue-Green Algae Poisoning in Dogs: Signs, Treatment & Prevention Quick answer: Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a potentially fatal toxin found in warm, stagnant freshwater lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers—particularly across the Midwest during summer. Dogs can become critically ill within minutes of exposure through drinking, swimming, or licking contaminated water off their fur. There is no antidote.…
Read MoreRodenticide Poisoning in Pets: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know
Rodenticide Poisoning in Pets: What Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Know The following guest blog was written by the ASPCA Poison Control (APC). Rodenticides and insecticides can be helpful tools in controlling our yard and home environment from pests. However, they should be used with care to keep our pets safe. There is potential risk for toxic…
Read MoreHow to Protect Pets from the New World Screwworm
How to Protect Pets from the New World Screwworm Quick answer: New World screwworm (NWS) is a parasitic fly larva that feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, including dogs and cats. As of June 22nd, 2026, cases have been confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, but there are no confirmed cases in Michigan or Indiana right now. Pet owners…
Read MoreMy Dog Was Hit by a Car. What Do I Do?
My Dog Was Hit by a Car. What Do I Do? Quick answer: If your dog is hit by a car, stay calm, approach carefully to avoid bites, muzzle if needed, and transport them to an emergency vet immediately—even if they seem fine. Internal injuries and shock can be invisible at first and become life-threatening within…
Read MoreSevere Weather Safety for Pets: Evacuation and Emergency Guide
Severe Weather Safety for Pets: Evacuation and Emergency Guide Summary: Keeping pets safe during severe weather requires a proactive emergency plan and a fully stocked “go bag” with food, water, medical records, and more. Try not to leave pets behind during an evacuation. If your pet experiences injuries, heatstroke, or any unusual behavior after a disaster,…
Read MoreThe Rise of GLP-1 Exposure in Pets
The Rise of GLP-1 Exposure in Pets Have you recently brought a new injectable weight loss drug into your home? Over the past few years, prescription drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become household names. But since 2019, Poison Centers have reported a nearly 1,500% increase in calls related to these drugs, and that’s just for human overdoses. But what would happen if your dog or cat chewed on a…
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