Pet poisoning: the most common toxins and what to do If you saw your pet eat something toxic — or even suspect it — call us first. Time is the biggest factor in outcome for most poisonings. Some toxins have antidotes if treated within hours; others cause delayed but severe damage. Pet poisoning happens fast…
Vomiting and diarrhea: when GI symptoms become an emergency. Most cases resolve on their own. Some don’t. Knowing the difference matters — especially in young pets, seniors, and animals with underlying disease. Here’s when to bring your pet in. Vomiting and diarrhea can be triggered by something as simple as a dietary upset — or…
Splenic mass and internal bleeding: the silent emergency in older dogs. This often comes out of nowhere. A previously healthy older dog suddenly collapses, has pale gums, or seems exhausted. The most common cause is a ruptured splenic mass — a true emergency that requires stabilization, transfusion, and surgery. The spleen is a blood-filled organ…
Is My Pet’s Behavior Treatable? 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Is My Pet’s Behavior Treatable? 6 Honest Questions to Ask Yourself — From Dr. Bridgette Wilson If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already Googled your pet’s behavior, tried a few things, and felt frustrated. Maybe you’ve been told your dog is ‘stubborn’ or your cat…
My Pet Has a Chronic Illness – What Now? My Pet Has a Chronic Illness – What Now? Your Step-by-Step Guide from Dogwood The moment a vet says ‘chronic illness’ or ‘this is going to be a long-term thing,’ everything shifts. Whether it’s kidney disease, diabetes, Addison’s disease, or inflammatory bowel disease — the uncertainty…
8 Signs of Cancer in Dogs That Owners Often Miss 8 Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs That Are Easy to Miss — And What to Do About Each One Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10, affecting nearly 50% who reach that milestone. Yet many early warning signs are subtle…
Cat Heart Disease: 10 Questions Every Cat Owner Should Ask 10 Questions Cat Owners Ask About Heart Disease — Answered by Dogwood’s Cardiology Team Heart disease in cats is sneaky. Cats rarely cough when their heart is failing — they become quieter, breathe a little faster, and hide more. By the time many cats are…
When Cure Isn’t the Goal: Palliative Care for Pets When Cure Isn’t the Goal: Understanding Palliative Care for Dogs and Cats ” The goal isn’t always to fix. Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is make sure they feel no pain. ” There comes a moment in some pets’ lives — after a…
7 Things That Happen in a Veterinary ICU 7 Things That Happen in Dogwood’s Veterinary ICU & Why They Could Save Your Pet’s Life When a veterinarian tells you your pet needs the ICU, it’s natural to feel scared. At Dogwood in Marietta, GA, our five full-time board-certified critical care specialists run a state-of-the-art ICU…
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care: Which Does Your Pet Need? Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care for Pets: Dogwood’s Clear Breakdown Your dog is limping. Your cat vomited twice. Your pet is acting off. Do you rush to the ER, call in the morning, or come in for urgent care? Dogwood offers both — and knowing…