Pet trauma: fractures, wounds, and what to do first. Time matters with trauma. Hit by car, dog fight, fall from height, or chest injury — rapid stabilization, imaging, and surgical capability all in one place make the difference. Dogwood’s ER and orthopedic teams work together 24/7. Trauma is a frequent reason for emergency visits, and…
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…