GDV (bloat) in dogs: a deep-chested dog’s most dangerous emergency. This is an emergency. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) — commonly called “bloat” — is one of the fastest-killing emergencies in dogs. Without surgery, dogs can die within hours. If you see a swollen belly and unproductive retching, come in immediately. This is an emergency. If your…
Respiratory distress: when your pet can’t catch their breath. Breathing problems are always an emergency. Whether the cause is heart failure, pneumonia, asthma, foreign body, or trauma, pets in respiratory distress decompensate quickly without treatment. Dogwood is equipped with high-flow oxygen, ICU monitoring, and board-certified critical care. This is an emergency. If your pet is…
Foreign body in dogs and cats: when ingestion becomes an emergency. Pets eat things they shouldn’t. Most pass through. Some don’t. When a foreign body causes an obstruction or perforates the GI tract, it becomes a surgical emergency. Knowing when to come in can save your pet’s life. If your pet swallowed something unusual —…
When to bring your pet to the emergency clinic: a guide for Atlanta pet owners. Most pet families ask this question at 9 p.m. on a Sunday. Dogwood Veterinary Specialty & Emergency in Marietta offers a simple framework — and the reassurance that, sometimes, it’s okay to wait until morning. Call (404) 609-1234 Emergency Services…
Fireworks, thunderstorms, and pet anxiety: help for the pet hiding under the bed. July 4th is the highest pet-runaway day of the year. Dogwood’s veterinary behavior service in Marietta, GA offers practical steps for the night itself — and a bigger-picture look at how anxiety care helps Atlanta pets and families enjoy life year-round. Call…
Summer pet safety tips for Atlanta pet owners: heat, parks, BBQs, and what we see in the ER every week. Georgia summers are no joke. Dogwood Veterinary Specialty & Emergency in Marietta, GA shares the most common summer emergencies we see across the Atlanta metro — and the simple steps that prevent most of them.…
Pyometra and emergency C-section: Top signs of pyometra in dogs & cats Both can kill if untreated. Pyometra is an infected uterus — a life-threatening emergency in intact female dogs and cats. Dystocia (difficult birth) can mean the puppies, kittens, or mother are at risk. Both are surgical emergencies our team handles 24/7. Pyometra typically…
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…