7372 Woida Rd N Baxter, MN 56425
Pet Health & Care Advice
Any time you have a medical concern with your pet, an examination with a doctor is the best option available. The following list of concerns in no way eliminates the recommendation and need for a thorough medical exam. However, if you are unable to seek medical care for any reason, these basic steps can help until you are able to take your pet in for an examination.
Medical Concerns & Advice
Explore practical advice to help you recognize common pet health issues and make informed decisions about your pet's care.
Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
If your pet is having any of the following, an exam is needed imminently! DO not wait, call for an exam!
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Blood (vomit or diarrhea)
If the vomiting/diarrhea is mild and your pet is still alert and active, you can try the following until medical attention can be sought. At any point, the above criteria apply, seek medical care immediately.
Vomiting:
- Withhold all food for 24 hours.
- When vomiting has stopped for 8 hours, give small portions of water at frequent intervals. Start by giving ice chips or very small amounts of water, offered every 2 hours. You may gradually increase the amount you give, as long as there is no vomiting.
- When no vomiting has occurred for 24 hours, begin to offer small frequent (4 to 6 times daily) portions of a bland diet, such as Prescription i/d or cooked hamburger and rice (see recipe). Be cautious, it is better to underfeed than overfeed.
- If vomiting remains under control for two days on this diet, then begin adding your pet's normal food over the next two to three days.
Diarrhea:
- No food should be given for 24 to 48 hours. Do not restrict water unless vomiting is present.
- After the withholding period, feed only Prescription i/d or hamburger and rice (see recipe) 4 to 6 times daily. Begin with 1/3 the amount you would normally feed your pet each day.
- Over the next several days, gradually increase the amount of food to normal levels.
- Do not return to your pet's normal diet until the stool is formed for 2 days.
Bland Diet:
Below is a recipe for a homemade diet:
- CARBOHYDRATE (COOKED)/PROTEIN RATIO: 3 parts/1 part
- CARBOHYDRATE: Cooked white rice or boiled potatoes
- PROTEIN: Low fat cottage cheese, boiled skinned chicken or boiled hamburger (pour off fat)
- AMOUNT: Feed approximately 1/2 cup of this mixture per 10 lbs. of body weight per day. Divide this amount into small, frequent feedings. This would be the maximum amount to feed for the first day. Gradually increase to 1 cup per 10 lbs. over the next 2 to 3 days.
Urination Issues
If your pet is straining to urinate, unable to pass urine, or urinating blood, a medical exam is needed ASAP.
If your pet is having frequent urination or urinary accidents but is otherwise feeling ok, contact your vet for an appointment. Make sure plenty of fresh water is available and monitor that your pet is able to pass urine. Call for an appointment as soon as possible.
Skin Infections
Keep the wounds clean and free of debris. Keep your pet out of hot and humid conditions and avoid swimming. Do not cover the wounds as this will keep the wounds wet and promote further infection. Call for an appointment as soon as possible.
Limping
If your pet is lethargic or crying in severe pain, seek medical attention immediately. If your pet is limping and seeking an examination is not an option, cage rest is the best treatment available. Confine your pet to a kennel or small room. Walk on a leash for bathroom breaks only. Avoid stairs. No running, jumping, or off leash activity should be allowed. DO NOT give any over the counter medications (Aspirin, Tylenol, etc) that was not specifically prescribed by a veterinarian for your pet. Schedule and examination as soon as possible.
Bleeding
An exam is needed. If dirty, clean the wound with mild soap and water. You can apply a topical antibiotic ointment. Lightly wrap the wound with clean or sterile gauze and tape. DO NOT pull the wrap tight as this can compromise circulation. Seek medical care ASAP.
Fight Wounds/Abscesses
An exam is needed. Clean the wounds and leave open to drain unless actively bleeding (see above). Apply a topical antibiotic ointment and call for an exam ASAP.
Porcupine Quills
DO NOT cut off the quills. They are not filled with air and it will only make removal harder. If you cannot remove the quills by applying gentle pressure against the skin and pulling straight out the same direction the quills are facing (use a needle nose pliers or similar), then an examination and sedation by a veterinarian is needed.
Ingestion of a Foreign Substance
Call Animal Poison Control for instructions on the best course of treatment. If directed by Poison Control, contact your veterinarian for an exam and treatment. Please have all of the information available including your pet’s approximate weight and all information about the drug/toxin that was ingested
Seizures
A single, isolated, short-lived seizure may not be an immediate emergency. However, an examination should be scheduled as soon as feasible. If seizures or protracted, severe or cluster together (multiples in a day), then an examination is needed ASAP.
Allergic Reactions
If your pet collapses or is struggling to breathe - seek medical care immediately! For facial swelling and hives, and examination is recommended as you veterinarian can provide medications for quicker relief. If your pet seems stable and immediate care is not an option, monitor and prevent self-trauma from itching/rubbing at the face. Call for an examination ASAP if your pet collapses, seems lethargic, has trouble breathing, or swelling and hives do not subside within a few hours.
