Family Pet Urgent Care

06/15/2025

🦟What is Heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. It primarily affects dogs, cats, and some other animals, and it's spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

How It Works:
▪️Transmission: A mosquito bites an infected animal and picks up microscopic baby worms (microfilariae).
▪️Development in Mosquito: These develop into larvae inside the mosquito over 10–14 days.
▪️Infection: The mosquito then bites another animal and transmits the larvae.
▪️Growth: In the new host, the larvae mature into adult worms (up to 12 inches long) over 6–7 months and lodge in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

🐶Many dogs show little to no symptoms.
Clinical Signs in Dogs:
• Persistent cough
• Exercise intolerance
• Heart failure
• Abdominal asides (secondary to heart failure)
• Caval syndrome

🐱Many cats show either subtle or dramatic signs.
Clinical Signs in Cats:
• Cough
• Asthma-like attacks
• Periodic vomiting
• Anorexia
• Weight loss

Heartworm testing should be included in your routine annual bloodwork & your pet should be on prevention year-round (just like flea and tick prevention!).
Even though North Idaho is not a ‘hot bed’ for heartworm disease like the Southern US, there are still confirmed cases here!

For more information:
🔗www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basicse

06/14/2025

Happy Flag Day!

🎆 The 4th of July is just around the corner! 🥳
If your pet needs sedation or anti-anxiety medication, now is the time to call your family veterinarian.

Veterinary clinics get extremely busy in the days leading up to the holiday, and waiting could mean missing the window to get your pet the help they need.

📞 Don’t wait—reach out today to your family veterinarian to ensure your furry friend stays calm and safe this Independence Day!

In the event of a pet medical emergency, we are open July 4th for normal business hours of 12p-10pm PST

06/07/2025

Toxins vs. Poisons — What’s the Difference? 🐾
They may sound the same, but they’re not!
👉 A toxin is a harmful substance naturally produced by living organisms like plants, animals, or bacteria.
👉 A poison is a broader term—any substance (natural or synthetic) that can harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed in the wrong amount.
✅ All toxins are poisons, but not all poisons are toxins.

Here are a few examples that might surprise you:
🌿 Common Toxins (Naturally Occurring)
🟣 Lavender – Toxic to Dogs, Cats, & Horses
Symptoms: Nausea, inappetence, vomiting (not in horses)
🌵 Aloe Vera – Toxic to Dogs, Cats, & Horses
Symptoms: Vomiting (not in horses), lethargy, diarrhea
💡 Note: The inner gel is considered edible
🍃 Branching Ivy – Toxic to Dogs, Cats, & Horses
Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea
💡 Note: Leaves and vines are more toxic than berries

☣️ Common Poisons (Synthetic or Broader Category)
🌾 Hops – Poisonous to Dogs & Cats
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, high body temp
🪰Methomyl (Fly bait) – Poisonous to Mammals
Symptoms: Vomiting, drooling, slowed heart rate, difficulty breathing
💊 Calcium Channel Blockers (Human blood pressure meds)
Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, low heart rate, low blood pressure

🚨 When in doubt, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, or Pet Poison Hotline at 888-930-0183.
Your quick action could save a life. ❤️
Learn more at:
🔗 www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants?ms=MP_PMK_GGPoisonControl&initialms=MP_PMK_GGPoisonControl&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=34434348&gclid=CjwKCAjwo4rCBhAbEiwAxhJlCRJT9MNTMqWW7__dPfIR3Sk-i40-EeS_Aq-XKIGn4Uxs5F85HerdbBoCD7cQAvD_BwE
🔗 www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-10-deadliest-pet-poisons

06/03/2025

Hey there 👋

Let’s talk about spring cleanup- the fridge, the yard, the garage, the garden….

Did you know about toxicities to your pets from molds, fungus, and mushrooms?

Tremorgenic mycotoxins are common causes of tremoring in dogs.

Tremorgenic mycotoxicosis is caused by fungal metabolites, most likely Penitrem A, produced by Penicillum sp. This fungus likes to grow on organic material rich in lipids and proteins; this may include dairy, grains, husks and compost.

We see this in many forms:
Compost
Buried nuts in the yard from squirrels
Moldy fridge contents in the trash
Debris from power washing gutters and patios

Clinical signs can range from gastrointestinal to ataxia/incoordination, twitching, tremors, seizures

We thought you might like to know this🐾

05/28/2025

🚨 Parvo Alert! 🚨
We’ve officially confirmed THREE Parvovirus (Parvo) cases (in 24 hours) – and it's a serious reminder to stay vigilant!

🦠 What You Need to Know:
🔹 Parvo isn’t just a threat to dogs – it can also infect & be transmitted by wild animals of the canid species.
🔹 It’s highly contagious and can survive for months to years in the environment. Even in freezing temperatures!
🔹 Parvo can be found almost anywhere, and regular cleaning products often don’t kill it.

🐶 Who's Most at Risk?
🔹 Puppies and adolescent dogs are especially vulnerable.
🔹 Avoid high-risk places like kennels, shelters, or dog parks until your pup is fully vaccinated.
🔹 All of our confirmed cases have had at least 1 or 2 vaccines, but did not complete the full series or missed the booster period.

💉 Prevention is Key:
✅ Vaccinate your dog – it’s the best defense.
✅ Practice good hygiene and avoid exposure to unknown dogs or contaminated areas.

⚠️ Symptoms to Watch For:
• Lethargy & depression
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting & bloody diarrhea
• High fever
If your dog shows these signs, don’t wait—contact your vet immediately.
Early treatment can save your dog’s life!

📌 How Parvo Works:
1. Incubation period: 3–7 days
2. Attacks the immune system & gastrointestinal tract
3. Causes dehydration, nutrient loss & serious complications

☣️ If your pet is showing any of the symptoms listed above, please call your veterinarian from the parking lot to check in. Remaining in your vehicle helps protect your pet and others from potential exposure. ☣️

Let’s keep our pups safe this season! 🐾
Share this post to spread awareness and help prevent further cases.


Resources for your education:
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951461

www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute/research-baker-institute/canine-parvovirus

www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/canine-parvovirus

05/27/2025

ATTENTION PATRONS
We will be closing early today at 8:00pm for Parvovirus de-contamination of the building and premises.
We have had 3 positive cases in the past 24 hours.
Thank you for your understanding while we proceed with our proper Bio-Security measures.

05/23/2025

🇺🇸 Memorial Day is fast approaching! 🦅

While we honor the brave heroes who served our country, let's also take a moment to protect our furry companions during the celebrations. 🐶🐱

Here are some important pet safety tips to keep in mind this holiday weekend:

🔥 Grill/Smoker Grease – Be mindful of how you dispose of grease! Pets and wildlife are drawn to the smell and may eat harmful materials like rocks or trash coated in it.

🌽 Corn Cobs – These are a serious hazard for pets. Corn cobs can’t be digested properly and often require surgery to remove if swallowed. Toss them safely!

📛 ID & Microchips – Double-check that your pet’s tags and microchip info are up to date. Fireworks, gunfire, and extra guests can cause pets to panic and run.

☀️ Hydration & Shade – With warm weather, always provide access to fresh water and shady spots. Overheating can happen fast!

We are OPEN on Memorial Day 12:00pm-10:00pm PST if you experience a pet medical emergency!
☎️ 208-946-4100
📍 100 Tibbetts Drive, Ponderay, ID 83852

Let’s make this Memorial Day safe and enjoyable for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike! ❤️🐾

Call now to connect with business.

05/17/2025

🐶 Let’s talk about Leptospirosis! 🦠

Did you know all dogs are at risk for Leptospirosis — no matter their age, breed, or where they live?

Here’s what increases the risk:
👉 Drinking or playing in stagnant water (like ponds, rivers, or lakes)
👉 Roaming in rural areas (hello, wildlife & farm animals!)
👉 Backyard visits from rodents or other animals
👉 Being around other dogs (dog parks, boarding, training, etc.)

⚠️ Leptospirosis is a Zoonotic disease, which means it can spread to humans too!

Signs your dog might be sick (can vary and be non-specific):
🐾 Vomiting
🐾 Loss of appetite
🐾 Tiredness or weakness
🐾 Fever or belly pain
🐾 Jaundice (yellow gums or eyes)
🐾 Increased thirst or urination
🐾 Muscle pain, stiffness, or weight loss

Left untreated, it can cause serious issues like kidney or liver failure, and even lung or heart problems. 😢

How does it spread?
Mostly through contact with urine from infected animals — especially wild rodents. Dogs can get it through contaminated water, soil, food, bedding, or even wounds. In some cases, it can even spread from mom to puppies.

💉 The good news? It’s preventable! Talk to your family vet about the Leptospirosis Vaccine and keep your pup safe!

📞 Have questions? Send us a message!

05/12/2025

🦔 Porcupine Quills & Your Pet: What You Need to Know 🐶
Porcupine encounters can turn dangerous fast—here’s what to do (and NOT do) if your dog gets quilled:
✅ DO keep your pet calm and take them to your veterinarian. The sooner you seek veterinary care, the easier it is to remove the quills with the least amount of trauma.
🚫 DON’T cut the quills. That “deflating” myth? Totally false. Cutting quills makes them harder to remove and increases the risk of leaving fragments behind.
🚫 DON’T try to pull them out yourself. It’s extremely painful and broken quills can lead to serious complications.
⚠️ The barbed shafts don’t come out on their own! They actually push deeper into tissue, raising the risk of severe infection. In dogs, this can lead to widespread abscesses and even life-threatening illness.
💡 Myth busting: Porcupines can’t shoot their quills. But they can swing their quill-filled tails like a club to defend themselves—ouch!
🤯 Did you know? A porcupine can have up to 30,000 quills!
👉 If your pet gets quilled, seek veterinary care immediately. It’s not something you can (or should) handle at home.

05/11/2025

A heartfelt “Thank you” goes out to the couple that brought in a kitty that had been hit by a car in Sagle that was in the highway and suffering.
*edit- kitty was found about 1/2 mi S of the long bridge*

He was humanely euthanized due to his extreme injuries and cremated.

Black older male with short hair, intact, no collar or microchip
RIP sweet boy 💔❤️‍🩹🐈‍⬛

05/09/2025

Hey everyone!

Thanks so much for your generosity and kindness with sheet and towel donations!

We also have a need for human urine pads -disposable or cloth.

Your dinations are greatly appreciated for our sick, large dog patients❤️‍🩹

05/02/2025

🚨 Did you know? Nearly 50% of pet poisonings are caused by human medications. 💊☠️ According to the Pet Poison Helpline, even a small dose meant for humans can be extremely dangerous for our furry friends.

🐾 Top 10 Human Medications That Are Poisonous to Pets:
1. NSAIDs – Advil, Aleve, Motrin
2. Acetaminophen – Tylenol
3. Antidepressants – Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro
4. ADD/ADHD Medications – Concerta, Adderall, Ritalin
5. Benzodiazepines & Sleep Aids – Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta
6. Birth Control Pills – Estrogen, Estradiol, Progesterone
7. ACE Inhibitors – Zestril, Altace
8. Beta-blockers – Tenormin, Toprol, Coreg
9. Thyroid Hormones – Synthroid, Armour
10. Cholesterol-lowering Drugs – Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor

❗ Important Reminder:
Never give your pet any medication unless specifically prescribed by a veterinarian. If your pet ingests any of the above—even a child’s dose—seek veterinary help immediately.

📞 While heading to the vet or ER, call Pet Poison Helpline (24/7) at 855-764-7661 to open a case for the veterinarian.
🔗 Learn more here:👉 www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-human-medications-poisonous-to-pets/

Keep your meds locked up and out of paw’s reach! 🐶🐱❤️