Welcome to the EPIC Vets blog, your go-to source for pet health tips, safety advice, and expert guidance. Here, we share practical information to help keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe throughout the year.
The holiday season brings festive foods, decorations, gatherings, and changes to our normal routines. Unfortunately, it can also introduce new hazards for our pets. From tempting table scraps to ribbons, ornaments, medications, and toxic foods, many common holiday items can lead to an unexpected veterinary emergency. Knowing what to keep out of reach—and when to […]
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lonny Pace, DVM, DACVECC If you suspect your dog or cat has just been bitten by a rattlesnake, please remain as calm as possible. Rattlesnake envenomation is a time-sensitive medical emergency, but with immediate veterinary intervention, the vast majority of pets fully recover. This guide places the most critical, life-saving steps […]
Foxtails in dogs can turn a normal summer walk into an emergency. These dry, barbed grass seeds are common in California and can easily attach to a dog’s coat, paws, ears, nose, eyes, or skin during outdoor activity. Foxtails are especially concerning during dry summer months because they harden and become easier for pets to […]
Dog burned paws are a common summer concern, especially in Temecula and other inland Southern California communities where pavement, sidewalks, and asphalt can become dangerously hot. Even when the air temperature feels manageable, ground surfaces can heat up quickly and cause painful injuries to a dog’s paw pads. During warm weather, pavement can become much […]
Dog poisoning can happen quickly, especially when a curious pet gets into food, medication, plants, chemicals, or household products that are unsafe for them. Many common items found in kitchens, purses, garages, bathrooms, and backyards can cause serious illness or become life threatening if ingested. Some toxins cause vomiting or stomach upset. Others can lead […]
Heatstroke in dogs is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary care. During warmer months in Southern California, emergency veterinarians see an increase in dogs suffering from overheating after walks, outdoor activity, car rides, or time spent outside in high temperatures. Dogs cannot regulate heat the same way humans can. Once a dog’s body temperature rises too […]
A rattlesnake bite can become life-threatening for dogs in a matter of hours. If a rattlesnake may have bitten your dog, do not wait for symptoms to get worse. Call an emergency veterinarian immediately and begin heading in for care. In Temecula and throughout Southern California, rattlesnake encounters become more common during warmer months. Dogs are naturally curious, […]
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lonny Pace, DVM, DACVECC “Nik nac patty wack, give a dog a bone… uh oh!” Dogs and cats are naturally curious. They explore their environment with their mouths, paws, and noses—which sometimes leads them to swallow objects they shouldn’t. When a pet ingests something that isn’t meant to be eaten, veterinarians […]
Understanding Allergic Emergencies in Dogs and Cats Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lonny Pace, DVM, DACVECC Most pet owners are familiar with mild allergic reactions — maybe a little itchiness or swelling after a bug bite. But in rare cases, pets can experience a much more serious reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a rapid, systemic allergic […]
The Deadliness of Summer Heatstroke High temperatures can danger your pets and put them at risk for developing heatstroke, or heat exhaustion. Spring and Summer heat in Southern California is extreme and can take a toll on your pets. Heatstroke progresses quickly, so it’s imperative to act on it as soon as possible and recognize […]
