“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 refer to it as a foreign body ingestion.
Foreign bodies are one of the more common reasons pets are seen in emergency veterinary hospitals. While many cases can be treated successfully, some situations require prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
At EPIC Vets – Emergency Pet Intensive Care, we regularly help pets experiencing foreign body ingestion and guide pet owners through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Understanding what foreign bodies are, the signs to watch for, and how they are treated can help you act quickly and confidently if your pet gets into trouble.
A foreign body is any object that a pet swallows that cannot be safely digested.
Some objects may pass through the digestive tract without causing problems. Others can become lodged in the stomach or intestines, potentially leading to blockage or irritation.
Foreign bodies can vary widely in size, shape, and material—from fabric and toys to string-like materials or bones.
Dogs tend to explore the world by chewing and swallowing objects, especially during play or when investigating food-related smells.
Some of the most common foreign bodies seen in dogs include:
Dogs that eat quickly or enjoy chewing may be at higher risk.
Cats are often drawn to lightweight objects that move easily, which can lead to accidental ingestion during play.
Common foreign bodies in cats include:
String-like materials are especially important to watch for in cats because they can become lodged under the tongue or move through the intestines in a way that causes irritation.
Not every ingestion causes immediate symptoms, but some pets may develop signs that something is wrong.
Possible signs include:
Cats with string-type objects may also show repeated swallowing motions or have visible thread coming from the mouth.
If you notice these signs or suspect your pet may have swallowed something unusual, contacting a veterinarian is the safest next step.
When a foreign object becomes lodged in the digestive tract, it can prevent food and fluids from moving normally through the intestines. In some situations, this blockage can reduce blood flow to surrounding tissues or cause irritation to the digestive tract.
Early evaluation helps veterinarians determine whether the object may pass naturally or whether treatment is needed.
Prompt care can help prevent complications and often leads to simpler treatment options
At EPIC Vets, diagnosing a suspected foreign body typically involves several steps:
A veterinarian evaluates your pet’s abdomen, hydration status, and overall condition.
Imaging tools may include:
These diagnostics help determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Treatment depends on the type of object, its location, and how long it has been present.
Possible treatments include:
If the object is small and expected to pass safely, your veterinarian may recommend monitoring your pet closely.
If the object is still in the stomach, a veterinarian may be able to remove it using a flexible camera scope, avoiding surgery.
If an object becomes lodged in the intestines or causes a blockage, surgical removal may be required. This procedure allows veterinarians to safely remove the object and examine surrounding tissue.
Most pets recover well following treatment, particularly when the issue is addressed early.
Recovery may include:
Your veterinary team will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your pet’s needs.
While curiosity is part of being a pet, there are steps owners can take to reduce risk.
Helpful prevention tips include:
Small changes at home can go a long way toward preventing accidents.
Foreign body cases are something our team manages frequently. At EPIC Vets, we provide:
Our goal is to diagnose problems quickly, treat them safely, and help your pet return home as soon as possible.
Pet owners in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, and surrounding Inland Empire communities rely on EPIC Vets when urgent medical situations arise.
Learn more about the surgical procedures performed at EPIC Vets here.
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 reaction that affects multiple organs in the body. While it can develop suddenly, prompt veterinary care and early recognition allow most pets to recover well with treatment.
At EPIC Vets (Emergency Pet Intensive Care) in Temecula, our emergency team regularly evaluates allergic reactions in pets. Understanding what anaphylaxis in dogs and cats is — and how veterinarians diagnose and treat it — can help pet owners feel more prepared if it ever occurs.
Anaphylaxis is a rapid, severe allergic reaction that occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a substance (called an allergen). In pets, the reaction can develop within minutes and can quickly become fatal if not treated.Anaphylaxis occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger, releasing large amounts of inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream. These chemicals can affect the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, skin, and respiratory system.
Unlike people, who often experience airway swelling during severe allergic reactions, dogs and cats tend to show symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system and circulation.
This difference is why veterinarians often look for sudden digestive symptoms and changes in blood pressure as early indicators of anaphylaxis in pets.
A variety of substances can trigger allergic reactions in animals. Some of the more common causes include:
In many cases, the exact trigger is never definitively identified
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can appear quickly and may involve several body systems at once.
Veterinarians often look for sudden gastrointestinal and circulatory changes first.
These symptoms can occur because allergic mediators affect blood flow and organs like the liver and intestines.
Because symptoms can vary from pet to pet, veterinarians evaluate the overall pattern of signs rather than relying on a single symptom.
Anaphylaxis can affect blood pressure, circulation, and oxygen delivery throughout the body. Early medical intervention allows veterinarians to stabilize these systems and prevent complications.
Even when symptoms appear to improve quickly, monitoring is important because allergic reactions can sometimes progress or recur.
This is why pets suspected of having an anaphylactic reaction are typically evaluated promptly and monitored closely.
There is no single test that immediately confirms anaphylaxis. Instead, veterinarians combine physical examination findings, medical history, and diagnostic testing to make the diagnosis.
At EPIC Vets, two rapid diagnostic tools can provide helpful information during these cases.
A quick ultrasound evaluation of the gallbladder wall can be extremely useful. In many dogs experiencing anaphylaxis, the gallbladder wall becomes thickened due to inflammation and fluid accumulation.
This ultrasound exam is:
Because it can be performed quickly in the emergency setting, it is a valuable tool for confirming what veterinarians suspect based on clinical signs.
Blood work can also provide supportive information. While these tests may take a little longer to show abnormalities and are not as definitive as ultrasound findings, they can help evaluate:
Together, these diagnostic tools help veterinarians confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
Treatment focuses on stabilizing circulation, controlling the allergic reaction, and supporting affected organs.
Depending on the severity of the reaction, treatment may include:
Some pets improve quickly with treatment, while others may require several hours of observation or overnight monitoring.
A young Pug was brought to EPIC Vets after suddenly becoming weak and vomiting shortly after being outside.
On arrival, the veterinary team noted low blood pressure and signs consistent with an allergic reaction.
To help confirm the diagnosis, the team performed:
With rapid stabilization, medications, and IV fluids, the dog responded well and was discharged the following day.
Cases like this highlight how quick recognition and veterinary care can lead to excellent outcomes.
If your pet develops sudden vomiting, collapse, or other concerning symptoms after a possible allergen exposure, the best step is to seek veterinary evaluation as soon as possible.
Helpful steps include:
Avoid attempting to manage severe reactions at home, as professional care may be needed to stabilize your pet.
In some cases, preventing future reactions is possible if the trigger is identified.
Pet owners can help reduce risk by:
While recurrence is possible, many pets live completely normal lives after an episode when their medical team is aware of the history.
Pet owners in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, and the surrounding Inland Empire rely on EPIC Vets for emergency veterinary care when sudden allergic reactions occur. Our hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide advanced diagnostics and critical care when pets need it most.
While anaphylaxis is one type of emergency reaction, pets can also experience other serious conditions related to environmental exposure. Heatstroke, for example, is another life-threatening emergency we commonly treat during warmer months. You can learn more about the warning signs and prevention tips in our guide to heatstroke in dogs.
Heatstroke & Heat Exhaustion Symptoms in Pets – EPIC Vets Temecula CA
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 heat exhaustion symptoms.
Heatstroke is also common due to pets being left in a hot car, and these patients rarely make it to our clinic alive. Never leave your dog in a parked car with temperatures over 60º unless running with the air conditioning on. However, you should still be careful as cars can suddenly stop running, and dogs can accidentally lock you out.
The effects of heatstroke on a pet are incredibly devastating, and it is very common for pets not to survive without immediate veterinary intervention.
Also known as heat exhaustion, heatstroke occurs in pets when their body temperature elevates and exceeds its normal range. Both dogs and cats have few sweat glands which makes them more susceptible to experiencing heatstroke. Without as many sweat glands, pets can’t sweat and cool down like humans can. In addition, it’s important to be careful and aware of hot asphalt in the Summer. Concrete will cause burns to your pets’ paw pads, so if it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s also too hot for your pet.
beware, the risk of heatstroke is higher in certain pets, like brachycephalic breeds, pets with dark coats, short noses, and preexisting health conditions. In addition, dogs who have heart failure or laryngeal paralysis as underlying conditions are more likely to experience heatstroke.
Brachycephalic breeds include Pugs, English and French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos. Dogs with laryngeal paralysis can experience heatstroke at any time in the year but especially in the Summer. Ultimately, longer noses and larger nostrils are more efficient as air conditioners for pets.
***Nearly all dogs we treat for heatstroke are brachycephalic breeds.***
Heatstroke can appear as excessive panting, drooling, restlessness, reddened gums, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, collapsion, and seizures.
Pets with preexisting health conditions face a higher risk of heat exhaustion. Elderly pets, overweight pets, and brachycephalic breeds with short noses are more likely to experience heatstroke. If left untreated, heatstroke can quickly lead to organ failure, resulting in extreme health complications or death.
You may think about shaving your dog for the Summer to keep them cool, however, it actually has the opposite effect. To clarify, dogs don’t have an appreciable amount of sweat glands. Further, the primary method for dogs and cats to regulate their temperatures is through their nose and by extending their footpads. Therefore, removing their hair is essentially eliminating the insulation they have. Since they lack sweat glands on their skin, they are unable to cool themselves from perspiration.
It’s crucial to act quickly to avoid serious complications from developing.
What you can do if your pet is experiencing heat exhaustion:
What not to do if your pet is experiencing heat exhaustion:
If deemed necessary by the vet in instances where the body temperature is over 105º, an emergency critical care estimate will be given immediately.
In most cases, an IV catheter is placed and fluids are administered. Additionally, anesthesia is administered with ventilation for up to one hour, and other measures are taken to reduce their temperature as quickly as possible.
Simply bathing a pet in water is usually insufficient. A number of diagnostic tests will be performed to evaluate if the life-threatening condition called DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) is occurring. In addition, plasma transfusions may be ordered to treat and prevent this condition from worsening. Hospital stays may be as short as 4 hours, however, most stay 12-24 hours.
A state-of-the-art diagnostic system is used at EPIC Vets, which is more sensitive than typical hospitals’ systems and enables us to give an advanced warning when necessary. This is based on a viscoelastic hemostatic technology and is usually limited to research hospitals.
The best way to prevent heatstroke from happening is to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors.
Summer can still be enjoyable for you and your pets, however, your pets will require extra care and attention to avoid overheating.
Our critical care veterinarians and clinic staff are equipped to treat conditions like heatstroke. Treatment may include fluid IVs and continuous monitoring to ensure your pet is in good condition. In addition, our doctors will check for complications like blood pressure issues, kidney failure, and other abnormalities.
It’s important to monitor your pets closely on hot, humid days. Heatstroke can be life-threatening and fatal if left untreated. It’s important to act immediately.
If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke or you recognize heat exhaustion symptoms, please call our clinic right away to inform us you’re coming in for treatment.
If you live in the Western United States, including Southern California, you’ve likely come into contact with a grass-like weed called foxtail. Other names for foxtails are grass awns. Foxtail has tough barbed seed heads and can easily embed in your dog or cat’s nose, skin, eyes, and ears. It’s important to know what to look for if your pet has come into contact with foxtails.
You can come into contact with foxtails in open areas such as hiking trails, fields, and even in parks. In our area, foxtails are found in many places and cause injuries to pets, especially to dogs, hundreds of times a year. You may find this spiky plant stuck to your socks or shoes after a hike.
Foxtails are spiky and hard and they are designed to burrow to spread and this same design makes it easy for them to latch onto animal fur and penetrate the skin. The barbs of the foxtail embed the seed in the skin, or into the ears, eyes, nose, and paws.
Foxtails in your dog’s paw is a common foxtail injury. The most common symptom is swelling on the top of the paw, between the toes. You may notice your dog (or cat) limping, or excessively licking their paws. You may see swelling or even notice an infection. It’s important for you to get to the vet if you notice infection, or if you notice symptoms.
If a foxtail is embedded in your pet’s eye you will notice the eye watering or a discharge, swelling closed or squinting. This can lead to blindness so seeking veterinary care right away is important.
Foxtails can also work their way into the prepuce of the penis of the vulva. Your dog may begin persistently licking their genitals if they have a foxtail in those sensitive areas.
Your pet can inhale a foxtail seed. While this is less common than other injuries, if your dog sniffs around a trail or a field, they can easily inhale a foxtail. If this happens, your dog will suddenly begin to sneeze violently and likely will experience a bloody nose. This is serious because the foxtail can enter through the nose and exit out the eye, causing permanent damage.
The ear is actually the most common body part affected by foxtails. The foxtail will move down the ear canal toward the eardrum. The most common symptom of a foxtail in the ear is a rapid onset of your dog is shaking its head vigorously, tilting its head to one side, or pawing at its ear. There may even be discharge from the ear. In addition, loss of balance may also occur. If you notice these symptoms, visit your vet right away before permanent damage can occur.
Foxtail injuries can migrate from one area of the body to another. One example of this is that a foxtail in a paw, if untreated, can make its way to the lung, leading to a more serious problem.
Foxtails can cause infections. Be sure to check your pet if they are lethargic, are experiencing swelling or bleeding anywhere, and especially if you see or smell an infection. If this occurs, take them to an emergency vet, like EPIC Vets, right away.
What to Expect Most foxtail injuries can be treated outpatient; however, the key is quick intervention by a veterinarian.
Moderate Sedation – Foxtails in the ears and eyes usually require moderate sedation. These injuries are painful and many pets simply do not like their ears to be handled, much less scoped for foxtails.
Full Sedation – Foxtails in the nose will require full anesthesia because most dogs will still sneeze while under light or moderate sedation, which can complicate the removal of the foxtail.
Foxtails in the paws and toes require full anesthesia and a small surgical procedure to open the area where the foxtail is suspected to be, and many times, the foxtail has migrated up the leg. If this occurs, an ultrasound can be used to locate the foxtail but this is rare. If the foxtail can’t be found, a veterinarian might wait and watch to see if an abscess forms in another part of the body such as the shoulder or neck. In some cases, a CT scan may be recommended to locate the foxtail.
When you’re hiking, keep an eye out for foxtails and steer your pet away from areas where it’s growing. After a hike, it’s a good idea to brush out your dog’s fur and check them over for foxtails. There are also products you can use to prevent foxtails including face protection and booties for paws. If you are an avid hiker, those products might be a wise investment.
It’s best to avoid foxtails whenever possible. If you do encounter them, be sure to thoroughly inspect your pet’s hair, ears, and between their toes. A foxtail injury is considered medically urgent and your pet should be seen by your regular veterinarian or EPIC if your vet is unavailable. Our staff is available 24/7 to help pets in emergency situations and treat hundreds of foxtail cases each year. Contact us to start the intake process before you arrive.
The holidays are a time of joy and giving, often marked by the addition of a furry friend to the family. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial to be aware of potential health risks, especially concerning parvovirus (parvo), a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting dogs. Understanding the impact, symptoms, transmission, and significance of vaccinations is paramount, especially for puppies. Dogs suffering from parvo are a common reason people bring their pets into our animal hospital.
Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects dogs, although it can also impact other animals like cats and wildlife. It is particularly severe in puppies and younger dogs due to their weaker immune systems. Parvo manifests in two forms: cardiac and intestinal. The intestinal form is more common and characterized by severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), dehydration, and a weakened immune system, while the cardiac form affects the heart muscles, leading to sudden death, albeit less frequently.
Recognizing the signs of parvo is crucial for prompt intervention. Dogs affected by parvo may exhibit:
Parvo is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog’s feces. The virus is resilient and can survive in the environment for months to years, making it highly contagious. Dogs can contract parvo by sniffing, licking, or ingesting infected feces, contaminated objects, or even by coming into contact with shoes or clothing that have been in contact with the virus.
Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect dogs and puppies from parvo. Puppies receive their first vaccines at around six to eight weeks of age, with booster shots every few weeks until they are around four months old. These initial vaccinations are crucial, as they help build their immune system and protect them during their most vulnerable stage. Contact your regular veterinarian to schedule vaccinations for your pet.
The holiday season often sees an increase in the gifting of pets, especially puppies and dogs. While the gesture is heartwarming, it’s essential to ensure these pets are appropriately vaccinated and have received necessary medical care before entering their new homes. Responsible pet ownership involves not only providing love and care but also safeguarding their health.
If you’re considering giving a pet as a gift during the holidays, consider these steps to ensure a smooth and healthy transition:
The holidays are a time of joy and sharing, but it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of pets, especially when considering gifting a furry friend. Parvovirus poses a significant threat to dogs, particularly young ones, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations and responsible pet ownership. By staying informed, prepared, and proactive, we can ensure the health and happiness of our beloved pets during this festive season and beyond.
If you do need an emergency vet in Temecula or the surrounding area, EPIC Vets is here to help. Call us at 951-695-5044 if your pet is exhibiting any symptoms of parvo. Time is of the essence with this illness so don’t delay.
It’s that time of year again when pumpkins light up the night and ghosts and goblins come out to play. Halloween can be a blast for us humans, but let’s not forget about our furry friends who might not share the same enthusiasm for spooky shenanigans. As responsible pet owners, it’s important to keep our four-legged pals safe and sound during this festive season. Here are some paw-some Halloween safety tips to ensure a howl-worthy good time for everyone involved and avoid trips to our animal hospital.
We all love to go all out with the decorations but remember that pets are curious creatures. Those hanging skeletons and moving ghouls might look like playthings to your fur baby, but they could lead to tangled messes or even accidents. Dangling decorations can pose a choking hazard or entangle your pet’s delicate paws, so be sure to place them out of reach. Curiosity can also lead pets to chew on electrical cords so keep those out of reach or covered.
Pet costumes can be adorable, no doubt about it. But let’s consider whether your pet is really up for the dress-up game. While some pets might strut their stuff as a pumpkin or pirate, others might feel stressed, uncomfortable, or restricted. If your pet doesn’t seem thrilled about wearing a costume, don’t force it. Instead, opt for a festive bandana or collar – they can still rock the Halloween vibe without the discomfort.
Trick-or-treating might be the highlight of Halloween, but candy can spell trouble for your fur buddies. Chocolate, a favorite treat for humans, is a big no-no for pets and can lead to serious health issues. Make sure that your candy stash is out of reach and educate your family and friends to avoid sharing sugary treats with your pets.
All the doorbell ringing, costumes, and general commotion can make even the most laid-back pet a little jittery. Create a safe space for your furry friend, complete with their favorite toys and cozy bedding. If your pet is particularly anxious, consider using natural calming aids like CBD treats or consult your daytime vet for advice on managing their anxiety.
While we hope it never happens, there’s a chance your pet could get spooked and dart out the door during Halloween chaos. Ensure your pet has proper identification – a collar with an updated tag and a secure microchip – in case they decide to embark on a solo adventure. A microchip can be a lifesaver when it comes to reuniting lost pets with their worried owners. If your pet is lost, the first thing an animal hospital will check is the microchip so remember to update your pet’s microchip if you’ve recently moved or have a new phone number.
It’s tempting to share your Halloween feast with your furry friend, but some human foods can be toxic to pets. Onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins are just a few examples of foods that can be harmful. Stick to pet-safe treats and avoid the urge to sneak them something from your plate – their tummies will thank you later and you will avoid having to come to the 24-hour vet.
Carved pumpkins with flickering candles might set the mood, but they can also pose a fire hazard if knocked over by an excited tail or curious paw. Consider using flameless LED candles or keeping your pumpkins in a place that’s inaccessible to your pets.
If you usually take your dog for a walk in the evening, consider switching up the routine around Halloween. The influx of trick-or-treaters and spooky decorations might be overwhelming for your pet. To avoid unnecessary stress or potential altercations opt for daytime walks this season.
Hosting a Halloween bash? Think about your pet’s comfort and safety during the festivities. Some pets love to mingle, while others might prefer a quiet corner away from the hubbub. Create a designated pet-friendly zone with water, food, and cozy bedding where they can retreat to if things get a little too lively.
If your decorations are a bit too spooky, give your pet time to get accustomed to them. Introduce new decorations gradually, so your pet has time to sniff and investigate without feeling overwhelmed.
Halloween is a thrilling time for us, but it can be downright spooky for our pets. By keeping their safety and comfort in mind, we can ensure that our fur babies enjoy this festive season just as much as we do. From dodging dangerous decorations to avoiding toxic treats, a little extra vigilance goes a long way. However, if an emergency does arise, you can count on 24-hour vet clinic, EPIC Vets to help. You can contact us online or, for faster service, call us at 951-695-5044. Stay safe, stay spooky, and stay pet-tastic, friends! 🎃🐾
