Vet Care Information

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Is this an emergency?

When is it serious? When should you panic and take your pet to your veterinarian immediately?  From experience, 80-85% of what seem like an emergency is not.
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Emergencies are:
  • Lethargy = refusing to move, stiff, refusing to eat and go for a walk. If they are just mellow, that doesn't constitute lethargy and you can usually wait a day to see how they do. 
  • Bleeding uncontrollably
  • A grossly abnormal limb indicating a possible fracture
  • An extremely bloated or tense abdomen indicating a possible bloat, pancreatitis, or other intestinal pain, or extreme stiffness (as if your pet doesn’t want to move)
  • Uncontrollably vomiting or diarrhea (not just mushy stools, but liquid and uncontrollable). Despite fasting and rest, the dog is unable to drink/keep water down and is still experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. They'll need to be seen to prevent dehydration
If your foster is experiencing a true emergency, then head to one of our Emergency Vets and call 202-827-6820 or 202-669-8146.
COMMON CONCERNS​​
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DIARRHEA
  • Type 1 Large Intestinal - characterized by soft or “mushy,” more like “cow patties,” and can even appear to be encased in mucus or red blood. Dogs with large intestinal diarrhea are usually still active and seem normal. Blood in stool looks scary, but unless it's a pool of blood it is nothing to panic about. You should also switch to a bland diet, but add pumpkin to increase their fiber intake.
  • Type 2 Small Intestinal - characterized by very loose or watery stool. These dogs are often more depressed or lethargic and seem “sick." If dogs with the very watery, small intestinal diarrhea, are still acting okay, and will eat, we recommend feeding them a bland diet. This is fairly easy to digest and will act to help bind them.
If the symptoms persist past a few days, actually worsen, or if your dog’s general attitude, energy, or appetite diminish, it’s time to see the veterinarian.
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ITCHING​ / RASH
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Common dog concern. Causes and treatment for Dogs:
  • Dry skin from prior poor grooming, fleas, and poor diet. Regular bathing and good nutrition will usually resolve the problem.
  • Allergies-itching accompanied with red rash on belly, paws. Excessive licking of paws.
    1. Medicated bath weekly - Douxo Calm Dog & Cat Shampoo
    2. Douxo Mousse for Dogs & Cats
    3. Zyrtec (0.5 mg/lb every 24 hours) OR Benadryl (1 mg/lb every 8-12 hours) tablets (generic of both is fine, but only the original formulas. NO Zyrtec-D. NO mixes with decongestants or other preparations)
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LETHARGY/WEAKNESS​
Rule out some of the other concerns mentioned on this page.
  • If you have a pet thermometer, take their temperature. Over 103.5 degrees then it's an emergency. Normal temperature is between 100.5 - 102.5 degrees F (103 if they are stressed).
  • If they aren’t exhibiting other more serious problems (vomiting/diarrhea, limping, shivering/shaking, obvious pain, abdominal bloat, etc.), and they will still eat and go for a walk you can usually wait 24 hours to see if they improve and respond to other treatment listed on this page.
It's common to see dogs mimic lethargy from:
  • Psychological issues: Just arrived off transport and are still in their first week of settling into their new environment
  • Muscle soreness: Overdoing it at the dog park or daycare.
  • If they continue to appear dull and don't want to eat, drink, or engage with you for several days, then it's time for concern.
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LIMPING
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Most causes of “limping,” even those that appear suddenly, are NOT true emergencies or reasons to panic. Non-weight bearing injuries are of the most concern, but unless your dog or cat was in a major accident (hit by a car, fall from high place, dog fight) then they can wait until the morning to see a regular vet.
Do not use any Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen!
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SEIZURE, SHAKING, SHIVERING

Animals shiver or shake for many reasons—pain, fear, anxiety, nerves, or simply being too cold. Storms, fireworks, or unusual noises nearby can all cause shaking. 
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Is it pain? "If the shivering and shaking is accompanied by excessive panting, this is usually a sign of stress, and more intense pain or discomfort. If you see, or feel, an obvious problem—a grossly abnormal limb indicating a possible fracture, an extremely bloated or tense abdomen indicating a possible bloat, pancreatitis, or other intestinal pain, or extreme stiffness (as if your pet doesn’t want to move) especially in the neck or back with or without gait abnormalities or ataxia (appearing as if your pet is drunk and wobbly), which may indicate a herniated disc or a muscle problem along the spine, you want to seek veterinary medical attention as soon as possible—the sooner the better."  Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM

Seizures
If you think your foster is having a seizure:
  • If it lasts less than 5 minutes, report but observe to see if they have another. 
  • If it lasts more than 5 minutes, this is an emergency. Call your foster assistant or call 202-827-6820 or 202-669-8146.
  • If they are having repeated seizures in the same day, report back to us and we will send you to the vet.
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UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION (Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, eye discharge)
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Dogs (Common after Transport):
We have Doxycycline you can pick up from the office (2-5 milligrams per pound of body weight).
  • 50lbs and over: 200mg once per day for 10 days
  • Under 50lbs: 100mg once per day for 10 days
  • Very small dogs: 50mg once per day for 10 days
Cats (Very Common):
​If this is the first time your foster cat is experiencing these symptoms, we have medications you can pick up from the office (Office Hours & Location). If you don't start to see improvement in about 5 days, let us know and we can alter the treatment.
  • For the "chest cold" please pick up Biomox/Amoxicillin/Clavamox (Whichever is available) - 1 mL 2x/day for 14 days.
  • If your cat is also experiencing redness, swelling, or discharge from their eyes, you can pick up eye ointment or drops.
    • If ointment - Thin strip on each eyelid 2-3 times a day for 7 days
    • If drops - one drop twice per day in both eyes for 5-7 days.
    • Warm compress a few times a day should help clear it up and may even alleviate the need for a vet visit.
  • You can also add lysine treats to the diet which could help boost the immune system
  • 10-15 mins in the bathroom with hot shower steam is also helpful to reduce nasal passage irritation (causing the sneezing).​
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​​Common while transitioning diets. Limit high protein diets. 
​Common when taking antibiotics.
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  • Vomiting food: If they are still acting normal, and WANTS to eat or drink this is less concerning. Do not let them eat or drink for 12 hours to let their stomach settle. You can offer ice chips. If their stomach has settled after 12 hours, then start a bland diet per these instructions.
  • Vomiting clear/yellow liquid/foam: This is usually related to reflux or other acidic stomach. If they are taking antibiotics these can upset their stomach.
    • Foster is taking antibiotics: To manage stomach upset from antibiotics, supplement their food with rice and pumpkin for the duration of the treatment. You can also give Pepcid if you notice signs of nausea (licking lips, refusing to eat). Give the Pepcid once a day a few hours before the next antibiotic dose. Pepcid will interfere with the effectiveness of the antibiotic if taken too close together. (Dog dosage (10 mg tablet; Cat dosage 1/4 of a 10 mg tablet)
    • Foster is NOT taking antibiotics: Provide one Pepcid or Prilosec. After an hour their stomach should settle and they will want to eat. Go ahead and feed them a small amount of  bland diet  to help counter the acid in their system. (Dog dosage (10 mg tablet; Cat dosage 1/4 of a 10 mg tablet). Continue the  bland diet process  through completion.
If vomiting continues despite all of this, or you notice the dog or cat becoming more depressed or listless, begins to dry-heave frequently, or you note his or her abdomen beginning to expand and tighten up, then it is definitely time to go to the ER. Call, 202-827-6820 or 202-669-8146
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Kitten/Puppy Vaccinations and Spay/Neuter Options

Please schedule the boosters and/or spay/neuter at one of our partner locations listed below. Please make sure you have the link to their Box records. If you do not, please request from your foster assistant. If you choose a clinic other than Value Vet or Spay Now, you will need to self pay and then submit our expense reimbursement form. Thank you.

VIRGINIA
Value Vet VA - Falls Church
1053 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046
703-982-7400
VVVA@valuevet.net

Value Vet VA - McLean
1364 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101
703-982-7400
VVVA@valuevet.net

Vetco Walk-in Clinics
Visit https://www.vetcoclinics.com/ for locations and times

MARYLAND
Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS)
Swan Harbor Animal Hospital, 200 W McComas St, Baltimore, MD 21230
410-396-4695

Pet Wellness Clinic
5017 Ritchie Highway Baltimore, MD 21225 (Brooklyn Park Plaza Shopping Center)
410-636-0044
Visit http://www.petwellnessclinicmd.com/

Spay Now Animal Surgery Clinic - Laurel
7401 Van Dusen Rd, Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 483-7080
spaynowsurgery@gmail.com

Spay/Neuter Cinic - Grasonville
(410)827-6464
spaynowsurgery@gmail.com

Vetco Walk-in Clinics
Visit https://www.vetcoclinics.com/ for locations and times