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A quick head shake after a bath is ordinary. Shaking that continues through the evening, especially when your dog keeps scratching one ear, tells a different story. Something may be irritating the ear canal, and the cause is difficult to identify just by looking at the outside of the ear. At Urgent Paws, we see dogs with sudden ear concerns during our evening and weekend hours. If your dog is uncomfortable and your regular clinic is closed, our vet in Red Deer can examine the

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect your dog from serious infectious diseases. They help build immunity before your puppy is exposed to harmful viruses and bacteria, reducing the risk of severe illness and helping keep the wider pet community healthy. Many new dog owners wonder when vaccinations should begin and which vaccines their puppy actually needs. The answer depends on your dog's age, lifestyle and risk of exposure, but following a recommended va

Is chocolate toxic to dogs? Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are similar compounds and cause similar clinical signs such as an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, agitation, tremors, and potentially seizures, depending on the dose. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Dogs metabolize theobromine and caffeine differently than people, making them more sensitive to the chemicals’ effects

Dogs are social animals, and many enjoy spending time around other dogs and people. Dog parks, training classes, boarding facilities, grooming appointments, pet-friendly events and daycare programs can all provide valuable enrichment and exercise. However, these environments can also expose dogs to illnesses and injuries that may not occur within the home. That does not mean owners should avoid social activities altogether. It simply means understanding the risks and taking r

Ingestion of grapes or raisins (Vitis spp), Zante currants (aka corinth raisins) and tamarinds (Tamarindus spp) can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney failure, including death in some dogs. Why are Grapes, Raisins and Tamarinds Toxic in Dogs? The proposed toxic principle in these fruits is tartaric acid. Tartaric acid, an organic acid, is present in variably high concentrations in these fruits. Dogs poorly excrete organic acids because they lack the organic acid transpo

How do cats and dogs become intoxicated? Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by cannabis in various ways, most commonly by eating edibles (e.g., baked goods, candies, chocolate bars, and chips containing cannabis), or by ingesting cannabis directly (in any form). Pets can also be exposed to second-hand smoke. Most exposures are accidental when curious pets discover access to the drug or when they are present in the same room with a person smoking cannabis. Dogs have more can

Ethylene glycol, a sweet-tasting, odorless liquid, is the active ingredient in most automotive antifreeze products. Ethylene glycol can also be found, in lower, less harmful, concentrations, in some windshield de-icing agents, hydraulic brake fluid, motor oils, solvents, paints, film processing solutions, wood stains, inks, and printer cartridges. How do dogs and cats get ethylene glycol poisoning? Pets may be attracted to ethylene glycol by its sweet taste. Many animals volu

Vaccinations are one of the most important parts of preventative healthcare for cats. They help your cat avoid serious infectious diseases and reduce the spread of illness within the pet population. Vaccines can prevent conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat once symptoms develop. One of the most common questions we hear from cat owners is whether their cat really needs vaccines, especially if they live indoors. The answer depends on your cat's age, lifestyle an

Remember to keep yourself safe first - pets can act unpredictably or may bite, scratch or move unexpectedly when they are in pain. Even very calm or gentle pets may bite or cause injury out of pain. If your pet is not allowing you to touch, treat or examine them, it can indicate significant pain and it is best they see a veterinarian. Insect Bites or Stings If your pet has been stung, if they allow you, inspect the area for any evidence of a stinger. If one can be seen, care

Body temperature may be elevated because of an infection (fever), but it may also increase because of hot and/or humid conditions outside. An increased body temperature caused by environmental conditions is commonly referred to as hyperthermia, heat stroke, or heat prostration. A dog’s normal body temperature is 39.4°C, and any time the body temperature is higher than 40.5°C, a true emergency exists. Heat stroke generally occurs in hot summer weather when dogs are left with i

There are four main groups of rodenticides, each with its own mechanism of action and clinical presentation in non-target species. Anticoagulant rodenticides are probably the most well-known group of rodenticides and are still readily available today. From a pet owner standpoint, this is the safest group of rodenticides for our pets to accidentally consume. Dogs are more sensitive to these compounds than cats. These compounds interrupt the activation of vitamin K which is nec

The federal Pesticides Regulatory Directorate approves the emergency use of 2% liquid strychnine in Alberta from March 30, 2026 - November 1, 2027. Strychnine is a toxic poison that targets Richardson’s squirrels (commonly known as gophers), but it can harm other animals. Strychnine has been primarily used in a cracked corn bait to eliminate unwanted bird and rodent populations, but occasionally other species are inadvertently poisoned, especially when scavenging deceased car

What Are Aural (Ear) Polyps? Aural inflammatory polyps are gelatinous masses of inflammatory tissue that typically arise from the middle ear (tympanic bulla) or the auditory tube and can grow into the ear canal or, less commonly, toward the back of the throat. In cats with a history of chronic ear irritation, these polyps represent a structural consequence of prolonged inflammation. Unlike tumors, inflammatory polyps are not cancerous, but they act like a space-occupying lesi

“People food” and houseplants are often unsuitable for our pets. Understanding what is toxic and why can help prevent emergencies and upset tummies for your furry loved ones. Urgent Paws is your local veterinarian open on weekends in Red Deer - Make an appointment with us after work hours or on the weekend for a pet check-up! What Plants are Poisonous to Dogs? Many common household and outdoor plants are toxic to dogs. Some of the most concerning include sago palm, tulips, az

What is atopy and what are its symptoms? Atopy, or environmental allergy, is an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen, molds, house dust mites and animal dander (skin or hair fragments). It is most common in dogs, but some cats are also affected. The incidence of atopy depends as much upon a pet’s genetic susceptibility as exposure to the allergen itself. (An allergen is any agent causing the allergic reaction.) Terriers, Setters, Retrievers, Dalmatians, Chine

Elimination diet trials can be tough! We’re here to help. The Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology would like to share some information and tips about this very important diagnostic step. Your veterinarian has reason to believe that a “cutaneous adverse food reaction” – which we will simply call a “food allergy” – might be playing a role in your cat’s skin or ear problems. By addressing this allergy, you can help your cat feel much better. That’s the good news! The bad

Elimination diet trials can be tough! We’re here to help. The Canadian Academy of Veterinary Dermatology would like to share some information and tips about this very important diagnostic step. Your veterinarian has reason to believe that a “cutaneous adverse food reaction” – which we will simply call a “food allergy” – might be playing a role in your dog’s skin or ear problems. By addressing this allergy, you can help your dog feel much better. That’s the good news! The bad

It is not unusual for cats to vomit, as they have sensitive stomachs and often chomp on grass and other plants to help remove hairballs. You’ve probably seen little watery, furry vomit patches with bits of grass in them; that’s totally fine. In fact, there are several reasons why cats in particular seem to throw up more than we do, and most of them are nothing to worry about. The key is understanding when vomiting is normal and when it signals a more serious issue. Why Cats

What Is a Dog Hot Spot? A hotspot is essentially a patch of skin that becomes red, moist, and inflamed. Hot spots can appear suddenly, often when dogs lick or scratch the same spot too much. Once the skin is broken, bacteria spread around the hot spot, which can result in a larger hot spot or even a secondary hot spot nearby. Where Do Hot Spots Usually Appear? Hot spots often occur in places where the skin stays damp or warm. You might notice them around the ears, under the

Why is ear cleaning important? Ear cleaning is an important part of your dog’s grooming needs. Some dogs need more frequent ear cleaning than others. Dogs that are prone to ear infections often benefit from more frequent ear cleanings. The structure of the dog’s ear canal makes it difficult for material trapped deep within the horizontal canal to be expelled without the assistance of cleanings. This material can lead to itchiness and ear infections if not removed. Do I need t