August is National Immunization Awareness Month - don't forget that routine lab work is just as vital! Early testing helps detect hidden issues, keeping your pet healthier, longer.

What You Can't See Can Hurt Them: The Importance of Preventative Lab Work

February is National Pet Dental Health Month - a great reminder that your pet's oral care is key to their overall health. Schedule a professional cleaning to keep their smile bright and healthy!

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Dental Cleaning? A Vet's Guide to Oral Health

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month - learn how to protect your pets from hidden household dangers like toxic foods, plants, and chemicals. This guide covers key risks, emergency tips, and prevention strategies to keep your furry friends safe.



Toxic to Pets: Household Dangers Every Owner Should Know

Help your cat beat the summer heat with hydration tips, grooming advice, diet updates, parasite prevention, and mental enrichment. This seasonal guide covers everything to keep your feline happy and healthy all June long.



Essential Cat Care Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know

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Proudly serving the citizens of Morehead City and it's surrounding areas.

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In June 2000, Dr. Worrell and Dr. Allison Arnoult opened PetDocks Veterinary Hospital. In 2006, PetDocks moved to a new state-of-the-art hospital and boarding complex.  As your other family doctor and an AAHA-accredited hospital, our mission is to provide a cheerful, dedicated, and comfortable environment that offers the best care to all pets and meets our clients' needs with exceptional patient care, compassion, and outstanding, personal customer service.  We strive for a clean, orderly, and attractive facility that is pleasant and has no dust or hair accumulations. Rooms are uncluttered and facilitate patient exams, treatment, diagnosis, and client education. Client flow is systematic and efficient.  The doctors and the practice contribute to the community in positive and constructive ways, promoting the importance of pets in our clients' lives and society. We encourage responsible pet care. The practice, the doctors, and the staff maintain a very personal relationship with our clients and pets. We rely heavily and actively on soliciting referrals from our clients because good clients refer more good ones. We want to be known as the practice that offers the most value for our clients. We want our practice team to be considered the best at what we do.  Our staff is responsive to each other and the needs of the client. They create a cheerful, focused, and caring environment. They are the welcome wagon. They take the initiative in educating clients and interacting with them constructively and positively. They are pleasant and friendly with clients and other staff, and doctors.

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As our pets age, their needs change, and they may become more prone to health issues. For senior pets, knowing when to seek urgent or emergency care is vital to ensuring they live long, healthy lives. In this post, we’ll walk you through some common signs of emergencies in senior pets and when it’s time to head to the vet.1. Difficulty Breathing – Difficulty breathing is always a red flag, especially in older pets. Watch for:<ul><li>Rapid or shallow breathing</li><li>Open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)</li><li>Coughing or wheezing These symptoms could indicate heart disease, respiratory infections, or fluid buildup in the lungs—issues that require immediate veterinary attention</li></ul>2. Sudden Collapse or Weakness – A senior pet suddenly collapsing, stumbling, or having trouble standing could be experiencing:<ul><li>Heart issues</li><li>Low blood sugar</li><li>Neurological problems</li><li>Internal bleeding In these cases, it’s important to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">seek emergency care immediately</a> , as the underlying cause could be life-threatening.</li></ul>3. Seizures – Seizures can happen at any age, but in older pets, they may be related to:<ul><li>Brain tumors</li><li>Liver or kidney disease</li><li>Exposure to toxins If your senior pet experiences a seizure, keep them safe and calm, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">contact your veterinarian</a> for emergency assistance.</li></ul>4. Unexplained Weight Loss – Gradual weight loss is common in aging pets, but sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of:<ul><li>Cancer</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Gastrointestinal issues If your senior pet is rapidly losing weight or has a decreased appetite, schedule an urgent vet visit to rule out serious conditions.</li></ul>5. Vomiting and Diarrhea – While occasional vomiting or diarrhea may not be an emergency, frequent or severe episodes in senior pets can lead to dehydration or indicate:<ul><li>Gastrointestinal blockages</li><li>Organ failure</li><li>Infections Monitor your pet for additional signs such as lethargy, pain, or a bloated abdomen. Seek urgent care if symptoms persist or worsen.</li></ul>6. Changes in Urination or Defecation – Senior pets may develop issues with bladder or bowel control, but certain signs indicate an emergency:<ul><li>Straining to urinate or defecate</li><li>Blood in urine or stool</li><li>No urination or defecation for over 24 hours These symptoms can be related to urinary blockages, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal distress—all of which require immediate veterinary care.</li></ul>7. Behavioral Changes – Any sudden behavioral changes in your senior pet, such as confusion, disorientation, or aggression, may indicate underlying health problems, such as:<ul><li>Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans)</li><li>Pain or discomfort from arthritis or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/pet-dentistry-woodstock-ga/">dental disease</a></li><li>Vision or hearing loss If your senior pet seems disoriented or behaves unusually, it’s worth a trip to the vet to identify the cause.</li></ul>8. Severe Pain or Discomfort – Senior pets are often more prone to arthritis and other painful conditions. Signs that your pet is in severe pain include:<ul><li>Whining, whimpering, or vocalizing</li><li>Limping or avoiding movement</li><li>Panting or restlessness If you suspect your senior pet is in significant pain, don’t wait—get them evaluated by a vet as soon as possible.</li></ul>When in Doubt, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">Call Your Vet</a> – It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your senior pet’s health. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above or feel like something is “off,” <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">contact your veterinarian</a> or an emergency clinic right away. Quick action can often make all the difference in managing a serious condition and giving your beloved senior pet the best possible care.

Learn the warning signs of health emergencies in senior pets - from breathing issues to behavioral changes - and when to seek urgent veterinary care to keep your aging companion safe and healthy.



Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

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We love educating our clients! That's why we have curated and shared posts with helpful information regarding pet care.

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Prouldy serving Morehead City since 2000, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

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Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

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