Pet Parent Resources
Educational videos, emergency guides, and downloadable pet safety resources from the Affiliated Vet team. When something feels wrong with your pet, we want you prepared.
Emergency Symptom Guide
Use this guide as a reference — and when in doubt, call us first. A quick call lets us confirm we’re able to see your pet right away and prepare for your arrival. Occasionally our doctors are handling a critical emergency, so calling ahead ensures you’re never left waiting.
Come in immediately for any of the following:
Urgent but not life-threatening — call us first, then come in for same-day urgent care:
Pet First Aid
Check if a foreign object is visible in the mouth — do not try to remove it with fingers or tools. Perform a modified Heimlich: lift your pet by their front legs so they stand on rear legs, place fists under the rib cage from behind, push up sharply 1–3 times. Bring your pet to us immediately even if the object dislodges.
Press a clean, thick gauze over the wound and apply steady hand pressure for 3 full minutes. Check if blood has started to clot. If bleeding has not slowed or stopped, come to Affiliated Vet immediately — severe bleeding can quickly become life-threatening.
Do not attempt to splint or wrap. Gently lay your pet on a flat, firm surface for support. Keep them as calm and still as possible. Carry your pet rather than letting them walk. Come to Affiliated Vet immediately.
Never leave your pet in a car on warm days. Move to a cool area immediately. Place a cool (not ice cold) wet towel around the neck and head — not covering eyes, nose, or mouth. Re-wet every few minutes. You can also run cool water over the abdomen and between the hind legs. Come to Affiliated Vet as soon as possible.
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Affiliated Vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet. Note the substance, how much was ingested, and how long ago. Bring the item or packaging with you. Collect any vomited material in a sealed bag to bring along.
Do not restrain your pet during a seizure — keep them safe from nearby hazards. If your pet becomes too warm (rectal temp above 103°F), apply wet towels to the head avoiding the mouth and nose. Transport to AVES immediately even if the seizure was brief and your pet seems to have recovered.
Keep your pet warm and quiet. Ensure the head remains above the rest of the body during transport, this prevents fluid from entering the lungs. Keep the head and neck extended to keep the airway open. Come directly to Affiliated Vet.
Before You Arrive
How you move your injured pet matters. A few careful steps before and during the drive can prevent additional injury and help us treat your pet faster when you arrive.
A 30-second call to (313) 389-1700 gets you specific transport instructions for your pet's condition and lets us prepare the right team for your arrival.
Injured animals can bite or scratch even if they never have before. Keep your face away. Don't attempt to hug your pet. Any examination should be slow — stop if your pet shows signs of pain.
Use a board, door, sled, firm blanket, or throw rug as a stretcher for larger pets. For small pets, a carrier, box, or any contained area reduces the risk of additional injury during transport.
If your pet can move, allow them to settle into the most comfortable position they can find — forcing a different position may cause additional pain or injury.
Place your pet in the back seat or rear of your vehicle and have another person sit with them if possible. Drive carefully and follow traffic laws — arriving safely matters for both of you.
Downloadable Guides
Downloadable PDF guides on the topics our clients ask about most, from poisoning and toxins to seasonal safety. All approved by our veterinary team. All guides are provided by Affiliated Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care for informational purposes. If you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency, call us immediately at (313) 389-1700 or come directly to 15220 Southfield Road, Allen Park, MI.
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic to dogs and cats — even small amounts can be fatal. Learn the signs, what to do, and how to prevent exposure.
Download GuideChocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous. Learn how much is too much and what symptoms to watch for.
Download GuideMany types of lilies are highly toxic to cats and can cause acute kidney failure. Even small ingestions can be fatal — this is a true veterinary emergency.
Download GuideA comprehensive guide to recognizing and responding to common dog emergencies — from bloat and seizures to breathing problems and trauma.
Download GuideThe holidays are full of hazards for pets — from decorations and plants to food and guests. Our seasonal guide covers everything to keep your pet safe.
Download GuideA deeper look at holiday-specific dangers — including mistletoe, poinsettias, tinsel, alcohol, xylitol in sugar-free treats, and more.
Download GuideSummer is peak season for pet emergencies. This guide covers heatstroke, hot pavement, hydration, and what to do if your pet overheats.
Download GuideEaster pets are often impulse purchases that require specialized care. This guide helps families understand what they’re taking on before and after the holiday.
Download GuideFound an injured wild animal or worried your pet had contact with wildlife? This guide explains the risks, what to do, and when to seek veterinary care.
Download GuideSeasonal Pet Safety
Different seasons bring different dangers. Here’s a quick reference for what to watch out for each time of year.
Heatstroke · Hot pavement burns · Dehydration · BBQ food hazards · Fireworks anxiety · Open water drowning
Halloween candy (xylitol, chocolate) · Wild mushrooms · Antifreeze as temps drop · Rat poison season
Hypothermia · Road salt on paws · Holiday food hazards · Poinsettias & mistletoe · Tinsel ingestion
Lilies (toxic to cats) · Lawn chemicals & fertilizers · Bee stings · Spring allergies · Mulch ingestion
Useful Links
Every link below is curated by the Affiliated Vet team.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
The most important number to save after ours. Available 24/7 for suspected poisoning.
Found injured wildlife? We treat pets only. Contact Howell Nature Center or Friends of Wildlife for Michigan wildlife.
Cherry financing available directly at Affiliated Vet. Ask at the front desk or see our Location page.
Losing a pet is one of the hardest things a family can go through. If you're grieving the loss of your companion, you don't have to do it alone. These resources offer support and guidance through one of life's most difficult moments.
Not every scary moment is an emergency but some things absolutely are. 🐾 Dr. Izer is breaking it down so you know the difference before you need to.
Here’s what we covered:
🔁 Reverse sneezing
Looks terrifying, usually isn’t. Most episodes pass on their own in under a minute. If it’s lasting longer, happening constantly, or your pet seems distressed between episodes, give us a call.
🌿 Lily toxicity in cats
This one is a true emergency. All parts of true lilies (Easter, Tiger, Asiatic) are highly toxic to cats. If your cat had any contact with one, don’t wait. Come in.
🍫 Dog ate chocolate
The answer depends on the type of chocolate, how much, and your dog’s size. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous. When in doubt, call us. We can help you figure out if it’s a “watch at home” or a “come in now.”
🩸 Blood in stool
A small amount with an otherwise normal, happy pet? Worth monitoring. Large amounts, dark/tarry stool, or a pet that’s lethargic or not eating? That’s an ER visit.
🤢 Vomiting once
One episode in an otherwise acting-normal pet is usually okay to watch at home. Repeated vomiting, blood, or a pet that can’t keep water down? Time to come see us.
When in doubt, call. We’d rather talk you through it than have you wonder all night. 💙
#AffiliatedVetPetEducation #EmergencyVet #PetHealth #PetParents #DownriverMichigan
Jul 19
Fireworks are beautiful. For your dog, they can be terrifying and dangerous in ways most people don’t think about. 🎆
Dr. Wright’s biggest concern this time of year isn’t just anxiety. It’s what happens after a scared dog bolts.
🔸 Dogs spooked by fireworks can run and not come back
🔸 The risk of getting hit by a car or getting lost spikes significantly around the 4th
🔸 Fireworks aren’t just one night, they start days before and go days after
Keep your dog inside on any night fireworks are likely.
Even if they’ve never reacted before, the unpredictability of holiday fireworks is different. You know your dog best. Trust that instinct and plan ahead. 🧡
#AffiliatedVetPetEducation #SummerPetSafety #FireworksSafety #DogSafety #4thOfJuly
Jul 3
BBQ season is here and your dog is absolutely paying attention to everything that hits the floor. 🌽
A couple of things Dr. Wright wants you to know before you fire up the grill:
🔸 Grease drippings and high-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis
🔸 Corn on the cob is a sneaky one, dogs swallow them fast and they’re a leading cause of intestinal obstructions
Simple fix: if corn on the cob is on the menu, crate your dog or keep them out of the dining area until everything’s cleaned up.
We’re not here to ruin the cookout. We just what to help prevent an ER visit during your holiday.
Part 2 dropping soon, we’re covering fireworks too!
#AffiliatedVetPetEducation #SummerPetSafety #DogSafety #PetParents #4thOfJuly
Jul 1
