Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center of Northern Arizona

08/20/2026

🌼🐜 Pets and gardens go together like bees and honey, but watch out for potential toxins from wildlife!

👀 Insects, amphibians, and wild reptiles can have natural toxins that are harmful to pets.

🕷️ Bees and wasps are common garden visitors that can cause pain and even an allergic reaction in some pets. If your pet’s face starts to swell after a bee sting, take them to the vet for prompt treatment.

💉 Keep your pets safe while enjoying nature by being vigilant and informed.🌳

08/19/2026

A pet who walked fine this morning and cannot stand tonight has a break somewhere in the chain that moves the body: nerves, muscles, or blood sugar and potassium. Tick paralysis, snakebite, and spinal disease can look alike at home. Our latest post walks through the signs and the testing that sorts them out.

A dog or cat who suddenly cannot stand or walk normally usually has a breakdown somewhere along the chain that moves the body: the nerves, the muscles, the junction where the two meet, or something in the bloodstream, like low potassium or low blood sugar, that keeps the chain from firing. The possi...

08/18/2026

🚨🐶 Keep your pets safe from rabies! 🐱🚨

Rabies is a viral disease that can be deadly for both pets and humans. It's transmitted through bites from infected animals like bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. The virus attacks the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe symptoms such as aggression, excessive drooling, and seizures. Sadly, there's no cure for rabies, and it's almost always fatal once signs appear.

Protect your pet from rabies by keeping them up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. Don't forget to keep your distance from wild animals, and always supervise your pet when outside. If you're concerned about rabies or need to schedule a vaccine appointment, give us a call at to speak with a veterinarian.

08/11/2026

Is your pet's dental health a priority? At , we're raising awareness about the importance of proper dental care for your furry friend. With regular checkups and cleanings, we can help prevent dental disease and keep your pet healthy! Call us, today, to book a dental check-up for your pet!

08/06/2026

Frequent trips to the litter box and a little pink in the urine usually mean a prompt appointment, not a midnight drive. What changes the math is straining that produces almost nothing, especially in male cats. Our latest post walks through which urinary signs can wait and which ones mean going in now.

The line between a urinary problem that can wait for a regular appointment and one that belongs in an emergency hospital is drawn at one place: straining that produces little or no urine. A urinary tract infection typically produces frequent small urinations, extra licking, accidents from a house-tr...

08/06/2026

If your pet’s trigger is something you cannot change, such as a loud thunderstorm, fireworks, or construction noise, try to create a positive association with the trigger. You can do this by offering your pet treats or playing a favorite game during the trigger event to distract and calm them. Over time, your pet may begin to associate the trigger with positive experiences and be less likely to bark.

Another strategy is to desensitize your pet to the trigger. This involves gradually exposing your pet to the trigger at a low level and rewarding calm behavior. For example, if your dog barks at passing cars, you could start by exposing them to a parked car at a distance and reward calm behavior, then gradually move closer to passing cars. This can be a slow process, but with consistency and patience, your pet can learn to remain calm in the presence of the trigger.

Finally, it’s important to ensure that your pet is getting enough physical and mental stimulation. Boredom and excess energy can lead to excessive barking. Make sure your pet is getting enough exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation such as puzzle toys or training exercises. A tired and happy pet is less likely to bark excessively.

08/04/2026

🐾👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Your pet is not just a beloved companion, but a part of your family. It's important to protect them from diseases like rabies. This deadly disease has no cure and can be transmitted to humans through a bite or saliva contact.

😔 Signs in humans include fever, headache, and difficulty swallowing. Prevent the spread of rabies by vaccinating your pet. 💉🐕🐈

📞Call 928-779-5522 to consult with a Veterinarian and find out how to protect your pet and your family! 🙌

07/30/2026

Has your pet been exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, such as bad breath or swollen gums? It's important to take action before the condition progresses. Call us, today, to schedule a check up for your pet!

07/28/2026

🐾 Is your pet at a healthy weight? The body condition score chart is a more accurate tool than just looking at the number on the scale. Keep these points in mind when evaluating your pet's body condition:

😽🐶 You should be able to feel their ribs under a slight fat covering.
😽🐶 Your pet should have a visible waistline when viewed from above.
😽🐶 Your pet should have an abdominal tuck.
😽🐶 If you can see your pet’s ribs and spine, they are too thin.
😽🐶 On the other hand, if your pet has no discernible waistline and their belly sags, they’re too heavy.

Consult with our team at Northern AZ Vet Emergency & Specialty to ensure your pet is at a healthy weight.

07/25/2026

Your pet collapses out of nowhere, then seems perfectly fine a few minutes later. That quick recovery is exactly why fainting spells get shrugged off, but syncope often traces back to the heart. Our latest post breaks down cardiac vs. non-cardiac causes and what to do at home when your pet faints.

A fainting episode in a dog or cat, called syncope, is an abrupt loss of consciousness that most often traces back to the heart briefly failing to move enough blood to the brain, though non-cardiac triggers like low blood sugar, low blood pressure, or a coughing spell can produce the same collapse.....