Many dogs consider anything that looks or smells enticing to be a tasty treat. As emergency veterinarians, we have found that in some dogs, practically everything is on the menu. Whether motivated by curiosity, hunger or an insatiable need to chew, some dogs manage to swallow some bizarre things. Dogs explore their world by mouthing, tasting, and chewing and as a result, sometimes they swallow objects that get them into trouble. If an inedible object is small enough and somewhat round, it will often pass through the pet’s system. Other items require surgical intervention to be removed from the body. These six canines have taken the art of eating to a whole new level.

If you have a feline pet, then you have probably had a cat-astrophy or two somewhere along the way. Let’s face it, cats like to snoop around and often get into things that they shouldn’t. Here are four common issues that can help you recognize an emergency situation when it occurs.

Fleas are blood sucking parasites and with a large infestation on your pet, can cause anemia. Sometimes, this anemia is so severe, your pet needs a blood transfusion and in some cases, your pet may die! A misconception about this is that it only occurs in puppies or kittens. While they are the majority affected because of their small size and decreased iron storage, adult dogs and cats can also suffer from this often overlooked cause of anemia.

Dogs and cats sometimes need blood products. What you need to know about this process; ask your vet if your pets can become donors!

Do you know what to do when your pet needs CPR?

Pancreatitis in cats (and dogs) can become severe quickly. The best course of action is veterinary intervention so that your pet receives the support needed. If your cat stops eating, begins vomiting and/or having bloody diarrhea, have them evaluated by a veterinarian. Your vet will determine the feeding schedule needed to protect the pancreas while still getting vital nutrition to your cat.

Liilies are extremely toxic to cats. The entire plant can be deadly and your cat ingesting only a small amount of the plant (including the pollen) creates a medical emergency.