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Facing An Emergency With Your Pet? Get Expert Treatment Locally

Veterinary Emergency Group provides care for all types of pets and allows owners to stay with them through treatment. Sponsored by Veterinary Emergency Group.

SEATTLE — Pets are a key part of the family, so it's important to find the right care for them when faced with an emergency. Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) provides families in Lynnwood, Seattle, Redmond and surrounding neighborhoods with the highest level of emergency care.

"One of the things that sets us apart is we are all open concept," said Dr. Nina Griffin, VEG Lynnwood medical director. "You can walk in with your pet right away, be seen right away and stay with your pet the entire time, whether that be through treatment or diagnostics."

VEG customers don't need to wait and worry in a lobby. Instead, triage begins as soon as they walk in the door, even before filling out paperwork.

"They tend to be more comfortable as well, the pet and the owner," Dr. Griffin said. "Your pet's not taken away to a separate part of the hospital for treatment."

While most pets stay in the open space for treatment, there are five exam rooms as well. Some of those have sleeper couches so owners can stay overnight if needed.

VEG is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even on holidays. The practice sees dogs and cats, as well as small mammals, like hamsters, rabbits and ferrets, birds and reptiles.

"All we do is emergency, and we do it best," Dr. Griffin said. "We have really high-level skilled nurses and team."

VEG also has a focus on education and training for staff, and they specialize in emergency procedures, like surgeries, ultrasounds and endoscopies.

After each visit, VEG will send a full copy of a pet's records to their primary vet, and in many cases, the team will call to keep the primary vet's office updated. VEG has more than 65 hospitals nationwide, including its Lynnwood, Seattle and Redmond locations.

Follow VEG on social media for tips and information on pet emergency tips or visit VEG.Com.

Sponsored by Veterinary Emergency Group.

Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.M. Weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.Com. Contact New Day.    

Meet Maysi! WTAP's Pet Of The Week!

PLEASANTS COUNTY, W.Va. (WTAP) - Meet Maysi! She is this week's Pet of the Week! She is a pit bull terrier mix and is about 1 and a half years old.

Maysi is a very calm dog, she was nervous when she first came to the station, but quickly warmed up to everyone around her.

She is good with other cats and dogs in the family, she is also great with kids.

She is described as friendly, playful, and loyal.

If you would like to learn more about Maysi or learn more about the Pleasants County Humane Society, you can visit there website at https://www.Pleasantscountyhumanesociety.Org/.

Copyright 2024 WTAP. All rights reserved.

8 Things To Consider If Your Pet Has Arthritis

Dr. Connor Ward is a veterinarian at the RAPS Animal Hospital.

Arthritis — the inflammation or swelling of joints — is endemic in older pets. An estimated 80% of older dogs and 90% of older cats have symptoms. This means that almost every pet parent is going to deal with this sad reality at some point.

Dr. Connor Ward, a veterinarian at the RAPS Animal Hospital, recommends eight things to consider when that moment comes — better yet, before it becomes a serious problem. 

Consult your veterinarian. Do not make any decisions about your pet's health, even including over-the-counter supplements, without discussing with a professional. "However," says Ward, "starting early with supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may help support joint health later in life, so address that with your pet's doctor now."

Ask about prescription treatments. "Significant advances have been made in the treatment of arthritis symptoms," he says. Your vet can tell you about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), medications to manage discomfort, and other options. 

Weight management. Excess weight puts stress on joints, making arthritis worse. "Keeping a pet at optimal weight is one of the most effective things we can do to reduce the risk of developing arthritis, or address the problem if it's already present," Ward says. 

Appropriate exercise. Low-impact exercises, like gentle walks and swimming, help joint function and mobility. "Avoid high-impact activities," he says. 

Make home arthritis-friendly. "A comfy bed and a warm environment can ease discomfort," the veterinarian says. "Add no-slip mats on hardwood and use gates to discourage stair-climbing." 

Physical therapy. Therapy or rehabilitation exercises can improve joint function and reduce pain. "Ask your vet for specific exercises," Ward urges. 

Anti-inflammatory diet. "The food we give our pets is critical for every aspect of their health," says Ward. "Anti-inflammatory diets, including omega-3 fatty acids, can go a long way to helping a pet with arthritis." 

Pain management. "Pets can't tell you where it hurts," Ward says. "Arthritis, however, is one of the easier things to recognize because it's often very visible in the way your pet moves." Treating chronic pain and occasional flare-ups is important and a range of medications can help, as well as heat therapy and other non-pharmaceutical approaches. 

"The sad reality is that statistics say almost all family pets will develop arthritis to some degree" Ward says. "Be proactive. Watch for signs. Talk to your veterinarian about preventative and ameliorative care."

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