Our OVERVIEW Karen Shoelson

The 4th of July is a time for celebration with cookouts, patriotic displays, and fireworks lighting up the sky. For many pets, however, this holiday is not a festive occasion but a source of intense anxiety and fear. Whether it is a large public show or backyard fireworks in the neighborhood, sudden loud noises can trigger pet anxiety, making pets feel overwhelmed and unsafe.

Understanding how noise impacts animals, recognizing the signs of distress, and creating a calm space are essential steps toward helping your pet feel secure during the holiday. This guide offers practical tips and guidance on when to seek support from your veterinary team.

Why Pets React to Fireworks and Loud Sounds

Animals experience the world through heightened senses. Sudden, loud noises, especially when paired with bright flashes and unfamiliar vibrations, can easily trigger a fear response. This reaction is common in both dogs and cats and often intensifies with age or past experiences.

Fireworks are especially stressful because of their unpredictable nature. Unlike thunder or construction noise, fireworks do not follow a pattern, making it harder for pets to adapt or recover once startled.

Signs of Noise-Triggered Anxiety in Dogs and Cats

Each pet expresses stress differently, but common behaviors associated with pet anxiety during fireworks include:

• Hiding under furniture or in closets
• Shaking or trembling
• Excessive vocalization (whining, barking, or yowling)
• Panting or drooling
• Destructive behavior
• Attempts to escape or flee
• Loss of appetite or refusal to play
• Urination or defecation indoors (in previously trained pets)

In cats, signs of cat stress may also include dilated pupils, flattened ears, increased aggression, or avoidance behaviors.

Proactive Ways to Reduce Noise Anxiety

Preparing before the fireworks begin is key. These steps can help your pet stay calm and feel supported during loud celebrations:

1. Create a Safe Space

Set up a quiet room with dim lighting and your pet’s favorite bed or blanket. Close windows, draw curtains, and use a fan or white noise machine to soften outdoor sounds.

2. Offer Comfort, but Let Your Pet Lead

Some pets seek out closeness, while others prefer to be alone. Let your pet choose. Remain calm and speak gently. Your presence alone may be reassuring.

3. Play Calming Music or Background Noise

Soothing instrumental music or low-volume television can provide a comforting backdrop that helps mask sudden bursts of noise.

4. Maintain a Routine

Keep daily routines intact, including feeding times and walks. Routine provides a sense of stability that helps reduce anxiety.

5. Avoid Punishment

Never scold a pet for anxious behavior. Fear responses are involuntary. Use calm, gentle reinforcement and give them space as needed.

6. Use Calming Products

Pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or veterinarian-recommended supplements may help reduce nervous behaviors. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new products.

7. Secure the Environment

Make sure all doors, gates, and windows are closed and secure. Even well-trained pets may bolt if startled by fireworks.

When Medical Support May Be Appropriate

If your pet shows extreme distress or does not calm down despite your efforts, veterinary intervention may be necessary. Anti-anxiety medications or sedatives can provide relief during high-stress events like the 4th of July.

Some pets may benefit from a long-term anxiety management plan that includes behavior modification, desensitization, and nutritional support.

If your pet experiences severe stress after hours, PVESC’s 24/7 Emergency Room is available to provide support for urgent needs.

Give Your Pet the Calm They Deserve This 4th of July

The 4th of July should be memorable for the right reasons, not because your pet experienced distress. By preparing your home, understanding your pet’s needs, and taking proactive steps to manage pet anxiety from fireworks, you can help your companion feel safe, secure, and supported throughout the holiday.

While general stress and anxiety should be discussed with your primary care veterinarian, if your pet experiences a true emergency—such as injury, extreme distress, or unmanageable symptoms—our team at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care is available 24/7 to provide urgent support with compassion and care.

Seeing your dog vomit or retch white foam can be alarming. Understanding the reasons why dogs vomit white foam and knowing when to seek veterinary care can help you act quickly and confidently.

In this blog, we explain common causes, offer advice on what to watch for, and outline when it is time to contact a veterinary professional.

What Does It Mean?

White foam is often made up of saliva and gastric juices. When a dog vomits this material, it usually appears as frothy or bubbly fluid. This type of vomit typically comes from the stomach or upper digestive tract and may occur with or without food. Occasionally, the white foam produced can also be from respiratory secretions and may actually be occurring due to coughing. 

Common Causes 

There are several possible reasons why a dog might vomit white foam. These include both minor and serious health conditions:

1. Empty Stomach or Bile Irritation

When a dog’s stomach is empty, bile can accumulate and irritate the lining, leading to vomiting. This is called bilious vomiting syndrome, and it often occurs in the morning or late at night. 

2. Indigestion or Dietary Upset

Eating something unusual, foreign, spoiled, or too rich can upset a dog’s stomach. White foam or bile may appear if the dog has already emptied their stomach of food.

3. Gastrointestinal Inflammation

Conditions such as gastritis or gastroenteritis may cause vomiting, including white foam. Inflammation of the stomach or intestines can stem from infections, parasites,adverse drug events, toxicities, dietary indiscretion, or with chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

4. Kennel Cough or Respiratory Irritation

Kennel cough and similar respiratory conditions can cause dogs to cough up white froth. This can sometimes be mistaken for vomiting. Look for additional symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, increased respiratory effort, or lethargy.

5. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by eating fatty or inappropriate foods. It can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Dogs with pancreatitis may throw up white foam. 

6. Toxin Exposure

If a dog ingests something toxic, such as household cleaners, plants, or human medications, it may vomit white foam. This requires immediate medical attention.

7. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Bloat is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas. Early symptoms can include retching without producing vomit, excessive drooling, and production of white foam. This is a veterinary emergency.

When to Call a Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency care provider if your dog:

• Vomits more than once within 24 hours
• Is lethargic or unresponsive
• Refuses food or water
• Has a swollen or hard abdomen or is retching in a non-productive manner repeatedly
• Shows signs of pain or distress
• Vomiting of blood 
• Has known exposure to toxins or foreign objects

If your dog is throwing up white foam and exhibits any of these warning signs, do not wait to seek help. Timely care can prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.

Know When to Visit an Emergency Vet

It can be difficult to determine whether vomiting is mild or a sign of something serious. If your dog continues to vomit, appears distressed, or shows any signs of worsening symptoms, contact an emergency vet. Diagnostic tests such as blood work or imaging may be necessary to identify the cause and guide treatment.

Peace of Mind Through Professional Care

Your dog’s health is important, and understanding why a dog may vomit white foam helps you respond with care and confidence. Whether it is a minor upset or an indication of something more serious, knowing what to look for empowers you to protect your companion’s well-being.

If you have concerns about vomiting, digestive issues, or potential emergencies, reach out to your veterinary team. At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, we are here to provide expert support and advanced care when your pet needs it most.

Learn more about our 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care services here.

Hiking with your dog in Maine’s forests and coastal trails can be one of the most fun summer experiences. But along the way, dogs are known for sniffing, licking, and sometimes swallowing things they should not, whether it is a plant, mushroom, or piece of discarded food. If your dog ate something unknown during a hike, quick thinking and prompt action can protect their health and even save their life.

This guide outlines what to do if your dog ingests a questionable item outdoors, what details to collect, and when to seek help from your veterinary team.

Common Hazards Dogs May Ingest on Trails

While Maine’s natural beauty draws outdoor enthusiasts year-round, wooded and coastal hiking trails can hide serious risks for pets. Here are some of the most common ingestion dangers:

• Wild mushrooms, which may be toxic or hallucinogenic

• Berries and plants, such as foxglove, lily of the valley, or nightshade

• Insecticides or rodent bait, especially near campsites or parking areas

• Trash or discarded food, including bones or wrappers

• Animal feces or carcasses, which may carry parasites or harmful bacteria

Certain wild mushrooms and plants are especially toxic and can lead to mushroom poisoning in dogs, with symptoms appearing within hours of ingestion.

Signs Your Dog May Have Ingested Something Harmful

Symptoms of toxic ingestion vary based on the substance, but common warning signs include:

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Drooling or foaming at the mouth

• Lethargy or weakness

• Disorientation or trembling

• Seizures

• Pale gums

• Abdominal pain or bloating

If you notice these symptoms or even suspect your dog swallowed something unknown, it is important to act quickly. Delaying treatment can allow toxins to spread and reduce the chances of recovery.

What to Do Immediately if Your Dog Eats Something Unknown

When you are out on a trail or away from home, time and information become critical. Follow these steps to respond effectively:

1. Stay Calm and Prevent Further Ingestion

Gently move your dog away from the area and do not allow them to return to the item. Try to keep them still and calm while you assess the situation.

2. Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Advice

Some substances can cause more harm if vomited. Always call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic for guidance before taking action.

3. Document What Was Ingested

If possible, take photos of the plant, mushroom, wrapper, or item your dog may have eaten. Note the location, time, and any changes in behavior.

4. Save a Sample

If safe to do so, collect a sample of the suspected item. Use a plastic bag or container to store it. This can help veterinary teams identify the substance faster.

5. Call a Veterinary Professional Immediately

Even if symptoms have not started, report the incident to your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital. Share all the information and photos you gathered.

Why Swift Action Matters

Toxic substances can be absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, making early treatment essential. In many cases, success depends on acting before the toxin has fully taken effect.

Some poisons, such as certain mushrooms, may appear harmless at first and then cause liver failure hours later. In these cases, supportive care, blood work, and specialized medications may be required to prevent long-term damage.

If you are unsure whether your pet is in danger, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult a professional.

Learn more about our 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care services here..

Back on the Trail with Peace of Mind

Exploring Maine’s trails with your dog is one of summer’s greatest joys, but safety should never take a back seat. If your dog ate something unknown, taking the right steps early can make all the difference. From poisonous plants to foreign objects, understanding what to watch for and when to act helps protect your pet from preventable harm.

At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, our internal medicine specialists and emergency care team are ready to provide fast, expert support. Whether you are navigating a potential pet emergency or seeking answers about toxic exposure, we are here to help every step of the way.

Noticing your dog or cat having a sudden episode of tremors, paddling, or unresponsiveness can be terrifying. Seizures are a neurological emergency that requires prompt attention to protect your pet’s safety and health.

This blog will help you learn what causes seizures. You will also learn how to recognize different seizure patterns.

Finally, it will explain what steps to take right away. You will learn when to seek help from professionals like our emergency neurology specialists at Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care.

Why Pets Experience Seizures

Seizures occur when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can stem from inherited conditions, metabolic disturbances, infections, toxins, inflammatory diseases, or structural brain lesions. Young pets may be more likely to have epilepsy, while older animals may be more prone to tumors. Identifying the underlying trigger is essential to guide effective treatment and long-term management.

Recognizing Different Seizure Types

Seizures present in varied ways. You may witness:

• Generalized seizures with full-body convulsions and loss of consciousness
• Focal seizures that may manifest as twitching, facial movements, altered mentation, or other localized behaviors. Complete loss of consciousness may not be noted.

Immediate First Aid for a Seizing Pet

While you arrange transport to an emergency facility, ensure safety without attempting to restrain your pet’s mouth or limbs. Do the following:

1. Move objects away to prevent injury.
2. Cushion your pet’s head with a soft towel.
3. Time the seizure and note its duration.
4. Contact a veterinary professional.

Why Emergency Neurology Care Is Critical

Seizures that last more than five minutes or happen in clusters within 24 hours can cause permanent brain damage. Our 24/7 emergency team can provide initial diagnostics and stabilization, and they are trained in initiating anticonvulsant therapy and continuous monitoring. Our neurology specialists can provide advanced tests like MRI or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. They also offer long-term medical care. 

Supporting Long-Term Management

Once stabilized, many patients benefit from ongoing treatment with anticonvulsant medications, other treatments targeting the underlying cause of the seizure disorder, and regular checkups. Our neurology specialists will work with you and your primary veterinarian. They will create a plan that reduces side effects and improves quality of life. Discover how our neurologists can partner in your pet’s ongoing neurological health.

When to Contact an Emergency Vet

If you see a seizure or think your pet might have had one, our emergency neurology team is here to help 24/7. 

Learn more about our 24/7 Emergency services here.