News & Events Archives

Is it a Pet Emergency?

These "red flag" symptoms may mean that your pet is having a serious health problem Contact Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC) at 207-878-3121 as soon as possible if you notice any of the following: Pale, white, or blue/grey gums, tongue, and skin Struggling to breathe, or seeming to have...

Protecting Your Pet’s Vision

Your pet uses their eyes for everything — spotting a squirrel, finding their favorite toy, and giving you that look that melts you every time. Eye problems can creep up quietly, and pets are good at pushing through discomfort without making it obvious. By the time something is clearly wrong,...

What to Do If You Find a Tick on Your Dog: A Maine Pet Owner’s Guide

Finding a tick on your dog can be startling. Whether you spot one after a hike along a wooded trail, a walk through the neighborhood, or during an evening belly rub on the couch, seeing a tick attached to your dog can bring an instant urge to act. The good...

Keeping Pets Safe Around Water: Essential Summer Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Summer is the perfect season for outdoor adventures—from splashing in the pool to joining you on lakeside or beach trips. But while many pets love water, even the strongest swimmers can face unexpected dangers. Currents, fatigue, accidental falls, and even delayed complications like dry drowning can turn fun into an...

Heatstroke Survival Guide for Pets

What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know to Act Fast and Save a Life When temperatures rise, the risk of heatstroke in pets increases dramatically—and it can become life-threatening in minutes. Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively, making them especially vulnerable during the summer...

Protect Your Pet from Painful Paw Pad Burns This Summer

We’ve all had that moment—stepping onto scorching sand or pavement and instantly wishing we had shoes on. Your pet feels that same discomfort on hot surfaces, and even though paw pads are tough, they are far from indestructible, and sense temperature comparable to our digits. During the hot months with...

Inside Pet Foreign Body Surgery: Steps, Recovery & What to Expect

When your pet ingests something they shouldn’t, things can escalate quickly. From socks and toys to bones or string, foreign objects can cause serious—and sometimes life-threatening—blockages. At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care, we understand how stressful this moment is. Our Emergency and Specialty teams in Maine are here to...

Summer Pet Safety Tips: How to Protect Your Pet from Seasonal Emergencies

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors in Maine with your pets, but warmer temperatures can also increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies. From heatstroke and dehydration to toxin exposure and water-related incidents, pet emergencies are more common during the summer months. At Portland Veterinary...

Understanding Yeast Dermatitis in Dogs: The Itch you Can’t Ignore

We’ve all been there—your dog is curled up at your feet, and suddenly the room starts to smell a little bit funky, or perhaps you’ve noticed your furry friend spending more time than usual licking their paws or scratching at their ears. While we often chalk these things up to...

Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Hope

When you find a new lump on your dog while scratching their ears or giving them a belly rub, it’s only natural for your heart to sink a little. While we often associate lumps with "old age," some of these masses require a closer look. One of the most common...