Metro Animal Emergency Clinic

Directions Website

Metro Animal Emergency Clinic Open 24/7
Centrally located in Dartmouth's Burnside Industrial Park.

A canine patient came to see us after getting into something they definitely shouldn’t have — a cat harness and leash! R...
09/30/2026

A canine patient came to see us after getting into something they definitely shouldn’t have — a cat harness and leash!

Rather than immediately heading to surgery, our team performed an endoscopy to see if we could safely retrieve the foreign material from the stomach.

🔎 What is an endoscopy?
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where a flexible camera is passed through the mouth and into the stomach. It allows our veterinary team to visualize and retrieve foreign objects without making an incision into the abdomen.

And in this case… we were successful! 🎉

Our team was able to retrieve the entire cat harness and leash — which, when laid out, measured an incredible 17 FEET LONG! 🤯

💡 Why is endoscopy beneficial?
When appropriate, endoscopy can sometimes allow us to remove foreign objects without abdominal surgery, potentially avoiding procedures such as a gastrotomy (incision into the stomach) or enterotomy (incision into the intestine). This can mean less surgical trauma, smaller or no abdominal incisions, and potentially a quicker recovery.

Of course, not every foreign object can be removed with an endoscope. The location, size, shape, material, and how long the object has been present all play a role in determining the safest treatment option. Sometimes surgery is still necessary — especially if there is an obstruction, intestinal damage, or perforation.

Thankfully, this pup’s 17-foot adventure ended with a successful retrieval and no abdominal surgery required.

A great reminder that our curious companions can turn just about anything into a snack — so keep an eye on those leashes, harnesses, toys, socks, and other tempting objects!

As national su***de prevention month comes to an end, we want to share another reminder to please be kind to your veteri...
09/28/2026

As national su***de prevention month comes to an end, we want to share another reminder to please be kind to your veterinary staff. We are all here for the same reasons; to help your pet feel their best. We are humans and have feelings too💗

Sweet Bentley recently came to visit us after a potential exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). While he was tha...
09/26/2026

Sweet Bentley recently came to visit us after a potential exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). While he was thankfully able to receive veterinary attention, his visit is an important reminder that our lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water can pose a serious risk to our pets.

💧 What makes blue-green algae so dangerous?
Certain cyanobacteria produce powerful toxins that can affect the nervous system and liver. Unfortunately, you cannot reliably tell whether an algae bloom is toxic just by looking at it, so any suspected blue-green algae should be treated as potentially dangerous.

🚨 Signs of exposure can develop very quickly and may include:
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or collapse
• Muscle tremors or rigidity
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Yellowing of the gums, skin, or eyes
• Abnormal bleeding
• Paralysis
• In severe cases, death can occur within hours

🩺 What happens if a pet is exposed?
There is no specific antidote for cyanobacteria poisoning, which is why rapid veterinary care is so important. Treatment focuses on immediate decontamination when appropriate, along with aggressive supportive and symptomatic care based on the toxins and clinical signs involved.

If your pet has been swimming in or drinking from water that may contain blue-green algae:

✨ Remove them from the water immediately.
✨ Rinse their coat thoroughly with clean, fresh water and rinse their mouth if possible.
✨ Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

Most importantly, when in doubt, stay out! Avoid water that looks discoloured, has a green/blue-green film or mat, or has posted algae warnings. Remember that a dog can also be exposed simply by licking contaminated water from their coat after swimming.

We were happy to see Bentley, and even happier to see him go home to his family 💗

When your pet comes into an emergency clinic, we know they may already be scared, stressed, or uncomfortable. While emer...
09/24/2026

When your pet comes into an emergency clinic, we know they may already be scared, stressed, or uncomfortable. While emergency medicine sometimes means we need to move quickly, we always do our best to make their experience as calm, gentle, and positive as possible.

✨ Sometimes that means sedation. For particularly nervous or fearful pets, gentle sedation may be the kindest option when bloodwork, X-rays, or other diagnostics are needed. It can reduce fear and stress while allowing our team to safely provide the care they need.

🌿 For our feline patients, we use Feliway pheromone sprays in our cat wards to help create a more comforting environment and reduce stress.

✨And sometimes, a few tasty treats go a long way! Treats can provide a positive distraction during things like blood draws and help our patients build a more positive association with their visit.

Just look at sweet Frank showing us how it’s done, enjoying a lick-it treat while blood was being taken! With the help of staff members Sam, Courtney, and Ashley, Frank was able to focus on the important things in life… treats!

Fear-free handling doesn’t mean every visit will be completely stress-free, especially in an emergency—but every little effort matters. From the way we approach a patient, to using calming pheromones, providing treats, or choosing sedation when appropriate, our goal is always the same: Less fear. More comfort. Better care. 💗

09/23/2026

Here’s a great educational video about GDV (bloat) and its signs and symptoms 😊

Today, we’re talking about something that plays a BIG role in our pets’ overall health — their gut! 🦠The gastrointestina...
09/21/2026

Today, we’re talking about something that plays a BIG role in our pets’ overall health — their gut! 🦠

The gastrointestinal tract is home to trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome, which can influence digestion, nutrient absorption and overall wellbeing.

✨ANTIBIOTICS & THE GUT

Antibiotics are incredibly important medications, but they can also affect the beneficial bacteria living in the gut. This is one reason veterinary professionals are becoming increasingly thoughtful about antibiotic usage — using antibiotics when they are truly necessary, at the appropriate dose and for the appropriate duration.

Antibiotics don’t treat viruses or every cause of vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or other common symptoms. Avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use helps preserve these important medications for situations where they are genuinely needed and helps reduce the development of antibiotic resistance. 💊

🌿 HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT YOUR PET’S GUT HEALTH?

✨ Feed a complete and balanced diet
✨ Make food changes gradually rather than suddenly
✨ Avoid excessive table scraps and high-fat treats
✨ Provide access to fresh, clean water
✨ Keep your pet at a healthy weight
✨ Ask your veterinary team whether a probiotic or other gut-support product is appropriate
✨ Don’t give antibiotics unless they have been prescribed by your veterinarian
✨ Keep up with routine wellness and preventative care
✨ If your pet has ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, have them assessed rather than repeatedly treating symptoms at home

A healthy gut is an important part of a healthy pet!

If your furry friend is experiencing chronic digestive problems, changes in stool, vomiting, appetite changes or weight loss, talk to your veterinary team. We can help determine what may be going on and whether your pet actually needs medication — including antibiotics.

September is Pet Insurance Awareness Month — and it’s a great time to think about how we can prepare for the unexpected ...
09/19/2026

September is Pet Insurance Awareness Month — and it’s a great time to think about how we can prepare for the unexpected when it comes to our pets. ❤️

Our pets are family, and unfortunately, accidents and illnesses don’t always happen when we expect them. From unexpected injuries and foreign bodies to chronic illnesses and emergency surgeries, veterinary care can become costly very quickly.

❓Why consider pet insurance?
🐾 Helps reduce the financial stress of unexpected veterinary expenses
🐾 Allows you to focus on your pet’s care rather than the cost of treatment
🐾 Can provide coverage for accidents, illnesses, diagnostics, medications and more, depending on your policy
🐾 Gives you peace of mind knowing you have a plan in place before an emergency happens

‼️ A few things to remember: Every insurance company and policy is different. Coverage, deductibles, reimbursement rates, exclusions and waiting periods can vary, so be sure to read the fine print and choose a plan that works for you and your pet.

✨ Being aware of your options ahead of time can help you feel more prepared if your pet ever needs unexpected care. Pet insurance is a personal choice, and learning about how different plans work can help you decide whether it may be right for your family!

Meet Rocco, an adorable 8-week-old puppy who recently came to see us after deciding that a mushroom growing in the yard ...
09/17/2026

Meet Rocco, an adorable 8-week-old puppy who recently came to see us after deciding that a mushroom growing in the yard looked like the perfect snack!

Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore the world with their mouths—which unfortunately means they can sometimes eat things they really shouldn’t.

🍄 Mushrooms can be toxic to dogs, and because it can be difficult to identify a mushroom just by looking at it, any mushroom ingestion should be taken seriously. Depending on the type, mushroom toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors, seizures, changes in heart rate, liver failure, and other serious complications.

Thankfully, sweet Rocco remained completely asymptomatic and recovered beautifully! He was lucky this time, but his adventure is a great reminder to keep a watchful eye on curious puppies.

🐶 Puppy-proofing tips:
• Regularly check your yard for mushrooms and remove them promptly.
• Keep an eye on puppies when they’re outside.
• Remember that puppies may eat anything—from mushrooms and plants to rocks, toys, socks, and more

✨ If you suspect your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear.

Harriet came to see us after her family noticed coughing and retching at home. After examination and diagnostics, Harrie...
09/15/2026

Harriet came to see us after her family noticed coughing and retching at home. After examination and diagnostics, Harriet was diagnosed with kennel cough/pneumonia.

Harriet stayed with our team for some much-needed antibiotics, supportive care, and plenty of TLC while we monitored her closely. Thankfully, she responded wonderfully to treatment and, after a short stay with us, Harriet was feeling so much better and was ready to head home!

Remember, persistent coughing, retching, lethargy, decreased appetite, or difficulty breathing should always be taken seriously. If your pet isn’t feeling like themselves, our team is here to help.

Get well soon, Harriet! 💕

Sweet Goose came to see us after developing vomiting and diarrhea at home. With gastrointestinal upset, there can be man...
09/12/2026

Sweet Goose came to see us after developing vomiting and diarrhea at home. With gastrointestinal upset, there can be many possible causes, so our team performed a thorough assessment and diagnostics to get to the bottom of what was making Goose feel so unwell.

Goose was ultimately diagnosed with pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. This can cause significant gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal discomfort.

With supportive care, close monitoring, and lots of TLC from our veterinary team, Goose was able to receive the care needed to get back on the road to recovery ❤️‍🩹

✨ Signs of pancreatitis can include:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased or no appetite
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Dehydration

If your pet develops persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially when accompanied by lethargy, pain, or a loss of appetite, it’s important to have them assessed by your veterinarian.

We’re so happy to see Goose feeling better! 💕

Address

201 Brownlow Avenue, Unit 32
Dartmouth, NS
B3B1W2

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Metro Animal Emergency Clinic posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category