Summer’s here at last! From beach time to summer hikes, there’s a lot to do outdoors—and a lot of potential pet hazards for pet families to avoid. Got a pressing question that can’t wait for the veterinarian to open? Our VetHelpline® can help answer those questions.
VetHelpline is staffed by experienced pet health experts, and it's available 24/7 to Nationwide pet insurance members.
My dog, Boba, has developed serious anxiety during thunderstorms and fireworks. We’ve tried several calming supplements from the pet store, but none of them have worked. Any tips?
VetHelpline advice:
Timing is super important for administering anti-anxiety medications. Supplements can be helpful in mild cases, but severe anxiety often requires medical intervention. Most treatments require hours to days in advance administration, as it’s often difficult to get an animal to calm down once they become anxious. In addition to over-the-counter herbal options, your veterinarian may also suggest prescription options.
Distractions and play can help ease the stress of fireworks and summer storms. Your veterinarian may recommend offering hidden-treat toys, playing relaxing music, white noise, or turning on the television to mask some of the noise, or introducing an anti-stress vest to help calm anxious pets. Provide Boba with a safe area such as a crate or small room to rest during loud displays.
Also, remember that THC products of any kind are not safe for pets, while CBD products can be safe. We recommend discussing healthy options with your veterinarian to determine the best and safest choice for Boba.
We’re concerned that our dog Walter ingested too much sand and salt water while at the beach yesterday. He vomited a small amount in the middle of the night, then this morning had a loose stool and was straining. His stomach was also slightly bloated and he vomited a large amount of liquid with some sand and grass.
We’re on vacation and we aren’t familiar with the area, but should we take Walter to the emergency veterinarian?
VetHelpline advice:
We recommended immediate evaluation for Walter at a local veterinary practice. From what you’ve described, there’s the risk for a potentially dangerous foreign body obstruction due to too much ingested sand. We also recommend not feeding Walter until directed by a veterinarian.
At the veterinarian, Walter will likely be given diagnostics like X-rays or lab work, to determine the risk from his ingestion and may receive prescription medication to soothe his stomach. Additional treatments based on his symptoms may be required.
We took our dog Bella on a hike yesterday morning around noon. It was on the warm side—around 85 degrees—and despite giving her water, she started excessively panting. Then, she was unable to stand up. We poured water onto her body, and soon Bella recovered enough to be transported home.
This morning Bella was not herself—she’s lethargic, not eating or drinking and her urine is very dark in color. What should we do?
VetHelpline advice:
Due to the severity of the symptoms described, we recommend immediate veterinary evaluation for treatment at a veterinary hospital. Dogs are highly susceptible to heat-related illness at even moderate temperatures, and Bella appears to be experiencing several symptoms of heat-related illness. Other signs may include vomiting/diarrhea, excessive thirst, and seizures.
Pets’ names have been changed. VetHelpline is not a substitute for a visit to your primary veterinarian.
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet