New clients welcome! Limited time free first wellness exam (terms apply) - Book Today!



August is National Immunization Awareness Month - don't forget that routine lab work is just as vital! Early testing helps detect hidden issues, keeping your pet healthier, longer.

What You Can't See Can Hurt Them: The Importance of Preventative Lab Work

As summer heats up, so does the risk of dehydration in pets. Dogs and cats, just like humans, need proper hydration to stay healthy, especially in the scorching days of July. Whether heading out for a beach day or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, keeping your furry friends cool, hydrated, and safe is crucial. In this post, we'll explore the signs of dehydration, tips for keeping your pets hydrated, and how your veterinary clinic can help.

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to educate pet owners about this prevalent tick-borne illness. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease for pets and humans.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Keep Your Pet Tick-Free

December is Shelter Pet Month - a great time to adopt and get expert support from our clinic for your new furry friend!


Essential Tips for New Pet Adopters: Celebrate Shelter Pet Month This December

Starting the year with a new puppy or kitten? This guide covers everything new pet parents need to know - from vet visits and nutrition to training and safety - so you and your furry friend can thrive together.



First Steps for New Pet Parents: Caring for Your Puppy or Kitten in the New Year

Acequia Animal Hospital

about-us-page

embedded-reviews-section

our-history-section

our-teams-section

Acequia Animal Hospital is proud to announce our award for Best of the City award!



why-us-section

app-download-page

download-app-section

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

Acequia Animal Hospital has earned a reputation for exceptional care in beautiful Albuquerque, NM. We are recognized for our compassionate treatment and unwavering dedication to our loyal clientele. Our team provides an uplifting environment where your pet's well-being is our highest priority.

amrv-career-about-section

amrv-career-section

amrv-contact-section

amrv-job-section

forms-page

form-section

landing-page

amrv-about-us-section

contact-us-section

cta-bar

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

nav-cta-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

Acequia Animal Hospital is proud to announce our award for Best of the City award!


news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-2

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

As our pets age, their needs change, and they may become more prone to health issues. For senior pets, knowing when to seek urgent or emergency care is vital to ensuring they live long, healthy lives. In this post, we’ll walk you through some common signs of emergencies in senior pets and when it’s time to head to the vet.1. Difficulty Breathing – Difficulty breathing is always a red flag, especially in older pets. Watch for:<ul><li>Rapid or shallow breathing</li><li>Open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)</li><li>Coughing or wheezing These symptoms could indicate heart disease, respiratory infections, or fluid buildup in the lungs—issues that require immediate veterinary attention</li></ul>2. Sudden Collapse or Weakness – A senior pet suddenly collapsing, stumbling, or having trouble standing could be experiencing:<ul><li>Heart issues</li><li>Low blood sugar</li><li>Neurological problems</li><li>Internal bleeding In these cases, it’s important to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">seek emergency care immediately</a> , as the underlying cause could be life-threatening.</li></ul>3. Seizures – Seizures can happen at any age, but in older pets, they may be related to:<ul><li>Brain tumors</li><li>Liver or kidney disease</li><li>Exposure to toxins If your senior pet experiences a seizure, keep them safe and calm, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">contact your veterinarian</a> for emergency assistance.</li></ul>4. Unexplained Weight Loss – Gradual weight loss is common in aging pets, but sudden, unexplained weight loss can be a sign of:<ul><li>Cancer</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Gastrointestinal issues If your senior pet is rapidly losing weight or has a decreased appetite, schedule an urgent vet visit to rule out serious conditions.</li></ul>5. Vomiting and Diarrhea – While occasional vomiting or diarrhea may not be an emergency, frequent or severe episodes in senior pets can lead to dehydration or indicate:<ul><li>Gastrointestinal blockages</li><li>Organ failure</li><li>Infections Monitor your pet for additional signs such as lethargy, pain, or a bloated abdomen. Seek urgent care if symptoms persist or worsen.</li></ul>6. Changes in Urination or Defecation – Senior pets may develop issues with bladder or bowel control, but certain signs indicate an emergency:<ul><li>Straining to urinate or defecate</li><li>Blood in urine or stool</li><li>No urination or defecation for over 24 hours These symptoms can be related to urinary blockages, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal distress—all of which require immediate veterinary care.</li></ul>7. Behavioral Changes – Any sudden behavioral changes in your senior pet, such as confusion, disorientation, or aggression, may indicate underlying health problems, such as:<ul><li>Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to Alzheimer’s in humans)</li><li>Pain or discomfort from arthritis or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/pet-dentistry-woodstock-ga/">dental disease</a></li><li>Vision or hearing loss If your senior pet seems disoriented or behaves unusually, it’s worth a trip to the vet to identify the cause.</li></ul>8. Severe Pain or Discomfort – Senior pets are often more prone to arthritis and other painful conditions. Signs that your pet is in severe pain include:<ul><li>Whining, whimpering, or vocalizing</li><li>Limping or avoiding movement</li><li>Panting or restlessness If you suspect your senior pet is in significant pain, don’t wait—get them evaluated by a vet as soon as possible.</li></ul>When in Doubt, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">Call Your Vet</a> – It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your senior pet’s health. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above or feel like something is “off,” <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/contact/">contact your veterinarian</a> or an emergency clinic right away. Quick action can often make all the difference in managing a serious condition and giving your beloved senior pet the best possible care.

Learn the warning signs of health emergencies in senior pets - from breathing issues to behavioral changes - and when to seek urgent veterinary care to keep your aging companion safe and healthy.



Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5TWQBLB"
height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>

gtm_68be889b4dd21239901c5fcf

<script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':
new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src=
'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);
})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-5TWQBLB');</script>

Read our latest blog posts to learn more about caring for your furry companions.

Keep up with your pet's health from your mobile device!



Preferred options for most of our clients.



We are pleased to offer access to several financing options.



Laesha Peaden

Joy Taylor

Barb T

Katie Wyer

325+

Proudly serving Albuquerque since 1992, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.



Open on Saturdays - because pets don't just need care Monday to Friday.



Weekend Care

Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new opportunities, team stories, and learning moments from Acequia Animal Hospital.



Connect With Us

Reach out directly to our Talent Team! We are happy to guide you through roles, culture, and everything in between.



Have Questions

Save time during your next appointment! Complete your required forms online from any device at any time before your visit.

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Billing

Client Forms

Download App

Below are some answers to our most common questions.

Proudly serving Albuquerque since 1992, trusted for years of compassionate, dependable pet care.

Open on Saturdays - because pets don't just need care Monday to Friday.

We look forward to seeing you! Please use our booking widget below to book an appointment today!



Get your pet's medications, food, and preventatives delivered straight to your door - fast and easy.


Pharmacy

Pharmacy Home Delivery

A gentle, holistic treatment that supports pain relief, mobility, and overall wellness in pets.


Acupuncture

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Illness/ Injury & Sick

A quick microchip gives your pet a permanent ID and increases their chance of being reunited if lost.


Microchipping

Treat and prevent internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with trusted care.


Deworming

Deworming & Parasite Control

From routine to advanced procedures, your pet is in skilled, compassionate hands every step of the way.


Pet Surgery

Spaying or neutering helps prevent health issues, unwanted litters, and certain behavior challenges.


Spay & Neuter

Protect your pet from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more with year-round parasite prevention plans.


Parasite Prevention

Get expert guidance on your pet's nutrition, weight, and feeding to support lifelong wellness.


Nutrition & Diet Counseling

Advanced diagnostics like bloodwork, X-rays, and ultrasound help us catch issues early and treat fast.

Diagnostics & Imaging

Support your pet's health with professional dental cleanings, exams, and oral care you can trust.

Dental Care

Protect your pet from preventable diseases with customized vaccine schedules for every life stage.

Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

Recent Blog

Related Blog

Pet Poison Prevention: Protecting Your Furry Friends from Common Hazards

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings for Your Pet

June Cat Care Checklist: Summer Wellness for Your Furry Friend

FAQs

Senior Pet Emergencies: Know the Warning Signs

Recent Blog

What You Can't See Can Hurt Them: The Importance of Preventative Lab Work

Veterinary Advice: Spotting and Preventing Pet Dehydration This Summer

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Keep Your Pet Tick-Free

Related Blog

Pet Poison Prevention: Protecting Your Furry Friends from Common Hazards

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings for Your Pet

June Cat Care Checklist: Summer Wellness for Your Furry Friend

FAQs

Do you have any Discounts available at Acequia Animal Hospital?

What are your hours Acequia Animal Hospital?

What Types of Pets are Seen at Acequia Animal Hospital?