EpicVets

Summer cookouts come with hidden dangers for pets. Keep these off the menu for them:
- Grapes
- Onions
- Corn cobs
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Anything with xylitol

Watch the yard for foxtails too; these can lodge in paws, ears, and noses. If you suspect your pet got into something toxic, call us right away at 951-695-5044. Read our full guide on toxic foods on our website.
https://epicvets.com/dog-poisoning/

🐍 Not all antivenoms are the same.

At EPIC Vets, we use VenomVet® antivenom because it incorporates modern antibody fragment technology designed to help neutralize rattlesnake venom more effectively.

Unlike older antivenoms, VenomVet’s smaller antibody fragments can travel into tiny blood vessels and swollen tissues where venom may still be present. This allows the antivenom to reach areas that can be more difficult to access after a snakebite.

Another advantage? These smaller fragments are generally associated with a lower risk of allergic reactions than older antivenom formulations.

Because they’re smaller, however, the antivenom is also cleared from the body more quickly—typically within 1–3 days. In uncommon cases, if more venom remains in the tissues than the available antivenom can neutralize, a pet can experience re-envenomation, meaning venom effects may return after initial improvement.

That’s one reason our team continues to closely monitor snakebite patients even after antivenom treatment. Early recognition allows us to respond quickly if additional treatment is needed.

Every snakebite is different, and treatment is tailored to each individual patient.

If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a rattlesnake, don’t wait. Immediate veterinary care gives your pet the best chance for a successful recovery.

Quick test before your next walk: press the back of your hand to the pavement for 7 seconds. Too hot for you? Too hot for their paws. 🐾 Asphalt can hit 145°F on a Temecula afternoon and burn paw pads in minutes. Walk early, walk late, or stick to grass. Read the full guide on our website.
https://epicvets.com/dog-burned-paws/

You don’t need a referral to bring your pet to EPIC. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Give us a call at 951-695-5044 - we’re available 24/7.

One of our favorite parts of summer is seeing how everyone's pets keep cool. We'd love to see how yours is handling the heat. Shade naps, kiddie pools, frozen treats, a good sprawl on the tile floor… share a photo in the comments. We'll feature a few of our favorites.

Did you know that July is Pet Hydration Awareness Month? Yep! As the heat sets in, we’ve got some tips for pet owners on how to navigate the season.

- Refill bowls often
- Toss a few ice cubes in pet water bowls
- Bring water on walks
- Add a second bowl outside

It’s especially important to keep pets hydrated during the summer. If you notice signs of dehydration or sickness, give us a call at 951-695-5044; we’re open 24/7

Temecula summers are especially hot, and pets can overheat faster than we realize.
Heatstrokes often starts with heavy panting and drooling, then progresses to weakness, bright red gums, vomiting, or collapse. Catching heatstroke early makes all the difference.
If your pet shows these signs, cool them down gently and call us right away; we're here around the clock to help. 📞 951-695-5044

It’s always a good idea to check in with your pets the days following the 4th of July.

The days that come after can still cause some anxiety in pets as they readjust. It’s around this time, too, when we see a lot of pets slip out of the house or eat something that isn’t pet-friendly. If your pet still seems off or ate something toxic, we can help. We’re open 24/7, call 951-695-5044.