Blog Archives
Clear, Trustworthy Information
The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies is a lifesaving resource manual for every dog owner that offers expert advice on identifying and managing canine health crises. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As an emergency veterinarian, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of accurate, accessible information can impact both pets and their families. In some cases, owners wait too long to seek care because they mistakenly believe a situation isn’t urgent—only to arrive when the pet is much sicker and harder to treat. In other situations, well-meaning owners may unintentionally make things worse at home due to misunderstandings about what to do. On the flip side, I also see people rushing to the ER out of concern, only to learn the issue could have been safely managed at home. While it’s always better to err on the side of caution, that stress—emotional and financial—can often be reduced with a little guidance. Additionally, while ERs are here to help, keeping animals out of the ER that do not need to be there helps reduce overcrowding and waiting times.
I wrote The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies to help bridge that knowledge gap. I believe that when pet owners are empowered with clear, trustworthy information, they can make better decisions, act with more confidence, and ultimately improve outcomes for their dogs. This book is about providing that support, in a practical and approachable way.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
There were several key ideas I felt were important to include in this book. First, I wanted to give pet owners practical, hands-on skills they could use to assess their dog’s stability. I developed what I call the “Emergency Toolkit”—a set of basic but essential evaluation techniques like checking gum color, assessing hydration, monitoring breathing rate and effort, pain assessment, and more. These skills are designed to help owners assess critical markers of stability, communicate more effectively with veterinary professionals, and take action with greater confidence.
I also wanted to make sure pet owners are prepared before an emergency ever occurs. That includes having veterinary contact information readily available, leaving behind useful details when traveling or using pet sitters, and understanding what types of information are most helpful to share with the veterinary team. To support that, I created a collection of practical forms that guide owners through these situations. These resources are embedded in the book and also available for free through my website or by email request.
What advice do you have for new dog owners to help them be prepared for emergencies?
New and seasoned dog owners alike can sometimes feel uncertain when it comes to their pet’s health—and that’s completely normal. One of the best things you can do is take time to get to know your individual dog and learn a bit about the breed—common health tendencies, any predispositions, and what’s considered normal behavior. Establishing a relationship with a regular veterinarian is also key. Your vet is a valuable resource for guidance, preventive care, and answering the questions that naturally come up over time.
Most importantly, I always encourage owners to trust their instincts. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s okay to ask questions. And if you’re genuinely worried, it’s better to have your dog seen—even if the issue turns out to be minor—than to wait and risk missing something more serious. Being proactive is one of the best ways to care for your dog. Your veterinarians are here to support you!
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies?
The thing I hope readers take away from The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies is that they can play an active, informed role in their dog’s care—even in urgent situations. Emergencies are never easy, but having a clearer understanding of what to watch for and how to respond can take away some of the uncertainty. My goal is to help pet owners feel more prepared, more confident, better able to support their dog when something unexpected comes up and trust their instincts when concerns arise.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Emergencies can happen in an instant—would you know when to act?
Written by a seasoned emergency veterinarian, The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies is a must-have resource for every dog owner. This practical and easy-to-follow guide gives you the knowledge to recognize warning signs, take immediate action, and seek veterinary care when it matters most. Whether your dog is facing a sudden collapse, poisoning, heatstroke, or severe injury, this book equips you with a clear and actionable emergency toolkit—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Inside, you’ll learn:
The 10 most common dog health emergencies—what they are and when to act fast
The 10 most common toxic exposures—what’s dangerous and how to respond
How to assess your dog’s condition at home and recognize when urgent care is needed
Proactive strategies to help prevent emergencies and keep your dog safe
Guidance that empowers you to trust your instincts when something feels off
Bonus Resources to Help You Prepare:
First aid supplies checklist to ensure you’re ready when it matters most
Pet care and medical authorization form for emergency situations
Sick visit information sheet to help streamline your veterinary visit
Decision tree for managing seizures, making it easier to take the right steps
Response charts for various situations, including pain, overheating, allergic reactions, breathing concerns, bite wounds, and more
Your dog depends on you in an emergency. This book gives you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to act—because every second counts. Get your copy today!
\
The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies: Essential Tips to Recognize, Respond, and Prepare for Dog Emergencies
Dr. Gal Chivvis delivers a lifesaving resource with The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies, a must-have manual for every dog parent. This comprehensive guide offers expert advice on identifying and managing canine health crises, making it indispensable for navigating moments when swift action is critical.
The book tackles the 10 most common dog emergencies and the 10 most frequent toxic exposures, providing step-by-step instructions for what symptoms to watch for, how to respond, and when veterinary intervention is necessary. With crystal-clear language and zero fluff, Dr. Chivvis distills complex medical concepts into actionable guidance anyone can follow.
Equipped with practical checklists, visual aids, and quick-reference charts, the guide empowers owners to assess situations rapidly and respond with confidence. Additional tools, such as a canine first-aid kit checklist, emergency medical forms, and seizure management protocols, further enhance readiness for the unexpected.
What sets this book apart is its thoughtful design. Information is structured for immediate use, even under stress. During emergencies, when panic can cloud judgment, the streamlined layout helps readers locate critical details in seconds. The poisoning section, in particular, is eye-opening, shedding light on everyday substances that pose hidden threats to dogs.
Dr. Chivvis, a seasoned emergency veterinarian, writes with a clarity rarely seen in medical literature. Despite her deep expertise, she steers clear of technical jargon, instead opting for direct explanations that feel accessible and supportive. Her compassionate tone reassures rather than alarms, offering guidance without ever minimizing the gravity of a situation.
This isn’t just a book, it’s a tool for empowerment. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced handler, The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies will sharpen your instincts and prepare you for critical moments. Keep it within reach. Few resources combine practicality, empathy, and expertise as seamlessly as this one.
Pages: 171 | ASIN : B0DYWVYBSC
LITERARY TITAN 