The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies

Essential Tips to Recognize, Respond, and Prepare for Dog Emergencies

Non-Fiction - Animals
171 Pages
Reviewed on 03/13/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies by Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM is a great resource designed to prepare pet owners for different health crises that can affect their canine companions. Drawing on years of experience as an emergency veterinarian, Dr. Chivvis provides full coverage of the most common and dangerous situations dog owners may face, from toxic exposures and choking incidents to seizures, trauma, and sudden illness. The book covers these different emergencies with a clear explanation of symptoms, risk factors, and critical response timelines. The book also includes some thoughtful preventative measures, first aid techniques, and guidance on assembling a pet emergency kit, so it's also a tool for everyday preparedness.

Author Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM describes complex veterinary concepts in language that average pet owners can understand and apply under stress. The book's organization gives quick access to information, and I liked the color-coded sections so that you can get to crucial details rapidly during an emergency. I found the inclusion of practical checklists and response flowcharts particularly valuable, transforming what could have been merely information into a functional tool for making life-or-death decisions. The book strikes a perfect balance between using the right medical details to be helpful and correct, but without using terms that might confuse readers in a crisis. Dr. Chivvis also has a compassionate and reassuring tone when she writes, and her real-case examples illustrate key points effectively and help readers spot the subtle warning signs they might otherwise miss. Overall, The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies is an essential reference that belongs in every dog owner's home and I would certainly recommend getting yourself a copy.

Pikasho Deka

Ensuring pets receive the utmost care and attention to live healthy and fulfilling lives is the primary goal of any loving pet owner. In The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies, seasoned emergency veterinarian Dr. Gal Chivvis presents a practical guide designed to help dog owners spot unexpected emergencies that can save their lives. With this book, you will discover tools and techniques to assess your pet's condition, recognize signs of an emergency, and discern critical information about your pet by observing particular indicators. Additionally, you will learn about preparing for emergencies, keeping a first-aid kit, pet insurance, how to prevent ten common pet emergencies and respond to them, ten common pet toxicities, "true" emergencies, seeking veterinary care, subtle crucial symptoms in pets, emergency toolkit usage, and much more.

The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies is a must-have for all dog owners -- new and experienced alike. Using her expertise and experience as a veterinarian, Dr. Gal Chivvis provides valuable insights into dog health and care that focus on preparedness, observation, and prevention. This book will help you become a responsible pet owner -- someone who loves their pet and can also identify and be prepared to tackle any health emergency should it arise. Dr. Chivvis takes a deep dive into the various common emergencies and toxicities that pets are susceptible to, offering readers helpful tips on how to navigate and nullify those threats. As a pet owner, I'm glad I read this book and feel much more informed and educated on pet care after reading it. To all pet owners, I highly recommend you grab a copy!

Leonard Smuts

Emergencies involving our pets are always a concern, but help is on hand for dog lovers with The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies: Essential Tips to Recognize, Respond, and Prepare for Dog Emergencies. Dr. Gal Chivvis presents a practical guide for dog owners; a tool kit that includes key indicators of your pet’s health, a list of first aid supplies, and available resources. The message is to plan and have contact details for the nearest veterinary practitioner and emergency center, as emergencies can occur after hours. The list of 10 most common emergencies takes readers through the symptoms, the types of dogs most affected, high-risk activities, and the do’s and don’ts of emergency home treatment when immediate action is warranted. The overriding advice is to seek professional help immediately when in doubt, even if that is just a phone call to your local veterinary clinic. There are also numerous more general tips covering areas such as having secure fencing around the home, removing hazards in the home, providing shade and water, using a leash, and obedience training.

Dr. Gal Chivvis is an experienced emergency veterinarian who is passionate about animal care and seeks to bridge the gap between veterinarians and pet owners. Readers will readily relate to the situations described in The Dog Owner’s Guide to Health Emergencies. The book is attractively presented, with appealing photographs, tables of information, lists, and blank forms to record relevant information. The cover and interior design were by the author and Wendy Reed and warrant a special mention. The response charts are particularly useful. The writing is clear, concise, and informative. It will provide a ready source of advice in times of emergency, but planning should begin immediately. It is surprising how everyday substances found around the home are a danger to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, onions, detergents, pest control bait, and insecticides. There is a list of 10 toxic substances that should be kept in safe places away from pets. Dr. Chivvis has also authored a series of children’s books on pets that readers may wish to consider. A list of useful sources is also provided. The book is essential reading for dog owners and is highly recommended.

Eric Ferrar

The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies by Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM is an extensive guidebook designed to help dog owners be thoroughly prepared for common canine-related emergencies. Through the information provided, readers will learn how to carefully assess and manage their canine companion's health concerns using verified first-aid methods. This book will supply readers with the knowledge and step-by-step guidance in case of an emergency. Whether you're treating heatstroke, allergies, bite wounds, vomiting, trauma, or seizures, this manual will equip readers to identify signs of distress, as well as the aid they need to administer in those critical circumstances.

The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies is your go-to resource for proactive planning as a dog owner. With its straightforward, easy-to-read instructions, emergency toolkit ideas, beautifully rendered illustrations, and sleek design, this book will help prepare dog owners for the unexpected, taking into account their pet's unique needs. It goes beyond the basics of standard dog care by offering expert insights, applicable steps, and essential tips to certify that dog owners are well informed on the subject matter. Dr. Gal Chivvis' professional guidance and empathetic approach will give dog owners confidence when encountering an emergency. Even though this book isn't designed as a substitute for direct medical intervention by a trained veterinarian, it is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in keeping their canine companions happy, safe, and healthy. So give your dog the care it deserves! Be prepared for unanticipated health scares with this illuminating dog owner's guide on emergency responses.

Cloie Belle Daffon

The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies: Essential Tips to Recognize, Respond, and Prepare for Dog Emergencies by Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM assists dog owners in recognizing concerning situations regarding their dog's health and when it is appropriate to seek veterinary assistance during emergencies. From first aid kit checklists to emergency plans, this book has all the knowledge every dog owner requires. Read this book for more information on what kind of emergencies to prepare for and what procedures to perform when they occur. This is a very useful reference that is well-organized, well-written, and simple to read. I've been a dog owner for several years and believed I knew everything I needed to know about my dog. However, after reading this guide, I learned there's still a lot I need to know and prepare for to ensure my dog's safety and health.

There were many things I learned from The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies. My favorite chapter was the Top Ten Emergencies, which explained each emergency or health concern in detail, from the early warning signs to what you can do to prevent these situations from occurring. It also highlighted what you can do during these circumstances to prevent the issue from worsening. Gal Chivvis DVM also listed the various toxins that affect dogs' health. I was surprised to see some items on the list that I was not aware of but thankfully have not accidentally fed to my dog. I am pleased that I came across this book since it has helped me expand my knowledge about my dog's safety and health. It is an eye-opening read.