Reviewed by: Elizabeth Hobbs
New doctor + 24-hour weekends = faster care for pet emergencies at this Madison vet ER
Reading time: 5 minutes
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The last thing most people want to think about is their pet being sick or injured—and much less where to go when the unthinkable happens.
Luckily, North Alabama Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (NAVES) has been in Huntsville since 1994 to take care of emergency situations our furry friends might face. And, with newly-extended operating hours and a new face on the team, NAVES is more available than ever to handle any situation that comes your way.
Keep reading to learn about this Madison pet ER’s newest vet, tips for how to handle a pet emergency and when you can visit the expert care team.
Meet NAVES’ newest doctor: Dr. Ralph Wood
Dr. Ralph Wood is the newest addition to the NAVES team, bringing years of veterinary expertise to the clinic. An Alabama native, Dr. Wood quickly discovered a growing passion for animals after working in pet shelters growing up. He then went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology and Doctorate in Pet Medicine from Auburn University.
After several years of working as a relief vet (filling in for other doctors) in Birmingham and Florida, Dr. Wood decided to pursue a position in a growing city—and Madison was just the place.
He chose to come to North Alabama, and specifically NAVES, after he fell in love with Huntsville’s friendly disposition:
“Huntsville is a wonderful place. There’s so much diversity, and so many different people from different places. People around here also love their pets so much, and they take such good care of them.”
Dr. Ralph Wood, NAVES
NEW hours + when to bring your pet to NAVES
NAVES has now extended their hours, with 24-hour care on weekends and extended nighttime hours throughout the week.
Dr. Wood and the rest of the team at NAVES are equipped to handle virtually any issue that can arise with your pet, but here’s a few specific issues that you may come across which would require an emergency visit:
Cats
- Difficulty urinating or crying at the litter box
- Open-mouth breathing or panting
Dogs
- Bloat (when the stomach fills with gas)
- May require immediate surgery
All Animals
- Heat stress during hot months (pet is dazed, disoriented, stumbling around)
- Seizures
- Snake bites (can be fatal)
- Requires anti-venom
- Toxin ingestion (chocolate, THC, poisonous plants, human medications)
- Trauma (hit by a car, broken bones, bleeding, etc.)
- Requires urgent care
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Dr. Wood has a clear passion for animals, and wants everyone to rest in knowing they can come to NAVES without judgment:
“I want you to to feel comfortable, because we’re pet owners too.”
“If something ever seems off in your pet and you’re concerned, I would rather you bring them in 99 times and it be nothing than us miss the one time when it is something.”
Dr. Ralph Wood, NAVES
If your pet is experiencing an emergency, the NAVES care team is here to help.
Dr. Wood’s tips for navigating pet emergencies
NAVES is the place to go when your pet has an emergency, but Dr. Wood has some tips to share in the meantime:
Do’s:
- Stay calm!
- Know your pet better than anyone else + advocate for them
- Take a pet CPR class
- Look into pet insurance
- Have your pet spayed + neutered
- Keep pets up-to-date on heartworm prevention
- Make sure to schedule routine check-ups
Don’ts:
- Panic
- Give pets Tylenol or other medications you haven’t discussed with your pet’s vet
- Ignore unusual behavior
Dr. Wood believes that early detection is key, and actively encourages owners to advocate for their pets:
“Take a look at your pet right now. Look at their gum color. Look them all over for any masses, and look at what’s normal for your pet. And that way, if something seems off in the future, you’ve got a yardstick to compare that against.”
Dr. Ralph Wood, NAVES
A legacy of care
NAVES has been providing quality pet care to the Huntsville community for 31 years. It’s clear that they take animals in their care seriously, and they have plenty of satisfied customers to prove it:
“Excellent experience from the moment we walked through the front door! Each staff person was kind and attentive to our concerns with our pup. They clearly communicated each step of their process and provided clear information.
Thankfully with their care and treatment plan, our pup is on the mend! Absolutely would HIGHLY recommend their services and staff!”
Heidi, Google Review
“My nine and half month old Belgian sheepdog was bitten by a rattlesnake one week ago today. Thanks to the prompt and efficient care of the animal clinic, he is going to recover.
The veterinarian and all the staff were wonderful, compassionate and were more than happy to give me updates on his condition. THANK YOU!!!”
Gary, Facebook review
Round-the-clock care at Clift Farm
With updated nighttime + weekend hours and dedicated staff, NAVES is here when you need them most. Find them just off HWY 72 in Clift Farm between Costco + Taco Mama.
- Where: 164 John Thomas Dr., Madison, AL, 35757
- When:
- Monday-Thursday: 2PM-12AM
- Friday: 10AM-12AM
- Saturday + Sunday: open 24 hours
- Website | Instagram | Facebook
- Contact in emergency: 256-850-0077
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