Our Veterinary Blog | Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) 10 Life Lessons I Learned from My Pets This is the time of year many of us think about what we are thankful for. We take the time to appreciate our blessings and those we share our lives with. As a lifelong animal lover who has shared my home and my heart with many wonderful creatures, I am grateful for animals and I […] Read More What Pet Owners Need To Know About Diabetes Mellitus The Disease: In Diabetes Mellitus, the pancreas does not make enough insulin. Insulin carries glucose (sugar) from the blood stream into cells for energy. Lacking insulin, glucose stays in the blood stream, causing high blood sugar, and the cells in the body can’t use glucose for energy. Dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus will commonly […] Read More The Senior Class: Enriching the Lives of Our Silver-Muzzled Dogs Pt II If you haven’t read Part I yet, click here! Never Too Old to Learn Even though you may have “retired” your dog from high-impact activities or activities that require more endurance and focus, it’s important to keep her stimulated to help maintain canine cognition. Take the case of Michelle and Winnie – a 13-year-old coonhound. Michelle […] Read More The Senior Class: Enriching the Lives of Our Silver-Muzzled Dogs Pt. I I have been blessed by having two amazing teachers in my life – my senior dogs – who have taught me that getting old doesn’t mean giving up fun. Even though they move more slowly – so do I – and take more time getting started in the morning, they still look forward to every time […] Read More Pet Cancer Awareness As people increasingly view their pets as members of their family and veterinary care improves, we are recognizing and treating more cancer in our furry companions. Symptoms Symptoms can vary significantly depending on the type of cancer, but here are some common signs: Unexplained weight loss Lethargy or weakness Asymmetrical and growing masses Wounds […] Read More How to Help Anxious Pets on Halloween Halloween is a fun holiday for people young and old, but the day can be very stressful on anxious pets. Doorbells, a stream of strangers at the door, and young children who dart and move unpredictably are just a few of the things that might upset your pet. But you can plan ahead to make […] Read More 10 Things Pet Owners Need To Know About Allergies Does your pet have allergies? Whether your pet has a food allergy or an environmental allergy, here’s what every pet owner should know about allergies: The first signs may be to chew, bite, scratch or lick. Red skin and hair loss are common. Blackened and thickened skin that looks like elephant skin are symptoms that your […] Read More Camping and Hiking with Your Dog Part II: Safety Tips If you haven’t read Camping and Hiking With Your Dog Part I written by Chuck & Don’s, click here! They provide great tips for what you’ll need to pack for your dog and how to plan ahead in case of an emergency! Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy all that nature has […] Read More What Does a Veterinary Technician Do? Veterinary technicians are essential to the practice of veterinary medicine. Every day, veterinary technicians are carrying out the life-saving veterinary care that veterinarians order for their patients. Techs advocate for their patients and are sensitive to their needs. The vet techs that I know are hard-working, eager to learn, and passionate about helping animals. Vet […] Read More The Eight Things You Need to Know if Your Dog Has Seizures: Part 2 If your pet is experiencing active seizures, cluster seizures, or status epilepticus, these are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Note that a single seizure […] Read More Older Posts Newer Posts