Tips for Taking Your Cat to the Vet

Tips for Taking Your Cat to the Vet

We understand that the vet clinic can be a scary experience for cats. That’s why we put together a list of tips to help make your cat’s visit less stressful. At Home: Pet your cat from head to tail (like your veterinarian does) so your cat will get used to being held and touched. This includes […]

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How to Have a Happy, Healthy Cat

How to Have a Happy, Healthy Cat

September is Happy, Healthy Cat Month! Cats come in all different colors, sizes, and attitudes. From playful cats who think they are dogs to grumpy cats: no two cats are alike. But most cats can agree on what makes them happy and healthy, which is all that really matters! So, how can you help your […]

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Unusual GI Foreign Bodies (Or Things That Pets Eat That Amaze Me)

Unusual GI Foreign Bodies (Or Things That Pets Eat That Amaze Me)

If you know or strongly suspect your pet ingested a foreign body that is causing illness, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet see your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within the next 12 hours. Please call ahead of […]

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Heat Kills: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

Heat Kills: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

If your pet is experiencing severe heat stress or a heat stroke (symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse, or a high rectal temperature) – 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 […]

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Five Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe on Fourth of July

Five Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe on Fourth of July

With each passing day becoming longer, lighter, and warmer, it’s only natural for us Midwesterners to start firing up our grills and inviting friends and family over to enjoy the summer. One of my favorite celebrations of the summer is Independence Day, filled with barbecues and fireworks. As pet owners, however, it is important to […]

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Ways to Memorialize Your Pet

Ways to Memorialize Your Pet

It’s never easy to lose a loved one, including a pet. If you are looking for a way to honor the memory of your pet, here are a few ideas: Hold a memorial service at a pet cemetery, in your backyard, or a special place that your pet loved. Give your pet a gravestone. Create a […]

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What is a Veterinary Referral Center?

What is a Veterinary Referral Center?

Have you ever wondered, what is a veterinary referral center? At Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota, we often get asked this question. Let’s put it like this. You have a doctor who is responsible for helping you stay healthy in a lot of ways. But, if you were to acquire a heart condition, your […]

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Sharing Your Pet with an Ex: Questions to Discuss Before a Pet Emergency

Sharing Your Pet with an Ex: Questions to Discuss Before a Pet Emergency

Too many times in the emergency department of AERC, we see pets brought in by a divorced pet owner whose ex-partner shares custody of the pet but doesn’t agree with the treatment plan selected and either refuses to provide authorization for care or to share the cost of treatment. Either situation can be scary and […]

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Getting Smart about Teaching Your Dog to Swim

Getting Smart about Teaching Your Dog to Swim

  Last summer, I was out on a pontoon with a long-time friend and her family. We were enjoying a lovely Sunday afternoon on the lake. The sun was warm, and we were preparing to jump in the water and enjoy a swim. One of the members of the group, Jim, had brought his dog […]

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‘Tis the Season for Tick Prevention

‘Tis the Season for Tick Prevention

The best way to keep ticks off your dog is to take action BEFORE you find a tick. Did you know? Adult ticks are most common from late February to early April Female ticks lay between 3,000-6,000 eggs in the summer which is why ticks are the most active during summer Ticks tend to live […]

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