Pet Myths: Part I

Pet Myths: Part I

Pet owners often hear things about their animals and believe them to be true, when in reality, they’re nothing more than myths. As many of us have discovered the hard way, we can’t believe everything we read by Dr. Google. Here are a few members of our healthcare team to set the record straight on three […]

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Cold Winter, Warm Paws: Winter Paw Protection Tips for Dogs

Cold Winter, Warm Paws: Winter Paw Protection Tips for Dogs

The cold weather means cold paws for your pet! There are many preventative measures that you can use to decrease the risk of a paw injury in the cold winter months. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Keep your pets’ paws trimmed/groomed! It is best to have a groomer do this for you! Extra hair between […]

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Christmas Tree Safety for Pets

Christmas Tree Safety for Pets

It’s time to get out the holiday décor! While decorating the house is a fun tradition for many families, we must remind pet owners that a festive Christmas tree may lead to a few potential pet dangers. Placement and Securing the Tree Placing your tree in a corner and securing it to the wall or […]

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Should I Get Pet Insurance for My Pet?

Should I Get Pet Insurance for My Pet?

Studies indicate that 1% or less of dogs and cats in the U.S. are insured. Veterinarians would like to see those numbers increase for several reasons: Studies show that pet owners with insured pets comply with medical recommendations better. So, veterinarians earn more income, and, just as important, pets receive better care. Because of #1, […]

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Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

In the past few weeks, our Emergency & Critical Care department has seen a rash of panicked pet sitters who have to bring the pet for which they are caring in for an emergency. For a moment, imagine yourself in that position: caring for a pet that is not yours but seems to be ill, […]

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Camping and Hiking with Your Dog Part I: What to Pack

Camping and Hiking with Your Dog Part I: What to Pack

It’s the perfect season for vacations, cross-country car rides, camping, and hiking with your dog. As you prepare for your trip, here’s a list of things you’ll want to remember to pack for your dog, as well as a few important details to consider to ensure your dog’s safety: 1. Collar and ID Tags Information […]

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Why Should I Microchip My Pet?

Why Should I Microchip My Pet?

Summer is coming and you’ll likely be spending more time outside. Help your pets stay safe in the event of an accidental escape with proper identification (ID) tags AND a microchip! ID Tags ID tags come in many colors, shapes and variable degrees of sparkle. Some families opt for less noisy “boomerang/slider” type tags. Some […]

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Why is Chocolate Toxic to My Dog?

Why is Chocolate Toxic to My Dog?

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested chocolate, this is considered an “ORANGE” – or urgent case – on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary […]

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Top 10 Reasons For Veterinary Emergency Room Visits

Top 10 Reasons For Veterinary Emergency Room Visits

Every day, morning or night, the staff at Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota see patients for a number of different reasons. Dr. Heidi Fay-Thompson, one of our ER veterinarians, is here with the top 10 reasons why pets come to our emergency clinics: 1. Vomiting and Diarrhea Nothing sends owners into the veterinary hospital faster than having […]

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4 Hazards to Your Pet This Winter

4 Hazards to Your Pet This Winter

If your pet is experiencing respiratory distress or seizures caused by a toxin or persistent non-productive retching, 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! If […]

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