Common Health Problems in Exotic Pets: What Owners Should Know 

Common Health Problems in Exotic Pets: What Owners Should Know 

Exotic pets encounter many common health problems because their healthcare needs are surprisingly complex. And unlike dogs and cats, many exotic pets are prey species—which means they are naturally very good at hiding signs of pain or illness.  By the time an exotic pet looks obviously sick, their health problem may already be serious. That makes two […]

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What is Leptospirosis?

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a certain type of bacteria which can infect many different species, but the main one we worry about is dogs. Humans can also become infected with leptospirosis, as well as cats, but cats rarely develop any illness from the disease. Diseases which cross species into humans are called “zoonotic.” […]

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Wildfire Smoke and Pets: How to Protect Dogs, Cats, Birds & More

Wildfire Smoke and Pets: How to Protect Dogs, Cats, Birds & More

When wildfire smoke rolls into Minnesota, it’s easy to focus on how it affects people. But our pets are breathing the exact same air we are—and in some cases, they’re even more vulnerable. If the air isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pet. Here’s what every pet owner should know about wildfire […]

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Pet Insurance Could Save Your Pet’s Life!

Pet Insurance Could Save Your Pet’s Life!

I have been a veterinarian for 17 years. Believe it or not, it wasn’t until I adopted my dog seven years ago that I purchased pet insurance for the very first time. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. In fact, pet insurance saved my pet’s life. At just six […]

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What if My Dog Eats Rodenticide?

What if My Dog Eats Rodenticide?

Pets, especially dogs, often get into rodenticides, and it’s important to know what to do if your dog eats rodenticide. In this blog, we’ll review the common types of rodenticides and how pets affected by them are treated. Types of Rodenticides There are many different types of rodenticides; however, the most common ones are anti-coagulants, […]

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Summer Pet Safety at the Cabin

Summer Pet Safety at the Cabin

Summer in Minnesota is precious. After months of snow and cold, we pack up the car, head north, spend weekends at the cabin, fish on the lake, and soak up every minute of sunshine we can get. For many of us, our pets are right there alongside us for all the adventures. In a recent […]

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Lilies and Kitties: Keeping Your Cat Safe This Spring

Lilies and Kitties: Keeping Your Cat Safe This Spring

As Mother’s Day and the spring season roll around, you may be tempted to buy that beautiful bouquet of lilies from the grocery store. If you have a cat at home, think twice! Which lilies are toxic to my cat? Specifically, lilies that are part of the Lilium (true lilies) and Hemerocallis (day lilies) families […]

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What is Tularemia?

What is Tularemia?

Tularemia is a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. Who is susceptible? How can you or your pet get this infection? Tularemia is a zoonotic disease, so humans are infected via an infected animal, including pets. Where is this bacteria located? What time of year are you and your animal most at risk? What are […]

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Fur-Tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode XXIII: Basel’s Mysterious Illness

Fur-Tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode XXIII: Basel’s Mysterious Illness

Basel the three-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog just wasn’t feeling like himself. He’d pooped in the kitchen – a definite no-no. The stool was loose and became looser as the day wore on, and oddly, Basel began to favor his hind limbs. Then Basel’s back legs began to give out on him, so Monday morning, he […]

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Common Pet Emergency Myths

Common Pet Emergency Myths

In April 2025, Dr. Schader, one of our emergency veterinarians, joined us on Facebook Live to bust some common pet emergency myths! Missed it? No worries—check out a quick summary of the myths and Dr. Schader’s expert answers below.  Dr. Schader has been a valued member of the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota […]

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