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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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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7 Common Holiday Dangers to Cats and Dogs

7 Common Holiday Dangers to Cats and Dogs

The holidays are stressful enough without you having to worry about rushing your dog or cat to Animal Emergency and Referral Center, a 24-7 veterinary hospital on Christmas Eve, right? When it comes to keeping your pet safe this holiday season, read on to find out what holiday dangers pose threats to your pet. Chocolate  The […]

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3 Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe This Thanksgiving

3 Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time when we are surrounded by family, friends and delicious foods. Unfortunately, this can be a dangerous time for your pet.  Here are some tips to help you avoid an emergency trip to the veterinarian this Thanksgiving. 1. Keep Pets Away From the Food Keep pets confined to a separate room […]

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4 Pet Toxins to Watch Out For This Fall

4 Pet Toxins to Watch Out For This Fall

If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested something toxic, 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 […]

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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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