There are many reasons we are thankful for our four-legged, furry friends. Below are just a few! Comfort and love. A pet’s love is unconditional. It doesn’t matter what happened to you during the day, your dog is ready to greet you with a kiss and your cat will cuddle with you regardless. The physical contact of being with your pet can provide warmth, soothe aches, and may even lower your blood pressure and heart rate which can be beneficial to your health. Support and mental health benefits. Pets can help improve our mood, provide us with a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and can help decrease anxiety and overcome loneliness and depression. Residents in nursing homes or assisted living facilities have a positive change when pets are regularly brought in-they become more active and outgoing. People with pets tend to be more socially interactive as well. Pets make a great conversation starter and basis for friendship! Pets can help us get into shape. Dogs need regular walks, which can motivate us to get more active. The CDC states that owning a pet has been linked with lower risk for obesity, and also states that decreased blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels are additional benefits of owning pets. Pets […]
Learn MorePeriodontal disease is inflammation or loss of support structures for the teeth-including the gingiva (gums), periodontal ligament, and the bone. 85% of dogs and 75% of cats over the age of 3 have periodontal disease. As periodontal disease progresses, it can lead to tooth loss. However, there are other, less obvious side effects to periodontal disease. The chronic inflammation in the mouth leads to inflammatory mediators and bacterial byproducts and toxins to be circulated throughout the body and can cause distant organ effects. In human medicine, studies have shown that stage 2 periodontal disease, which means there is greater than 21% of bone loss surrounding the teeth, leads to a greater than 70% increase in death. This is greater than the risk of smoking! Obviously pets aren’t people, but studies have shown organ changes from periodontal disease. We often see an increase in liver enzymes from the inflammation of the mouth. There are increased fibrotic (scar tissue) changes in the kidneys, liver, and heart muscles found on post mortem exam. Diabetes control is more difficult in patients with periodontal disease as well. Patients with periodontal disease had a 14% increased risk for cancer, after adjusting for other known risk factors. The eyes can become affected by dental disease as well. Facial swelling, draining tract, […]
Learn MoreHeritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
12624 Base Lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.