Veterinary Wellness Blog
Category: Canine Health
Pain in our pets
January 2, 2018Since pets aren’t able to speak, it can be difficult to determine if they are in pain. Pets tend to be extremely stoic, and may eat despite rotting teeth, may walk despite broken bones, and may wag their tail despite having just had surgery. So how do you tell if something is amiss? Some pets will vocalize when in pain, whether a whine, whimper, howl, or growl. However, not all pets will, so this is not always a good indicator. Sometimes there are physical signs of pain that are visible-limping, trembling, dilated pupils (unless the eye is what is painful, then may see squinting, and dilated or constricted pupils), increased heart rate and increased respiratory rate, changes in gait, posture, tail and/or ear position, mobility, or even changes in the way they sit or lay (leg cocked out, prayer position, curled up or stretched out differently). Overgrooming an area or barbering the hair can indicate pain, as can a complete lack of grooming. Changes in eating, drinking, urination, defecation, and sleep habits may all indicate pain also. More often, pets will have subtle changes in their personality. They may act more anxious-whining, pacing, licking, panting, seeming unable to get comfortable/or unable to relax. They may also be agitated, and may even become aggressive. […]
Learn MoreNovember is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!
November 2, 2017Senior pets in shelters are the least likely to find homes, sometimes making them most likely to be euthanized in crowding situations. Many people think that if an older pet is at the shelter, it means that they were problematic. This is not the case however. Many older pets belonged to households that had changes in them such as children, new jobs, moving, or an elderly person who is no longer able to care for them. This month we take a look at why adopting a senior pet is such a great thing! Adult dogs tend to have had some training. Most have been through obedience classes, may already have been taught simple commands and tricks, and have had time to become socialized and acclimated to living with humans. This often means most dogs are already house trained, meaning you don’t have to wake up every two hours all night like you would with a puppy! It also means that these pets tend to be less destructive, and are less likely to chew your favorite pair of shoes. That being said, you can teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, older dogs tend to be more able to focus than young puppies, meaning they may actually pick up on new tricks easier. […]
Learn MoreProviding the best possible veterinary care for your pet.
Heritage 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.
Categories
Schedule an
Appointment Today!
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.