Veterinary Wellness Blog
Category: Canine Health
Summer Swimming Safety
June 2, 2017As the weather gets warmer, we turn to the water to relax and cool down. Many dogs also enjoy water fun, but there are a few things you should know so that everyone has a safe and fun summer! First of all, not all dogs know how to swim, so don’t assume yours does! Start small, in a shallow, quiet area of water. Have your pet on a leash, and get in the water with them. Gradually work to deeper water together. As you get deeper, the pet should start to paddle with the front feet. When it does this, you can help support the rear end to help them learn how to float. Having a floating life vest can also be a great aid in this. Both the life vest and the first time in the water should be done slowly with positive reinforcement such as treats, and if the dog is not enjoying it, do not force it. When at lakes, rivers, or ponds, you will want to make sure there is not any blue-green algae, which is toxic to dogs. Make sure the current is not too strong for your pet. Keep them away from fishing gear-they can get tangled, or a hook could get imbedded causing injury. If […]
Learn MoreMay is Asthma and Allergy Awareness month
May 2, 2017One of the most common issues we see in our pets is allergy issues, and the month of May is dedicated to allergy and asthma awareness. In our pets, 90% of allergies are environmental, versus only about 10% which are due to food. If your pet is experiencing symptoms such as eye discharge, sneezing, chewing on feet, anal gland issues (scooting or licking anal area), thickened skin, recurrent ear infections, skin infections, or overall itching, it may be allergies. An examination by your veterinarian should be performed to determine if it is indeed allergies and then appropriate treatment can be implemented. Cats with allergies can develop wheezing and respiratory issues (allergic bronchitis and asthma). However, breathing issues can also be due to many other illnesses and can be an emergency. Please seek immediate medical attention for your pet if it is having difficulty breathing. Allergies are the immune system over-reacting to things it does not or should not need to. The goal of treatment is to try to decrease the immune response, either by suppressing the immune system and it’s activity, or to decrease the body’s response to the items it is over-reacting to. There are a number of ways we can try to do this. Decrease exposure: Most allergens are through contact […]
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.
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