One 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 MoreDoes your pet’s skin mimic the weather outside this time of year with white flakes? Winter causes many issues for pets and people alike. One of the more common issues we see in pets during this time of year is dandruff, or dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy skin. The dry air outside combined with the dry air of heat systems in most houses leads to dandruff, cracking, chapped, and flaking skin. Harsh chemical ice melt and salt along with extreme temperatures can cause paw pads to develop sores and crack as well. There are things we can do to help however. First of all, it should be noted that not all dry, flaky skin issues are caused by “dry skin”. Ringworm, mites, fleas, allergies, and other skin infections can all cause similar symptoms. Low thyroid levels, Cushing’s disease, and other autoimmune diseases can also cause changes in haircoat and skin. A visit to the veterinarian to rule out these things should be considered before implementing any of the below suggestions. Please call us if you have concerns with your pet’s skin. One of the first things that can help with dry skin is an omega fatty acid or fish oil supplement. Omega fatty acids help decrease inflammation in the body, and can decrease […]
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.