There are many choices available for pet food these days. A walk into a pet store or the pet food aisle can prove to be overwhelming, when really we just want to feed what is best for our pet. There are many myths about pet food and pet nutrition as well, which can make things even more confusing. Below I discuss a few of the more prevalent food myths. First of all, when looking at foods, there are a few things you should always look for. Somewhere on the packaging (usually in very tiny print on a side), there should be a statement which says the food has been tested to meet or formulated to meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control) standards. Most major brands available have this, and it means it has been tested or formulated to be nutritionally balanced and have the appropriate amounts of nutrients for your pet. The second thing you should always look at is to make sure that the food is approved for the appropriate pet and lifestage-for example, puppies should not be fed an adult food or senior food, they should be fed a food for puppies, growth, or all life stages. One of the first myths seen is that pets should be fed grain free […]
Learn MoreThere are a lot of acronyms used in the medical field. One area where we use abbreviations frequently is with the blood work and laboratory tests we run. In this three part series of blogs, we will look at some of the different abbreviations and acronyms we use so you can speak the lingo with us! In this third part of the series, we will discuss other miscellaneous tests we use in veterinary medicine. One of the more common additional tests we use is the T4, or thyroid test. Dogs tend to get a low T4 as they age, and this can cause changes in weight, appetite, and haircoat. Cats on the other hand, tend to get an elevated T4, which can cause vomiting, weight loss, increased appetite, increased vocalization, and/or increased activity level. Thyroid function is important for metabolism, but can also cause heart, skin, or GI tract issues when not in the normal range. Another very common test we perform is the urinalysis, or UA. This test looks at the specific gravity (concentration) of the urine, checks for sugar or ketones in the urine indicating diabetes, as well as looking for red or white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and pH. It can show things such as possible bladder stones, urinary 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.