As spring (finally) rolls around, we start to think of bugs. In Minnesota, this includes the unofficial “state bird”, the mosquito. Mosquitoes carry and transmit deadly heartworm disease. To prevent this potentially fatal disease, we recommend monthly heartworm preventative medication. There are many heartworm preventatives on the market today, but do you know what you’re getting? Some medications contain substances which can be toxic to cats in the household. Others are cheaper but don’t protect as well. Some even have been proven to be ineffective against resistant strains of heartworm disease. For a variety of reasons, we recommend Sentinel Spectrum as our monthly heartworm preventative. Sentinel Spectrum is very similar to the Sentinel tablets we have been recommending for years. It prevents against heartworm disease, but also has deworming medication effective against roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. This is important because these intestinal parasites can cause disease in pets and some can even be transmitted to humans. Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum also have an ingredient that is effective against fleas. Lastly, Sentinel Spectrum has an additional ingredient that works against tapeworms. Tapeworms are transmitted via fleas or from rodents or wildlife (squirrels, rabbits, etc.). Tapeworms are difficult for the veterinary community to find on routine stool sample checks, and when not found can continue […]
Learn MoreA recent study done in Australia found that kids that have a pet (specifically a guinea pig) in the classroom have better social skills and fewer problem behaviors. This study was particularly looking at classrooms that had Autistic children present. However, it has been found that animals can help a variety of human conditions and can be beneficial to your health overall. According to WebMD, there are many benefits to having pets. Pets can reduce allergies, asthma, and eczema. They can reduce anxiety in Alzheimer’s patients. They can increase exercise and companionship. They can decrease depression. They can decrease blood pressure and heart disease risks. They can help with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, and ADHD. Dogs can also be trained to help people with diseases in a more specialized way-low blood sugar sensing dogs for diabetics, seizure sensing dogs for epileptics, seeing eye dogs for the blind, and cancer detecting canines. Can do canines, a local facility, helps place dogs with people with a wide range of disabilities. While not everyone needs a specially trained pet, there are many studies proving that pets can help improve your health and well being. So give your furry friend a hug and enjoy the release of endorphins you’ll receive!
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.