The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, and we here at Heritage Animal Hospital would like to help you keep it that way. There are a number of items that can be found this time of year that can be harmful to your pets. Items ranging from chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts, scented candles, tinsel and ribbons, antifreeze, and a number of plants can all pose threats to animals. If you feel your pet may have gotten into any of these items, or is showing any of the signs listed below, please contact a veterinarian immediately. Chocolate can be toxic to animals if it is eaten. Signs of ingestion can include vomiting and diarrhea, increased urination, increased activity, and racing heartbeat. Cookies and candies are a common source of chocolate, as are drinks such as hot cocoa. Alcohol is toxic to animals, usually in smaller amounts than people would think. Signs of intoxication include drowsiness, an ataxic walk (meaning un-coordinated, like a drunk person) and can progress to coma and respiratory rate depression, which can cause death. The signs of antifreeze ingestion mimic alcohol intoxication, and are rapidly fatal, so if your pet is showing these signs, please do not hesitate to contact us. Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Common in cookies […]
Read PostAs November begins, many of us start thinking of our delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings. As thoughts of cranberries and stuffing fill our minds, I urge you to think of the meals we give our pets every day. Here at Heritage Animal Hospital, we offer a variety of prescription diets and wellness diets for all of your pets’ needs. Our veterinary therapeutic diets include Hill’s®, Purina®, and Royal Canin® products. They are available for a variety of health issues including weight loss and management, diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, food sensitivities or allergies, liver disease, urinary tract disease, joint disease, and dental disease amongst others. For our healthy pets, we offer Purina Pro Plan® foods and Solid Gold® foods for all lifestages including puppy/kitten, adult, and senior. There are a number of reasons we at Heritage Animal Hospital recommend Solid Gold® Foods. Solid Gold® was one of the first pet food companies in the United States that uses all natural ingredients in their food. Solid Gold® is a holistic food that uses premium ingredients and none of the foods contain artificial preservatives. Solid Gold® does include ingredients such as quality protein sources for muscular health, whole grain for fiber, fruits and vegetables for cell […]
Read PostAs colder weather sets in, our pets may feel it in their joints too. According to the Arthritis Foundation 1 in 5 dogs in the United States is estimated to have arthritis. So what is arthritis? Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease of the joints which occurs when the cartilage of the joint is damaged by trauma or injury, wear and tear, or congenital abnormalities such as hip dysplasia. Signs that your pet may be suffering from arthritis include: Reluctance to take walks of usual length Decreased interest in play Stiffness, which may disappear as pet “warms up” Difficulty climbing stairs, getting into the vehicle, or jumping on the bed or other furniture Difficulty rising from rest Limping or abnormal gait or posture Licking a single joint Acting withdrawn and spending less time with the family Soreness to touch, which can in some instances lead to aggression Decreased range of motion “Slowing down” If your pet is exhibiting any of the above signs, they may be suffering from arthritis. While there is not a cure for arthritis, there are many treatment options aimed at preventing the disease from progressing and minimizing the impact of the changes that have already occurred. In other words, we want to help keep your pet comfortable and acting […]
Read PostHeritage 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.