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 MoreAs the calendars turn to August, one thought enters my mind-food on a stick! August brings the state fair, and while I know a deep fried candy bar on a stick is not healthy for me, as an occasional, once a year treat, it is okay to indulge. While many people realize watching what we eat is important for a number of health reasons, these same people may not realize watching what our pets eat is just as important. You may think an extra pound or two can’t hurt that much, but a pound is not just a pound. While two or three additional pounds may have very little effect on you or me, they can be quite serious for your pet. Three extra pounds on a 15 pound dog is equivalent to a 150 pound person gaining 30 extra pounds, and 3 extra pounds on a 10 pound cat is equal to 45 extra pounds on a 150 pound person! Obesity and overweightness is the #1 health condition affecting American pets today. Purina estimates that 58% of cats and 45% of dogs are overweight or obese. This equals 35 million dogs and 54 million cats! This is a serious epidemic as being overweight has been linked with a higher incidence of a number […]
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.