Minnesota Veterinary Hospital Blog

Did you know that August 22 is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day? The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) established this awareness event several years ago after learning that the typical cat sees the vet just one or two times per year. Compared to dogs, this is less than half as often.

Does your dog chew, scratch, whine or bark when left alone? Or does your cat urinate in your bed or meow loudly? While more common in dogs than cats, you may be tempted to conclude your pet has separation anxiety. It's important to properly evaluate the behavior to avoid a misdiagnosis and delay in proper training or treatment to correct the issue as many of the behaviors and cues associated with separation anxiety can also be attributed to other medical or behavioral concerns.

Many dog owners don’t realize that grooming is essential to their pet’s well-being. It goes far beyond helping the dog look her best. Without consistent grooming, dogs can develop mats and grease in the fur that can have negative health consequences. Matted fur can tangle and become uncomfortable for your dog when you try to brush it out. Having matted fur on the bottom of the paws can even make it difficult for your dog to walk.