Our Blog

Lost Pet Prevention During Halloween: Microchips and ID Tags

Halloween can be an exciting night for families, but your pet may feel differently. Doorbells, trick-or-treaters, costumes, unfamiliar voices, and a frequently opened front door can make even a relaxed dog or cat nervous. One frightened dash outside can quickly turn a...

Pet Obesity Awareness: Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight?

A few extra pounds may not seem like much, especially when your dog is still excited for walks or your cat still jumps onto a favorite chair. But for pets, even a small amount of excess weight can place added stress on the body. Since weight gain usually occurs over...

Preventing Separation Anxiety When Pets Spend More Time Alone

A shift in your daily routine can feel minor to you, but to your pet, it may change their entire day. Maybe the kids have returned to school, your work schedule has changed, or summer activities have ended. Suddenly, the dog who spent all day by your side or the cat...

Fall Allergies in Pets: Symptoms and Treatment

Crisp air, colorful leaves, and cooler walks make fall a favorite season for many Minnesota pet owners. But if your dog suddenly spends those walks scratching or your cat seems to be grooming nonstop, seasonal allergies could be making autumn uncomfortable. Fall...

Can a Microchip Help Find My Lost Pet? How Chips Really Work

Very few feelings compare to the sudden panic of realizing your pet is gone. Whether a gate blew open, a leash snapped, or a curious cat snuck through a door, those initial moments are overwhelming. As you begin searching, one question often jumps to mind: Can a...

My Dog Keeps Scratching but Has No Fleas: What’s Going On?

Watching your dog scratch all day can be frustrating, especially when you cannot find a single flea. Many pet owners assume fleas are always the cause of itchy skin, but there are many other reasons a dog may constantly scratch, lick, chew, or rub against furniture....

Foods at the Backyard BBQ That Can Land Your Dog at the Vet

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill, invite friends and family over, and enjoy a backyard BBQ. While everyone is busy eating burgers, hot dogs, and sweet treats, your dog may be keeping a close eye on every bite that falls to the ground. It only takes a...

Summer Parasite Prevention for Pets: Protect Your Dog or Cat from Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes

Summer in Minnesota is the perfect time to enjoy longer walks, backyard barbecues, hiking trails, and afternoons at the lake with your dog or cat. While you and your pet are making the most of the season, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are becoming more active, too....

What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Chocolate?

Few things make a dog owner’s heart sink faster than discovering an empty chocolate wrapper on the floor. Whether it was a chocolate bar left on the counter, a bag of holiday treats, or a batch of freshly baked brownies, many dogs will happily eat chocolate if given...

How Often Should My Cat Get Vaccinated?

If your cat received vaccines last year, you may be wondering if it's time for another round. The answer isn't always straightforward. While some vaccines are given annually, others may provide protection for several years. Factors such as your cat's age, lifestyle,...

Heartworm Prevention 101: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

April brings longer days, melting snow, and more time outside with your pet. It also marks the return of mosquitoes in Shoreview, MN. While they may seem like a minor nuisance, mosquitoes carry a serious risk for pets: heartworm disease. The good news is that...

From Ticks to Trouble: Understanding Lyme Disease in Pets

Spending time outdoors with your dog is one of the best parts of living in Shoreview, MN. Walks through neighborhood trails, trips to the park, and even relaxing in your backyard can be part of your daily routine. But with all that fresh air comes a hidden risk that...

Seasonal Allergies in Pets: Signs, Symptoms, and When to Call Your Vet

Spring and fall in Shoreview bring beautiful changes in the landscape, but they can also bring something less pleasant for pets. If your dog is constantly scratching or your cat seems uncomfortable, seasonal allergies could be the reason. Knowing what to look for and...

From Limping to Lethargy: Recognizing the Signs of Arthritis in Your Pet

It often starts with something small. Maybe your dog hesitates before jumping onto the couch, or your cat no longer greets you at the door. These changes can be easy to brush off as part of aging, but they may be early signs of arthritis. Recognizing these subtle...

March Pet Safety Awareness: Top 10 Toxins to Avoid

March is a great time to take a closer look at your pet’s environment and make sure it is as safe as possible. Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and many of the items we use every day can be harmful if a pet gets into them. During Pet Poison Prevention Awareness...

Itching, Scooting, and Scratching: Could Parasites Be the Cause?

If your dog is constantly scratching, chewing at their skin, or scooting across the floor, it can be frustrating and concerning. Many pet owners initially assume these behaviors are related to allergies or dry skin. While those can certainly play a role, parasites are...

Healthy Teeth, Happy Pets: Everything You Need to Know About Pet Dental Health

Have you noticed your furry friend’s breath isn’t as fresh as it used to be? Or perhaps you’ve seen some tartar buildup on their teeth? While these might seem like small issues, they could be signs of bigger dental health concerns. Just like us, dogs and cats need...

Spay/Neuter Awareness: Why It’s Important for Your Pet’s Health and Well-being

Have you ever thought about how spaying or neutering your pet can impact their long-term health and happiness? Beyond being a responsible pet owner, these procedures are essential for improving your pet’s quality of life and managing pet overpopulation. Let’s dive...

Train Your Dog Month: A 10 Minute a Day Plan for Better Leash Manners

January is Train Your Dog Month, and there’s no better time to start working on one of the most common challenges dog owners face: leash manners. If your dog tends to pull, zig-zag across the sidewalk, or gets overly excited on walks, you’re not alone. The good news?...

Cold Weather, Warm Hearts: How to Spot Hypothermia and Frostbite in Pets

Minnesota winters are no joke. The snow, ice, and bitter cold may be part of what makes Shoreview beautiful, but they also pose real dangers for our pets. While we may grab a coat, boots, and gloves before stepping outside, our pets don’t always have the same...

Behind the Stethoscope: Celebrating International Day of Veterinary Medicine

Who do you turn to when your pet needs care, healing, or just a little extra love during a tough time? Most pet owners immediately think of their trusted veterinarian. But have you ever stopped to consider what goes on behind the exam room door, or the many hands and...

Skip the ER Visit: 10 Holiday Dangers Pet Parents Should Avoid

The holidays are meant for joy, family, and memory-making but for too many pet parents, they can also mean an unexpected trip to the emergency veterinarian. Between rich foods, decorations, cold weather, and guests coming and going, your pet’s environment can change...

Pet Cancer: The Most Common Types and How to Catch Them Early

Hearing the word "cancer" in the same sentence as your pet's name can feel like a punch to the heart. For many pet owners, it's one of the most frightening diagnoses imaginable. But there’s good news: with greater awareness, improved diagnostics, and early...

Celebrating our Veterinary Practice Management Team

Behind Every Great Veterinary Clinic Is a Rockstar Management Team When you walk into Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, you are greeted with friendly smiles, calm pets, and a smooth experience. Appointments run on time, the waiting room feels welcoming, and your pet’s...

More Than Just Scrubs: Honoring Our Veterinary Technicians This October

October is a special month in animal care. Across the country, veterinary hospitals and clinics pause to recognize the dedicated professionals who often work quietly behind the scenes: veterinary technicians. At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital in Shoreview, we see the...
Obesity in Cats – Treatment and Prevention

Obesity in Cats – Treatment and Prevention

Obesity in the feline pet population, as in humans, has become a nationwide problem. The guideline for obesity is 20 percent or more above the normal weight range, and veterinarians are seeing more felines that fall into this category. Just as in humans, obesity can...

5 Ways To Prevent Boredom for Your Aging Dog

5 Ways To Prevent Boredom for Your Aging Dog

While you may be tempted to think that your aging dog is content to kick back more and interact less, the reality is they need more engagement to stimulate their body and mind. In fact, too much boredom in senior dogs has been proven to cause depression, apathy, and...

5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

Are you ready to adopt a dog? Sharing your life with a canine will bring joy to you and your canine companion. Studies even show that owning a dog has health benefits, both mental and physical. An analysis of multiple studies involving more than 3 million subjects...

Proven Ways to Pet-Proof Your Home

Proven Ways to Pet-Proof Your Home

No matter how lovable and cute pets can be, they sure know how to make a mess. This makes it important for you to pet-proof your home, as doing so is the only way to prevent costly wear-and-tear that pets will cause over time. Here are four simple tips for creating a...

Take Good Care of Your Dog’s Teeth For a Long, Healthy, Life

Take Good Care of Your Dog’s Teeth For a Long, Healthy, Life

Your dog is a special member of your family. They ask for little and, in return, they are your devoted companion for life. So, of course, you want to make sure they are healthy and live a long, full life. Most people are pretty good about taking their dog to the vet...

4 Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe for the 4th of July

4 Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe for the 4th of July

It's soon to be the 4th of July, and like many Americans you are most likely planning to spend time with your family. What you may not be considering is the safety of your pets during this festive day! At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, we want to make sure that all...