Our Blog

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...

Fluffy Doesn’t Have to Mean Unhealthy: Pet Obesity Tips

Do you ever find yourself calling your pet “extra fluffy” as you give them a belly rub? While a little pudge may look cute, extra weight can put a serious strain on your dog or cat’s health. In fact, obesity is one of the most common and preventable conditions...

Fight Rabies Before It Strikes: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Rabies is a word that can send a shiver down any pet owner’s spine. It is a disease that is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, yet it is entirely preventable with proper care. Even though many pet parents have heard of rabies, there are still common questions...

Say Goodbye to Pet Pain: What You Need to Know This Animal Pain Awareness Month

When your pet isn’t feeling well, they can’t simply tell you what’s wrong. And while some discomforts are easy to spot like limping or whimpering, others can be subtle. During Animal Pain Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to learn how to recognize those quieter...

Not All Pets Are Created Equal: Why Cats Need Unique Veterinary Care

If you have both a cat and a dog at home, you've probably noticed they experience the world very differently. While your dog might wag their tail at the leash, ready to jump in the car for their next vet visit, your cat likely vanishes under the bed at the sound of...

Stop the Scratch: Understanding and Preventing Itchy Skin in Pets

If your dog can’t stop licking his paws or your cat’s constant scratching is keeping you up at night, you’re not alone—and neither is your pet. Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons pets are brought to the vet, and it can be frustrating for both pets and their...

Mutts: The Ultimate Underdogs of National Mutt Day!

Have you ever looked into the soulful eyes of a mutt and felt like you’d met a one-in-a-million friend? National Mutt Day, celebrated on July 31 and December 2, is the perfect chance to recognize the incredible charm, resilience, and love these mixed breed dogs bring...

The Hidden Dangers: Zoonotic Diseases and Your Pets

Did you know your cuddly cat or playful pup could carry germs that can make you or your family sick? It’s not something any pet parent wants to think about, but understanding zoonotic diseases—those that pass from animals to humans—is a key part of keeping both your...

Skin Deep: How Summer Affects Your Pet’s Skin and Coat

The long, sunny days of summer are here—and while your pet may love the extra outdoor time, warm weather can do more than heat up their mood. It can also trigger skin and coat issues that leave pets itchy, uncomfortable, and even at risk for infection. As a trusted...

Senior Pets in Summer: Mobility, Hydration & Heat Awareness

Is your senior pet ready for summer? Just like us, older pets feel the heat—and they often feel it more intensely. Senior dogs and cats are more vulnerable to dehydration, heatstroke, and mobility issues, especially during Shoreview’s warm, humid months. But with a...

Pet-tential Emergencies: Are You Ready?

You never think it’ll happen to your pet—until it does. One minute, everything’s fine. Next, your dog is limping after a hike, or your cat is drooling after chewing something suspicious. Pet emergencies come out of nowhere, and they don’t wait for a convenient time....
Preventing Dog Bites

Preventing Dog Bites

How to Recognize a Fearful Dog to Prevent Dog Bites   When it comes to avoiding dog bites, there is one simple solution that can significantly reduce your risk of being bitten: avoid dogs when they feel nervous, fearful, and anxious. Just last year, 4.5 million...

No Easter Flowers for Pet Lovers

No Easter Flowers for Pet Lovers

Are you expecting company for Easter? Or maybe you're planning to be an Easter guest instead. Either way, it's traditional for guests bringing gifts for their hosts. Although many bring something edible or drinkable, at this time of year, flowers are also popular, and...

Food Allergies in Dogs

Food allergies in dogs can be difficult to identify, so it is important to keep a close eye on your pet and investigate any abnormal symptoms as soon as possible. Allergies are triggered when allergens invade the dog's body and upset its delicately balanced immune...

Antifreeze Toxicity

Antifreeze Toxicity

Antifreeze is more common during this time of year when the weather is chilly and our engines are susceptible to freezing, but it's not entirely safe and it's important to understand the danger it poses to our pets. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, an organic...