Veterinary Blog

The season of goodwill, joy, and holiday get-togethers is upon us, and while we definitely praise the virtues of what not to do with your pet (for the sake of safety and health) there are things you can (and should) definitely do together.

Whether your favorite four-legged friend is a young puppy or kitten or a gracefully-aging senior, there is no reason to exclude him or her from all the festive fun. Before you head out, consider our holiday activities to share with your pet, and don’t forget to share your pics with us! Continue…

Holiday pet etiquette is often overlooked despite unfortunate problems between guests and rambunctious pets. After all, it’s not uncommon, during the holiday mix of aunts, cousins, and significant others, to encounter the pet-adverse person. You know, the one who shifts uncomfortably when Fluffy tries to sit on his lap? Or, the person who recoils when little Patches jumps up on the nice slacks.

So, to keep the peace and pleasure in the holiday gathering, it’s important to plan ahead for everyone’s comfort (pets included).

Holiday Pet Planning When You are the Host

Just when you think there couldn’t possibly be one more thing to worry about before the holidays, your sister calls to say she’s bringing someone – someone allergic to dogs (and, you have two). Continue…

If you’re out back making s’mores over the firepit, it’s time to start planning some fall pet activities to share with your best friend. The days are getting shorter and there’s a chill in the air after sunset; seize the moment and let the fun begin.

Of course, everyone’s idea of fun is different, and that’s where we come in! For the consummate adventurers out there to the more restful, we offer a variety of fun fall pet activities guaranteed to please. Continue…

For feline guardians, the journey to the vet can be one that is less than pleasant. Even a trip in the car can create anxiety in cat companions, much less a noisy, dog-filled, and odoriferous vet clinic. That is why there is a new understanding of what being a cat friendly practice entails and how your purr-fect friend will benefit from this understanding. Continue…

Remember those nostalgic images of Tom and Jane walking home from school, with only a small stack of books held together by a simple, single leather strap? Pffft. Yeah, right.While there are still many similarities between modern kids and the ones of yore, the fact remains that a great deal has changed for our young students today.

If you need an example, look no further than your child’s backpack. For your inquisitive (or hungry) pet, there could be loads of hidden risks packed between those folders and inside pockets. Leave no zipper undone in the afternoon, and make sure there aren’t any potential pet poisons left behind. Continue…

OK, so we understand there is no such thing as perfect, but we certainly try! Our pets mean so much to us and we strive to keep them as healthy and contented as possible. We do this in many ways, from keeping important wellness appointments to providing attention and time. However, there are some things that pets need that often fly under the radar.

Check out these top ten “Perfect Pet Owner” traits to see how you measure up. Continue…

Whether you are making a residential move overseas or simply taking a much-deserved vacation, bringing along your pet is an involved endeavor. But, because many pet guardians do not want to be separated from their furry BFFs, it makes sense that the trend in international pet travel is growing.

However, there are challenges to tackle before you go and others that may come up en route with your pet. To avoid delays or unexpected problems, we are addressing the major concerns to consider plus pre-travel requirements. Continue…

Eliza Doolittle pines for a room somewhere in the famous film My Fair Lady, and your pet may feel the same way. We all need a “loverly” place to go to when things get loud, cold, challenging, or exhausting, and your pet deserves the same consideration. Aside from being a soothing sanctuary (full of comfy bedding, toys, and even a scrumptious treat or two), your pet’s crate can prove exceptionally useful during housebreaking and when preparing to travel. Continue…

This spring, Chicagoland experienced a heartbreaking outbreak of Canine Influenza, and all the experts agreed that, in an effort to minimize exposure to dangerous and contagious bacteria, dogs should not visit the dog park (among other places). While the alert was most definitely justified, and we continue to be concerned about the flu, the decreasing rate of infection indicates that we are not combating an epidemic. Continue…

Canine influenza, or canine flu, has had many dog owners in the Chicagoland area concerned – and understandably so. While the canine influenza strain, H3N8, has been recognized for some time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that this strain, H3N2, is new to our area and therefore places almost all dogs Continue…