Finding the Right Animal Clinic in Andover

When you get a new pet or move to a new area like Andover, it’s important to find the best animal clinic. You want your furry friend to be in the best and most capable hands possible in the Andover area. Northern Lights Veterinary Services is known as one of the best in Andover. Animal clinic care is something we take a lot of pride in. We want to give your pet the best care possible. Here are some suggestions on how to choose the best animal clinic for your pet.

Word of mouth is a great way to get recommendations on the best animal clinic. Find out what clinics your friends and family like the best and why. When you go to your first animal clinic appointment, go by yourself without your pet. Take a tour of the animal clinic and speak to one or two of the vets who practice there. Get a feel for the clinic and how they handle their patients. See how clean and well-organized the animal clinic is, and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want! You don’t want your precious pet to be seen by just anyone. You want one of the best in Andover, like Northern Lights.

Make sure the animal clinic is American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited, and make sure all of the vets in the practice are licensed. See what kind of continuing education they participate in. Veterinary sciences are just that – a science. So the technology and practices always changing and improving.

Of course, you can always come to Northern Lights Veterinary Services for all of your Andover animal clinic care needs. We are AAHA-accredited, our vet is licensed and up-to-date on all current technology and practices and we take care of every pet we see as if it were our own. You won’t have to worry about if you’re getting good care for your Andover pet. You can trust us as others have for 17 years. Call us today at (763) 754-2381 or contact us online for more information. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our animal clinic in the Andover area.

Pet Vaccinations in Mounds View and Spring Lake Park

Are you the owner of a new furry friend? Then it's time to start thinking health and wellness! Your pet will depend on you for everything from food to vaccinations. Having your Mounds View and Spring Lake Park pet vaccinations taken care of should be a top priority when you get a new pet. If you're looking for a reliable vet near Mounds View and Spring Lake Park, contact Northern LightsVeterinary Clinic today.

Disease Prevention

Being proactive about disease prevention by getting pet vaccinations near Mounds View and Spring Lake Park can save you a lot in the long run. First and foremost, your pet will have the ability to live a longer and happier life. Secondly, if you don’t choose to get pet vaccinations, and your pet becomes ill, treatment can get quite expensive. Your best bet is to fully protect your furry friend.

Chance of Disease

There is always a chance your Mounds View and Spring Lake Park pet will get sick, even with a full set of pet vaccinations. This is the same in humans. Even though you got your vaccinations, we're sure you've had a few illnesses here and there. This is when it becomes important to really pay close attention to your pet. Recognize regular patterns, and note if you notice anything out of the ordinary with your Mounds View or Spring Lake Park pet.

Understanding Vaccines

There are many pet vaccinations out there today. As a new pet owner, it may be hard to understand which ones are necessary and which ones are just recommended. As your local Mounds View and Spring Lake Park pet vet, I'll be able to help walk you through the process. There are many pet vaccinations that will be great for your pet in the long run.

Are you in need of pet vaccinations near Mounds View and Spring Lake Park? Trust the team at Northern Lights Veterinary Clinic. Call today at 763-754-2381 or contact us online.

Keeping Your Pets Healthy During the Winter Months in Fridley

Winter time is almost here in Fridley, and we know what that means for us humans: flu and cold season! But what about your beloved cat Fluffy and your cuddly dog Fido? Are there any cold-weather-related precautions you should take for their health and well-being? We here at Northern LightsVeterinary Services have a few tricks we’ve learned thanks to our experienced vets at our animal clinic.

Protect your pet’s paws from the snow and ice by keeping the fur around Fido’s paws trimmed so when he walks around outside in the snow, clumps of ice don’t form and pull at the delicate fur. Salt and deicers can also be harmful to your pet’s well-being. If you allow your cat to go outdoors, Fluffy will lick her paws if they are in pain or irritated. (And Fido will too!) So be sure to pick a deicer that is non-toxic to pets, like sand, gravel or non-clumping kitty litter. Or if you’re unsure, read the label on the product to see if it’s harmful to pets. Inspect Fluffy and Fido’s paws on a daily basis. Are there any cuts? If they are really deep or are not healing properly, bring your pets into the animal clinic at Northern Lights Veterinary Services and let us check them out. Sometimes, the only first aid that’s needed is a gentle cleansing with warm water and soap. But sometimes these wounds don’t heal quickly, in which case your pet will need expert attention from some of the best veterinarians in the Fridley area.

Of course, you will probably be checking on your car on a regular basis to make sure that there is a sufficient amount of antifreeze in it. But did you know that antifreeze is extremely poisonous, especially to curious dogs and cats? This can be a life-threatening condition, so it is extremely important that if you suspect Fluffy or Fido drank antifreeze, you bring them to the animal clinic at Northern Lights Veterinary Services so we can begin immediate treatment. If your pet stumbles around, starts to vomit or seems depressed, these are some of the first signs of antifreeze poisoning. If caught early enough, the damage to your pet’s kidneys can be limited.

Winter can be a fun time of year to play with your pets! Dogs are especially fun to take outdoors and play with in the snow in Fridley, plus it ensures Fido is getting plenty of exercise during the cold months. But consider keeping Fluffy indoors for the duration of the colder temperatures. This will ensure Fluffy stays warm and healthy during Old Man Winter’s visit.

If you have any questions or concerns or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, you can call us at (763) 754-2381 or visit our website and fill out our online form to request more information.

3 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

The list of benefits of spaying or neutering your pets goes on and on. Your pet will be happier and healthier throughout the course of their life. If you're looking for a Coon Rapids spay/neuter clinic, look no further. We can provide your pet with this and other essential procedures.

Your Pet's Health

It's actually healthier for your pet to be spayed or neutered, rather than not. If you're not going to let your pets mate, then it's best to get them spayed or neutered. Studies have shown that animals that underwent this procedure lived longer than those who hadn't. It cuts down on the urge to roam, aggressive behavior and even helps cut down on some cancers. It's a good idea to have your animals spayed or neutered early in their life.

More Homes for Pets

By making sure your animals don't have any babies, you are ensuring more loving homes for animals that are already alive. Shelters are crowded and there are many animals that need a home. If you find homes for all the babies that your animal produces, that's reducing the possibility that those homes would adopt a pet that is already in need. By spaying or neutering your pet, you're leaving more homes for other animals.

Reduces Costs

Though there is a cost associated with having any procedure performed on your pet, which may deter you, you have to weigh the benefits. The long-term costs associated with raising a pet will far outweigh the cost of a procedure. Even if you're not planning on keeping your pet's babies, someone will have to, or they will end up in a shelter. All of these options costs money for someone. Prevent the costs associated with raising a pet by having your animal spayed or neutered.

Are you in need of a Coon Rapids spay/neuter clinic? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment by calling 763-754-2381 and browse our full list of services online.

5 Tips to Being a Good Client for Your Pet Vet

We see a lot of sick animals come in, and a lot of healthy animals go out of our clinic. We love keeping your animals healthy and spry. As your local Coon Rapids pet vet, we can provide you with some advice on keeping your pets healthy. Having a good relationship with your veterinarian can pave the road for many years of excellent pet care. Here are five things you can do, as a pet owner, to help us help you.

1. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and be on time. It is courteous to reschedule an appointment you will not be able keep. That time slot can be used to treat other patients.

2. Even in the case of an emergency, you should call to make sure your veterinarian is available. If your pet can't be seen that day, you may have to defer to an emergency animal hospital.

3. Routinely visit your pet vet. Don't wait until your animal is sick to stop by the clinic. With routine checkups, some of those illnesses may be able to be prevented.

4. Become familiar with your pet. If you can catch an illness at the first sign of symptoms, it may be easier to treat. It's best if you can avoid an emergency situation.

5. Be friendly and polite with your vet. Your vet loves animals just as much as you do. Trust them to know how to best take care of your pets and follow their advice.

Do you need a reliable pet vet in Coon Rapids? Then give us a call today at 763-754-2481 or Contact Us Online.

Pet Emergencies That Require a Veterinarian's Attention

Whether you're a new pet owner or a life-long pet lover, you want your furry friend to be in good health. It may be tricky to diagnose your pet's symptoms at home. Since your pet cannot communicate in the same way a human can, you have to be alert and aware. Your observations are all you have, so try to see what your pet is telling you without using any words. There are some alarming symptoms to be aware of, though. If you notice anything listed below, you'll want to contact our Fridley-area veterinarian at Northern Lights Veterinarian Services, Dr. Elizabeth Stoltz immediately.

Dog Medical Emergencies

- Weakness: Sudden or prolonged weakness can be the sign of a larger underlying problem. It is probably an indicator some of the major internal organs are being affected in some way.

- Difficulty Breathing: Breathing difficulties can be one of the most alarming physical problems your dog can have. Three minutes without air will be detrimental to your dog's life.

- Seizure: A seizer can be one of the scariest episodes to have to witness. A seizure is most likely a sign of deterioration in your dog, which requires immediate attention.

Cat Medical Emergencies

- Severe Pain: If you cat is displaying obvious signs of pain, those areas need to be examined. You can never know what is the underlying cause for their pain.

- Paralysis: If you notice a sudden loss of the ability for your cat to use any of its legs, this should be a red flag. It can signify a pretty significant medical problem.

- Trauma: If your cat falls victim to any traumatic event or ingests a known toxin, a Fridley veterinarian should be contacted immediately. These events can affect your cat's overall health.

These are only a few of the major reasons to contact a veterinarian. If you're not sure whether to see a veterinarian, call or bring your pet in. It's better to be safe than sorry. You know your pets better than anyone else. If you notice something out of the ordinary, take all the necessary precautions to ensure their health.

To contact our Fridley veterinarian, call 763-754-2381 or Contact Us Online.

Caring for a New Pet: Reasons to Visit an Anoka Veterinary Clinic

Adding a new pet to your family can be an excited time. Maybe you adopted your new addition or maybe a friend gave you one. Whatever the case is, you'll want to be sure to take your new furry family member to Northern Light Veterinary Services, a local Anoka Veterinary Clinic. At Northern LightsVeterinary Services, we would love to meet your new four-legged family members, so bring them in!

Health

You'll want to make sure your new pet is healthy overall. Just because they look healthy to the naked eye, doesn't necessarily mean they are. Your local Anoka veterinary clinic will be able to perform a physical examination and check for any underlying conditions. It's important to performing this type of an examination, because just like humans, some animals are born with diseases and physical abnormalities. If they are caught near the time of birth, they may be able to be corrected.

New Kitten

Kittens will be checked for parasites. Your veterinarian will perform a check for internal and external parasites. There are different types of parasites such as fleas, ticks and ear mites. Some of them are too small to see with the naked eye, so you'll have to go to an Anoka veterinary clinic to have this type of examination performed.

New Puppy

Worms are common in young puppies. These intestinal parasites can be passed to humans if they are not treated and cured. Also, these worms can cause serious health issues to your puppy. This test will also be able to catch any other underlying infections. Call your local Anoka veterinary clinic to schedule an appointment as soon as you acquire a new pet.

If you have a new pet in your household and it needs an examination, call us today at 763-754-2381 or visit ourwebsite for more information.

5 Summer and Spring Safety Tips for Pets in Anoka MN

Your local Anoka veterinary clinic, Northern Lights Veterinary Services, wants your pets to be safe this summer! Below are five tips to keep your pets happy and healthy this spring and summer. Keep your pets in the front of your mind as the temperatures get higher.

1. Don't let your pet ride in the open bed of a truck. Any sudden, or even some routine, traffic maneuvers can startle your pet. They could be ejected from the truck or get abrasions after being subjected to the harsh elements.

2. Never leave your pet in a car. Even though it may feel cool outside, the sun can heat up the inside of a car dramatically. If you're doing errands in Anoka, leave your furry friend at home.

3. When you take your pet for a walk in Anoka, keep them on a leash. This will not only keep them away from other pets, but also keeps them away from hazards. Warmer weather may encourage your pets to drink out of puddles containing unhealthy materials.

4. Just like you, your pets need lots of water during the warmer months. It is important for them to stay hydrated. If you take them on a walk with you, make sure you bring them some water along. They feel just as thirsty as you do during physical activity.

5. Watch your pets when they're outside. Make sure they don't overexert themselves. Shade can move throughout the day, so make sure they always have the opportunity to be cool.

If you notice any extreme changes in your animal during the warmer seasons, make sure you get to your local Anoka veterinary clinic right away. Similarly, if an accident happens, Northern Lights Veterinary Services in Anoka should be your first call. We have the ability to treat pets of all types.

Call us today to have a checkup of your pet at 763-754-2381 or visit our website to see all the services we provide.

Blaine Veterinarian to Provide Reduced Cost Heartworm Clinic

Want to know whether your dog has heartworm? Bring him or her into Northern Lights Veterinary Services of Blaine on March 30 or April 6, 20 and 27 and take advantage of our reduced-cost heartworm clinic.

Heartworm is a disease that can affect dogs after a mosquito bite. Symptoms of heartworm include fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.

This year’s clinic will be the 19th annual event. We provide this important service so all dogs can be tested to see whether heartworm is present in his or her system. Heartworm can have numerous effects on a dog, including abnormal blood clots and increased chance of aneurysms. Blood must flow through the dog’s arteries, and those in the lungs filled with heartworm can have fluid begin to build up around this.

As a result, the dog may suffer frequent coughing, fatigue and nosebleeds, and the dog may be infected with a type of pneumonia. In very severe cases, heartworm can impact the dog’s heart, and in cases of severe amounts, death can happen within one to two days.

These clinics provide you and your dog with the opportunity to skip exam and office call fees and have your loving canine tested for heartworm. Tests should be done on dogs prior to Oct. 1, 2012, and any other dog regardless of whether a heartworm preventative is used.

The clinics will be hosted on March 30 and April 6, 20 and 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at our office, 10617 University Avenue, Blaine, Minnesota. Costs are dependent on the dog’s weight, and can range from $75 to $95.

Appointments occur every five minutes, so being prompt to yours is necessary. For questions or to make an appointment, call us now at (763) 754-2381 during normal office hours, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. 

Welcome to the Northern Lights Vet Blog!

As a locally owned and operated business in the Twin Cities metro, we at Northern Lights Veterinary Services have always prided ourselves on our work, and illustrating why we’re one of the area’s top providers of pet care.

Because of the pride we take in our work, we’re happy to today launch our blog. It will be frequently updated with information on pet care. 

Not familiar with Northern Lights Veterinary Services? Please visit our home page to learn more about our company and services, or if you’re looking around at different Minneapolis veterinary clinics. We look forward to working with you!