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At The Bluffs Pet Clinic, we think that pocket pets are just as amazing as dogs or cats. From rabbits to guinea pigs to hamsters, pint-sized pets are pretty great. We often forget that they need care, though, too. Pocket pet wellness is important!

Proper Pocket Pet Care

When pocket pets are well cared for, they tend to live longer and healthier lives. Perhaps the biggest thing to understand about your pet is what species-specific needs that they have. Taking care of a ferret is way different than caring for a hedgehog.

Because they require less maintenance and room, ownership of exotic pets is booming. In addition to their super cool looks, they also have massive appeal to people allergic to cats and dogs. Despite the perception that they’re easy-to-care-for, there are highly specific requirements for exotic pet care that demand an owner’s time, awareness, and attention.

Thanks to significant advances in veterinary science and an increased understanding of animal behavior and welfare principles, pets are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. Part of their continued wellness is the prevention of communicable diseases through improved hygiene, preventive care, and of course, pet vaccines.

Knowing which vaccines your pet needs―and when―is an important part of pet ownership. At The Bluffs Pet Clinic, we take your pet’s preventive care seriously.  We aim to help you determine which pet vaccines your pet needs and when they need them.

Nice weather is finally arriving in the great state of Minnesota, and at The Bluffs Pet Clinic we are excited to venture outdoors with our four-legged friends. As we head out hiking, swimming, camping, and otherwise enjoying nature, though, it is important to keep pet safety in mind. 

Great Dangers in the Great Outdoors

When considering the outdoors with our pets, there are many wonderful things to enjoy. Long nature walks, fishing excursions, and cookouts with friends are the things memories are made of.

Although we are more than a year into the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems that many facets of our daily lives are still affected by the virus. The Bluffs Pet Clinic is (and always has been) committed to offering your pets exceptional care, and we want you to know why it seems like our wait times have gotten longer recently.

More Pet Adoptions

Blizzards, fires, tornadoes, and floods are all things we experience here in Minnesota.   While rare, natural disasters aren’t impossible, and planning for the worst is part of an effective defense. In other words, by imagining terrible scenarios, you can prepare for them. 

Upholding pet safety is a day-to-day occurrence, and must remain a high priority in the face of life-threatening circumstances.

Spring has finally returned, but, unfortunately, that means that so have the fleas and ticks. As flea and tick treatments are always evolving, our own Dr. Darlene Cook, DVM, CVA wanted to share with you her current recommendations for flea and tick prevention for your pets. While we do recommend your pets be on monthly preventatives year-round, Doctor Cook also includes some recommendations for those who use spring through autumn prevention.

It’s not uncommon for pet owners to find themselves drawn to a specific dog or cat breed simply because of looks. Without a doubt, a pet’s appearance goes a long way. Personality, or temperament, age, and activity level are equally as important (if not more) than looks. When deciding on a breed, prospective pet owners must choose wisely. 

You may have your eye on a specific breed, but how do you know if that breed is right for you? The most popular pet breeds have a lot to offer, and we can help you determine compatibility. 

Most of us don’t want to ever consider an emergency situation with our precious pets, but the fact is, most pets will have some kind of emergency in their lifetime. As a responsible pet owner, though, it is essential to recognize the signs of a veterinary emergency and discern whether it is something minor that can be treated at home or something that needs immediate medical attention. This knowledge is key in getting your pet the help they need quickly when necessary.

Since there are some questions and confusion around pet first aid, the team at The Bluffs Pet Clinic is here to help you always be prepared:

It is impossible to watch your pet every second of the day, and sometimes our furry family members can get into food, plants, or household items that could be dangerous to their health. 

The team at The Bluffs Pet Clinic wants to help you understand more about what is considered toxic for your animals so you can master pet poison prevention in your home and avoid an unfortunate accident.