Pet Tips

One of the most common problems that we deal with here at Mendakota Animal Hospital is the itchy dog. It can be a frustrating problem not only for the dog but for the dog owner as well.

There are numerous possible causes for the itching. The most common we encounter include allergies (food or environment) and external parasites such as fleas. The best thing to do for your itching dog is to make an appointment with one of our doctors. They will work with you and your dog to uncover the cause of the itching and make your dog much more comfortable.

My cat seemed perfectly alright yesterday and now she is vomiting, what do I do?

Sometimes pet owners wait a few days thinking that the problem will go away by itself. It is important to note that whether a cat is vomiting several times in the same day or only once every several days, the vomiting most likely indicates that there is a problem.

The problem may be as serious as an intestinal obstruction, or may be a result of a food allergy or may be a symptom pointing to one of numerous metabolic diseases (such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism).

If your cat is vomiting, we at Mendakota would be glad to schedule an appointment for you with one of our doctors. They will investigate the cause of the vomiting and recommend appropriate treatment so that your cat can be off to a speedy recovery.

To schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 651-688-9245 or you can send an e-mail to our front desk indicating your time preference and they’ll be glad to get back to you to confirm your appointment.

Scratching is a natural behavior of cats. We cannot eliminate this behavior but we can make it less destructive to us and our homes. Here are a few ideas to help tame your cat’s scratching.

Regular nail trims – This is one of the easiest and most effective strategies. Clipping your cat’s nails on a regular basis will make their scratching less of a problem. We at Mendakota Animal Hospital would be glad to teach you how to trim your cat’s nails or do it for you.

Scratching posts – A good scratching post is one that is tall enough so that your cat can fully stretch out on it and also is very sturdy and stable. Providing an appropriate scratching post for your cat will help deter them from scratching other areas of your home.

Soft Paws – These are lightweight vinyl caps that you apply over your cat’s own claws and we do carry these at Mendakota.

Congratulations on the adoption of your newest furry family member! Whether your pet is young or old their first veterinary visit is an exciting experience for both of you. For your pet’s first visit with the veterinarian, it is important to bring any and all previous records, as well as current medications with you to your appointment. Arriving five to ten minutes early is also helpful as there is paperwork that will need to be filled out. Even if one is not needed, bringing a fresh (never frozen) fecal sample from your pet is recommended.

Going to the vet can be really exciting to your pet but it can also make them nervous. Be sure to have your pet on a leash or in a carrier. Never have your pet loose. There may be other pets in the lobby of your veterinary office that may not get along with you or your pet.

Remember, your veterinary office is there to help you ensure that your pet is healthy. If you have any questions or concerns, write them down and bring them with you.

First Visit Tips Summary

Arrive 5-10 minutes early.
Bring all previous records and current medications.
Bring a fecal sample from your pet.
Bring a list of questions and concerns.