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Everything You Need to Know About TPLO Surgery for Dogs at Blue Springs Animal Hospital

September 26, 2024

CCL tears are more common in dogs than many pet owners realize. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that up to…

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5 Medical Marvels of the Common House Cat

March 25, 2024

As veterinarians, we’ve worked closely with many cats, uncovering the layers of their unique biological and physiological characteristics . Their abilities and uniqueness never get old! Let's have some fun…

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The Ultimate Dog Dental Guide: Nurturing Your Canine’s Canines

January 16, 2024

Often overlooked but immensely important, dental health is a key piece of the puzzle in your dog’s overall well-being. In this blog, we're not just brushing up on the basics…

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Healing with Light: A Deep Dive into Veterinary Laser Therapy

January 5, 2024

In recent years, veterinary medicine has witnessed the rise of an innovative, non-invasive treatment method that's changing how we care for our pets: laser therapy . This advanced technology has…

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5 Fun Indoor Games to Keep Your Dog Entertained When It’s Too Cold Outside

December 29, 2023

As the cold weather sets in, our outdoor activities with our energetic canines inevitably get limited. But a drop in temperature or a bit more moisture doesn’t mean a dip…

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Addison’s Disease in Dogs: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

December 18, 2023

Addison's disease in dogs, a condition that might not grab headlines but certainly deserves our attention, is a unique and intriguing medical puzzle. This condition, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, may…

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Exploring Your Winter Wonderland: The Guide to Festive Walks with Your Dog

December 18, 2023

As the winter season wraps our world in a chilly embrace, it brings with it the unique charm and quiet beauty of snowy landscapes, twinkling lights, and crisp, fresh air…

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9 Human Foods That Are Toxic to Pets (And Their Healthy Alternatives!)

November 17, 2023

Raise your hand if you've ever been under the spell of those puppy dog eyes begging for a morsel of your dinner, or the delicate paw tapping at your plate…

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4 Essential Litter Box Tips Every Cat Owner Should Know

October 27, 2023

Ah, the litter box: that indispensable item that cat owners have a love-hate relationship with. On the one hand, it grants our feline friends the independence they crave and is…

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5 Top Tips to Help Your Cat Lose Weight: The Purr-fect Guide to Feline Fitness

October 20, 2023

Have you been noticing a little extra "fluff" on your feline friend lately? You're not alone. In fact, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention , roughly 60% of…

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Top 10 Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

September 29, 2023

Did you know that over half of all dogs in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese? Obesity isn't just a human epidemic; it affects our four-legged friends too. According…

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Why Would My Dog Need Diagnostic Imaging?

September 29, 2023

Sometimes, your veterinarian needs to see the internal workings of your dog to make an adequate prognosis on his health. Veterinary diagnostic imaging helps us do that. You’re probably familiar…

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Guidelines For When You Should Call The Vet

September 27, 2023

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell when you should call your veterinarian or when you should wait and see. One of the key aspects of pet ownership is understanding…

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Early Detection: The Benefits of Routine Blood Work for Cats

September 5, 2023

Cats may have a mysterious way of hiding their health issues, making it challenging for us to notice when something is amiss. Cats often don’t show symptoms until they’re already…

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Honoring Our Canine Helpers for National Service Dog Month

August 23, 2023

As veterinarians, we have the incredible privilege of working closely with a wide variety of animals, each with unique personalities and roles in their owners’ lives. Every September, our hearts…

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Aging Changes in Dogs and Cats

August 18, 2023

As pets age, they experience a number of physical changes. Some of these changes may seem sudden like hearing loss, and others are more subtle such as arthritic changes. The…

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Forget Me Not: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

August 18, 2023

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, observed annually on August 28th, is a day set aside to honor and remember our cherished pets who have passed away. This day is a beautiful…

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Sniffing Out the Truth: Essential Oil Safety for Pets

August 8, 2023

Essential oils have gained tremendous popularity for their therapeutic properties and aromatic delights. However, while you might find lavender soothing, your pet could have an entirely different reaction. It's crucial…

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Early Detection: The Benefits of Routine Blood Work for Dogs

August 8, 2023

As veterinarians, we understand the immense joy that dogs bring to our lives. They are our ever-faithful companions, always there to brighten our days with their wagging tails and slobbery…

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Intervertebral Disc Disease: IVDD

August 3, 2023

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a disease that can affect any creature with a spine. In small animal veterinary medicine, it is commonly seen in dogs with long backs such…

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Help Your Pet With “The Back to School Blues”

July 29, 2023

Help Your Pet Get Gold Star Behavior When You Head Back To School Summer Vacation is starting to come to an end. Your house may be bustling with back-to-school energy…

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What Your Veterinarian Needs You To Know About Your Dog’s Weight

July 14, 2023

We often hear of the obesity epidemic plaguing the U.S., and unfortunately, the issue extends beyond humans. According to the American Kennel Club , 56 percent of dogs are overweight…

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Is Your Cat Acting Strange? Behavior Changes That are a Red Flag

July 7, 2023

Cats are creatures of habit, which means a behavior change is likely to be noticed by their owner fairly quickly. Unfortunately, cats are stoic animals that go to great lengths…

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What Is Leptospirosis And How It Can Affect Your Dog

July 7, 2023

What Is Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a disease that most dog owners have either never heard of or it sounds familiar, but they’re not really sure what it is. Leptospirosis is…

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The 5 Grooming Things You Should Check on Your Dog Every Month

June 25, 2023

As veterinarians, we stress the importance of regular grooming for dogs. Not only does grooming help keep their coat looking healthy and clean, but it can prevent certain health issues…

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Why Is My Dog Panting So Loudly?

June 17, 2023

If you have ever owned or been around a large breed older dog that has a rough-sounding pant, it may have laryngeal paralysis. Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the folds (arytenoid…

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Is Your Dog Acting Up? Conquer Boredom With These 5 Tips

June 17, 2023

Dogs are among the most social pets, in stark contrast to cats which typically prefer quiet solitude. Dogs thrive in environments that nurture their need for activity and companionship and…

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Oh, Poo! Why It’s Essential to Immediately Clean Up After Your Pet

June 1, 2023

What your pet leaves behind after elimination is something pet owners would rather ignore, but paying close attention is an essential part of keeping them healthy. Pet owners should be…

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Feline Urinary Obstructions

June 1, 2023

Feline urinary obstruction (FUO) is a very common disease in male cats that are often overlooked or missed by owners until the cat is very sick. When a cat gets…

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Inappropriate Urination In Cats

May 28, 2023

Let's Talk About Stress Have you ever felt stressed? Did you ever pig out on your favorite treat to help “cope” with the stress? What does your pet do when…

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Baby, It’s Hot Out There! Protecting Your Pets From the Heat.

May 18, 2023

The last Friday of May is dedicated to National Heat Awareness Day, which spotlights heat-induced medical emergencies in humans and pets. Recognized on May 26 this year, we’re taking this…

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Cushing’s Disease In Dogs

May 14, 2023

What Is Cushing’s Disease In Dogs? Cushing's, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a disease that occurs most commonly in dogs when their adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. Cortisol is…

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A Tale Of Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis, And Lasers

May 6, 2023

Hip dysplasia is most common in large breed dogs. Most people have heard of hip dysplasia but don't necessarily know exactly what it is. Hip dysplasia occurs when there is…

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Fleas and Ticks: Protecting Your Pets and Home

April 14, 2023

As veterinarians, one of the most common concerns we hear from animal owners is how to protect their furry friends from fleas and ticks . These parasites not only cause…

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How To Find The Best Groomer

April 7, 2023

Being a pet owner means sometimes leaving your favorite four-legged friend with people outside your trusted circle of family and friends. Family vacations sometimes require leaving your pet in the…

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Heartworm in Dogs: Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until There are Symptoms

April 2, 2023

Dog heartworm is a dreaded diagnosis that can mean extreme discomfort for your dog, but it’s also a disease that is highly preventable. Thanks to effective monthly preventatives, dogs are…

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Heartworm in Cats: Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until There Are Symptoms

April 2, 2023

Many pet owners associate heartworm with dogs, but it’s also a potentially devastating disease for cats, too. Cat owners must be aware of the signs and symptoms, as cat heartworm…

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Post-Op Dental Care and Home Dental Care for Dogs

March 27, 2023

As a pet parent, you undoubtedly want to do everything you can to help them live a healthy, happy life. This includes scheduling appointments for dental care. Pet dental care…

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How To Find The Best Pet Trainer

March 19, 2023

The ultimate goal of pet ownership is a well-trained pet that follows commands easily, can be trusted to stay home alone, and engages with humans of all ages without incident…

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How to Prevent Accidental Pet Poisoning

March 10, 2023

In 2022, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) experienced a 22 percent increase in calls over the prior year, assisting 401,550 animals across all 50 U.S. states. This jump…

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The Best Dog Breeds for Couch Potatoes

February 24, 2023

Not everyone has an energetic personality, a lifestyle that allows for daily trips to the dog park, or a love of hiking with a dog running the trails alongside them…

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5 Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears at Home

February 10, 2023

While owning a dog means plenty of cuddles, playtime, and neighborhood walks, it also comes with immense responsibility. From staying up-to-date on vaccines and clipping nails to brushing teeth and…

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Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Scooting and Anal Glands

February 7, 2023

Anal Glands are gross, but every dog and cat has them. Today, we’re going to get all up in your cat or dog’s business. I’m sorry, but it has to…

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Lab Tests on Dogs: Why They’re Important and What They Tell Your Veterinarian

January 23, 2023

When a dog is taken to their veterinarian because they’re not feeling well or acting out of character, the first course of action is a physical examination and lab work…

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Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy, Behavior and Training, Answered by a Veterinarian

January 5, 2023

When should I start behavior training with my dog? The most critical stage in a puppy’s behavior development occurs between 5-18 weeks of age. We know, for instance, that: dogs…

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The Benefits of Using an AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Hospital

January 3, 2023

Pet owners always want peace of mind knowing that their cherished pet is receiving the best care possible when sick or injured. While trust in veterinary care typically comes from…

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Gray Muzzle Dogs: 5 Things to Know About Your Aging Pet

December 16, 2022

Dogs are often categorized as senior dogs by a combination of their breed and age, with small breeds considered "senior" at 10-11 years, medium-sized breeds at 8-10 years, and giant…

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Living with a Tripod: 5 Things You Need to Know

December 14, 2022

Finding out that your dog needs to have a leg amputated can be a frightening experience. However, it is important to remember that three-legged dogs can lead healthy and fulfilling…

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How to Help Your Introverted Cat When You Have Guests Over

November 4, 2022

Much like people, cats have individual personalities. Some love spending time with people, and others would prefer hanging out in their favorite hiding spot when you have guests over. Sharing…

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Dog Diarrhea! It Happens, And Here’s What You Need to Know

March 31, 2022

Diarrhea - let's just agree upfront that this is an unpleasant topic. Unfortunately, it's one that we see in pets at veterinary clinics every day, and while the root cause…

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How to Spot an Ear Infection In Your Dog

June 19, 2021

Did you know that some dogs are more prone to ear infections than others? It's true. Floppy-eared dogs like Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and other long-eared dogs tend to have…

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8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

June 19, 2021

We’ve all seen the memes since this COVID-19 pandemic started about dogs who have had enough of you walking them, thank you very much . And in turn, the cat…

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Large-Breed Puppies

June 19, 2021

Is your fur baby destined to turn into a fur giant? If you own a large-breed puppy , they may be a lap dog now, but before you know it…

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How to Avoid Losing Your Pet to Secondary Drowning

June 19, 2021

As veterinarians, we've shared a lot of information about how to keep your pets safe around water. What you might not realize, however, is that, after saving your pet from…

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Reasons Your Cat May Be Meowing So Much

June 19, 2021

Have you ever encountered a “chatty” kitty? One who meowed at every opportunity (and then some)? Or maybe you’ve had the experience of a kitty who was mostly quiet, but…

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23 Amazing Facts About Dogs You Probably Didn’t Know

June 19, 2021

Do you think you know everything there is to know about canines? Think again! Check out these 23 interesting facts you may have never heard: Dogs have a sense of…

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Lumps and Bumps

February 1, 2019

You’re petting your cat or bathing your dog when—wait, what’s that? Finding a lump or bump on your pet can be a worrisome experience, but don’t panic. Masses of all…

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