Category Archives: Quality of Life

BEAP Pain Scales for Cats and Dogs

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Admin

Pain is an important part of overall quality of life, but it can be difficult to know if our pets are in pain. Animals show signs of discomfort differently than humans and they can’t tell us what they’re feeling, so … Continue reading →

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Emergency Veterinary Clinics 

Posted on November 1, 2022 by MN Pets

If your pet needs help after-hours, there are several emergency clinics in the Twin Cities metro area. The map below is interactive. Find the clinic closest to you and click on the paw print to view the phone number, address, … Continue reading →

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MN Pets Quality of Life Scale

Posted on October 7, 2022 by Admin

The team at MN Pets has worked together to compile the most important aspects to consider when thinking about your pet’s end of life decision. Download the MN Pets Quality of Life Assessment: MN Pets Quality of Life Assessment Tool … Continue reading →

Posted in End-of-life decisions, Preparing for your pet's appointment, Quality of Life | Leave a comment

Part 2: The Act of Dying: What to Expect

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Elizabeth Guidroz, CVT

The process of dying is a natural one, much like the act of giving birth. The body prepares itself for the event, sometimes months in advance. In Part 2 of this blog series, I will share with you what I … Continue reading →

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Part 1: When Euthanasia is Not an Option

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Elizabeth Guidroz, CVT

What does the ideal scenario look like for you when it comes time to say goodbye to your pet? Does it involve one last trip to the vet that has been there for you since their first puppy visit? Or … Continue reading →

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Hyperthyroid Disease in Cats

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Lindsay Niemi

As your cat ages, there are many age-related ailments that may develop throughout their later years. Hyperthyroidism, or hyperthyroid disease, is one of the more common glandular disorders for cats in the middle to senior age range. Cats with a hyperthyroid condition … Continue reading →

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Leaky Plumbing: Dealing with Incontinence in Dogs and Cats

Posted on October 6, 2016 by MN Pets

By Katie Anderson Incontinence can be one of the most frustrating conditions that pet owners face. Many elderly, once house-broken dogs and cats develop some form of incontinence, from leaking a small amount of urine when they sleep to being … Continue reading →

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Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats

Posted on May 11, 2016 by MN Pets

You’re cuddled on the couch, petting your furry friend, and it happens: you feel a lump. Suddenly, your mind is racing with questions. Is it new? Is it growing? And worst of all, is it cancer? Maybe, but maybe not. … Continue reading →

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Coping with loss of appetite

Posted on May 3, 2016 by MN Pets

By Katie Anderson For many pets and their owners, meal time is an enjoyable experience. Your dog stands by his dish, eagerly wagging his tail in anticipation of food, and your cat begins to purr at the sound of the … Continue reading →

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Arthritis in Pets

Posted on April 25, 2016 by MN Pets

As your pet ages, you may notice that the easy, graceful movements that were so common have now become more difficult. The lope across the backyard has become a stiff walk, the jump to a favorite couch becomes impossible, and … Continue reading →

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