Vet Partners Edina

Have a seat! 🪑 🤓

As we gear up for the 4th of July celebrations, it's important to keep our furry friends safe and comfortable. Here are some essential tips to ensure your pets stay safe during the festivities:

1. Keep Pets Indoors: Fireworks can be loud and scary for pets. Create a safe, quiet space indoors where they can feel secure.
2. Provide Distractions: Turn on the TV or play calming music to help drown out the noise of fireworks.
3. Identification: Make sure your pet has up-to-date identification tags and microchip information in case they get scared and run away.
4. Avoid Fireworks: Keep your pets away from fireworks, sparklers, and glow sticks. These can be harmful if ingested or if they come into contact with you pet.
5. Secure Fences and Gates: Ensure your yard is secure to prevent your pets from escaping if they get frightened.
6. No Table Scraps: Avoid feeding your pets table scraps, as some foods can be toxic to them. Stick to their regular diet.
7. Comfort Items: Provide their favorite toys, blankets, or a piece of your clothing to help them feel safe and comforted.
8. Stay Calm: Your pets can pick up on your stress. Stay calm and reassure them with gentle petting and a soothing voice.

If your pet tends to show signs of extreme stress or anxiety during this time of year, please contact us at 952-920-9922, so we can go over options. We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, but will be back on Friday, July 5th.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

We are still currently experiencing technical difficulties with our internet and phone services. You can still call and leave a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Due to limited phone lines, there may be longer wait times for callbacks and we might call from an unknown number. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue!

Our internet and phone lines are currently down. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

It's Black Fly Season!

What to look for:
If you have noticed red blotches or bull's-eyes on your pet's stomach or inside of their legs, especially after being outside in the grass, they are most likely fly bites.

What should I do if my pet has fly bites?
Although they can look scary, fly bites are typically harmless causing little to no discomfort. They should go away on their own without additional treatment.

How do I prevent my pet from getting bitten?
Flies are particularly active during the day in hot weather. If they tend to bother your pet, make sure to keep them inside during those times. They are also more drawn to matted or unclean fur, or areas that are near the grass (such as pet's bellies and legs).

What's new at Vet Partners Edina?
We are beyond excited to announce a new team member starting at the end of the month, Dr. Logan VerMeer! Dr. VerMeer will be working as an Associate DVM at our Edina hospital. His special interests include internal medicine, cardiology, and ophthalmology. As a new veterinarian, he is most looking forward to building meaningful relationships with his clients & patients while continuing to learn
more each day.
Before working at Vet Partners, Dr. VerMeer obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. He went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2024 and was inducted into the veterinary honors society Phi Zeta Kappa. He began his journey in the field as a veterinary assistant in various small animal practices in 2015, and is excited to join Vet Partners Pet Hospital this spring.
In his free time, Dr. VerMeer likes to golf, travel, and spend time with his wife and their cat, Penelope.

💜 Becoming a pet foster home or transport volunteer for pets of victim-survivors escaping domestic violence is FREE! When you sign up, you'll receive veterinary care, pet supplies, and access to training services for the foster pet – all at no cost to you.

🏠🚘 Foster homes and transport volunteers are vital allies in MN Pet Coalition’s mission to remove barriers that prevent victim-survivors from seeking safety from abuse. Provide vital support to victim-survivors and their pets by signing up today: https://tinyurl.com/ApplyMNPC

Happy (early) St. Patrick's Day! We hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend! 🍀😊

What's new at Vet Partners Edina?
Meet Geordi, the newest addition to the Vet Partners Family! He is such a silly and happy guy, and we love having him hang out around the clinic with us. Any guesses on what breeds he could be? Leave them in the comments below!

While February is National Pet Dental Health Month, dental health should be a daily ritual for pet owner's all year.

Here are some tips for effective at-home dental care for your pets:
1. Daily Brushing is essential for maintaining your pet's dental health. Use different sized toothbrushes to find the most suitable one for your pet, and be sure to use enzymatic toothpaste specifically designed for pets.

2.Consider using oral rinses in combination with brushing or as an alternative if your pet doesn't tolerate brushing well. You can also supplement your pet's water with an additive, though it may be less effective than direct application.

3. Dental wipes can help introduce your pet to teeth brushing and make them more comfortable with the process. However, they are not as effective as brushing with a toothbrush in reaching all tooth surfaces.

4. Dental prescription diets are specifically formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup in pets. These diets are nutritionally balanced and are usually well-received by most pets.

5. Enzymatic dental chews contain plaque fighting ingredients along with chewing action to decrease plaque. Avoid hard chews like bones or antlers to prevent the risk of tooth fractures in your pet.

Happy Valentine's Day from our amazing front desk team and Bee 💕

Why Dental Radiographs Are Important:
A mere visual exam of a pet's mouth reveals just the tip of the iceberg- the crown of the tooth. Dental radiographs (x-rays) are an indispensable component of comprehensive dental care for pets because they unveil what lies beneath the gum line, where most dental issues originate.

Why Would a Veterinarian Recommend Dental X-rays?
1. Periodontal Diseases: Signs like tooth mobility, gum recession, or pockets around a tooth indicate the needs for X-rays. They are often the only means to assess whether a tooth should be extracted, as mobile tooth may significant bone loss around its roots, which won't heal naturally.

2. Fractured or Discolored Teeth: Visible damage may not reveal the full extent of the issue. X-rays are crucial for assessing the extent of damage, especially for teeth with multiple fractures.

3. Tooth Root Abscesses: Facial swelling or other signs of abscesses necessitate X-rays to pinpoint which teeth are affected.

4. Missing Teeth: X-rays are essential to evaluate the presence of unerupted teeth in adult pets. Surgical removal may be necessary if these teeth are present but haven't erupted, as they can cause damage or eventually turn into an abscess.

5. Jaw Fracture: Severe dental disease can lead to bone degradation around the teeth, sometimes resulting in jaw fractures. X-rays are instrumental in detecting such fractures.

Friendly Reminder!

What is Dental Calculus?
Dental Calculus, commonly referred to as tartar, forms when plaque (the sticky substance that quickly develops on teeth after a meal) combines with salts in the saliva and hardens.

What are the Consequences of Calculus?
1.Calculus serves as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can lead to gum inflammation (gingivitis), often resulting in painful bleeding. Gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, causing increased discomfort, inflammation, and ultimately, tooth loss.

2. As calculus accumulates along the gum line, it pushes the gums away from the tooth roots, exposing the sensitive, enamel-free part of the tooth, leading to heightened sensitivity and pain.

3. Bacteria originating from calculus can enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, thereby increasing the risk of infection and reducing organ function.

February is Dental Health Month, and we want to highlight the importance of preventative dental cleanings for your pet's overall well-being.

Here are some indications that your pet may require a dental cleaning:
1. Noticeable redness or inflammation along the gumline.
2. An unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth.
3. Changes in chewing behavior or reluctance to chew.
4. Difficulty seeing teeth due to the build up of tartar.
5. Presence of broken, discolored, or loose teeth.
6. Swelling or draining around the face of jaw area.
7. A decrease in appetite
8. Frequent rubbing or pawing at the face, mouth, or jaw.

Prioritize your pet's heath by focusing on their dental care this February. When you contact us, don't forget to inquire about our ongoing Dental Health Month promotion!.

Important Announcement:

Dear Vet Partners Edina Clients,

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support over the years. Each one of you has played a vital role in our journey, and we truly appreciate your trust and partnership.

As our practice continues to evolve, so do the lives of our dedicated staff members. We are excited to announce a positive change aimed at enhancing the well-being of our team and, consequently, the service we provide to you.

After careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the hard work and dedication of our staff, we have made the decision to close our doors on Saturdays. This decision, while not taken lightly, reflects our commitment to prioritizing the work/life balance of our exceptional team.

Starting in February, Vet Partners Edina will operate Monday through Friday, ensuring our services remain accessible to all our valued clients. Recognizing the challenges of scheduling appointments during the week, we are pleased to inform you that we will still offer morning drop-offs and evening appointment slots to accommodate a variety of schedules.

We understand that this change may pose some adjustments for you, and we want to assure you that our commitment to exceptional care remains unwavering. If you encounter any difficulty securing an appointment, our dedicated team is ready to assist in finding a suitable solution tailored to your needs.

Once again, thank you sincerely for being an integral part of the Vet Partners family. Your loyalty and support have been instrumental in our growth, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the highest standards of care in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Dr. Luther Groth, Owner

🌞Unexpected Warmth this Winter! 🌞

Hey there, fellow pet lovers! With the unseasonably warm weather gracing us this winter, its easy to forget that our furry friends still need protection from those pesky fleas and ticks.

Did you know that ticks can remain active when temperatures are above freezing? That means our pets are not out of the woods yet!

Let's make sure our beloved companions are safe and sound. Here's a friendly reminder to keep them on their flea and tick prevention routine. Your pets will thank you for it, and you can enjoy the warmer weather with no worries! 🐕❤️

Hello, there! I'm Lennie, and I'd like to share my journey with you.

At the tender age of 7, I found myself without a home, as my previous family couldn't provide the specialized care I required due to my diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). But there's good news! Thanks to a new diet and a gradually reducing dosage of steroids, I'm responding remarkably well to treatment.

Now, let me tell you about the things that bring joy to my life. I enjoy striking up conversations, making friends (with humans, dogs, and cats alike), gazing out the window to watch the world go by, and, of course, indulging in some quality relaxation time.

I'm known for being quite polite and friendly, and I'm truly hoping to find a loving family to call my own. Just a little heads up, though – I'll need prescription food for the long term to keep me healthy and happy.

If you are interested in meeting me, please call 952-920-9922, or email [email protected]

RESCUE SPOTLIGHT!

Calling all senior dog lovers- Meet TJ!

This old boy is the best! A total love bug, TJ loves to take walks, loves everyone he meets and loves snuggles! TJ is looking for a calm home with lots of love and a big heart! If you want to meet this fabulous senior, please visit spotslaststop.org and fill out an application.

WHAT'S NEW AT VET PARTNERS EDINA?
We hope everyone is enjoying this fall season! We are very pleased to announce we've had three new staff members join our team this past month. You'll see our new technicians Lily and Kirsten share their wealth of knowledge in appointments, and you can stop by the front desk and chat with our new CSR Brittany to book your pets next visit! Please feel free to say hello next time you see them around the hospital!

RESCUE SPOTLIGHT!!!

Calling all Shepherd Lovers- Meet Homer!

This 4.5/5 month old puppy is a hoot! Smart, social, friendly, playful, loves to take walks, loves running around the yard playing with other dogs and loves working/learning! This baby is a total gem- total Shep!! You have to meet him- to meet him is to fall in love!! Homer is waiting for his shepherd loving home- is that you?
Please visit Spotslaststop.org to learn more!!

RESCUE SPOTLIGHT!
Meet Little Miss Magic-
This sweet baby is looking for her forever home! She is the sweetest- perfect house manners, loves playing with other dogs then snuggling up for a nap. She walks well on a leash and loves all people! Little Miss Magic is just the Best! Please visit spotslaststop.org to learn more about her and to fill out an application.

Vet Partners Edina friends -
Our phones seem to be having some on and off issues when calling us. We are looking into this and trying to get it resolved as soon as possible! So sorry for any inconvenience!