Boulevard Veterinary
Blog
At Boulevard Veterinary, Best Patient and Client Care doesn’t stop once you’re out the door. We’re dedicated to providing information so you can take the best care of your pets. Our Blog focuses on ways you can enrich your pets both at home and with our help. Know what you’re looking for? Use the search below.
Gabapentin FAQs
Whether it’s managing chronic pain, controlling seizures, or easing anxiety for various scenarios like travel or vet visits, Gabapentin has emerged as a multifaceted ally in feline care. But what types of anxiety can it help with, and how exactly does it work? Don’t worry, we’ve got the FAQs answered by Dr. Kate Sapato!
How To Use Dental Wipes
Does your pup pitch a fit when you try to brush their teeth? Consider using dental wipes! It's an easier, flavorless way to get those teefers clean at home. Maintaining good dental health is not only important for your pet’s comfort, but can also extend their lifespan. Watch the tutorial for the full demonstration!
Are Cicadas Harmful To Pets?
Ah, cicadas. Emerging every few years to serenade us with their unmistakable buzz. Our four-legged friends see them as a buffet of crunchy cuisine. But before you let your pet snack on a cicada, it's important to understand the not-so-tasty consequences that might follow.
BLVD Cat Coming Summer 2024!
We are thrilled to share that we have expanded BLVD Vet Ravenswood to offer you and your cat a first-of-its-kind boutique, feline experience, BLVD Cat!
Spring (and pollen,) is in the air!
There are three main types of allergies in vetmed: fleas, food, and environmental. In this article, we are focusing on environmental allergies. There are proven techniques and trials veterinarians use to determine which allergies pets have, so if you have concerns that your pet may have allergies, please contact us to develop a treatment plan.
It’s 420: We Do Not Judge!
Recreational use of marijuana is becoming more accessible and is already legal in Illinois. With that, chances of ingestion by our pets are increasing. Marijuana toxicity can necessitate treatment in our pets and the best thing to do is to be honest with your veterinarian about a potential ingestion - they do not judge if you have marijuana in your home!
How To Give Your Cat Oral Meds
Burritos aren’t just for lunch! We’ve got a step-by-step tutorial for safely giving your kitty oral meds at home with Veterinary Technician, Alyssa, and her cat Jeanne.
5 Reasons to Rethink Retractable Leashes
Chicago pet parents are no strangers to the journey of choosing the right leash for your pet! There are loads of great options on the market, but the one we want to focus on today is the retractable leash.
Pet Health Insurance Comparison 2024
We understand that choosing the right fit for you and your pet amongst the many options of insurers can be tough. To make it a bit easier, Forbes™ editor, Krista Fabregas, reviewed the top Pet Insurance providers. Compare some of your options here!
Toxic Plants
Plant and pet people rejoice! Your pet can safely cohabitate with your plant buddies (and vice versa) as long as you’re keeping the toxic plants out of your home. Check out our list of pet-toxic plants.
The Most Popular Dog Breed of 2023: The Frenchie
The French Bulldog tops the charts (and our hearts,) for a second year in a row! Here are some tips of what to expect while owning one!
The Hidden Hazards of the Outdoor Cat Life
For many pet parents, the idea of letting our feline friends roam free outdoors is tempting. It provides them with exercise, mental stimulation and the joy of basking in the sun. But Chicago's bustling urban landscape presents numerous hidden dangers to outdoor cats that should have every cat owner carefully considering this decision.
Thinking of Getting a Pet?
Thinking of welcoming a new pet into your home? We’ve got all the tips to prepare you!
Ultimate Doodle Guide
Curly coats and intelligence that rivals a toddler – Doodles capture our hearts and homes with their charismatic charm. They will need specific care to thrive in an urban environment, like Chicago. These tips are your golden tickets to a happy and healthy life with your Doodle!
How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Our feline friends are known for being a little purrticular - and that's okay! Fear not, we've got you covered with a How-To Trim Your Cat's Nails video from BLVD Veterinary Technician, Alyssa.
What is Cat OA Pain?
We want to share some exciting news in the world of veterinary medicine that's close to our hearts – a breakthrough treatment for feline osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that affects cats of all ages. We interviewed Taco’s mom to see how his Solensia treatments are going!
2023 Year in Review
It’s hard to believe that 2023 capped off nine years of service for BLVD Vet! Here are a few highlights.
Boulevard Veterinary Lakeview East is now AAHA Accredited!
We are thrilled to share that BLVD Vet Lakeview East is officially AAHA accredited! Only 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have met their rigorous standards of excellence.
Santa Paws at BLVD Vet Logan Square
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at BLVD Vet Logan Square for Pictures with Santa Paws! See the full gallery here.
Top 5 Winter Safety Tips with Dr. Kate Sapato
Check out the Top 5 Winter Safety Tips from Dr. Kate Sapato.
Santa Paws at BLVD Vet Ravenswood
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at BLVD Vet Ravenswood for our 3rd annual Pictures with Santa Paws with Dr. Plourde! See the full gallery here.
How Does a Microchip Work?
Just like us, our pets shouldn't travel without their ID. Check the list below for the run down on exactly how a microchip works and why it's important that your pet's is up to date. Contact us with any questions you may have regarding microchips.
Canine Respiratory Infection Outbreak
You may have seen reports of an outbreak of canine respiratory infection. Here’s what we know so far.
Easing Feline Pain
As your cat ages, you may notice changes in their mobility. They might become less inclined to jump onto high surfaces, lose enthusiasm for toys, groom themselves less meticulously, or simply spend most of their day lounging in their favorite nap spots. These signs could be indicators of discomfort, suggesting that your kitty may have developed osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that thankfully can be managed with veterinary care!
Pictures with The Grinch
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at BLVD Vet River North for pictures with The Grinch! We saw lots of naughty and nice pets who made the event very special. Take a look at the adorable pictures inside! Until next year…
Ouch, That Hurt! How to Crack the Code on our Pet’s Pain
Depending on the species, our pets can be very good at hiding their pain. Showing pain puts a wild animal at risk, so if a painful or hurt animal wants to survive they need to hide signs of pain from those around them. Take a look at a few of the ways you can spot pain at home.
The Benefits of Wellness Blood and Urine Testing
In our latest blog, we discuss the benefits of routine wellness testing during your pet's annual visits. As part of our initiative to promote providing the best care possible for your pets, we've just rolled out special pricing for our most recommended monitoring panels when performed at annual wellness exams. Just ask us about it at your pet's next wellness visit!
Frenchies 101
It’s no surprise that Frenchies are the #1 most popular dog breed of 2022, especially since Winston the French Bulldog won Best in Show at the 2022 National Dog Show!
Because of their brachycephalic build and small frame, French Bulldogs are prone to several different health conditions. At BLVD, we can help you to care for your french bulldog and give them a long, happy life!
Senior Pets: What to Watch For
As a follow up to our Senior Visits 101 blog, we wanted to share some things to look out for at home! Changes caught early can help prevent the progression of diseases that cause our pets pain and discomfort--the diagnosis doesn’t have to be “they're just getting older.”
Senior Visits 101
Check out our Senior Visits 101 blog where we discuss at what age your pet is considered a senior, what is different about a senior exam and what services we recommend for our senior pets.
BLVD Vet does Pride Parade!
We had a blast walking in our first ever Pride Parade! Thank you to the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce for sharing a float with us along with a handful of other amazing local businesses. It was a day full of sun, color and pride! We feel so lucky to be a part of such a diverse community in our beautiful city. Check out the pics below. Until next year!
New Service Alert! Acupuncture and Chiropractic
We are thrilled to introduce veterinary acupuncture and veterinary spinal manipulation therapy (chiropractic treatment) with Dr. Veronica Cruz at BLVD Vet Logan Square!
BLVD Lakeview East Open House Pictures
Thank you to the many friends and neighbors that joined us for our open house event at BLVD Vet Lakeview East! It was a beautiful sunny day filled with lots of treats and good times.
Feeding My Cat 101
With the countless different diets on the market, finding the right food for your cat can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Check out our Feeding My Cat 101 article to get the inside scoop on how to pick a food for your furry family member.
Live Like Roo Sugar Forever Fundraiser
We recently experienced the heartbreaking loss of our long-time patient and Rescue Partner pup, Sugar Momma. Sugar was a Live Like Roo sponsor who beat the odds and outlived her cancer diagnosis by three whole years. In honor of Sugar’s iconic life, we are hosting a Sugar Forever Fundraiser.
BLVD Vet Lakeview East Open House Event
We are pleased to announce our BLVD Vet Lakeview East Open House on Sunday, May 7th from 12pm to 3pm. Stop by for a tour to see what goes on behind the scenes, and enjoy some human and pet friendly refreshments!
Feeding My Dog 101
With the countless different diets on the market, finding the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Check out our Feeding My Dog 101 article to get the inside scoop on how to pick a food for your furry family member.
Feline Rabies Vaccine 101
Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease often transmitted via scratches and bite wounds. Regardless of your cat’s lifestyle, vaccination against rabies is essential. Learn more from Dr. Muñoz in our Feline Rabies Vaccine article!
Apple Fest 2022
It wouldn’t be the beginning of Fall if we didn’t ring in the crispest time of the year at the 2022 Apple Fest!
5 Things I Would Never Do as a Veterinarian
5 Things I Would Never Do as a Veterinarian with Dr. Grace Chen.
2022 Dachshund Derby
Release the hounds! It was a beautiful day at the races for the 2022 Dachshund Derby!
BLVD Vet Does Wrigley Field!
We had a blast at the Cubs vs. Brewers game for our summer team event! It was the perfect way to kick off the dog days of summer with lots of hot dogs and dog people.
Lincoln Square Square Roots Festival
We had so much fun at the 2022 Square Roots Festival!
Taste of Randolph 2022
Thank you to the many furry friends that came out to the 2022 Taste of Randolph! We absolutely loved seeing some familiar faces amongst the new ones. Enjoy our photo booth pictures - it certainly was a perfect summer weekend!
Wag ‘N Shop Market at Bosly’s Backyard
We had so much fun at the Wag ‘N Shop dog market! Thank you so much to our friends at Bosly’s Backyard for hosting this incredible event full of local vendors.
Pet Sitter Checklist
There’s lots to think about when you’re going to be away from home - especially for pet owners. We’ve put together a pet sitter checklist with tips from Dr. Sarah Eiman to make sure nothing important gets missed.
ALIVE Rescue 13th Annual Shelter Shiver with Team Burrlevard Vet
Our team fundraiser is live!
Dental Cleaning 101
February is National Pet Dental Health Month! We talked with Dr. Kate Sapato about some of the most commonly asked questions regarding our pets’ dental health.
2021 Year in Review
It’s hard to believe that 2021 capped off seven years of service for Boulevard Veterinary! Here are a few highlights.
Plan de acción Coronavirus del Hospital Veterinario Boulevard
Como práctica médica, tenemos que equilibrar las necesidades de nuestros pacientes mientras también nos adaptamos nosotros para minimizar los riesgos para nuestro equipo y nuestras comunidades. En tiempos de crisis, podemos lograr ambos objetivos si todos asumimos la responsabilidad y hacemos nuestra parte. Juntos en espíritu, superaremos esto.
Updated Appointment Protocol
Effective Monday, December 27th, we are adjusting our protocol for in person appointments, requiring proof of COVID vaccination for all clients entering any BLVD practice.
Pet Pictures with Santa Paws Photo Booth Photos
Thank you so much to all who joined us at BLVD Vet Ravenswood for Pet Pictures with Santa Paws aka Dr. Plourde! We had a jolly good time eating pie, touring the facility and of course, telling Santa Paws how good our pets have been all year (because all pets are good pets.)
Pet Pictures with Santa Paws
Join us at BLVD Vet Ravenswood on Thursday, December 16th from 5-8pm during Damen at Night for Pet Pictures with Santa Paws with our own Dr. Robert Plourde as Santa Paws!
Giving Tuesday 2021 with Paws & Claws Rescue
This Giving Tuesday we are matching up to $500 in donations made to our Rescue Neighbor, Paws & Claws Rescue!
This Not That: Thanksgiving Edition
The holidays are here which means more time celebrating with our friends, families and pets! Check out some helpful tips from Dr. Plourde in our This Not That: Thanksgiving Edition.
Pup-o-ween 2021
Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at the first ever LSRCOC Pup-o-ween! We had so much spooky fun getting to see all of your costumes. Check out the photo booth pictures below to see all the fun that was had.
Apple Fest 2021
After a year off, the 35th annual Apple Fest went off without a hitch! Thank you so much to the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce for hosting such an incredible event that saw a record breaking 45,000 attendees!
Boo-levard Halloween Pawp Up with Chicago Dog Co.!
Join us this Halloween, Sunday, October 31st from 1-4pm for our Halloween Pawp Up with Chicago Dog Co.! This free, pet-friendly event is open to all. Not a current client? Stop by, we’d love to meet you!
Midwest Coast Brewing Dog Market with Chicago Dog Co.
We kicked off Fall in the best way possible at the Midwest Coast Brewing Dog Market hosted by Chicago Dog Co.!
National Dog Day 2021 Live Like Roo Fundraiser
In honor of National Dog Day on August 26th, our BLVD Vet Rescue Committee is raising funds for our friends over at Live Like Roo!
Itchy Season 101
You may notice your pet is itching more frequently this time of year. Welcome to Itchy Season! Dr. Grace Chen goes over some of the reasons why your pets get extra itchy during these hot summer months.
Getting Your Cat Comfortable with their Carrier
Getting your cat to the vet can be challenging--we understand this! Check these tips and tricks from Dr. Lenyr Muñoz on how to get your cat comfortable with their carrier.
2021 Dachshund Derby
It’s not every day you get to hang out with 124 racing Dachshunds on a rooftop! We had such an incredible day at the races and loved meeting so many new friends at our photo booth!
Dog Days of Summer Photo Booth Pictures
Thank you to the many friends (those with fur and those without) for braving the heat and joining us at the Andersonville Dog Days of Summer!
BLVD Vet Summer Pawp Up at Lincoln Square Farmers Market
Thank you to the many friends (those with fur and those without) for joining us at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Thursday Evening Market! We had so much fun seeing some familiar faces amongst the new ones. Our photo booth was the perfect little tropical paradise within the market!
Top 10 Tips for Moving with a Pet
As the weather gets warmer, we are approaching peak season for moving. Moving homes is a big to-do on its own, but any pet parent knows transitioning their pet is an added task. In this article, Dr. Andrew Bean provides the Top 10 Tips for Moving with a Pet
Separation Anxiety 101
As the country continues to open back up, many of us are heading back to a more traditional work schedule which requires going into the office. By this point, our pets are very used to us being home with them the majority of the time. In this article, Dr. Kate Garbaciak will go over things to be aware of to prepare your pet for the end of working from home.
Now Offering Laser Therapy
Boulevard Veterinary is committed to bringing our clients the most innovative care available. As a result, we are excited to announce that we are now offering Laser Therapy for our patients at Boulevard Veterinary River North!
We’re Matching Donations for Wild Hearts!
In honor of specially abled pets, Boulevard Veterinary will be matching donations up to $500 starting Monday May 3rd to Sunday May 9th. Send a screenshot of your donation to donation@blvd.vet and you will be entered to win a Wild Hearts merch bundle with a custom three piece earing set from local jeweler Kim Jones Jewelry.
It’s 420: We Do Not Judge!
Recreational use of marijuana has become accessible across the country and is already legal in our state of Illinois. With that, chances of ingestion by our pets are increasing. Marijuana toxicity can necessitate treatment in our pets and the best thing to do is to be honest with your veterinarian about a potential ingestion - they do not judge if you have marijuana in your home!
Boulevard Veterinary Ravenswood is now AAHA Accredited!
We are thrilled to share that our Ravenswood practice is officially AAHA accredited! Only 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have met their rigorous standards of excellence.
BLVD Vet: Local and Independent
AVMA research shows that 40-50% of practices are now owned by corporations.1 Large corporate ownership comes with the burden of considering investors and stock owner interests, which often boils down to prioritizing profit margins.
5 Emergencies That Can’t Wait
While no pet parent ever wants a visit to the emergency vet, sometimes it is unavoidable. In this article, our Medical Director Dr. Andrew Bean will go over five pet emergencies that can’t wait.
Springtime Allergies 101
There are three main types of allergies in vetmed: fleas, food, and environmental. In this article, we are focusing on environmental allergies. There are proven techniques and trials veterinarians use to determine which allergies pets have, so if you have concerns that your pet may have allergies, please contact us to develop a treatment plan.
Do’s and Don’ts at the Dog Park
Dr. Ashley Peters goes over simple tips and tricks to keeping your dog and their furry friends safe at the dog park!
2020 Year in Review
It's hard to believe 2020 capped off six years of service for Boulevard Veterinary! Here are a few highlights.
Top 5 Winter Safety Tips with Dr. Kate Sapato
Check out the Top 5 Winter Safety Tips from Dr. Kate Sapato.
New Year, More Cats with The Catcade
Have you heard of our friends over at The Catcade? The Catcade is a non-profit, arcade-themed cat rescue, lounge, and version of a cat café. Boulevard Veterinary will be matching donations up to $500 starting Monday January 4th to Sunday January 10th.
Homeless Pet Donation Drive
Paw Salvation is a local non-profit with the aim to help care for the homeless who have pets as a support system. Paw Salvation goes out to the streets every day to search and provide food, toys, treats, comfortable beds, and grooming services.
Leash Reactivity 101 with Dr. Erin Newman
Pups at any age can struggle with leash reactivity. Our own Dr. Erin Newman goes over some behavioral details to help you better understand what leash reactivity is.
This Not That: Holiday Hazards with Dr. Grace Chen
Many of us are spending a lot more time around the house this holiday season which means more time celebrating with our pets! Check out some helpful tips from Dr. Grace Chen in our This Not That: Holiday Hazards Guide.
ALIVE Rescue Giving Tuesday Fundraiser
Help ALIVE Rescue raise $50,000 to officially break ground on The Big Barn, ALIVE Rescue’s largest project, newest facility and biggest dream.
A Curbside Service Update
With COVID-19 cases surging, effective immediately, we have made the decision to continue with curbside service indefinitely for all three practices. We will not be allowing clients to enter our facilities to minimize potential exposure and surface contamination.
Howl-o-ween Purrvival Guide
Halloween might look a little different this year, but one thing’s for sure- spooky season is upon us! Check out our Howl-o-ween Purrvival Guide below with tips on keeping your pet safe from our own Dr. Gail Simpson.
Howling Good Times at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Farmers Market!
Thank you to the many friends (those with fur and those without) for joining us at the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Thursday Evening Market! We asked your pets to come out in their costumes and they did not disappoint!
BLVD Vet Howl-o-ween at the Lincoln Square Farmers Market
Bring your furry friends in their spookiest Halloween costumes to Lincoln Square Farmers Market on Thursday, October 15th, from 3pm to 7pm! BLVD Vet will have a socially-distanced Howl-o-ween photo booth for you and your pets. We’ll also have trick-or-treat goodie bags for all of our trick or treaters!
National Dog Week Live Like Roo Fundraiser
We are excited (and a little scared) to introduce The Boulevard Trailblazers! We will be joining a virtual 5k hosted by our Rescue Partner Live Like Roo Foundation.
Coughing 101
In this article, we will go over a few key signs with input from our own Dr. Erin Newman to help distinguish when it needs medical attention.
BLVD Vet is Coming to Ravenswood!
We are delighted to share that BLVD Vet is growing into a family of 3 locations with the opening of Boulevard Veterinary Ravenswood on September 28th 2020!
National Dog Day Rescue Committee Fundraiser!
In honor of National Dog Day on August 26th, our BLVD Vet Rescue Committee is raising funds for our friends over at Wild Hearts!
Back to the Groomer
In this article, we will provide some tips on how to prepare your pet for their next grooming appointment including input from local salon Temple of the Dog certified groomers Nyleen Molina and Jessica Villa and our own Dr. Ashley Peters.
Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer Safety Tips
In this article, we will go over some easy tips to practice during the dog (and cat) days of summer with input from our own Dr. Kate Garbaciak.
What’s Next at BLVD Vet
As we continue to adapt to a changing COVID climate, our practices are beginning to cautiously test in-house procedures to allow for increased efficiency, better client communication and eventually increased appointment availability. Here’s what you can expect to see with upcoming visits.
Safe and Sound Fourth of July
It’s nearing the 4th of July, or better known in the pet world as “Armageddon.” In this article, we will go over ways to set your pet up for success before, during and after 4th of July celebrations.
Pet Insurance 101
In this article we will go over the many advantages of having pet insurance with tips from our own Dr. Andrew Bean.
Cats in the Time of Corona
In this article, BLVD Vet’s Medical Director, Dr. Julie Geisler, will provide some tips on how to set your feline friends up for success while we await normal life to resume.
Getting Your Pet Comfortable with Face Masks
Dr. Josie Arbogast, a Boulevard Veterinarian, provides some insight on ways to get your pet comfortable with face masks.
Separation Anxiety
Dr. Ashley Peters, a treasured veterinarian at Boulevard Veterinary, presents some tips to preventing separation anxiety in your pet as we prepare for the stay-at-home order to be lifted.