Most of us tuck our pet’s food and water bowls out of sight (and out of mind)! It’s easy to forget that their bowls, fountains, etc. can collect bacteria much like our own dishes. How often should you clean your pet’s food and water bowls? We’ve got the answers for you.

We are thrilled to share that our communities have spoken and BLVD Vet has been nominated in the Best Veterinarian Category for the Chicago Reader's Best of 2024 awards! We were delighted to win in 2022 and would love the chance to share it with our team again this year. If you fancy, vote for us to bring home the title.

Our own Dr. Courville stopped by WGN Morning Weekend News to discuss some around-the-house holiday pet hazards.

December 3rd, 2024 is Giving Tuesday! We are pleased to share that we are hosting a fundraiser for our Rescue Partner, Live Like Roo. BLVD Vet will be matching up to $500 in donations made from Tuesday, December 3rd to Tuesday, December 10th.

You’re Invited to Our Second Annual Pet Pictures with the Grinch Event.

Understanding your pet’s unique love language can deepen the connection you share and offer valuable insights into their behavior. It can also be a game-changer during training sessions, as it helps you identify what motivates your furry friend the most—whether that’s verbal praise, a gentle touch, or tasty treats.

The elusive primordial pouch! There’s more to know (and love) about your kitty’s drooping tummy than just how silly and cute it is. You might think it’s weight gain at first, but a sagging belly can also suggest other health concerns. What exactly is a cat's primordial pouch, and why do they have one?

Thank you so much to everyone who joined our BLVD Cat Open House event! It was really special to get together with our local cat people to admire our feline friends while enjoying the new space. We only had a couple of real hisses in our hissing booth, so make of that what you will! We can’t wait to host more cat-centric events in the future.

Happy Vet Tech Week! We look forward to this week every year as a chance to celebrate our incomparable vet tech and vet assistant teams. Here are six things you may not know about vet techs and vet assistants, shared from Royal Canin

We hope you'll join us at our BLVD Cat Open House event! We warmly welcome you and your cats to check out the new space, enjoy some treats and participate in some cat-centric activities. We'll be utilizing our exam rooms so that our feline friends can have some much deserved privacy to have their picture taken in our Hissing Booth or to complete a fabulous pawcasso painting for you to take home.

Our own Dr. Lenyr dropped in at the WGN Morning Weekend News to discuss the importance of regular exams for our feline friends. She even brought a very special buddy with: Catcade adoptable kitten, Handstand!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year! We always make sure that our pets love the holiday for the right reasons. Use our This not That guide to make sure your pets are happy and healthy this Thanksgiving.

Spooky season is upon us! Check out our Howl-o-ween Purrvival Guide with tips on keeping your pet safe.

Resource guarding is a behavior where pets become reactive over an item that they deem as high value. Pets can resource guard pretty much anything including food, toys, beds and even us! Signs of resource guarding are usually easy to detect, however the reactive behavior can happen in the blink of an eye. Check out our resource guarding article for more tips. 

A story about a missing cat that traveled over 800 miles from Yellowstone to California in just 60 days. The cat was successfully reunited with his family because he was microchipped!

Thinking of introducing your resident royalty to another cat? Here are some things to make note of before you begin. It’s imperative to be mindful of your cat’s needs and boundaries to ensure a harmonious home life for your kitty! If your cat has more purrticular needs, be sure to check out our cat-only practice, BLVD Cat!

We talk a lot about environmental stressors to our pets (holiday celebrations, city living, separation anxiety - to name a few), but less obvious stressors (and more common than you might think) are stressors inflicted by the pet parent. But don’t be too hard on yourself! Most of us aren’t certified dog behaviorists. With a little education and some extra effort, you can not only better identify your pup’s stress triggers, but ensure you’re not at the hand of them. 

Have you heard of The Catcade? They’re an amazing local rescue organization that saves countless lives. The cherry on top is that they also host an arcade where you can spend time with the adoptable cats!

By closely observing your pet for subtle signs of pain and working with your veterinarian, you can help your pet remain comfortable.

Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. It is a common disease in adult cats, especially seniors.

Many of our cats and dogs are too clever for their own good! Does your pet resist their oral medications? Learn more about safe ways to give your pet a pill in this article.

As city dwellers, it’s imperative that we microchip all of our pets - even if they don’t spend much time outside! Life happens and even the most diligent pet parents can experience an accident that leaves their poor pet missing. We’ve answered some microchipping FAQs to help better understand the importance (and ease) of microchipping your pet!

Pawsitively pleased with your experience at BLVD Vet and BLVD Cat? Refer a friend and you both get $50 off!

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 Sapato.

At BLVD, we are dedicated to the well being of our patients! Our primary focus is to keep your pet healthier for longer. One of the ways we achieve this is by advocating for the safe and common practices of spaying and neutering at an appropriate age.

You may have noticed an increase in itching in your pets (and even yourself!) this summer season. We’ve seen a huge boom in itchiness due to Oak leaf mites (also known as itch mites). We’ve covered the basics of itch mites in this article.

The short of it, ice cubes are safe for dogs to eat! Ice cubes are actually great for dogs during the hot weather or when they need some DIY enrichment. But, before you give your pup the entire tray, there are a few things to make note of!

For modern day pet parents, finding the right vet isn’t as easy as picking the place around the corner. Our bond with our pets is one of the most meaningful parts of our lives. With the plethora of options available to us here in Chicago, how do you choose the right vet? We’ve put some steps together for you! 

Even if you don’t own e-cigs or vape pens, your pet will likely encounter them on the streets of Chicago (we’re looking at you, litter bugs!) Even your indoor only cat can potentially come into contact with one when you have guests over. As pet parents, we do our best to keep an eye on our pets to make sure they’re not getting a hold of something that can hurt them. However, sometimes life happens. We’re going to cover what to do if your pet ingests a vape pen, e-cig or nicotine. 

Since August 20, 2024 the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reported 40 domestic house cats infected with avian influenza also known as Bird Flu. No need to panic just yet! Here’s all the necessary info:

Every puppy owner has one thing in common: experiencing the joys of baby shark teeth! It seems like they grow a bit more with each passing hour, but when do they officially get their adult teeth? Knowing the timeline can help you keep them comfy during this growth period of their life. In this article, we are going to talk about what to watch for and how to care for them properly. 

We are pleased to share that we are now offering Bread Pay at BLVD Vet and BLVD Cat!

Bread Pay gives you a convenient, flexible way to pay for your pet's care. Split your purchases of $500 or more into monthly payment plans starting at 0.00% APR. Checking your eligibility is quick, easy and won’t affect your credit score!

For many of us growing up, Hydrogen peroxide was a household remedy for quite a few things. Scrape your knee riding your bike? Grab the Hydrogen Peroxide! Pesky drain flies? Pour a bottle down the drain! Pet parents alike often wonder, when is it safe to use Hydrogen peroxide on my pet?

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.

Bringing your kitty in for their annual appointment is essential to catching hidden illness or developing health issues which is why the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends twice-yearly wellness examinations for the average adult cat. Waiting until you notice your cat showing signs of illness can be a grave mistake.

 The 2024 Chicago Air & Water Show kicks off this weekend! The noise from the aircrafts can be heard far beyond just the lakefront. Pets across the city are likely already noticing the piercing sounds.

Bustling Chicago has so many wonderful neighborhoods to offer you and your pets. With increasing population and inflating rent prices, it can be difficult to find the perfect spot for you and your furry friends. Here are some tips on how to find a pet-friendly rental.

Our feline friends can be a bit mysterious (and probably prefer it that way)! We understand that our favorite little home bodies can be hard to read. Here are the top 5 reasons to bring your cat to the vet with notes from our friends and Cat Friendly Homes.

Starting August 1st, 2024, the CDC has implemented new rules for bringing dogs into the U.S. There are new steps you need to take depending on where your dog has been in the past 6 months.These regulations are designed to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure the health and safety of all animals.

Not in a position to welcome a new pet into your home? Don’t sweat it! There are many ways you can still support your local rescues! We’ve compiled a list of ways you can lend a helping hand to pets in need - even from your own home.

Chicago Animal Care and Control is facing a capacity crisis. CACC is waiving all adoption fees for the month of July! We are pleased to offer $50 off your first BLVD Vet exam for any pets adopted or fostered from CACC this July.

As we all get out and explore the summer sun with our pets, the busy bees are sure to join us! What’s the sitch on bee stings? Knowing how to handle a bee sting can make all the difference for your pet's comfort and safety. In this article, we'll cover symptoms to look for, immediate actions to take, and when to seek veterinary care.

As pet parents, we hope that an emergency like choking never occurs, but life happens! We’ve compiled a list of the most common choking hazards for cats and dogs.

Our pets handle heat differently than we do. While we have sweat glands throughout our bodies to help control our temperature, dogs and cats have only a limited number of these glands. It’s up to us as good pet parents to help our furry friends stay cool during these hot Chicago summers!

It’s common for kitties to be uninterested in drinking water. Even though they may not require as much water intake as a dog, it’s still important for their health! We’ve compiled a list of ways you can encourage your cat to drink water.

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.

Nationwide Insurance has announced that it will be canceling pet insurance coverage for approximately 100,000 animals nationwide.

Plant and pet people rejoice! Your cat 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 cat-friendly plants so you know what’s safe to bring into your home.

Summer season is finally here in Chicago! As the entire city defrosts, patio season is in full swing. Most neighborhoods have a variety of dog-friendly patios for folks to enjoy. How do we know when a pup is actually enjoying this type of social interaction? We’ve left some tips for you below!

Most pet emergencies are obvious, but what about the not-so-obvious dangers of owning a pet? We’ve put together 5 things we recommend all pet owners to avoid.

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 to make sure nothing important gets missed.

For pets on regular parasite prevention, sporadic grass consumption is generally safe. However, making it a regular part of their diet can lead to digestive issues and GI upset. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

If it were up to our pets, they would probably advise that co-sleeping with them is great for our health and well-being! However, you may be wondering - are pets in the bed a problem? We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for you as well as some tips for sleeping with your pet supported by data from the Sleep Foundation Organization.

One of the greatest joys we experience as pet owners is moving through the stages of life with our companions by our sides. But how do we know when their quality of life is suffering? In the veterinary industry, we can rely on humane euthanasia when necessary. Whether it’s age or illness, your veterinarian can help guide you and your pet through their quality of life journey. 

Just like humans, pets can experience motion sickness during car rides. This issue is particularly common in puppies, but it can affect dogs and cats of all ages. While it’s unlikely to entirely eliminate car sickness, there are ways you to make it less frequent and more manageable!

As the weather warms up here in Chicago, we often see a rise in cases of Canine Parvovirus, commonly known as Parvo. This highly contagious viral illness poses a significant threat to dogs, particularly puppies. We’ve put together some basic information about Parvo and what you need to know to keep your pup healthy!

A significant factor behind recent changes within the veterinary industry is the increasing influence of "Big Vet," fueled by substantial investments from big money investors who have recognized the willingness of modern pet owners to pay for their pets' healthcare.

Summer is right around the corner! We know how much fun it can be to spend those long, hot days outside with your pet. As tempting as it can be, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure the safety of your pets. In this article, we will go over some easy tips to practice during the dog (and cat) days of summer with tips from Dr. Kate Sapato.

Traveling with your pet can be an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning to ensure a smooth and safe experience for both you and your pet. Here’s a comprehensive travel checklist for dog and cat owners to keep your pet happy and healthy on the go.

We’ve put together a tutorial that covers the before, during and after steps of a successful at-home nail trim!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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!

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 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!

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 welcoming a new pet into your home? We’ve got all the tips to prepare you!

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!

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. 

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!

It’s hard to believe that 2023 capped off nine years of service for BLVD Vet! Here are a few highlights.

We are thrilled to share that BLVD Vet Lakeview Lincoln Park is officially AAHA accredited! Only 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have met their rigorous standards of excellence.

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at BLVD Vet Logan Square for Pictures with Santa Paws! See the full gallery here.

Check out the Top 5 Winter Safety Tips from Dr. Kate Sapato.

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.

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.

You may have seen reports of an outbreak of canine respiratory infection. Here’s what we know so far.

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!

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…

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.

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!

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!

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.”

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.

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!

Thank you to the many friends and neighbors that joined us for our open house event at BLVD Vet Lakeview Lincoln Park! It was a beautiful sunny day filled with lots of treats and good times.

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.

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.

We are pleased to announce our BLVD Vet Lakeview Lincoln Park 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!

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.

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!

Photo booth pictures inside!

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!

BLVD Vet is Coming to Lakeview Lincoln Park!