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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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 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.

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!

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.

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!

Our team fundraiser is live!

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.

It’s hard to believe that 2021 capped off seven years of service for Boulevard Veterinary! Here are a few highlights.

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.)

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!

This Giving Tuesday we are matching up to $500 in donations made to our Rescue Neighbor, Paws & Claws Rescue!

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.

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!

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!

We kicked off Fall in the best way possible at the Midwest Coast Brewing Dog Market hosted by Chicago Dog Co.!

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!

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 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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Ashley Peters goes over simple tips and tricks to keeping your dog and their furry friends safe at the dog park!

It's hard to believe 2020 capped off six years of service for Boulevard Veterinary! Here are a few highlights.

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

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.

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.

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 in our This Not That: Holiday Hazards Guide.

Help ALIVE Rescue raise $50,000 to officially break ground on The Big Barn, ALIVE Rescue’s largest project, newest facility and biggest dream.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!