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.

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Happy Vet Tech Week 2024

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

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Halloween Pet Safety

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

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What is Resource Guarding?

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. 

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How to Tell if Your Cat Likes Other Cats

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!

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5 Ways To Avoid Stressing Your Dog Out 

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. 

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How to Give Your Dog or Cat a Pill

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.

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Understanding Microchips for Cats and Dogs

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!

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BLVD Referral Program

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

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The Benefits of Spaying or Neutering Your Pets

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.

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Itch Mites: Giving Your Pet the Itch

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.

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Are Ice Cubes Safe for Dogs to Eat?

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!

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What to do if Your Pet Eats a Vape Pen

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. 

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Bird Flu Detected in House Cats

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:

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When Do Puppies Get Their Adult Teeth?

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. 

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What is Leash Reactivity?

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.

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Air & Water Show Calming Tips

 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.

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Top 5 Reasons to Bring Your Cat to the Vet

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.

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Safe and Sound Fourth of July

It’s nearing the 4th of July, or better known in the pet world as β€œArmageddon.” In this article, we will go over ways to set your pet up for success before, during and after 4th of July celebrations.

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Signs Your Pup is Enjoying The Patio

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!

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Pros and Cons of Sharing a Bed with Your Pet

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.

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Guiding Your Pet with Compassion in Their Final Stage

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. 

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How To Trim Your Dogs Nails

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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. 

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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!

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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…

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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BLVD Vet Lakeview Lincoln Park Open House Event

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!

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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.

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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. MuΓ±oz in our Feline Rabies Vaccine article!

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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!

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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2020 Year in Review

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

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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 cafΓ©. Boulevard Veterinary will be matching donations up to $500 starting Monday January 4th to Sunday January 10th.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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DIY at Home Pet Enrichment

We understand that providing your pet with mental and physical stimulation during the winter months can be tough. Here are some DIY at home pet enrichment ideas!

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BLVD Vet Online Pharmacy

In keeping with our Core Value of Best Patient and Client Care, we wanted to provide insight on an option to make caring for your pet through the stay-at-home order easier. We partner with Covetrus to provide an online pharmacy capable of delivering prescriptions and food directly to your home.

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BLVD Vet's Coronavirus Action Plan

As a medical practice, we have to balance the needs of our patients while adapting to minimize the risks to our team and our communities. In times of crisis, we can accomplish both of these goals if we all take responsibility and do our parts. Together in spirit, we will get through this.

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2019 Year In Review

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe 2019 capped off 5 years in business for Boulevard Veterinary! Here are a few highlights for the year.

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Meet Live Like Roo

Emotions run high when we hear the word cancer and we are grateful to know that a nonprofit organization, Live Like Roo exists in Chicago. Live Like Roo is a strong support system providing guidance, hope, compassion, strength, and financial assistance to families whose pet faces a cancer diagnosis.

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National Pit Bull Awareness Day

National Pit Bull Awareness Day was created in 2007 to debunk the lies and raise awareness on the truth, with the hopes that the expansion of advocacy and education would save the lives of pit bulls by negating the fear and bias spread by the media.

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Harmony House for Cats

As a way to raise awareness for cats in our neighborhoods, we wanted to highlight our friends at Harmony House and the unbelievable work they do to contribute to aiding to our feline friends of Chicago.

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Meet Bialy’s Wellness Foundation!

Adopt -A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week was introduced by PetFinder in 2009 to bring awareness to all of the wonderful, adoptable pets that are unfortunately overlooked due to age, color of fur, medical/physical conditions, or other factors that categorize the pet as β€œless” adoptable. To raise awareness and promote the adoption of special needs animals, we wanted to share the story and goals of local organization Bialy’s Wellness Foundation.

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People, Pets and Pints!

This past Sunday Funday we had a blast hanging out with those in the Gold Coast neighborhood enjoying snacks, beverages, and meeting many new four legged friends! A HUGE thank you to the Carl Sandburg Village Association for opening their courtyard for the event.

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BLVD Vet Hangs with Very Important Pups and ALIVE Rescue!

Last Thursday we had the wonderful opportunity to engage with the pet loving River North community for happy hour at World of Whirlpool! All proceeds from the event went directly to benefit ALIVE Rescue, one of our rescue partners at BLVD Vet.

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Dog Days of Summer

This past weekend, BLVD spent some time in the sun at the annual summer West Bucktown Block Party. There was pizza, popcorn, art activities, a bounce house, homemade Italian Ice, hot dogs, and YES, dogs!

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Grain Free Diets and DCM

Recently there have been numerous news stories surrounding the Food and Drug Administration’s report of a connection between feeding certain grain free dog food brands, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)--a serious heart disease in dogs.

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Beat the Heat with These Summer Safety Tips

Summer can be a fun time in Chicago to spend with your pets, but we want to make sure you can both enjoy it safely. Here are a few things to keep in mind while enjoying the sunshine.

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Thinking of Getting a Pet? Things to Consider.

While sharing your home with an animal companion can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of one's life, it is important to remember that pet ownership is also a big responsibility! Pet owners must be committed to providing for all of a pet's needs for the entire life of that animal.

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BLVD Vet 2018 Year in Review

Greetings BLVD Friends and Clients! 2018 has been another whirlwind year over hear at BLVD Vet! Here are some highlights.

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BLVD Vet’s Guide to Holiday Pet Hazards

It's the most wonderful time of the year- a time to spend celebrating with our friends and family members, including our furry ones! As we prepare for this holiday season, here are a few helpful tips on what you should help your pets avoid so as not to put a damper on the festivities.

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Happy New Year!

Boulevard Veterinary had an eventful 2017 and we wanted to recap some of the highlights!

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ALIVE Rescue and New Goodies at BLVD Vet!

Happy Holidays friends!

We hope you and your pets are staying bundled up as we dive into the colder holiday season! Our team wanted to share couple tidbits before the year is through that can benefit pets in need as well as some new offerings for your pets.

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Get in the Spirit with Boo!-levard Vet!

This past Sunday, Boulevard Veterinary set up shop at the Logan Square Farmer's Market. In the spirit of Halloween fun, our photobooth came with costume accessories for you and your pets!

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Pardon our dust, BLVD Vet Expands to River North!

As some of you may have heard, we have some exciting news to share--BLVD Vet is expanding! In just a few weeks we will be opening a second full service veterinary practice in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, at 375 W. Erie.

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Summer Safety Tips

Since it’s summer we wanted to remind you of some important summertime safety tips to keep your pets safe! We like you all a lot, but we rather you not end up at the vet for one of these preventable issues.

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