Boulevard Veterinary
Blog
At Boulevard Veterinary, Best Patient and Client Care doesnโt stop once youโre out the door. Weโre 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 youโre looking for? Use the search below.
What Is Your Petโs Love Language?
Understanding your petโs 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 mostโwhether thatโs verbal praise, a gentle touch, or tasty treats.
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
Halloween Pet Safety
Spooky season is upon us! Check out our Howl-o-ween Purrvival Guide with tips on keeping your pet safe.
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.
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. Itโs imperative to be mindful of your catโs 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!
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 donโt be too hard on yourself! Most of us arenโt certified dog behaviorists. With a little education and some extra effort, you can not only better identify your pupโs stress triggers, but ensure youโre not at the hand of them.
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.
Understanding Microchips for Cats and Dogs
As city dwellers, itโs imperative that we microchip all of our pets - even if they donโt spend much time outside! Life happens and even the most diligent pet parents can experience an accident that leaves their poor pet missing. Weโve answered some microchipping FAQs to help better understand the importance (and ease) of microchipping your pet!
BLVD Referral Program
Pawsitively pleased with your experience at BLVD Vet and BLVD Cat? Refer a friend and you both get $50 off!
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 Sapato.
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.
Itch Mites: Giving Your Pet the Itch
You may have noticed an increase in itching in your pets (and even yourself!) this summer season. Weโve seen a huge boom in itchiness due to Oak leaf mites (also known as itch mites). Weโve covered the basics of itch mites in this article.
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!
What to do if Your Pet Eats a Vape Pen
Even if you donโt own e-cigs or vape pens, your pet will likely encounter them on the streets of Chicago (weโre 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 theyโre not getting a hold of something that can hurt them. However, sometimes life happens. Weโre going to cover what to do if your pet ingests a vape pen, e-cig or nicotine.
Bird Flu Detected in House Cats
Since August 20, 2024 the United States Department of Agricultureโs 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! Hereโs all the necessary info:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Safe and Sound Fourth of July
Itโs nearing the 4th of July, or better known in the pet world as โArmageddon.โ In this article, we will go over ways to set your pet up for success before, during and after 4th of July celebrations.
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? Weโve left some tips for you below!
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? Weโve 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.
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 itโs age or illness, your veterinarian can help guide you and your pet through their quality of life journey.
How To Trim Your Dogs Nails
Weโve put together a tutorial that covers the before, during and after steps of a successful at-home nail trim!
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.
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.
Thinking of Getting a Pet?
Thinking of welcoming a new pet into your home? Weโve got all the tips to prepare you!
Ultimate Doodle Guide
Curly coats and intelligence that rivals a toddler โ 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 Catโs 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 โ a breakthrough treatment for feline osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that affects cats of all ages. We interviewed Tacoโs mom to see how his Solensia treatments are going!
Boulevard Veterinary Lincoln Park is now AAHA Accredited!
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.
Top 5 Winter Safety Tips with Dr. Kate Sapato
Check out the Top 5 Winter Safety Tips from Dr. Kate Sapato.
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 yearโฆ
Ouch, That Hurt! How to Crack the Code on our Petโs 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
Itโs 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 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.
Feeding My Cat 101
With the countless different diets on the market, finding the right food for your cat can feel overwhelming, but it doesnโt 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.
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!
Feeding My Dog 101
With the countless different diets on the market, finding the right food for your dog can feel overwhelming, but it doesnโt 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 catโs lifestyle, vaccination against rabies is essential. Learn more from Dr. Muรฑoz in our Feline Rabies Vaccine article!
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!
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!
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!
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 Muรฑoz on how to get your cat comfortable with their carrier.
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.
Weโre 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.
Itโs 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 Canโt 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 canโt 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.
Doโs and Donโts 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 cafรฉ. 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.
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 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 Rescueโs 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.
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. Weโll 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.
Whatโs 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. Hereโs what you can expect to see with upcoming visits.
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 Vetโs 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.
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!
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.
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.
2019 Year In Review
Happy New Year! Itโs hard to believe 2019 capped off 5 years in business for Boulevard Veterinary! Here are a few highlights for the year.
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.
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.
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.
BLVD Vet Gets into the Fall Spirit at Logan Square Farmerโs Market!
Another Sunday Funday in the books! We had a PAWsome this weekend at the Logan Square Farmerโs Market in out pet friendly photo booth! Thank you to everyone who came out and stopped by, we love being out in the neighborhood and meeting you guys.
Meet Bialyโs 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 โlessโ adoptable. To raise awareness and promote the adoption of special needs animals, we wanted to share the story and goals of local organization Bialyโs Wellness Foundation.
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.
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.
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!
Grain Free Diets and DCM
Recently there have been numerous news stories surrounding the Food and Drug Administrationโs report of a connection between feeding certain grain free dog food brands, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)--a serious heart disease in dogs.
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.
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.
BLVD Pointers: Sub-Zero in the Midwest
In sub-zero temperatures, frostbite and hypothermia are serious risk to your pets. Here are some pointers on how to keep your pets happy and healthy.
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.
BLVD Vetโs 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.
Yes, Pets Can Have Allergies, Too!
Did you realize that your pets can have allergies, too? We help break down what you should know about canine and feline allergies!
Happy New Year!
Boulevard Veterinary had an eventful 2017 and we wanted to recap some of the highlights!
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.
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!
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.