Homeward Bound Animal Clinic

25/07/2025

Fun Fact Friday: Hamsters blink one eye at a time! This behavior is believed to help them stay alert to potential threats while still keeping their eyes clean and lubricated.

24/07/2025

Did you know dogs and cats can get diabetes? Approximately 1 in 300 dogs and 1 in 230 cats develop diabetes in their lifetime. Diabetes is typically diagnosed between the ages of 6 to 10. Some signs of diabetes are increased urination/water consumption, increased hunger, weight loss, and lethargy. For more information visit: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/diabetes-pets

23/07/2025

22/07/2025

Did you know you can train your rabbit to use a litterbox? Rabbits are naturally inclined to use a litter box, making litter training relatively easy. Use appropriate litter material and place litter boxes in areas they seem to prefer. This will help you keep the living space cleaner, easier waste management, and the ability to monitor your pets health.

21/07/2025

Just a reminder: Dr. Lucca will be working a half day on Wednesday (7/23), and will be out of the office on Thursday (7/24) and Friday (7/25). We will still be open for medication pick ups.

21/07/2025

Happy World Collie Day!
Originally bred to herd, gather, and protect livestock, Collies are known for their remarkable intelligence and strong instincts—which can be so powerful that they’ve been known to “herd” just about anything, from children to other pets! But there’s more to these loyal companions than their working roots. Collies are also cherished for their gentle nature, affectionate personalities, and deep sensitivity, making them not only outstanding herders but also loving family members.

20/07/2025

Roundworms are among the most common parasites that infect dogs. Learn more about their life cycle, diagnosis, and treatment: https://bit.ly/3P9vK24

18/07/2025

Fun Fact Friday: Iguanas can hold their breath underwater for up to 30 minutes! They are excellent swimmers and will often dive into the water to escape predators.

17/07/2025

Tick Season Reminder: Protect Your Pets

As the warmer months approach, tick activity increases significantly. Ticks can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis—all of which pose health risks to your pets.

It is crucial to regularly check your pets for ticks, especially after outdoor activities, and to use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives. Early detection and prevention are key to keeping your pets healthy and safe throughout the season.

For more information, visit: https://www.petmd.com/dog/how-check-dog-ticks

16/07/2025

Frida’s bringing that “I run this place” energy today 🐾💼 She made herself right at home during her visit—and we were more than happy to care for her! 💛

16/07/2025

Happy World Snake Day!!

15/07/2025

Rabies Alert
Mower County Farm Cat Tests Positive for Rabies
An unvaccinated outdoor cat on a Mower County farm tested positive for rabies after having contact with two people and several domestic animals.

On June 28, 2025, the cat was seen acting abnormally. Ordinarily approachable, the animal attacked a dog on the property. A bite to the dog was unknown, but scratches were observed, and the cat was seen latching its claws onto the neck of the dog. On June 29, the family’s two children were attacked and bitten by the cat. The owner shot the cat. The carcass was taken to a local veterinary clinic to be prepared for rabies testing. The cat was confirmed positive for rabies at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) in St. Paul on July 2.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) interviewed the owners and determined that the two children were the only human exposures to the cat. MDH recommended the children receive post-exposure treatment (PEP). Treatment was initiated on June 29.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirmed the dog was the only known domestic animal exposure to the rabid cat. The dog was overdue for a rabies vaccination. A booster was given to the dog on June 30. The Board advised confining the dog the dog on the property for 45 days and observing it. The remaining unvaccinated outdoor cats were not seen to have physical contact with the rabid cat while it was exhibiting signs of the virus, however it is likely they were exposed. The owner opted to euthanize the cats out of caution.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health publishes rabies alerts when a domestic animal tests positive for rabies in Minnesota. If you have questions about a suspected or confirmed rabies exposure to domestic animals, call 651-201-6808. To find information on rabies in animals, and to view a map of positive cases in Minnesota, visit our website.