Our Blog

By: Laura Scharenbroich ZimmVet Daycare Professional

What is the difference between a heat stroke and a stroke? The underlying factor for a heat stroke is heat. However a stroke may be caused by an underlying problem.

What is a stroke

A stroke is loss of blood flow to parts of the brain that leads to neurological abnormalities.

There are two causes for strokes in dogs: an obstruction in blood vessels (ischemic strokes) which occurs due to blood clots, tumor cells, clumps of platelets, bacteria and parasites; and bleeds in the brain (hemorrhagic strokes). These result from the rupture of blood vessels or clotting disorders.

Kari Meyer, ZimmVet Manager

How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding day! Its an exciting time for you and your partner! It’s only natural to want to include your fur-baby too! There’s so much that goes into wedding planning, and preparing your dog is no exception. Lucky for you, ZimmVet is here to help with tips, tricks, support, and resources to help your Dog of Honor, Flower Dog, or Ring Barker put his best paw forward on your special day!

By Michaela Tallant Groomer- ZimmVet 763-856-4848

Meet ZimmVet’s groomers

Grooming at ZimmVet has been in demand! Stop in today to meet Sam and Michaela, our resident groomers. Professionally trained with Fear Free techniques, their gentle handling will have any pet feeling right at home and relaxed while being groomed. With a variety of packages and add-ons available, Sam and Michaela will be happy to adapt their services to your pet’s needs. 

• Both groomers are comfortable working with all breeds, and all sizes of pets.
• We are excited to be offering Basic Grooms, Full Service Grooms, Premium Grooms, and Cat Grooms 7 days a week.
• We are offering 10% off a groom service during a 7 day or more Pet Hotel stay to help ensure your pet comes home clean.

By: Samantha Sams CPDT-KA Lead Trainer/CGC Evaluator ZimmVet

Obedience training in any form can be extremely beneficial to your dog, both mentally and physically. One of the unique and useful things we offer here at ZimmVet is Private Lessons. These can be utilized for many different situations, or concerns. Each session is tailored to your family’s specific needs. Our private lessons are usually between 30 and 45 minute sessions. This time period works within your dog’s attention span, and will keep them willing to participate the entire session.

In-Clinic Lessons

We offer lessons at ZimmVet for both you, and your dog to learn together. We can use these lessons to focus on 1 or 2 specific concerns or needs, and come up with a plan of action for you to work on at home. These are also great to help integrate a new furry family member into the home.

Daycare or Hotel Stay Lessons

These lessons are offered while your dog is here for any length of stay. A trainer will work one on one with your dog. These are great for things you would like your dog to brush up on, or new things you would like them to learn. We always follow these lessons up with either an in-person conversation to discuss how things went, or an email with specifics if requested.
Most dogs love the additional attention they receive during their stay. This is a great way to pamper your pooch!

By Abbey Stackhouse Daycare Professional – ZimmVet 763-856-4848

Have you been looking for a boredom buster, distraction, or a new toy for your furry friend? We have many different options here at ZimmVet. There is a large variety to choose from. These toys may help solve common problems that your dog might have. These include separation anxiety, chewing, whining, boredom, and more!

Boredom Buster

Our Everlasting Treat Balls and Toys not only taste good, but also stimulate your dog’s brain to keep them engaged in an activity they enjoy. They help with preventing destructive behaviors and act as a great boredom buster, whether they are at home or away.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Even Pets Benefit from Buying Local

Spending your money locally in your community has been a movement from local-grown foods to local products. In the veterinary industry, we are no different. You can choose to bring your business to a locally owned veterinary clinic or a large corporately owned clinic. You can choose to purchase product or medication from a local clinic or an online source thousands of miles away.

We Work Hard for Your Business

Locally owned veterinary clinics know that it is not just enough to be “local.” We need to earn your business as well. That means providing personalized top-of-the-line care and customer service. Our employees work hard to answer calls, emails, texts, social media comments and make your in-clinic experience a positive one. We are here to help you and your pet.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Lyme Disease High Risk for Zimmerman Dogs

In the Zimmerman area, dogs are at a high risk for contracting Lyme disease from a tick bite. In 2017, 12.78% of all of the dogs tested in Sherburne County for Lyme disease were positive for this painful disease. Now is the time to make sure your pet is protected. The best level of protection includes using a Lyme vaccination, tick prevention products as well as checking your pet daily for ticks.

By: Rebecca Brethorst, CVT

Lyme Disease Awareness

May is Lyme disease awareness month. According to the the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) 1 in 10 dogs tested positive for Lyme disease in Sherburne county in 2018. The bite of a tick infected with Borrelia Burgdorferi bacteria causes Lyme disease. Symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include; fever, lameness, lethargy, loss of appetite, and swelling of joints. As Lyme disease progresses, it can lead to kidney failure and death. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are most commonly infected with Lyme disease. However, ticks can be carried into yards on other animals and dogs can become infected just by going into a fenced back yard to use the bathroom. Tick control is extremely important for the prevention of Lyme disease. Check your dog daily for ticks and remove them quickly. Vaccinating your pet for Lyme disease and using a tick preventative as directed by your veterinarian are also crucial to the prevention of Lyme disease. If your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms above call your veterinarian to have your pet seen as soon as possible. 

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Common Skin Tumors in Pets

Lumps and bumps are common occurrences among pets.  Once a lump or bump is found, the main goal is to determine if the mass is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous), and if it needs to be surgically removed. In order to make this determination, a sample with a needle is taken by a veterinarian and evaluated under a microscope, or the mass can be surgically removed and tissue can be evaluated. Visiting your veterinarian, as soon as a tumor is found, is the best course of action.

By Dr. Maria Krenz, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Vaccinating your dog or cat is part of keeping them healthy. Here are a few misconceptions pet owners often have.

I was told my puppy or kitten was current on vaccinations when adopted

Puppies and Kittens need a series of 2-3 vaccination boostered every 3-4 weeks until they are over 16 weeks old. If your pet is under 16 weeks old when adopted, then they were probably started on their series, but need additional vaccinations to receive full immunity. Most humane societies and rescues will do certain vaccinations such as distemper combination and rabies, if the pet is old enough.  Vaccinations that are frequently not given by rescues or humane societies include leptospirosis, lyme, influenza and feline leukemia. After adoption, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss what is needed for your pet.