Caring for a companion animal is a privilege that requires a lifetime commitment. During Responsible Pet Ownership Month, our doctors and veterinary care professionals encourage those considering a new pet to review just a few of the necessary responsibilities to keep Fido or Fluffy happy and healthy for many years.

Did you know that one in three pets will be lost in their lifetime? Microchipping is the most reliable and permanent form of identification for your pet. A microchip is a safe, simple form of identification that can significantly increase the chance that your four-legged friend is returned safely to you. It is contained in a capsule, smaller than a grain of rice, and implanted just under the skin with a sterile applicator and is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and completely safe.

Unexpected medical issues occur daily so our veterinarians recommend pet parents purchase insurance that is right for their four-legged family member’s breed, lifestyle, and personality. Here are three reasons why you and Fluffy or Fido might benefit from purchasing a pet insurance policy:

Annual feline vet visits will help make sure your four-legged best friend stays healthy. There will be times, however, when s/he exhibits signs that a doctor examination is needed. Here are four indications that your cat needs a vet visit:

Many families have responded to Illinois’ COVID-19 stay-at-home order by opening their hearts and homes to a new pet. Our doctors and veterinary care professionals recommend you start this relationship off on the right paw to set your new family member up for success.

There’s a strong possibility that eventually your cat will need treatment or management of kidney disease – it’s the #1 cause of death in cats over the age of 10. In addition, it’s estimated more than half of cats over the age of 15 have reduced kidney function. What’s even scarier is that your feline friends rarely show any symptoms, and they’re easy to miss when they do.

Updated: July 1, 2020 Burr Ridge Veterinary Clinic’s clients, patients, and staff are our family so we’re focused on doing everything needed to keep our family safe and healthy.  We want to assure you that none of BRVC’s doctors or staff are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), no one has been exposed to … Read moreAn Update on our COVID-19 Protocols

Eighty percent of human vector-borne diseases (infections transmitted to humans by blood-feeding mosquitos, fleas and ticks) are caused by ticks and the Companion Animal Parasite Council reports there was a 37% increase in Lyme disease cases between 2015 and 2019. Protection from ticks, the pesky parasites that transmit Lyme disease, is especially important so here are three ways to safeguard your family:

January is National Train Your Dog Month! A well-trained dog is less likely to exhibit behavioral problems later in life but did you know that proper socialization for puppies is the best way to prevent future issues? Appropriate socialization, which includes exposing puppies to new people, animals, stimuli and environments – during the first three months when sociability outweighs fears – is especially important.