On Saturday, April 30th 20 staff members, friends, and clients along with 15 dogs met at Colby Lake Park to support the Humane Society for Companion Animals, Bark in the Park Fundraiser.

Although it was a little chilly, it didn't stop us and hunderds of others from showing their support to such a great organization.

The Humane Society had lots of great boothes full of fun and informational things.  There were local vendors, pet related retail, and even a place where you could have a button photo made of you and your furry friends.









Dr. Ammann and her Samoyed McKinley helped the Humane Society by donating their time to the "Ask the Vet" booth.  For a small donation to the shelter, people were able to ask Dr. Ammann a pet related question.  She had a blast and got to meet lots local people and their dogs.

Our team not only raised over $1300.00, but we also won the vet team challenge award for the most team members!  We want to thank everyone who contributed their time and money to help us reach our goal.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, and Chinchillas Need Care Too!

Did you know that rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas need regular veterinary check-ups?  To help these pets live happy healthy lives it is important to visit your veterinarian for annual physical examinations. 

At your pets annual exam your veterinarian will check them from nose to toes.  They will spend time with you discussing any concerns you might have regarding behavior, nutrition, and health.

Rabbits, Chinchillas, and Guinea Pigs have some special needs.  Both their toenails, and their teeth grow continuously.  Overgrown teeth can cause serious health problems.  The vet uses special tools to examine all the teeth and can file overgrown teeth as needed.

Nail trimming should be done often and can be done at home if you like.  If you are unsure how to do this we would be happy to show you.

Nutrition is another important factor in keeping your little pets healthy.  All of them need diets high in fiber.  Timothy Hay is an excellent source of fiber and should be readily available for them at all times.  In addition to hay, dark vegetables, and pellets should be given.  Remember vegetables should always be fresh. 

Vitamin supplements are also available for your pets and may be a good additions to their diet.  It is best to discuss with your veterinarian which types of foods and vitamins are most appropriate for your pet.  We are currently carrying vitamin supplements for guinea pics here at our clinic.

The environment that your pet lives in is another important thing to consider.  A lot of these little critters live in cages or pens.  Their bedding should be made of pine, aspen, or paper, and needs to be changed at least twice a week to keep their paws and fur clean and healthy. 

Rabbits make great indoor pets and can be litter box trained and allowed to play in the house under supervision.  If you have a litter box for them, it should be changed daily.  Chinchillas need dust baths and a large cage that allows climbing and jumping.

Remember that these little critters can breed very early in life and should be kept separate until they have an exam and their gender determined by a veterinarian.  Rabbits can be spayed or neutered to prevent breeding.

Having a pet Rabbit, Guinea Pig, or Chinchilla can be very rewarding.  With the proper care, nutrition, and environment they can live long, happy lives.  Whether you have one of these great pets already or you are considering adding one to your family, give us a call and meet with one of our veterinarians so we can help you provide the best care possible. 

Jolene Bertrand of Avalon Photography will be displaying her work at Carver Lake Veterinary Center May 2nd through June 15th.  The public is welcome to stop by anytime during business hours to appreciate these beautiful photographs.

On Friday, May 13th, a reception will be held at the clinic from 6:30-8:00.  Art lovers are welcome to join us for refreshments and a chance to meet Jolene.  Well behaved pets on leashes are welcome to accompany their owners.

Jolene lives in St. Louis Park with her husband, Todd and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Beardsley.  Jolene, a native-Californian, moved to Minneapolis in 1992 to complete a Bachelors of Arts that included a degree in Photographic Arts at the School of Communication Arts.

Photography has always been more than a hobby to Jolene; it has been her dream since she was 12 years old.  Even though Jolene grew up in the city, her family always had many pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, a duck, fish, and birds.

Jolene enjoys photographing children, families, and high school seniors, but admits that enjoys it most when they include the family pet.  When she is not at the studio she takes her talent to local and national horse shows.

Jolene recognizes that pets are very important parts of our lives.  They bring so much joy to us and she is passionate about capturing the personality and character of our loyal friends.

What To Do With Wildlife This Spring

Spring has sprung!  And as we start to see our familiar featherd friends returning, birds and other wildlife will begin breeding and rearing thier young.  During this time of year and through the summer months, you or someone you know might come across a fallen bird's nest or maybe a bunny that looks injured or sick. Many people might not know what to do.  If you come across any wildlife you think is in need of your help, please take a moment to access the situation. 

More often than not, baby birds and mammals are "rescued" when help is not needed.  These "kidnappings" can be avoided.  If you find and unfeathered baby bird, look for a nest iin nearby trees, bushes, or on the ground (possibly damaged.) A baby bird put back in nests WILL be cared for by its parents. 

If there is no nest or parent birds seen, or if the baby looks sick or injured it needs to go to a wildlife rehabilitation center ASAP.  Put the baby in a warm safe place (a shoe box or paper bag if needed) until you can transport the bird.  Baby birds cannnot self regulate heat so you will NEED to provide them with heat.  A heating pad under half the container, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in the box are usually sufficcent for short times.

Many baby birds that are found hopping around on the ground that are feathered are assumed to be orphaned and are unessacarily taken.  These little guys often dont need our help and should be left to go on their little feathered way without humans and pets interfering.

Many people come across the path of a baby bunny during the spring.  Bunnies are similar in that they are often "rescued" when it is not needed.  Bunnies wander out of the comforts of their nests quite young.  If you find a baby bunny that has its eyes open he is probably fine.  Bunny nests are often found and damaged easily.  Mother rabbits WILL accept young returened to the nest even after human contact. If you find babies with eyes closed and can't find the nest take them to a wildlife rahabilitation center ASAP and supplemented with heat.

Please keep wildlife,their young, and their nests safe by restricting access from our pets.  If you find any wildlife that is obviously injured, it is an emergency!  Please contact a wildlife rehabilitation center immediatly. 

In St.Paul you can call the wildlife rehabilitation center at 651-486-9453. It is located on north Dale St.  You can also call Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release wildlife intake exam located in the Animal Humane society in Golden Valley at763-522-4325.  They also provide a great wildlife hotlines that has pre-recorded answers to the most common questions asked.

Carver Lake Veterinary Center aslo accepts wildlife on a limited basis Mon-Thurs. Dr.Kim Ammann is federally and state licensed to treat and rehabilitate wildlife.  If you would like more information on wildlife rehabilitation or volunteering you can contact any of the numbers listed above.