North Shore Family Pet Hospital

09/20/2024

Put two paws up, because it's Friday! 🥳❤
Celebrate the weeks end by having a yummy treat with your best fur-iend! 🎉 Here is sweet Milo, one of our patients, thoroughly enjoying his Churu snack during his visit with us. 🥰

09/16/2024

Last week we mentioned the acknowledgement that September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, but it is also "Happy Cat Month"! So let's discuss both on this lesson today! 🐱🐾🐈
Many pet owners recognize signs of osteoarthritis in their canine companions. But did you know that our feline friends can also suffer from OA? 😲
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which cartilage—the protective material that cushions a joint between two bones—breaks down over time, causing them to rub against each other. This friction can permanently damage the joint and cause pain and inflammation in and around the joint. Once osteoarthritis develops, the changes to the joint can’t be reversed. But the disease can be slowed down to help keep the joint working as well as possible for as long as possible!
Recognizing osteoarthritis in cats is difficult for pet owners and even for experienced veterinarians. Cats, unlike most dogs, can tolerate bone and joint problems due to their superior ability hide their pain very well. They also generally dislike being handled during physical examinations. This is why your observations about your cat’s activity level and behavior at home are important so your veterinarian has the best picture of your cat’s overall health. Check out this pain checklist and watch for these signs which might indicate that your cat might be suffering from OA, such as difficulty jumping up/down, changes in attitude (grouchy, hiding), or ability to properly groom themselves.
Thankfully, we have multiple different treatment options, so even our finicky felines who refuse to take oral medications can still find relief! 🥰
Think your cat might be suffering from osteoarthritis? Call us to set up a consultation! ❤️‍🩹🐱

09/13/2024

Did you know September is Animal Pain Awareness Month? We will touch on a few pain-related subjects throughout the month and how to recognize, diagnose and treat visible and non-visible pain in our four-legged friends! 🐶🐱
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🐾 Rehab Specialist Steph is working her magic with Lucky using the Assisi LOOP®! ✨ The Assisi LOOP® is a non-invasive, drug-free device that uses pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing. Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF) therapy delivers a micro-current to damaged tissue that is precisely tuned to trigger an animal’s own natural anti-inflammatory process. Lucky’s enjoying the comfort and tender care, and we’re thrilled to see such positive results!💖 ❤️‍🩹

09/10/2024

North Shore Family Pet had an amazing time participating in the PAWS Chicago 5k this weekend! 🐾 Some of our NSFP family joined in on the fun, supporting a cause close to our hearts. It was amazing seeing all the love and support for PAWS, and we are proud to be part of this incredible community! 🐶❤️

09/04/2024

Let's talk ACUPUNCTURE with Dr. Berkowitz! 🤩🐾
Acupuncture can provide numerous benefits for dogs and cats, serving as a complementary therapy to traditional veterinary treatments! It may help alleviate pain💢, reduce inflammation〽️, and improve mobility, especially in cases of arthritis or injuries❤️‍🩹. Additionally, acupuncture can support various conditions such as digestive issues, respiratory problems, and even nerve injuries by stimulating specific points on the body to promote healing and balance.☮️
Overall, when performed by a qualified veterinarian, acupuncture can enhance the quality of life for pets and is often seen as a safe and holistic approach to pet health care!

08/30/2024

🥳🐾It's Labor Day weekend! 🐾🥳

Our holiday hours are as follows:
Saturday 8/31 - 8am-12pm
Sunday 9/1 - 𝑪𝑳𝑶𝑺𝑬𝑫
Monday 9/2 - 𝑪𝑳𝑶𝑺𝑬𝑫
Tuesday 9/3 - 8am-5pm (normal business hours resume)

Please let us know if you need medication or food refills prior to the weekend! And we hope you and your loved ones have a safe and PAW-some Labor Day! 🐶🐱

08/28/2024

What could be better than a kitty cuddle? Simple! TWO kitty cuddles, duh!! 😁🐾 Pictured here is technician Mariah, with two fabulous feline patients, Zeke and Zander! 😍🐈 Such a handsome pair of cats!

08/21/2024

UPDATE: CHIP WAS FOUND!!!! 🎉🎉🎉😽😽😽
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One of our patients, Chip, went missing from his home yesterday, 8/20/24. 😿 He has orange, medium length fur, is about 1 year old, neutered, microchipped, and was last seen in Lockerbie Lane, located in Wilmette. Please be on the lookout for this sweet boy!🙏 If you spot him, please alert us as soon as possible! Let's get this kitty home safe and sound!🐾

08/19/2024

Con-GRAD-ulations to our wonderful assistants - Kaitlyn and Kathleen! 🤩🥳🎓 Kaitlyn just graduated from DePaul University, and Kathleen is departing off to the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana to pursue and study Veterinary Medicine!🩺🐾 We are so proud of our young scholars and we eagerly look forward to the wonderful things they will do! We are grateful to have such wonderful bright minds on our team. Wish them all the best as they embark on this amazing new journey! 🎉🎊🎈

08/12/2024

At the end of July, NSFP bid farewell to our wonderful Client Service Rep, Ashlee as she moved to Texas. To brighten up the bittersweet occasion, we threw her a rodeo themed goodbye party! 🐎 🤠 Ashlee, we know you'll continue to accomplish great things, and we'll miss you dearly. Best of luck in this new chapter of your life! 🐾

07/30/2024

A little lovin' goes a long way when it comes to post-operative care!
Our wonderful Certified Veterinary Technician, Nicole, finds great joy in spending extra time offering caring cuddles and soothing smooches to our patients in surgical recovery! 😍❤️‍🩹
At North Shore Family Pet, you can rest assured knowing that your four-legged best friend is in the best hands from start to finish. 🐾💕 Compassionate care is our vow! 🥰

07/28/2024

Ear infections, also known as otitis externa, are a common health issue in dogs and cats. 🐶🐱 They can occur when bacteria or yeast infect the outer ear canal, causing inflammation, discomfort, redness, and discharge. In dogs, ear infections often transpire due to excessive wax buildup, allergies, or moisture residing in the ear from swimming or grooming. In cats, ear mites are a common culprit, causing intense itching and scratching which could then lead to infection. Symptoms may include shaking of the head, pawing at the ear, or a foul odor. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to more serious complications like hearing loss and hematomas (a collection of blood underneath the skin of the ear).😣 Treatment for ear infections can vary based on the type of bacteria the patient is hosting.🦠 Veterinarians will often take a swab of the ear and view the sample microscopically to determine proper treatment, which typically involves ear ointments, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications, as well as cleaning the ear canal to remove debris and discharge. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring can help prevent future infections. 🐾
☀️During the spring and summer months, we see a larger influx of ear infections in patients due to moist environments, swimming in lakes or pools, and more frequent grooming.
Think your pet might be experiencing an ear infection? Call our office to schedule an appointment! 🐾🩺

07/26/2024

🌼☀️It's the Dog Days of Summer!☀️🌼
On Tuesday, July 30th, enjoy an evening with your pup and meet other dog owners from the community!🐶🐾 There will be fenced off areas behind the Patty Turner Center for open playtime, pet friendly vendors with giveaways, games for the doggies, drinks for their owners and much more!!!🤩
Join in on the summertime fun and register today by visiting the link below! 🥳⬇️
https://register.deerfieldparks.org/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/search.html?module=AR&PrimaryCode=413116

07/19/2024

Whos the culprit of this IT disaster at Mircropawft?!?!?! Oh.... well, alright... we cant be mad at that face. We forgive you. 😂🐾
We are fully functional and operations are going as usual over here at NSFP! 🙌

07/17/2024

☀️ Summer is here...☀️ And so are the bugs!!! 😫🦟🐝 From mosquitoes and ticks to bees and fleas, let's learn how to protect your pet from pesky bites and what signs to look for!

• The number one way to protect your pet is with prevention! Consult your veterinarian to choose the right preventive treatments for your pet. There are many options including spot-on treatments, collars, and oral medications that can effectively help to prevent fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
• Avoid Tick (and other heavy bug) habitats: When walking your pet, try to avoid tall grass and wooded areas where ticks and bees are commonly found. After walks in these areas, thoroughly check your pet for ticks and promptly remove any you find. There are some species of bee's and wasps that live underground and in mulch piles. So be careful where you step! 🐝
• Regular grooming can help detect fleas and ticks early on! You can also use a 'flea comb' (which can be purchased online or at a pet shop) after long walks around wooded areas to sort through the fur for fleas and ticks.

Just like humans, our furry friends can also have allergic reactions to bug bites and stings! If your pet likes to spend time outdoors, and you notice sudden symptoms of allergic reactions such as facial swelling, excessive drooling or itching, localized pain or restlessness, contact your veterinarian!

Stay bug-free, and have a happy, fun and safe summer season! ☀️🌼🌷

07/15/2024

🔥☀️🌡 CAR SAFETY - How hot is TOO HOT? 🌡☀️🔥
Our midwestern summers can bring some heavy heat! Pets are especially susceptible to heatstroke in cars when left unattended. Even on moderately warm days, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, potentially causing heatstroke or worse in a short period of time! 🚘🔥
Let's take a moment to learn about vehicle safety when it comes to your four-legged passenger!

07/13/2024

🤩🐾GIVEAWAY DEADLINE EXTENSION!🐾🤩
GREAT NEWS!!! We have extended the deadline of this fun giveaway to the end of the month, giving our fabulous pet parents a better chance at winning a custom digital cartoon portrait of their pet, courtesy of Veterinary technician, Allie!!! (I think she'll even toss in a 2nd pet if requested 😉)
Just follow our Instagram and LinkedIn! Each follow qualifies as an individual entry! So fun! 😄

07/09/2024

🐾 Exciting News! 🐾
We're thrilled to announce that Heartland Animal Shelter is hosting their first dog adoption event since the recent flood on June 25th! 🌊🏠 Despite the many challenges, their furry friends are ready to find their forever homes, and they can't wait to introduce you to them!

📅 Date: Saturday, July 13th
🕒 Time: 11am-3pm
📍 Location: Kriser's Northbrook [780 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook, IL 60062]

Join them for a day filled with love and joy as they bring together amazing dogs who are eager to become part of your family. Whether you're looking for a playful pup, a loyal companion, or a new best friend, there's a dog waiting for you! 😍🐾

Don't miss out on this special event to make a difference in a dog's life and find a companion who will fill your heart with happiness. Spread the word, bring your friends and family, and let's make this community adoption event a huge success!
Together, we can make a difference, one adoption at a time.💕

📣 Exciting Monday Morning News! We're having our very first Adoption Event since the flood at the shelter!

Get more excited because you will be able to adopt your new family member the same day of the event! The event will be held at Kriser's Natural Pet which carries all supplies needed for your new best friend!

And the cherry on top!! Today starts BISSELL Pet Foundation 's "Empty The Shelters" Event meaning all dogs, 6 months and older, are only a ✨$50 adoption fee until the end of July!!!✨

We will update which dogs will be in attendance throughout the week! All our adoptable dogs are currently living in foster homes. In the meantime, check out our adoptable dogs at the link below! ❤️👇

https://www.heartlandanimalshelter.org/adoptable-dogs/

07/08/2024

We're not sure who enjoyed this cuddle session more, Max or Client Service Representative, Emmy! 🤣💕🐾

07/03/2024

🌟🎆Fourth of July Holiday Hours!🎆🌟

Our office is open Wednesday, July 3rd, and will be closed on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day! We resume our regular business hours on Friday, July 5th from 8am to 5pm.

We hope you and your family have a fantastic and safe holiday! 🐾🎇

07/02/2024

🖌🐾 Giveaway Alert! 🐾🖌

We’re very excited to announce a ✨🌟SPECIAL GIVEAWAY🌟✨ for all our amazing pet parents!!! 🎉

Did you know we have other social media pages?! Each with their own unique bits of information, photos and activities! 😮
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to be entered for a chance to win a customized digital art print of your pet, beautifully created by our talented technician, Allie!!! 🎨🖌
Imagine the cuteness and uniqueness of having your pet in a one-of-a-kind digital art print. 🐶🐱 This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

🐾👉 How to Enter:
1. Follow us on LinkedIn @ [www.linkedin.com/company/northshorefamilypethospital]
2. Follow us on Instagram @ [www.instagram.com/northshorefamilypet]
Each follow qualifies for an entry! So if you follow both, you will have TWO entries!

Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate your furry friend in a special way. Giveaway ends on Wednesday, July 31st and a qualifying winner will be selected from the entry pool! 🐾

Get to following! 🐾❤️

06/30/2024

Time to bust out those selfies, because it's World Social Media Day! 📱📸

If your pet had a social account, what would their most recent status update be? 🐱🐶❓

06/28/2024

🌈🐾 This Pride Month, North Shore Family Pet Hospital is proud to celebrate diversity, equality, and love in all its forms.

At our hospital, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all pets and their families feel valued and understood. Diversity enriches our community, and we are committed to providing exceptional care to our entire community.

🐾🌈 Meet Fred and Ducky, our furry ambassadors of love and acceptance! They're spreading joy with their vibrant rainbow bandanas, reminding us that love knows no bounds.

As we celebrate Pride Month, let's embrace kindness, empathy, and unity. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and accepted. Happy Pride Month from the NSFP family!

06/27/2024

🐾🙏HELP HEARTLAND!🙏🐾
Local rescue, Heartland Animal Shelter is in desperate need of assistance after a massive flood!
They had a flood of two feet of water due to a water main break. Thankfully, due to swift action, all of the animals are safe but they are currently evacuating the shelter!

If you can foster a dog, please email [email protected]. For cats, email [email protected].

If you can't foster but want to help by donating, please donate at https://bit.ly/Heartland_flood

Supplies needed:
(50) 24x36 or 36x48 pop up cages
(60) cat carriers
(100) big plastic bins
Cases of canned wet food for kitten, cats and dogs
Cases of dry food for cats and dogs
Cases of paper plates for serving food
Follow their page for further updates! 🙏

06/24/2024

Veterinary Assistant John is a very wise man! He knows that if you're having a bad day, then you should snuggle a puppy! And if you're having a good day, SNUGGLE A PUPPY! 😍💕🐕
We hope your week is full of puppy love and cuddles~!

06/22/2024

Megan and Shirley were head-over-paws for this precious, purring bundle of orange joy! 😍🐈💕 Moments like these are truly the highlight of our days! 🥰🐾

06/20/2024

Put your paws up!!! Because it's the first day of SUMMER! 🌼🌞
We are all ready for some fun in the sun! So let's make sure your dog is, too! 🐶
Lucky for us, we can beat the heat by enjoying the beauty of all of our local lakes and beaches. But if you're planning on bringing your pooch aboard a boat, always be sure you're practicing good water safety for yourself and your four-legged sailor! Dive in as we share some helpful tips on how to prepare for your fun aqueous adventures! ⛵️

• Pack a Pet First Aid Kit! In case of accident or injury, have a first-aid kit packed with all the essentials (including pet identification and medical records)! ASPCA has a helpful inventory checklist which you can find here -> www.aspcapro.org/resource/how-make-pet-first-aid-kit

• Make sure you have a properly fitting canine life vest and floating leash secured on your pet for the duration of the trip. This helps keep your dog safely boyant during a swim session or if any boat turbulence causes your pooch to accidentally fall in!

• Pack plenty of fresh water, food, portable dishes, and poop-bags!

• Especially important with short-haired or light colored pups, it's a good idea to bring pet-friendly sunscreen to avoid any sunburn.

• If not already installed into your vessel, bring a dog boat ladder or ramp along to help ease getting in & out of the water.

• And finally, it's always handy to have extra towels for humans and canines alike.

We hope you and your pets have a sunny, safe and unforgettable summer season!!! 🛟🐕☀️🌊

06/18/2024

Phew!😪 Let's take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the busy week and take a moment to adore a sweet Boston Terrier puppy with Veterinary Assistant, Alicia! 😍🐾 Too precious!

06/14/2024

💡Fun Fact Friday!💡Infographic courtesy of ASPCA Pet Health Insurance!

Your dog’s nose can smell 10,000 to 100,000 times better than your nose. Three things make that happen.
•Inside your dog’s nose, there are about 300 million smell receptors, compared to our measly 6 million.
•Your dog’s brain area that detects smell is over 30 times bigger than yours.
•Your dog’s nose separates air into air for breathing and air for sniffing via that small fold that you can see on the inside of each nostril!
Different dogs can even smell better than the average dog! Bloodhounds, basset hounds, and beagles are breeds with longer snouts, thus improving their sense of smell! 🐶

Additionally, the medical world has recently discovered that dogs can be trained to detect certain types of cancer, including ovarian and prostate cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer as well as to sniff out malaria and Parkinson’s disease. According to research by Medical Detection Dogs, dogs can be trained to detect disease odor equivalent to a teaspoon of sugar diluted by the water in two Olympic-size swimming pools! 😲

And lastly, just like cats, each dog's nose-print is unique, just like our fingerprints! 🐕

06/12/2024

Veterinary Assistant Mariah is getting through the week the only way we know how! Precious patient pampering! 🥰