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When we talk with pet owners about dental disease, one worry comes up more than any other: “Are you going to have to pull teeth?” Extractions are sometimes the kindest option for a tooth that is too far gone, but they are never our goal. At Prairie Animal Hospital, we would much rather save a…

I recently saw a cat who hadn’t been to a veterinarian in the last two years of his life. By the time I examined him, he had arthritis he’d likely been living with silently for a long time. He had infected teeth. He had skin infections. And based on everything I found, he most likely…

If you’re raising a puppy (or, in my case this week, a house full of kittens), here’s my PSA: socialize your animal. If you don’t, you’re setting yourself up for a fearful pet down the road. There’s a long-running debate in rescue and behavior circles — nature versus nurture. How much of a dog’s temperament…

You brought home your new puppy or kitten, you’re completely obsessed with them, and then you notice a bald patch near their eye or a little scaly spot on their leg. Cue the spiral. Is it mange? Is it contagious? Did something go wrong? Take a breath. If it turns out to be Demodex, it’s…

If there’s one condition we wish more cat parents knew about, it’s hypertension. Unlike in dogs, high blood pressure in cats is genuinely common — especially in cats over 10 — and it’s one of the few conditions in veterinary medicine where missing the diagnosis can cause sudden, irreversible blindness. The encouraging part is that…

Every day, pet owners are turning to Reddit, Facebook groups, and TikTok to ask questions they’re not sure their vet has time for. Spoiler: we have time. And these questions matter. Here are the five we’re seeing most right now, answered straight. 1. “My pet’s breath is terrible. Is that normal?” No. Mild odor is…

If your cat hisses, hides, or turns into a furry tornado the moment you pull out the carrier, you already know: taking a cat to the vet is a whole event. The car ride, the smells, the sounds, the waiting room full of anxious dogs — it’s a lot for a creature who prefers the…

Congratulations — you have a kitten! That tiny, chaotic, impossibly cute creature you just brought home is about to become your best friend. And one of the best things you can do in these first few weeks is get them in to see us. The 8-week visit is one of the most important appointments your…

If you’ve ever watched your dog tremble in the waiting room or heard your cat yowl the entire drive to the vet, you’re not alone. Vet visits can be stressful — for your pet, and for you. That’s why so many pet owners in the Peoria and Dunlap, Illinois area are now searching specifically for…

“How much does a vet cost?” is one of the most searched questions among pet owners in Peoria and Dunlap, Illinois — and for good reason. Veterinary costs can feel unpredictable, and surprise bills are stressful for everyone. At Prairie Animal Hospital, we believe in transparent, upfront pricing so you always know what to expect.…