So long, 2020! As this difficult year full of changes and challenges comes to an end, we’re keeping our fingers, toes, and paws crossed for a better 2021. In preparation for our annual “top blogs” of the year compilation, we reviewed all of our blog articles from 2020, noting the shift from pre-pandemic to post-pandemic content. So while our “Top 10 Blogs of 2020” list contains our most popular blogs of the year, we also put together a pandemic-related blog list (because – in case you haven’t noticed, it’s still going on!) So without further ado, here are our two lists for 2020!
AERC’s Top Blogs of 2020:
10. Why I Became an ER Vet
Written by Ally Thell, DVM
Dr. Thell, one of our emergency veterinarians, reflects on why she became an emergency veterinarian.
9. Signs of Allergies in Your Pet and Therapeutic Options
Written by Andrea Meyer, DVM, DACVD
Dr. Meyer, our board-certified veterinary dermatologist, discusses how to recognize the signs of allergies in your pet, as well as therapeutic options for managing your pet’s allergies.
8. Minnesota Cold Weather Pet Safety
Written by Kathy Rausch, DVM
In this blog, Dr. Rausch, one of our emergency veterinarians, breaks down the risk factors that make certain pets more vulnerable to our cold Minnesota winters.
7. Pet Loss During the Holidays
Written by Colleen Crockford, MSW, LICSW
The holiday season is already stressful for many people; adding the loss of a beloved animal companion can be overwhelming. Colleen Crockford, our Human Animal Bond Social Worker, reviews some of the feelings of grief and provides a few tips to make the holidays a bit easier.
6. Fur-Tunately Series: Stories of Animal Survival
In 2020, we started our Fur-Tunately Series. These blogs feature rare or unique cases presented to our ER. Our emergency veterinarians walk readers through a patient’s visit, from intake to discharge. Click the links below to read on:
- Episode I: Needle Fight Club (Written by Ashley Barott, DVM)
- Episode II: Puppy Survives Accidental Shooting (Written by Heidi Fay-Thompson, DVM)
- Episode III: The Mysterious Case of Claude the Chihuahua (Written by Melanie Neufeld, DVM)
5. Marijuana Poisoning in Pets (Part I and Part II)
Part I written by Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT & Part II written by James Newton, DVM
In Part I of “Marijuana Poisoning in Pets,” Dr. Lee, our board-certified veterinary criticalist and toxicologist, discusses marijuana exposure in pets and what to look for. In Part II, Dr. Newton, one of our emergency veterinarians, explains the treatment process for this increasingly common toxicity.
4. What to Do If Your Pet is Overheated
Written by Heidi Fay-Thompson, DVM
Heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, is one of the most common pet emergencies during the summer months. Dr. Fay-Thompson, one of our emergency veterinarians, explains why it’s so dangerous and what pet owners can do to keep their pets safe on hot, humid days.
3. The Do’s and Don’ts of Raising Monarch Caterpillars
Written by Heidi Brenegan, MBA, CVPM
After developing a passion for raising monarch butterflies this past summer, Heidi, our Chief Marketing Officer, shared her tips on how others can help monarchs to ensure they are around for future generations.
2. Dear Veterinary Technicians: An Open Letter from an ER Vet
Written by Latasha Sikes, DVM
During National Veterinary Technician Week, Dr. Sikes, one of our emergency veterinarians, wrote an open letter to veterinary technicians, expressing gratitude for all they do for the team, our patients, and our clients.
1. My Dog Can’t Walk: Sudden Paralysis in Dogs
Written by Missy Carpentier, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)
Discovering your dog suddenly can’t use their back legs is a very scary experience. So Dr. Carpentier, our board-certified veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon, explained this common occurrence in dogs with intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) and what you need to know if your dog suddenly can’t walk.
AERC’s Pandemic-Related Blogs:
1. Four Things to Help You Find Calm During the Storm
Written by Colleen Crockford, MSW, LICSW
Colleen Crockford is Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota’s Human Animal Bond Social Worker. This blog was published back in March, towards the beginning of the pandemic (remember that?!) As anxiety levels were on the rise, Colleen provided tips to help slow racing thoughts and find peace.
2. Stay-At-Home Boredom Busters for Dogs
Featuring tips from Olivia Larson, CVT
During the start of the pandemic, Olivia Larson, one of our technicians, started “Optimal Canine” – a social media account to post her favorite enrichment activities for homebound dog owners. Olivia then joined us on Facebook Live to share her best tips. This blog is a written version of her tips from the Facebook Live video.
3. 7 Ways to Support Locally-Owned Veterinary Clinics
Written by Janine Hagen
During the Shelter-in-Place order in Minnesota, Janine Hagen, our Marketing Assistant, wrote about how to support locally-owned veterinary clinics that were limited to essential services at the time. Not surprisingly, some of these tips can be applied to any small business that you’d like to support!
4. Veterinary Care During the Pandemic
Written by Heidi Brenegan, MBA, CVPM
Heidi Brenegan, our Chief Marketing Officer, put together a list of general guidelines for pet owners who needed veterinary care during the COVID-19 pandemic and what to expect.
Please note that since the time of this blog’s publication, state orders and individual veterinary clinic protocols may have changed. Before visiting your family veterinarian for an appointment or product pick-up, check their current guidelines.
5. Going Back to Work after Shelter-in-Place? 3 Tips on How to Prep Your Pet
Written by Heidi Brenegan, MBA, CVPM
After the Shelter-in-Place order, Heidi Brenegan, our Chief Marketing Officer, shares three tips on how to prepare pets for a return to work in order to avoid separation anxiety.
Thank you for revisiting these blogs with us, and we hope you have enjoyed following our blog. We wish you and your pets a healthy and safe 2021!
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