Morganside Veterinary Clinic

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Morganside Veterinary Clinic Morganside Veterinary Clinic in Sparta WI We specialize in companion animal health care. We also have grooming available by appointment.

Our services include diagnostic medicine, preventative medicine, dentistry and surgery.

🐱 Feral or Stray — What’s the Difference?🏠 A STRAY CATA stray cat has lived with or been socialized to people at some po...
10/16/2026

🐱 Feral or Stray — What’s the Difference?

🏠 A STRAY CAT
A stray cat has lived with or been socialized to people at some point but has become lost, abandoned, or separated from their home.
Depending on how long they've been outside, a stray may:
🐱 Approach people or homes
🗣️ Meow or vocalize toward people
❤️ Become comfortable with human interaction
🏠 Potentially adjust to living in a home again

🌿 A FERAL CAT
A feral cat is an unsocialized outdoor cat who generally isn't comfortable with close human contact.
They may:
🐾 Keep their distance from people
🏃 Avoid being approached or handled
🌙 Be more active when people aren't around
🏡 Live independently or as part of a colony
But here's something important: you can't always determine whether a cat is stray or feral from one encounter. Behavior can change depending on the situation, and a frightened lost pet may hide or avoid people too.

💙Tip: If you find an unfamiliar outdoor cat, don't automatically assume they're homeless or feral. Look for identification, ask neighbors, check local lost-pet resources, and contact the appropriate local shelter/rescue or veterinary team for guidance if you're unsure what to do.
And remember — never force interaction with a frightened or unfamiliar cat. Give them space and let them feel safe. 🐱❤️

🐱 Fun Fact: Poppi was estimated to be only about 6 weeks old and weighed just 1.4 lbs when she was found hiding in the bushes outside Morganside Veterinary Clinic — after a dog discovered her! 🌿🐶
We don't know exactly how she ended up there or what her life looked like before she was found. Poppi is a great reminder that finding a cat outside doesn't automatically tell you their story. 💙

💬 Have you ever helped a stray or community cat? We'd love to hear their story! 🐾👇

📚 Sources:
• ASPCA — Feral & Community Cats
• Alley Cat Allies — Feral vs. Stray Cats & Ear-Tipping
• American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) — Free-Roaming Cat Resources

🕳️ Why Do Dogs Dig?Digging is a normal, instinctive behavior for dogs, and there isn't just one reason behind it!🐾 INSTI...
10/15/2026

🕳️ Why Do Dogs Dig?

Digging is a normal, instinctive behavior for dogs, and there isn't just one reason behind it!

🐾 INSTINCT
Some dogs were specifically bred to pursue animals that live underground, so digging can be especially strong in certain breeds and individuals.
🦴 BURYING TREASURES
Food, bones, toys…some dogs will bury valuable items to save them for later. Apparently the backyard makes an excellent safety-deposit box. 😂
🌡️ GETTING COMFORTABLE
Dogs may dig out an area to create a resting spot. Digging into cooler soil can also be a way to seek relief from the heat.
👃 SOMETHING SMELLS INTERESTING!
Dogs have incredible noses. An interesting scent or critter underneath the ground may be enough to start an excavation project.
🎾 BOREDOM & ENTERTAINMENT
Digging can simply be FUN! Dogs who need more physical exercise or mental stimulation may find their own activities—and sometimes your flower bed pays the price. 🌷😬
🚪 TRYING TO GET SOMEWHERE
Digging along fences can sometimes be an attempt to reach something interesting on the other side or escape the yard.

🐶 Should you stop your dog from digging?
Rather than punishing a normal behavior, first try to figure out why your dog is doing it.
Depending on the reason, providing more exercise, enrichment, supervision, or even an approved digging area can give them a better outlet.

⚠️ If your dog is persistently trying to escape, suddenly develops excessive digging behavior, or you're concerned about a major behavior change, talk with your veterinary team.

💙Tip: Behavior is communication! Looking at when, where and what happens before your dog starts digging can give you clues about what's motivating them.

💬 We have to know: Is your dog a casual dirt-scratcher…or a professional excavator? 😂👇

📚 Sources:
• American Kennel Club (AKC) — Digging behavior in dogs
• ASPCA — Common dog behavior issues: Digging
• Humane World for Animals — Understanding & managing digging behavior

⚖ Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight? 🐾A few extra pounds may not sound like much…but on a dog or cat, they can make a big ...
10/14/2026

⚖ Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight? 🐾

A few extra pounds may not sound like much…but on a dog or cat, they can make a big difference!

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, so it’s a great time to talk about something that can be surprisingly difficult to recognize: your own pet’s body condition.

When we see our pets every day, gradual weight gain can be easy to miss. And the number on the scale isn't the whole story! Veterinarians also use a Body Condition Score (BCS) to help evaluate whether a pet is underweight, at an ideal condition, or overweight.

👀 Try a quick body-condition check at home

🐾 FEEL THE RIBS
You should generally be able to feel your pet's ribs without having to press through a thick layer of fat.

👀 LOOK FROM ABOVE
Many pets at an ideal body condition have a visible waist behind the ribs.

🐶🐱 LOOK FROM THE SIDE
You should typically see an abdominal “tuck,” where the belly rises behind the rib cage.

⚠️ But every pet is different! Breed, body shape, age, coat and medical conditions can affect appearance, so an at-home check isn't a diagnosis.

🩺 Why does healthy weight matter?
Excess weight can affect more than appearance. Obesity in pets is associated with health concerns including:

🦴 Joint and mobility problems
❤️ Respiratory and cardiovascular strain
🩺 Increased risk for certain diseases
🐱 Increased risk of diabetes, particularly in cats
🏃 Reduced activity and quality of life

And weight loss shouldn't mean simply cutting your pet's food drastically. Your veterinary team can help determine an appropriate calorie intake, diet, treats and activity plan based on the individual pet.

💙Tip: Not sure whether your pet is at an ideal body condition? Ask us! We can help assess their weight and BCS and discuss an appropriate plan if changes are needed.

And remember…those treats count too. 👀😂
Sometimes those puppy-dog eyes are VERY convincing!

💬 What's your pet's treat they absolutely cannot resist? 🦴🐱

📚 Sources:
• AAHA — Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
• WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — Body Condition Score resources
• Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP)
• Cornell Feline Health Center — Obesity in Cats

🍂 Fall Pet Hazard: Acorns & Black Walnuts🌰Crunchy leaves, cooler weather, and plenty of things falling from the trees! 🍂...
10/13/2026

🍂 Fall Pet Hazard: Acorns & Black Walnuts🌰

Crunchy leaves, cooler weather, and plenty of things falling from the trees! 🍂🐾

While you're enjoying fall with your pets, keep an eye on what they're picking up outside. Acorns and black walnuts can both cause problems if eaten.

🌰 ACORNS

Acorns contain tannins, which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Eating them may cause:
🤢 Vomiting
💩 Diarrhea
😣 Abdominal discomfort
🍽️ Decreased appetite

There's another concern too — swallowing whole acorns or large pieces can potentially cause an intestinal blockage, particularly in smaller pets.

🌳 WHAT ABOUT BLACK WALNUTS?
Fresh walnuts can cause gastrointestinal upset, but old or moldy walnuts are especially concerning.
Mold growing on fallen nuts can produce tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause serious neurologic signs such as:

🚶 Trouble walking or poor coordination
😵 Tremors
🌡️ Increased body temperature
⚠️ Seizures in severe cases

🐾 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
🍂 Regularly pick up fallen nuts and acorns from areas your pets use.
👀 Keep an eye on pets who like to grab things during walks or yard time.

📞 If you know or suspect your pet swallowed acorns, walnuts, or especially a moldy nut, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control service for guidance.

❌ Don't induce vomiting or try home remedies unless instructed by a veterinary professional or poison-control expert.

💙Tip: “Natural” doesn't automatically mean pet-safe! Fall brings plenty of interesting smells and things to investigate, so knowing what's lying around your yard can help prevent an unexpected trip to the veterinarian.

💬 Does your pet try to eat EVERYTHING they find outside? 😂🐶🐱

📚 Sources:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Black Walnut
• Pet Poison Helpline — Walnuts & Moldy Foods/Mycotoxins
• Merck Veterinary Manual — Tremorgenic Mycotoxicosis

👀 THE SLOW BLINKA feline slow blink usually involves slowly narrowing or partially closing the eyes, sometimes followed ...
10/12/2026

👀 THE SLOW BLINK

A feline slow blink usually involves slowly narrowing or partially closing the eyes, sometimes followed by a longer eye closure.

Research suggests that slow blinking can be part of positive communication between cats and humans and is commonly seen during calm, relaxed interactions.

And here's the really cool part…

❤️ YOU CAN SLOW BLINK BACK!

Researchers found that cats were more likely to slow blink after their owners slow blinked at them.

Cats were also more likely to approach an unfamiliar person after that person had slow blinked at them compared with when the person simply held a neutral expression.

So next time your kitty gives you those sleepy little eyes, try:
👀 Look toward them without intensely staring
😌 Gently narrow your eyes
😽 Slowly close them for a moment
👀 Open them again
…and see what your cat does!

What the research DOES suggest is that slow-blink interactions appear to be a positive experience for cats and may be associated with positive emotions.

💬 Does your cat slow blink at you?
Try giving them a slow blink tonight and let us know if you get one back! 🐱❤️👀

📚 Source:
• Humphrey T, Proops L, Forman J, et al. The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat-human communication. Scientific Reports. 2020.

🚨🐶🐱Rabies Exams : Your pet bit someone.... 🚨“My pet is vaccinated for rabies, so we don't have to do anything…right?”Unf...
10/09/2026

🚨🐶🐱Rabies Exams : Your pet bit someone.... 🚨

“My pet is vaccinated for rabies, so we don't have to do anything…right?”

Unfortunately, that's a common misconception.
If a dog or cat bites a person and the incident is reported, Wisconsin has specific rabies quarantine requirements — even if your pet is currently vaccinated for rabies.

📅 10-DAY RABIES QUARANTINE
Wisconsin law requires a dog or cat that bites a person to be quarantined for at least 10 days so the animal can be observed for signs of rabies.

And yes — this can apply even if the person bitten IS the pet's own owner.

🩺 THREE VETERINARY EXAMS ARE REQUIRED
During the quarantine period, your pet must be examined by a licensed veterinarian three separate times:

1️⃣ The first day of quarantine
2️⃣ One day during the quarantine period
3️⃣ The final day of quarantine

💉 “BUT MY PET IS UP TO DATE ON RABIES!”
That's GREAT — and keeping your pet vaccinated is extremely important!
However, a current rabies vaccination does not eliminate the quarantine or the three required examinations.

💰 WHAT DOES THIS COST AT MORGANSIDE?
At Morganside Veterinary Clinic, the three required quarantine examinations total approximately $450. WITHOUT the Rabies Vaccine.

⚠️ All three examinations must be paid for at the FIRST exam.
We know that's a significant and often unexpected expense, which is another reason we want pet owners to understand what happens before a bite ever occurs.

🐾 BITE PREVENTION MATTERS
Even the sweetest dog or cat can bite when they're:
😨 Scared or overwhelmed
🤕 Hurt or painful
🍖 Guarding something valuable
😴 Startled or disturbed
🚪 Feeling trapped or unable to get away

Learning your pet's body language and respecting signs that they're uncomfortable can help prevent a situation from escalating.

💙Tip: A rabies vaccine is incredibly important, but being vaccinated doesn't mean a reported bite can simply be ignored. If your pet bites someone, contact the appropriate local authorities and your veterinary team so you know what steps need to happen next.

🧼 And if YOU are bitten: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact your healthcare provider. Wisconsin DHS also recommends contacting your local health department regarding animal bite/rabies concerns.

📚 Sources:
• Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) — Rabies Quarantines & Animal Bites
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) — Rabies Quarantine Requirements
• Wisconsin Statute § 95.21 — Rabies Control

🐱 HAIRBALLSHairballs can happen because cats swallow loose hair while grooming. Most swallowed hair normally travels thr...
10/08/2026

🐱 HAIRBALLS

Hairballs can happen because cats swallow loose hair while grooming. Most swallowed hair normally travels through the digestive system, but sometimes hair collects in the stomach and is brought back up as a hairball.

And despite the name, a hairball usually isn't actually shaped like a ball! 👀

🐾 An occasional hairball can happen, especially in cats that groom frequently, long-haired cats, and during periods of increased shedding.

But don't automatically assume frequent hacking or vomiting is “just hairballs.”

🚩 IT'S TIME TO GIVE YOUR VETERINARIAN A CALL IF YOU NOTICE:
🐱 Hairballs becoming frequent or happening more often than usual
🤢 Repeated vomiting
😮‍💨 Repeated hacking or retching without producing a hairball
🍽️ Decreased appetite or refusing food
😴 Lethargy or weakness
💩 Changes in bowel movements
⚖️ Weight loss or other changes in your cat's normal behavior

Repeated hacking can sometimes be mistaken for a hairball when something else is going on, including a respiratory problem. Hair can also rarely contribute to a gastrointestinal obstruction.

🪮 CAN YOU HELP REDUCE HAIRBALLS?
Regular brushing can help remove loose fur before your cat swallows it, which can be especially helpful for long-haired cats and heavy shedders.

💙Tip: You know your cat's normal best! If their hairballs suddenly become more frequent, they're repeatedly trying to bring something up without success, or they're showing other signs of illness, don't just chalk it up to “being a cat.” Give us a call.

💬 Does your cat always seem to choose the carpet instead of the easy-to-clean floor? 👇

✂️ STAY AHEAD OF THE SCRUFF! 🐾Does this sound familiar? 👀"I swear they didn't look this shaggy last week!" 😂Instead of w...
10/07/2026

✂️ STAY AHEAD OF THE SCRUFF! 🐾

Does this sound familiar? 👀
"I swear they didn't look this shaggy last week!" 😂

Instead of waiting until your pet is desperately overdue for a groom, consider getting them onto a regular grooming schedule!

📅 WHY SCHEDULE AHEAD?

Keeping up with routine grooming can help:
✂️ Stay ahead of tangles and mats
🐾 Keep nails from becoming overly long
🛁 Keep the skin and coat clean and comfortable
🪮 Manage loose hair and shedding
📆 Make grooming part of your pet's normal routine

And remember — there isn't one perfect grooming schedule for every pet!

How often your pet needs professional grooming depends on things like their breed, coat type, lifestyle and individual needs. Some pets need frequent appointments, while others can comfortably go longer between visits.

💡 Here's our favorite tip: FORWARD BOOK!

When you pick your pet up from their grooming appointment, consider scheduling their next appointment before you leave.

That way:
📅 You don't have to remember to call later
⏰ You're more likely to get a date/time that works well for you
🐶 Your pet doesn't accidentally go months longer than you intended
✂️ We can help keep them on a schedule that works for their individual grooming needs

Before you know it, the holidays will be here too! 🎃➡️🦃➡️🎄 Staying ahead of your appointments now can make one less thing to remember during the busy season.

💙 Ready for a grooming appointment? Give Morganside Veterinary Clinic a call to get your pet scheduled!

And don't forget — you can book the NEXT one when you pick them up! 😉

💉 Pets must be up to date on their rabies vaccination for grooming appointments.

Woah, We're seeing double today!🎬🐾 We’ve been getting into the Homecoming spirit at Morganside! Our team has been joini...
10/07/2026

Woah, We're seeing double today!

🎬🐾 We’ve been getting into the Homecoming spirit at Morganside!
Our team has been joining in on the fun with dress-up days throughout Sparta Homecoming Week, and today’s theme for us was Partners in Paws! 🐾💙💚
While some people might coordinate outfits for Twin Day… Genessa decided to take things a little further. 😂
Meet Lynn & Lynn Jr.! 👯‍♀️🤣
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right Lynn?!
We’ve been having so much fun celebrating Homecoming Week with our community!

🍄🐾 FALL PET HAZARD: WILD MUSHROOMSCooler fall weather, damp yards and wooded walks can mean mushrooms popping up where o...
10/06/2026

🍄🐾 FALL PET HAZARD: WILD MUSHROOMS

Cooler fall weather, damp yards and wooded walks can mean mushrooms popping up where our pets explore! 🍂🍄
Most wild mushrooms aren't highly toxic, but some can cause serious or even life-threatening poisoning — and identifying a mushroom correctly can be difficult. When in doubt, it's safest to keep your pet away!

🚨 Signs of mushroom poisoning can vary depending on the mushroom and may include:
🤢 Vomiting or diarrhea
💧 Excessive drooling
😴 Weakness or lethargy
🚶 Trouble walking or poor coordination
😵 Tremors or seizures
🫁 Difficulty breathing
🩺 Liver or kidney damage in severe cases

Some mushroom toxins cause signs quickly, while others may not cause symptoms until hours after ingestion. Don't assume your pet is in the clear just because they seem normal right away!

🍄 WHAT IF YOUR PET EATS A WILD MUSHROOM?

📞 Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison-control service right away. Don't wait for symptoms to develop.

📸 If possible, take several clear pictures of the mushroom and the area where it was growing. If a sample can be safely collected, it may also help an expert identify the mushroom.

❌ Don't try to identify a wild mushroom as “safe” based only on its appearance.
❌ Don't induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional or poison-control expert specifically instructs you to do so.

💙Tip: Check your yard regularly for mushrooms, especially after damp or rainy weather, and remove them before a curious pet has the opportunity to investigate.

And on those beautiful fall walks, keep an eye on what your pet is sniffing — or trying to turn into a snack! 😂🍂🐾

📚 Sources:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
• Pet Poison Helpline
• North American Mycological Association (NAMA)

Address

500 W Wisconsin Street
Sparta, WI
54656

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5pm
Tuesday 7am - 5pm
Wednesday 7am - 7pm
Thursday 7am - 5pm
Friday 7am - 5pm

Telephone

+16082692355

Website

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