Posts in Category: Pet-Friendly Holidays
Hiking the Trails Safely with Your Dog
At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we believe hiking the trails with your dog involves proper training and preparation. Here are some tips to help your dog have a great time while out on the trails with you.
Continue…Fall Pet Safety Tips
It’s that time of year when the weather turns, the days are shorter, and there is a crisp feeling in the air. Along with the beauty of the season, fall also brings many familiar tasks, including preparing our yards for winter, cleaning the garage, and holiday decorating. Learn how to keep your furry friends safe and healthy during the fall season with these essential tips for fall pet safety.
Continue…How to Keep Your Pet Fit During the Holidays
It probably comes as no surprise that “get healthier” is the most popular New Year’s resolution among Americans. Holiday meals and parties, cookies at the office and at Grandma’s house, and extra treats from friends and neighbors can add up over time, causing a run on gym memberships and diet cookbooks come January 2nd.
Pets, too, can suffer the ill effects of overindulgence, including the health and mobility consequences that go along with extra weight. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be difficult to keep your furry friend fit and trim during the holidays.
A little bit of planning, a commitment to your pet’s well being, and the support of your Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center team will go a long way toward making sure your best pal feels and looks its best all year long.
Continue…Home For The Holidays: Guide to Holiday Pet Adoption
Adopting a pet for the holidays sounds like a great idea. However, holiday pet adoption is a huge responsibility that should involve thought and planning. Below is our Guide for Holiday Pet Adoptions.
Pet Adoption 101
Whether its during the holidays or any other time, there are items to consider before adopting a pet.
Lifestyle
What will the new pet’s daily life look like? Will you have enough time to care for the pet, play with it, take it on walks, and provide training, or will everyone be out all day with activities occupying the evenings and weekends? A lonely and untrained pet can become a frustrated and destructive pet, especially, if it is a high energy breed that needs a lot of physical activity on a daily basis.
Choosing the Pet
Selecting the right pet is just as important as making sure all of the other factors line up. Each type of pet has a different set of needs and requirements for feeding, housing, exercise, grooming, socialization, and medical care. It’s important to do your research ahead of time.
It’s usually best to allow the recipient(s) to participate in selecting their pet of choice, rather than surprising them on the big day. Giving a stuffed dog or cat with a pet toy, a leash or carrier is an exciting way to surprise someone, especially kids, and allows the entire family to pick out the pet together at a later date.
Financial Means
Food, veterinary care, grooming, and training costs can really add up over the life of a pet. Ensure that the person receiving the pet can handle the additional financial responsibility of pet supplies, food, training, and veterinary care.
Living Situation
Where the pet lives is also an important consideration. While a small apartment may be ideal for a cat, it may not be so great for a 50 pound dog. You’ll need to be realistic about the indoor and outdoor space that will be available to share with a pet.
Will the New Owner Be A Child?
The ASPCA recommends waiting until children are between 10 and 13 years old before introducing the responsibility of a pet. However, regardless of the child’s age, an adult in the household must be fully committed to caring for the pet if the child cannot. Children should not be expected to take full ownership responsibilities, such as driving the pet to the veterinarian.
Commitment
Dogs live an average of 10-14 years, and cats can live 15-20 years. Pet adoption is a long term commitment that requires a thoughtful and a realistic look at one’s life. Shelters are full of pets that didn’t “work out”; you don’t want this to be how your pet ends up.
Continue…Holiday Foods That Are Dangerous for Your Pets
The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and plenty of delicious food. However, many traditional holiday dishes can be dangerous for pets. It’s important to know which holiday foods are safe and which are not.
Continue…New Year’s Resolutions For Your Pet’s Health
The New Year is the perfect time for a fresh start and setting new goals. Resolutions such as eating healthier, working out, improving work performance, or losing weight— all positive and worthwhile goals. However, many people tend to overlook their pets when planning their New Year’s resolutions.
Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners
The holidays are here. Learn how to keep your pets safe with our holiday safety tips.
It’s important to remember that decorations, décor and food can pique the interest of our pets and expose them to toxic or unsafe situations.
To help your pets safely enjoy the season, the team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center has a few important reminders for pet owners and avoiding that unexpected visit to the emergency room.
Continue…Your Guide to the Ultimate Pet-Friendly Party!
When it comes to parties, why should humans have all the fun? Including your four-legged family member in a gathering or party, or even throwing one in honor of your pet, might be just as fun!
At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we think including Fido or Fluffy in your family’s festivities can be a wonderful way to bond and make memories with your best pal. Check out our tips and ideas for throwing a “pawsitively pawsome” pet-friendly party.
Avoiding Pancreatitis in Pets
Pancreatitis in pets is a serious condition that can result from ingesting even small amounts of very rich or fatty foods. Learning how to spot the symptoms of pancreatitis and better yet, how to prevent it, is important for every pet owner to know.
Holiday Gift Ideas For Your Pet
Looking for holiday gift ideas for your pet? Check out our list of holiday gift ideas to spoil your beloved companion this season.
The Gift of Health
What better way to show your appreciation for all the love and joy your pet brings to your life than by providing him or her the gift of vitality and good health?
- An annual or semi-annual wellness exam is one of the most important gifts you can give your pet to make sure you know what’s going on beneath the fur. It’s well established that routine checkups help pets live healthier and happier lives, as problems can be found and treated early on, before they become major issues.
- Haven’t had your pet spayed or neutered yet? Make this the year you attend to this important health procedure. Studies show that spayed and neutered pets live longer!
- Good dental care is an essential component of your pet’s overall health. A new pet toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste make great stocking stuffers, as do dental chews and treats. Better yet, schedule that overdue appointment for a professional dental exam and cleaning for your pet.
- Pamper your pet and support its healthy skin and haircoat with a professional grooming session in our Grooming Salon.
- Whether you have a new puppy just learning the ropes, or an older dog in need of a tune-up, obedience classes in our Canine Academy will help your dog become a fully integrated and happy member of your human “pack”.
Tried-and-True Pet Gifts
Check out our selection of pet-approved dog and cat toys, treats, food and care products in our lobby retail shop. We have stocking-stuffers that are sure to please any four-legged friend.
- Consider a comfy elevated bed (try orthopedic or heated versions for older or arthritic pets).
- A Thundershirt for the anxious pet (use for high-stress situations, only).
- A Wonder Walker dog harness, the perfect dog-walking tool. We carry them in a variety of sizes and colors.
- Pet snow booties, sweaters and rain gear are wearable gifts your pet will appreciate on outdoor winter excursions. Be sure to properly fit your pet — not too loose, not too tight — and remove when indoors.
DIY Gifts for Pets
Whether you’re the crafty type or just want to save money, homemade pet gifts are where it’s at these days. Pinterest and other craft and DIY websites are loaded with cute ideas sure to please, including:
- Build your own cat tree or kitty hide-out.
- T-shirt ball toy can be made using items you probably have at home.
- Food puzzles help fast eaters slow down while stimulating those foraging instincts.
For your pet’s safety, do supervise your pet while it’s playing with a toy, regardless of what it is.
The Best Gift of All
We hope our pet gift ideas inspired you! Still unsure what to get for your furry companion this holiday season? Remember, the greatest gift you’ve already given your pet is a loving home with you. Take a break from the holiday hustle to show your pet some extra love with a walk, a play session, their favorite activity, or some good old-fashioned snuggles. Quality time together doesn’t cost a thing and brings comfort and joy to both you and your beloved pet.
As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call with your questions or concerns. We wish you, your family — two legged and four — a happy and healthy holiday season!