Your Guide to the Smartest Pet Breeds

A smiling RottweilerWe’ve all read and heard stories about intelligent pets: the dog that can figure out how to open the fridge and help himself to a snack, or the cat that seeks out a sick or sad family member to snuggle with and comfort.

It goes without saying that our own pets are blessed with above average intelligence, of course, but have you ever wondered what actually constitutes intelligence in pets, and how the smartest pet breeds are determined?

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Fancy Feet: The Importance of Pet Nail Trimming

A dog's claws being trimmedHave you been hearing the telltale click of Fido’s nails on your kitchen floor lately? Has Whiskers taken to shredding the corner of the leather sofa again? If so, it may be time to trim your pet’s nails.

For many pets and their owners, pet nail trimming can be a task that invokes fear and dread. Your friends at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center understand your apprehension and want to help you get started on this important health and wellness task.

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Question of the Day: Why Do Some People Look like Their Pets?

A man and his dog that look alikeWe’ve all seen the funny memes about pet owners and their four-legged best pals who so closely resemble each other, that it’s hard to ignore the reality of it. Spend enough time in dog parks and you’ll start to see it for yourself; the woman whose hairstyle matches her poodle’s fluffy fur, or the man whose thin face and narrow nose are eerily reminiscent of his purebred greyhound’s features.

Since every pet owner knows that his or her pet is the cutest one in the world, it’s certainly not an insult to consider that we may resemble our best pals somewhat. As it turns out, there is actual science behind why some people look like their pets.

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Drumroll, Please! Presenting Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center’s Most Popular Blogs Of 2016

A black lab covered in snow in the winterAs we prepare to close out another fantastic year at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we would like to take a moment to thank you for choosing us! We are honored to partner with you in providing the very best care for your pet, and we treasure the many meaningful moments and valuable relationships that we share with all of our patients and clients.

This year, we have had the pleasure of launching our weekly blog, with the goal of providing our readers with informative, interesting, and useful pet care information. We’re thrilled that so many of you are reading our blogs, and are pleased to present the top 10 most popular blogs of 2016.

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Deep Connections: The Power of the Human-Animal Bond

A dog looking out the car windowOur veterinarians and veterinary support staff share a deep love for animals, and if you’re reading this, we’re guessing that you feel the same. Our pets bring so much love, joy, affection and humor to our lives, it probably comes as no surprise that the human-animal bond may be deeply intertwined with our health, well-being and, possibly, our survival as a species.

What is the Human-Animal Bond?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) the human- animal bond is defined as, “…a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals”. Indeed, humans have benefitted from this unique connection for thousands of years. Animals were so essential to the daily lives of early humans that there is evidence we may not have survived or thrived without them.

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Partridge in a Pear Tree: Finding Perfect Pet Gifts

A cat's paws on both sides of a small packageMost of us consider our pets as members of the family so, including them in our cherished holiday traditions comes naturally. While including your pet in your seasonal gift shopping may be par for the course, what should you get the pet that  has everything?

At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we understand the special role pets play in our lives, which is why we’ve put together a list of favorite holiday pet gifts for 2016.

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Comfort and Joy: How You Can Help Pets in Need

A cat standing in the snow

We all know that the holidays can be a stressful time. Endless shopping, mounting commitments, and scheduling conflicts can all cloud our vision of happy, fun, and meaningful holiday celebrations and traditions.

By reaching out to serve others this year, you can bring the true meaning of this  time of year back into focus for your family. And, since helping those in need is one of the cornerstones of the holiday season, don‘t forget that homeless pets are on this list, too.

Your team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center has put together a list of ways you and your family can help pets in need this holiday season, as well as all year long. Continue…

Making the Most of a Visit to the Veterinarian

dog examination by veterinary doctor with stethoscope in clinicA visit to the veterinarian is a reality of pet ownership and should be an important part of your experience as a caring pet owner. Whether your pet is coming in for a routine wellness exam, an ongoing health issue, or because you have specific concerns, knowing what steps to take in preparing for your pet’s visit can have a huge impact on the quality of your pet’s visit. It will also help you establish good communication with your veterinarian and the other staff members who will be interacting with your pet.
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The Allergic Dilemma: Best Pets For Pet Allergy Sufferers

A pet allergy is no fun at any age.

An estimated 15% of people have a pet allergy, with cats being the most common perpetrators, followed closely by dogs. Fortunately, having a pet allergy doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a pet!

With a little bit of research and planning, many allergic pet owners have successfully intertwined their lives with a four-legged friend.

Understanding Your Pet Allergy

Dander, tiny flecks of skin shed by dogs, cats, rodents, and birds, is the most common pet allergy trigger. Other pet-related particles, including saliva, urine, and feces, can release particles into the air when dried, which can be inhaled and trigger allergic symptoms. Continue…

Kind Kitties: Cat Bite Prevention Tips

kitten biting armIt’s a common scenario: One minute your sweet kitty is snuggled in your lap, purring away as you absentmindedly stroke his or her soft fur, and the next thing you know your little buddy has turned on you and is now ferociously biting the hand that was petting it so gently just seconds before. You shout, leap to your feet, knock over your beverage. Kitty darts off your lap and out of the room, leaving both of you shaken and annoyed.

This strange behavior is certainly perplexing, but by focusing on a variety of cat bite prevention techniques you may be able to mitigate your cat’s aggression, and create a calmer, more peaceful environment that both you and kitty can enjoy. Continue…