Our Blog | Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center
Fit Felines and Muscular Mutts: Making Pet Exercise Fun
Most of us already know how important physical exercise can be for our pets. Daily exercise not only burns calories and keeps our furry friends lean, it also helps to boost the immune system, which protects against diseases like diabetes and cancer. Daily play adds elements of fun and excitement to each day, a necessary component for the well-rounded life of our pets.
Even the most committed pet owners and active pets can easily find themselves bored with the daily walk or game of laser chase. Our creative pet exercise ideas are designed to provide you with a template for incorporating fun, simple, and regular exercise into your pet’s life.
Keep Them Close: The Perils of Off-Leash Walking
Most of us humans have an innate desire to experience the outdoors and explore it whenever we have the chance, and our dogs are no different. As a result, many owners often give in to the temptation of allowing their dogs to roam freely off-leash on walks and hikes in order to give them that same freewheeling experience.
Leash-walking dogs, in general, is a popular activity in our area because of the many accessible trails and open spaces that surround us, just waiting to be explored. Along with this, however, is the growing problem of dogs being allowed off-leash when accompanying their owners in these very same places. Unfortunately, tragic incidents involving off-leash walking of dogs are becoming more and more of a problem, so it’s worth taking a look at whether or not the risks outweigh the benefits.
Sit, Ubu, Sit: What Makes a Good Dog?
Many of us probably already have our own ideas about what makes a good dog. Your ideal dog might enjoy sitting on the couch, binge-watching Netflix with you, or perhaps your perfect canine companion is one who will join you on your daily 10 mile run. But is there really an ideal “good” dog?
Your team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center never shies away from tough topics, and we’re tackling this one head on!
Green Grass, Happy Dog: Preventing Dog Urine Spots on Lawns
We love everything about our dogs, but we don’t always love some of the side effects of “doggie business”, such as those yellow or brown dog urine spots on the lawn. Not only do the spots make the yard look less attractive, they are also hard to get rid of. Add in two or more dogs, and you may be facing a completely dead lawn in the not too distant future.
Also called “lawn burn”, urine damage to lawns is a misunderstood problem that has generated a variety of commercial products and DIY remedies. We’ve broken down this common concern and have the scoop on how to prevent this unsightly situation.
What Causes Dog Urine Spots?
The yellow spots that develop after your dog urinates on your lawn are caused by the high concentration of nitrogen-containing compounds and associated salts that are naturally present in dog urine. It’s similar to putting too much fertilizer in a small spot on your lawn, which also causes lawn burn.
Walking Your Cat on Leash… and Doing it Safely, Learn How To Leash Train Your Cat
Anyone who has witnessed an indoor cat looking out the window or lying in wait near the front door for any chance to slip outside, knows that cats are curious about the outdoors. Many pet owners would love to give their cats the outdoor experience, but a cat’s safety and well-being generally depends on staying indoors at all times.
Is it possible to safely leash train your cat and give your cat an outdoor experience?
Stay Cool! Avoiding Hyperthermia in Pets
Hyperthermia in pets, also known as heat stroke, is one of the biggest warm weather risks facing pets in the summertime. As temperatures rise, it’s important for pet owners to take their pets’ well-being into consideration. Warm weather doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun in the sun with our pets. Rather, it means that we need to be aware of the risks and plan ahead for their safety and well-being.
Hyperthermia in pets, also known as heat stroke, is one of the biggest warm weather risks facing pets in the summertime. Unlike humans, a pet’s only means for cooling their bodies is through oral panting and the small amount of sweat released through their paws. Knowing how to prevent hyperthermia in our pets is the first step toward making sure our furry loved ones stay cool and safe all summer long.
The Heat Is On: Learning to Spot and Prevent Dehydration in Pets
It’s no secret that water is vital to the existence of humans and animals, as well as most other living creatures. Water makes up about 70-80% of a pet’s total body mass and is critical for the proper functioning of each and every cell and system.
Even a small loss of a pet’s fluids can disrupt the body’s delicate balance and result in dehydration. If not corrected, dehydration will impair the body’s functioning and quickly become a medical emergency.
Plan the Perfect Pet-Friendly Party
Whether you’re celebrating a pet’s birthday, Gotcha Day or just because, learn how to host a pet-friendly party with tips on planning, safety, and fun activities to keep pets and their humans entertained.
Safety First
Be sure to take your pet’s unique personality into consideration. Pets who are prone to aggression, anxiety, or severe shyness probably aren’t good candidates for a gathering or party that includes them.
Pet-Friendly Party Tips
A pet-friendly party can bring out your pet’s inherent playfulness, provided you set the tone for safe fun ahead of time.
Location
Before inviting people and pets to a party, ensure you have enough space. If space is limited, consider alternative venues in your community, such as a local park (remember to follow leash laws), a community center, or a doggy daycare.
Rest Area
If you’re hosting the party at home, make sure to have a designated area for potty breaks. You can either purchase a dog potty or build one yourself, depending on your preferences.
Guest List
As a thoughtful host, create a guest list that promotes a harmonious gathering. Invite furry friends your pet knows and enjoys spending time with. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook to send invitations to friends and family.
Pet-Friendly Decorations
Choose pet-friendly decorations to keep your pet safe, and place them out of reach. Additionally, have a safety plan in place just in case any mishaps occur.
Tasty Treats
Planning a pet-friendly birthday party includes preparing special treats that cater to both pets and humans. Here are some pet-approved recipes:
Fun & Games
Select an activity that will be enjoyable for both your guests and their pets. Games and activities should be simple and safe. Here is a list of activities for pets and people:
- Pet-Friendly Obstacle Course
- Treat Hunt
- Paw Painting
- Pet Fashion Show
- Pet Photo Booth
Hydration Station
Make sure there is a constant supply of fresh water available throughout the event. With all the excitement, pets can become easily dehydrated, so it’s important to keep water bowls accessible and plentiful for their health.
Quiet Time
Set up a designated area for pets to rest and relax if they get tired or need a break. Include comfy dog beds and blankets to provide them with a cozy spot to unwind.
Final Thoughts
We hope your pet-friendly bash is a huge success! Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to the staff at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center with any questions and concerns regarding your pets.
Beyond Bon Appetit: Why Your Puppy Eats Poop
Dealing with your pet’s poop is one of the less glamorous aspects of pet ownership, but it’s just as necessary to their health and well-being as proper diet, exercise, and quality medical care. Having a puppy who eats poop, however, is something that many new pet owners weren’t expecting and aren’t sure how to deal with.
Poop-eating, also called coprophagia, is actually a normal – albeit gross–dog behavior. At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center we believe in tackling life’s stinky questions head on, and we are happy help you figure out why your puppy eats poop and what you can do about it.
Strategies for Successful Litter Box Training
Anyone who has ever observed a cat fastidiously grooming herself, or carefully covering waste in the litter box, knows that cats are, by nature, very clean animals. Most kittens learn how to use a litter box from their mother before they come to live with you, but if you adopt an orphaned kitten or older cat, you may have to show her the ropes. Our litter box training tips will get you started off on the right paw!
