The Ugly Truth About Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

rocky mountain spotted feverRocky Mountain Spotted Fever is one of many diseases that can be transmitted to both people and pets via the bite of an infected tick, and is of particular concern in our region. Tick populations are on the rise across the United States, and our beautiful state is no exception. Of the 30 plus species of ticks that make their home in Colorado, there are several that have the potential to make your pet, and you, very sick.

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A Focus On Healing: Post-Surgical Pet Care Basics

Post-Surgical Pet Care BasicsThe days and weeks that follow any surgery are a time of rest and recovery, and having a loving and supportive caretaker at home is an absolute must. Depending on the type of surgical procedure your pet has undergone, as well as their age and overall health, they will have specific postoperative requirements that must be adhered to for optimal healing.

Here at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we do our part to make sure that you’re equipped with the discharge instructions, medications, and postoperative checkups that your pet needs, but the majority of post-surgical pet care relies on how you care for your pet at home.

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The New Lone Tree Vet App: Care at Your Fingertips

The New Lone Tree Vet AppDid you know that we now have our very own App? At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we recognize that the benefits of smartphone technology are far reaching for our patients and their families, and it’s our pleasure to bring this service to your fingertips. We are excited to announce the launch of our new Lone Tree Vet App, available free of cost, for both android and iPhone! You can download our new App by searching Lone Tree Vet in your App store or by simply following the links above.

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Meow-Wow! The New Cat Lodge at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center

cat boardingWhen people see our new, beautiful Cat Lodge, they’re pretty impressed! With its sleek condo spaces, stunning wall murals reflecting Colorado mountainscapes, custom built cat trees made from real aspen and spruce, and a colorful and entertaining fish tank, we couldn’t be happier to show it off!

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The Four Stages of Pet Dental Disease

Four Stages Of Pet Dental DiseasePet dental disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the most common clinical conditions seen by our veterinarians. This comes as no surprise when we consider that most adult dogs and cats show some signs of the disease by the time they reach 3 years of age. If left untreated, pet dental disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, infection, and even damage to the vital organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.

The dental health of our patients is important to us at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center. In recognition of National Pet Dental Health Month, which is observed every February, we’d like to place the spotlight on periodontal disease and what pet owners can do to prevent and treat this serious condition.

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So Fresh and So Clean: The Importance of Pet Tooth Brushing

pet tooth brushingCan you imagine never brushing your teeth? The idea probably seems distasteful to you, but it’s an unfortunate reality for many pets.

Studies show that roughly 73% of cat owners and 43% of dog owners admit to never having brushed their pet’s teeth. While this may not seem like a serious issue for your pet, poor oral hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, pain and tooth loss. Moreover, the bacteria from dental disease can spread throughout the body leading to systemic health issues and a shortened life span.

If you’ve never given much thought to your pet’s oral health, it’s not too late to start taking care of their teeth. While there are several ways you can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy, daily tooth brushing is the single most effective way to prevent dental disease and associated problems.

The purpose of pet tooth brushing daily is to remove the sticky plaque that develops on the teeth before it hardens and forms into tartar. Unfortunately, once tartar has formed, it cannot be brushed off and will require a professional dental cleaning to be removed.

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New Year’s Resolutions For Your Pet’s Health

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.

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Lone Tree Veterinary Hospital’s Top 10 Blogs Of 2017!

A dog laying on the ground with a quirky smileWhether you’re gearing up for a big end-of-the-year celebration, or you’re planning a quiet evening at home, you’re likely using some of this time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we are doing the same; our year has been busy, challenging, and absolutely rewarding thanks to our wonderful patients and their families!

With meaningful topics such as pet dental care, traveling with a pet, and rattlesnake safety, we do our best to bring you information you can use to improve the daily lives of your amazing pets. Whether you are a newcomer to the website or a seasoned reader of our blogs, we invite you to enjoy the most popular 10 blogs of 2017:

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Holiday Safety Tips for Pet Owners

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.

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Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental Cleanings

Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental CleaningsWe are frequently asked about anesthesia-free pet dental cleanings. It involves performing a dental cleaning on a pet by scaling (cleaning and scraping) the pet’s teeth to the gumline without using general anesthesia.

The Marketing of Anesthesia-Free Pet Dental Cleanings

Marketing campaigns have primarily driven the popularity of anesthesia-free dentals. They promote this method as a less expensive alternative to dental cleanings performed under general anesthesia. Unfortunately, this popularity stems from misinformation about what proper dental cleaning entails. Marketers for anesthesia-free dental cleanings often fail to disclose what happens. In some cases, worsen a pet’s oral health. And in extreme cases, involve abuse and cruelty.

Pet owners looking to reduce the need for their pet to undergo general anesthesia might find the idea of anesthesia-free dental cleanings appealing. However, this procedure comes with numerous risks and issues. In our opinion, the risks outweigh any perceived benefits.

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