Posts Tagged: Pet Health & Wellness

Most of us know that our pets need to be vaccinated, and when we follow through with their regular wellness exams, this is usually done during the exam within the appropriate time frame. Knowing which vaccines your pet needs, however, as well as why and when, isn’t always something that’s widely understood by pet owners.

Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, we at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center can’t think of a better time to discuss this important component of pet care.

Core and More

Pet vaccinations are designed to protect your pet against infectious diseases that could be fatal or greatly reduce your pet’s quality of life. Some are mandatory and some not. To add to the confusion, they’re not all given on the same schedule or at the same time.

Vaccines are categorized into two major groups as follows:   Continue…

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.

Continue…

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!

There’s no question that pets bring joy, laughter, and a depth of feeling to our lives that is hard to find anywhere else. Unfortunately, they can occasionally bring illness in the form of zoonotic diseases, as well.

A zoonotic disease is one that can be passed from animals to people, or vice versa. Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, cattle, pigs, rodents and wild animals can all potentially spread disease to humans. Fortunately, even though there are over one hundred known zoonotic diseases in the world at large, most are not found in the United States, thanks to good hygiene and modern veterinary care.

Even though your chances of catching a disease from your pet are low, it’s important to understand the risks associated with zoonotic diseases and how you can protect yourself and your family.

Continue…

Every pet owner knows how much pets enjoy food. Unfortunately, sometimes this love of chewing and swallowing can get our pets into trouble, particularly when they ingest something inedible causing a GI obstruction.

In many cases, something a dog or cat ate will pass through the digestive tract with little to no trouble, but this is not always true. Any object can become lodged in a pet’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract (esophagus, stomach, or intestine), creating problems at any point along the way, including, the destruction of the area of the intestines where the foreign material is lodged. Continue…

Few conditions can kill a dog as quickly as bloat. Although many pet owners are unaware of it, bloat in dogs is one of the most serious, and potentially deadly, pet emergencies. Understanding the signs of bloat, as well as your emergency options, are crucial in protecting your dog from this dangerous affliction.

Understanding Bloat in Dogs

Bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), occurs when gas and fluid cause the stomach to distend. In some dogs, this distention can cause the stomach to twist along its axis (also called torsion), cutting itself off from the esophagus and duodenum. Continue…

Traveling with your pet adds a special dimension to seeing new places and takes the worry out of how your best friend will fare while you are away. Unfortunately, traveling abroad with your pet isn’t as easy as crossing our state lines.

Many countries, and even airlines, have strict requirements when it comes to traveling with pets. Thankfully, your team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center is here to help you fulfill these requirements as efficiently and thoroughly as possible. Continue…