Pets Get Springtime Allergies Too!

May 16th, 2013

the big yawn

It’s been said that April showers bring May flowers. And with those flowers comes one thing – pollen. Unfortunately, humans are not the only ones affected by pollen. Animals, including companion animals such as dogs and cats, suffer from hay fever and allergies just like we do, but with slightly different symptoms. Read the rest of this entry »

Tick Season

May 13th, 2013

dog on mountain, ticks

As spring begins to bloom into summer, invariably we will find that tick season is upon us once again. For many seasoned pet owners, knowing how to battle these bloodsuckers is old hat. But for new pet owners, or those new to the Billings area, knowing how to protect your pet and prepare for battle with these parasites can seem a bit overwhelming.

We understand how you’re feeling. Ticks are gross. Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for Proper Pocket Pet Care

May 1st, 2013

 

hamstercare_iStock_000000296889XSmallIf you have a pocket pet (pets such as hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and the like), you have probably come to realize that there is a little more to their care than you originally thought.

These furry little critters are capable of stealing our hearts just as much as any dog or cat, and they look to us in order to ensure that they are properly cared for. Use the following tips to be sure that you are providing the best possible care for your pocket pets. Read the rest of this entry »

Happy National Hairball Awareness Day!

April 24th, 2013

 

cat is being combedThe last Friday in April is one that is important to our feline friends everywhere. It is National Hairball Awareness Day. This common kitty ailment is no light matter. Take the day to learn a few facts about hairballs in cats:

  • The scientific name for a hairball is a trichobezoar.
  • Most hairballs are not balls at all, but rather elongated cylinders that mimic the shape of the cat’s digestive tract.
  • Hairballs result from hair swallowed during the grooming process. Most of the hair passes through the digestive system, but that which is left behind can form a hairball. Read the rest of this entry »

Pets and Pests: It’s Springtime in the Rockies

April 17th, 2013

 

doghikeWith Spring well on its way and summer fast approaching, protecting your pet from outdoor pests can be a matter of life and death.

More than just irritants, pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks pose a serious health risk to cats and dogs enjoying the great outdoors. Likewise, snakes, bats, and other critters lurking in the underbrush can carry risks of their own that should be considered as you gear up for the months ahead.

Knowing what you and your pet are up against is just part of the battle. The rest is to know how to keep your pet safe and healthy in the face of what may happen. Here’s our list of issues to consider: Read the rest of this entry »

Human Medications: Cheap Cure or Deadly Decision?

April 10th, 2013

 

 

Tigger’s owner felt horrible as she watched her little kitty struggling for breath inside the thick plexiglass oxygen incubator, attached to several IV lines and monitors. She had never imagined that giving her cat a Tylenol to help her feel better after a minor injury could kill her.

It is tempting to medicate your pets. After all, many medications that your veterinarian prescribes are human medications. You might have the same antibiotic prescription that your dog does, or your cat might be prescribed Prozac for an anxiety disorder.  Read the rest of this entry »

First Aid Tips for Pet Owners

April 3rd, 2013

 

Do you know what to do for your pet in an emergency situation? Some emergencies are life threatening and others are just a little scary and can be handled at home. These guidelines can help.

  • Make sure everyone is safe and out of harm’s way. This includes you as well as the pet. If you must move your pet, take precautions so that you aren’t bitten. Even the sweetest pet may bite when it is in pain. You can fashion a makeshift muzzle out of a belt or strip of cloth. Read the rest of this entry »

Have a Safe Spring! Protecting Your Pet in the Upcoming Months

March 27th, 2013

 

f4298dlWhile it may not feel like it quite yet, it is officially spring! March is also Poison Prevention Month, so we thought it might be a good time to remind you of some of the more common spring toxins that your pets might be exposed to. Keep the following in mind as the weather turns:

 

Read the rest of this entry »

Digital Radiology: Changing the Future of Veterinary Care

March 20th, 2013

 

In veterinary medicine used to be that taking radiographs, or x-rays, was a pretty involved process. At least two people would have to dress in lead protective equipment, position the (sometimes less than willing) animal on the table in order to provide a good picture of the area of interest.

Then an exposure was made and one of those individuals would have to trek to the dark room, run the film through a series of messy and stinky chemicals (in the dark!!!).  After this was complete, the veterinarian or technician would have to evaluate the resulting film and say that the positioning and picture was satisfactory, or… say it was not and make the individuals repeat the process over and over until they were satisfied.  Read the rest of this entry »

Tips for Bringing Home a New Pet

March 13th, 2013

 

Congratulations on your new pet! You have probably done lots and lots of research to be sure that your new family member will fit into your home. But do you know what to do when your new pet gets there? Here are some tips:

  • Be sure that your home is pet-proofed. Remove any potentially toxic or dangerous items from reach. Don’t forget that pets have teeth, making items like electrical cords very dangerous. Baby gates and/or crates can help to keep your new addition safe from things you don’t want them getting into. Read the rest of this entry »