Your pet's family doctor
1321 N 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101
Phone: 406-245-4772406-245-4772
Emergencies: 406-245-4772406-245-4772
If 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. (more…)
The 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:
With 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: (more…)
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. (more…)
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.
While 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:
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. (more…)
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:
Have you ever considered breeding your dog? If so, did you know that Billings Animal Family Hospital offers canine reproductive services? Dr. Best has a special interest in doggy reproduction, and is happy to help you every step of the way. Here are a few of the services offered:
For those who are thinking about breeding their dog, a discussion with their veterinarian is one of the most important steps. We will discuss with you what to expect in the breeding process and help to evaluate whether breeding your dog is a good decision.
We are in the process of renovations at the hospital! You may have noticed the contractor, the computer installers or the large delivery trucks in the alley. All of these changes are being made so we can provide more services, better quality services plus an improved work environment for our employees. While several of the improvements are still in the works, I’m writing as if they are already complete, so you will understand the full benefits of the changes! (more…)
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