The Ins and Outs of a Sedated Grooming

Sedated dog getting a bath.

Most pets that our groomers see don’t mind being professionally groomed and sail right through their bath, brushing and haircut with flying colors. Some pets, however, aren’t so willing and the process of being bathed, having their body brushed or even touched by a groomer will trigger aggressive behavior that could harm themselves or the groomer, making the grooming impossible to attempt safely.  

While aggressive reactive behaviors are usually due to fear, anxiety, or both, and certainly understandable, they present a problem when a pet needs a grooming service that cannot be done at home by the owner. In these situations, and because we are a medical facility, we are able to assist the groomer by fully sedating the pet so the grooming service can be done safely. 

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Going to See the Vet? Calming Tips for Fearful Cats

Scared cat.

If you are a cat owner, you’ve probably experienced the challenge of getting your feline companion into a carrier for a ride in the car. Not to mention, a visit to see the veterinarian! So, when the time comes for that annual exam or other check-up, it can be tempting to put it off or just forget it altogether. If this describes life with your cat, you are not alone.

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Going to See the Vet? Calming Tips for Fearful Dogs

A nervous dog.

Our dogs deal with a variety of experiences in their everyday lives. Some of them are pleasing and create a positive response, such as playtime and mealtime. Others are disturbing and create an alert response, such as loud noises or another dog barking. And then, there are those that are confusing, anxiety-inducing or threatening, such as being approached by strangers or going to a public place that has a multitude of unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.  

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The Ins and Outs of Canine Kennel Cough

A dog coughing.

Many dog owners have heard of kennel cough–especially those who board their dogs or take them to daycare facilities. Fewer, however, may know what kennel cough actually is. At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we’re here to help you understand kennel cough and to what extent it is a concern. 

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When Your Pet Has Separation Anxiety

A dog with separation anxiety.

Just as humans, our pets can experience anxiety and for a variety of reasons. It affects dogs and cats, as well as birds and other small pets. If not addressed, a pet’s anxiety can develop into chronic, lifelong behavioral problems that have a negative impact on the pet’s ability to interact appropriately with people and other pets. It can also jeopardize the pet’s relationship with its human family and, ultimately, its own well-being.

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The Danger of Leptospirosis in Dogs

A grey dog walks through some water, where it could be at risk for catching leptospirosis.

One of the most important responsibilities of dog ownership is providing the preventive care your dog needs to avoid illness and disease. Regular check ups, parasite prevention and keeping your dog current on vaccinations all play a key role in its health and well-being. 

Several years ago, we added the Leptospirosis vaccine to our core vaccine program for dogs because cases of this disease were being reported in Colorado. This was a concern, not only because of the risk it presents to dogs, but as a zoonotic disease, Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans and dog to human transmissions had also occurred.  

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Canine Oral Papilloma Virus: Knowing the Signs and Risks

A dog with a wart covers his face.

We often think of puppies as cuddly and adorable creatures, but that little wart-like bump you just noticed on your pup’s lip may not be so cute. While lumps and bumps on dogs are not unusual, when they occur in young and/or social dogs, canine oral papilloma virus, or COPV, is on the list of rule-outs for our team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center

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Small Dogs Have Small Dog Needs

A black and white small dog.

An endearing characteristic of small dogs is that they often come with big dog attitudes. Convincing as their “big dog” behavior may be, our small dogs still have some unique small dog needs. 

At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we see a lot of small dogs at our facility and are happy to share some interesting observations on what makes them different from their larger canine counterparts, and how this affects their behavior and care. 

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Hiking the Trails Safely with Your Dog

A dog and his human hiking in the mountains of Colorado.

Colorado is full of majestic mountains and scenic trails that are hard to resist, especially, when sharing them with your canine hiking companion.

At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we believe that enjoying fun hikes with your dog involves proper training and preparation for a variety of conditions, including, varying elevations and weather conditions, such as heat, cold, rain and snow. Here are some tips to help your dog have a great time while out on the trails with you.  

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Working From Home? A New Look At Your Pet’s Behavior

Working from home with a cat.

For many pet owners, working from home has become more commonplace. While this new dynamic may present many challenges for human families, there’s one family member that probably likes it—your pet, of course! 

It’s no mystery that pet ownership sometimes has its challenges, but being around our pets 24 hours a day, every day, may provide new perspective on this relationship. Not only is there the unique companionship that a pet adds to the workday, you might be gaining new insight into your pet’s behavior and needs. You may also discover that you now have to strike a balance between showing your pet attention and getting your work done. 

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