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.  

Continue…

Pumpkin Spice, Cozy Sweaters, and Fall Pet Safety

This dog with a pinecone on its head is ready for a safe fall!

It’s that time of year when the weather turns, the days are shorter, and there is a crisp feeling in the air. Along with the beauty of the season, autumn also brings many familiar tasks, including preparing our yards for winter, cleaning the garage, and holiday decorating. During this busy time of year, don’t forget that these activities can also present some hazards to a curious pet.

The team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center is here with some helpful tips on making this fall season wonderful and enjoyable, instead of one marred by a serious pet emergency. Here are some basic fall pet safety reminders for all of our pet-loving friends.

Continue…

How to Keep Your Pet Fit During the Holidays

A dog wearing a santa outfit

It probably comes as no surprise that “get healthier” is the most popular New Year’s resolution among Americans. Holiday meals and parties, cookies at the office and at Grandma’s house, and extra treats from friends and neighbors can add up over time, causing a run on gym memberships and diet cookbooks come January 2nd. 

Pets, too, can suffer the ill effects of overindulgence, including the health and mobility consequences that go along with extra weight. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be difficult to keep your furry friend fit and trim during the holidays.

A little bit of planning, a commitment to your pet’s well being, and the support of your Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center team will go a long way toward making sure your best pal feels and looks its best all year long.

Continue…

Adopting a Pet for the Holidays: Is it the Right Thing To Do?

A grumpy cat sitting in a chair

Adopting a pet as a holiday gift can sound like a great idea. After all, the image of a fuzzy puppy or kitten popping out from under the Christmas tree is enough to melt the hearts of every Grinch and Scrooge out there. 

Unfortunately, this heartwarming scene doesn’t always have a happy ending. Adopting a pet is a huge responsibility that should involve significant thought and planning.  

Factors to Consider

Whether you are planning to surprise a loved one with a pet or adopting one for yourself, there are several important factors to consider:

Continue…

When Good Table Scraps Go Bad: Holiday Pet Safety 101

Holiday pet safety considerations should be made for holiday meals and decor

Turkey dripping with gravy, a mound of snow-white mashed potatoes, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a thick slice of homemade pumpkin pie…is your mouth watering yet? If it is, you certainly aren’t alone – just imagine how tempting these scrumptious holiday foods must be to your pet!

While it can be hard to resist those puppy dog (or kitty cat) eyes, giving in to temptation can result in some pretty nasty consequences. This holiday season, set your pet up for gastrointestinal health and success with these holiday pet safety tips.

Continue…

New Year, New Pet Wellness Resolutions!

A pup looking up at their human as they walkIt’s hard to believe another year has come and gone, but here we are in 2018! Facing a brand new year is both exciting and daunting, offering us the possibility of starting over in many areas of our lives, such as health and wellness and work habits.

Along with upgrading our personal lifestyles, pet wellness can and should be on the forefront of our New Year’s resolutions. Our list of ideas are designed to be simple and effective ways to give your pet a healthy boost in 2018!

Continue…

To Tree or Not to Tree? Holiday Reminders for Pet Owners

holiday pet reminders‘Tis the season for family gatherings, decking the halls, and enjoying all of the wonders of Christmas. It is important to remember, however, that among the decorations, decor, and abundant feasts, our holiday essentials can pique the interest of our pets and expose them to toxic or unsafe situations.

In order to help you and your pets safely enjoy this festive season, the team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center has a few important reminders for pet owners and avoiding that unexpected visit to the overnight animal ER!

Continue…

Your Guide to the Ultimate Pet-Friendly Party!

Two dogs sitting with a birthday cakeWhen it comes to parties, why should humans have all the fun? Including your four-legged family member in a gathering or party, or even throwing one in honor of your pet, might be just as fun!

At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we think including Fido or Fluffy in your family’s festivities can be a wonderful way to bond and make memories with your best pal. Check out our tips and ideas for throwing a “pawsitively pawsome” pet-friendly party.

Continue…

Low-Fat Life: Avoiding Pancreatitis in Pets

A dog and cat eating at the table‘Tis the season for holiday foods, and with tables full of seasonal delights this time of year, it’s easy to overindulge. For most people, a few extra helpings of mashed potatoes and gravy or Grandma’s pumpkin pie probably won’t have any repercussions beyond a little indigestion and maybe a tighter waistband. For our pets, however, indulging in holiday foods can have more significant consequences.

Pancreatitis in pets is a serious condition that can result from ingesting even small amounts of very rich or fatty foods. Learning how to spot the symptoms of pancreatitis and better yet, how to prevent it, is important for every pet owner to know.

Continue…

Partridge in a Pear Tree: Finding Perfect Pet Gifts

A cat's paws on both sides of a small packageMost of us consider our pets as members of the family so, including them in our cherished holiday traditions comes naturally. While including your pet in your seasonal gift shopping may be par for the course, what should you get the pet that  has everything?

At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we understand the special role pets play in our lives, which is why we’ve put together a list of favorite holiday pet gifts for 2016.

Continue…