The Choice Is Clear: The Advantages Of Laparoscopic Spaying

Striped with white a cat. Striped not purebred kitten. Small predator. Small cat.

Each year in the United States, 83% of pet dogs and 91% of pet cats are spayed or neutered. Having your pet “fixed” has many advantages; besides reducing pet overpopulation, spaying and neutering can reduce the risk of certain cancers and ameliorate behavioral problems in many cases.

While both spaying and neutering are surgical procedures, neutering is relatively simple and straightforward. A traditional spay, however, where the entire reproductive system is removed from the body through an incision in the abdomen, is considered major abdominal surgery.

Traditional spay surgery remained relatively unchanged for decades, until now. Laparoscopic surgery has changed everything in the world of veterinary medicine, and we are thrilled to share this exciting information with our readers and clients. Continue…

The Ins and Outs of a Sedated Grooming

Sedated dog getting a bath.

What Is Seating Grooming?

Sedated grooming involves administering mild sedation to ensure a smooth and stress-free grooming experience for both pets and groomers. Most pets can be professionally groomed without sedation. However, there are some who require this procedure.

Candidates for Sedated Grooming

Candidates for sedated grooming include pets that struggle with aggression, easily stressed and those who struggle with physical pain due to heavy matting.  

Continue…

Kitten Care Basics: What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know 

A pair of kittens in a basket

So you’ve taken the plunge and adopted a new kitten – congratulations! Get ready to be entertained, delighted, and perhaps a little frustrated… at times. Most of all, if you haven’t already, be prepared to fall head over heels for your adorable new friend!

These early days and weeks with your new little furball are fleeting and at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we want to help you get a great start by sharing some of our favorite kitten care tips. After all, making sure your kitten is a happy, healthy, and a well-adjusted member of your family is a top priority!

Continue…

When Is It Time for Pet Diapers?

A white dog wearing a pet diaper

Dealing with a dog or cat that can’t make it outdoors or to the litter box in time can be incredibly frustrating. Following your pet around, encouraging it to go in the appropriate spot, only to turn around and see a new puddle on the floor can leave even the most patient pet owner at wit’s end. 

There are many possible causes for incontinence in pets, ranging from an infection or disease to a simple lack of proper house training. Exploring the potential cause is part of good preventive care and should be pursued. In cases where the cause cannot be treated, pet diapers may be the solution.

Continue…

Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center’s Top 10 Pet Care Blogs of 2018

It’s hard to believe that a new year is already upon us! As we reflect on the many valuable lessons and special moments of 2018, we’re reminded that none of it would be possible without our beloved patients and clients. Serving Denver area pets and their families is a privilege, and we’re so grateful for the relationships we’ve formed, both old and new.

Our monthly pet care blog is part of our ongoing service to you, and we’re thrilled that so many have been reading and enjoying it. Without further ado, we’re proud to present our top 10 most popular pet care blogs of 2018!

Continue…

Choosing The Right Pet for You

Choosing the right pet can make or break the human-animal bondSharing your life with a pet can bring great joy and fulfillment. And, it’s exciting to think about bringing home that cute cat or adorable dog. But before diving in, it’s important (and smart!) to think about and consider your own lifestyle, and how a certain pet breed or species may be a better choice for you.

Each type of pet requires different housing, exercise, feeding, grooming, veterinary care and demands on your time. Pets also have their own personalities and energy levels, so a good personality fit, along with activity needs that match your own, should be considered as well. We at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center are here to help you explore the questions that will prepare you to choose the right pet for the way you live. And, with Adopt a Shelter Pet Month in full swing, the timing couldn’t be better for this topic! Continue…

Strategies for Successful Litter Box Training

litter box trainingAnyone who has ever observed a cat fastidiously grooming herself, or carefully covering waste in the litter box, knows that cats are, by nature, very clean animals. Most kittens learn how to use a litter box from their mother before they come to live with you, but if you adopt an orphaned kitten or older cat, you may have to show her the ropes. Our litter box training tips will get you started off on the right paw!

Continue…

The Marvelous Mutt: Why Mixed-Breed Dogs Make Great Pets

A white pup laying on their human's lap being sillyThe Westminster Dog Show (February 14–15) never fails to showcase the most exceptional of the purebred dogs. Dog enthusiasts everywhere have much to admire in the many beautiful, top notch qualities showcased in this fur-filled pageant.

There’s one breed you won’t find competing for Best in Show, and that is the mutt. Although mixed-breed dogs make an appearance in agility competitions, they won’t be winning the big award at the end of the night.

Indeed, humble mutts are rarely in the spotlight, but that hasn’t stopped them from becoming popular pets. There is much to love about mutts and so many reasons why they make wonderful pets!

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…

Tummy in Knots? Recognizing and Preventing Bloat in Dogs

mixed dog sleeping on bed at homeFew 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…