Seizures in Pets: What You Need to Know 

A chocolate lab looking at the camera

If you’ve ever witnessed a seizure in a pet, you know how scary it can be. Panic may set in as you wonder what is wrong with your furry companion and what you should or shouldn’t be doing.

Seizures in pets are one of the most commonly diagnosed neurological disorders, but that doesn’t make it any less frightening. Getting to the bottom of why your pet has had a seizure is the key to treating and preventing future episodes.

What is a Seizure?

Seizures are caused by abnormal bursts of electricity in the brain function, which causes involuntary muscle activity.

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Chew on This: Finding Safe and Healthy Chew Toys for Pets

A dog with a chew toy

There’s no question that pets are wonderful; all that snuggling and playing fills our hearts with contentment, and makes the duties of pet ownership worth it. However, no matter how cute or sweet your dog or cat may be, some behaviors still remind us their wild cousins. Even the most placid and domesticated pet possesses many natural tendencies, including the drive to chew.

Providing a dog or cat with an outlet for chewing seems to be a reasonable solution, but there’s a lot more to chew toys than many pet owners realize. Every year, thousands of pets become sick or injured by chewing and swallowing toys, or parts of toys. Since our pets can’t distinguish between a safe or unsafe toy, it’s up to us to keep our furry friends safe and sound by paying attention to what we allow them to chew.

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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!

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A Holiday Note from Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center

The season of sharing and gratitude is upon us, and here at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we’re filled with the holiday spirit. We’re grateful for all of the friendships we’ve developed this past year and for the many enjoyable moments we’ve had caring for your special companions!

Whether your pet comes to see us for medical care, boarding, grooming, or obedience training, we are grateful for the trust that you place in us to provide the care your pet needs. We love helping pets have better lives, and our interaction and experiences with them make our days purposeful and rewarding. It is also wonderful to share in the commitment you have for the lifelong health and well-being of your pets.

At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we work diligently throughout the year to exceed the standards of our accreditation with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), as well as stay up-to-date on the latest research and techniques. Our staff members have all chosen this profession because of their love for companion animals so, through good times and bad you can count on us to be here for you and your pet. And, as always, we appreciate your feedback when it comes to your pet’s care and your experiences with us at our facility.

As you and your furry friends share in the holiday festivities or snuggle in to watch your favorite holiday movies, please know we appreciate you and wish you a safe, happy holiday season and a “pawsitively pawsome” new year!

Lifelong Learning at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center’s Canine Academy

Lone Tree Veterinary Hospital's canine academy can help dog behaviorWouldn’t it be wonderful if your puppy or dog arrived at your doorstep with perfect manners? Unfortunately, we all know this is hardly the reality. All dogs, regardless of age, require at least some training in order to learn how to navigate life with humans. At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we understand the importance of humane obedience training. That’s why we employ a full-time certified dog trainer and offer a wide variety of training options in our Canine Academy program.

Behavior Matters

A well-behaved, properly socialized dog is a joy to be around and makes for a much safer environment. Untrained dogs pose a risk to other people, animals, and themselves, making obedience training as much about safety as it is about good behavior.

Properly trained dogs are also easier to bring along on hikes, camping trips, and other outings. Being able to include the family dog in your adventures is fun for everyone, and these shared experiences add up to a wonderful life together. Continue…

When You Suffer, We Suffer: The Truth Behind Veterinary Staff Grief

staff griefIt’s safe to say that the vast majority of veterinarians and veterinary support staff chose their line of work because they love animals and find joy and satisfaction in caring for them. Knowing that we are playing a role in helping and guiding our patients and their families through tough times makes the long hours, and sometimes sleepless nights, more than worth it.

But, like most things in life, veterinary medicine isn’t all puppies and kittens. There are the bad days, too, and having to bear witness to the loss of many beloved patients can take its toll on even the most cheerful among us. Veterinary staff grief is a real aspect of our profession, and deserves understanding and acknowledgement, in both our peers and our clients.

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Pet Insurance: Is It Right for You?

pet insuranceAs the field of veterinary medicine continues to advance, the costs associated with pet medical care are also on the rise. While it’s truly wonderful to be able to offer our beloved companion animals the best in medical treatment and life-extending procedures, the costs associated with modern technology can sometimes strain our financial resources.

Health insurance helps us to offset our medical bills, and in many cases pet insurance can provide similar peace of mind. Although pet insurance is not the right choice for everyone, it’s worth looking into and deciding for oneself if the benefits outweigh the risks.

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Drumroll, Please! Presenting Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center’s Most Popular Blogs Of 2016

A black lab covered in snow in the winterAs we prepare to close out another fantastic year at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we would like to take a moment to thank you for choosing us! We are honored to partner with you in providing the very best care for your pet, and we treasure the many meaningful moments and valuable relationships that we share with all of our patients and clients.

This year, we have had the pleasure of launching our weekly blog, with the goal of providing our readers with informative, interesting, and useful pet care information. We’re thrilled that so many of you are reading our blogs, and are pleased to present the top 10 most popular blogs of 2016.

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Why an AAHA Accredited Hospital is Important for Your Pet

AAHA Accredited
You’ve probably seen or heard the term “AAHA Accredited” while in our facility or visiting our website…but, what does it really mean and how does it affect you and your pet?

Here at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we take immense pride in our AAHA accreditation and are delighted to share with you the ways in which this esteemed designation benefits your pet.

What is the AAHA Accreditation?

AAHA is the acronym for the American Animal Hospital Association, a professional organization founded in 1933, for the purpose of establishing a respected and reputable accreditation program for veterinary hospitals. As the only organization in the United States and Canada that provides accreditation for veterinary hospitals, AAHA represents the ‘gold standard’ for veterinary hospitals across North America.

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Essential Elements: A Spotlight on the Veterinary Technician

Veterinarian stroking bichon puppyWhen you make an appointment for your pet here at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, whether it’s for a wellness exam or an ongoing health issue, your goal is to see your veterinarian and have him or her examine your pet.

But, before your trusted veterinarian enters the examination room, there is someone else who has already greeted you, asked you questions about your pet and taken notes on your pet’s history, and also checked his or her vital signs. That person is a veterinary technician, and without him or her, no veterinary hospital or clinic could function effectively. Continue…