Our Blog | Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center

Dental care isn’t just for humans. By now, most pet owners are aware of the importance of good dental hygiene for their pets, and this is evidenced by the hundreds of pet home dental care products available to pet owners everywhere. But, do these treats, chews, rinses, sprays, and water additives really have what it takes to keep your pet’s mouth in tiptop shape?

Brushing is Best!

First, and foremost, there is no substitute for daily brushing when it comes to the care of your pet’s teeth.  Although, for many, the task may seem daunting, it needn’t be. Brushing your dog or cat’s teeth can take just a minute a day and the pet specific toothbrush and toothpaste products we recommend are safe and easy to use.

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Looking for holiday gift ideas for your pet? Check out our list of holiday gift ideas to spoil your beloved companion this season.

The Gift of Health

What better way to show your appreciation for all the love and joy your pet brings to your life than by providing him or her the gift of vitality and good health?

• An annual or semi-annual wellness exam is one of the most important gifts you can give your pet to make sure you know what’s going on beneath the fur. It’s well established that routine checkups help pets live healthier and happier lives, as problems can be found and treated early on, before they become major issues.
• Haven’t had your pet spayed or neutered yet? Make this the year you attend to this important health procedure. Studies show that spayed and neutered pets live longer!
• Good dental care is an essential component of your pet’s overall health. A new pet toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste make great stocking stuffers, as do dental chews and treats. Better yet, schedule that overdue appointment for a professional dental exam and cleaning for your pet.
• Pamper your pet and support its healthy skin and haircoat with a professional grooming session in our Grooming Salon.
• Whether you have a new puppy just learning the ropes, or an older dog in need of a tune-up, obedience classes in our Canine Academy will help your dog become a fully integrated and happy member of your human “pack”.

Tried-and-True Pet Gifts

Check out our selection of pet-approved dog and cat toys, treats, food and care products in our lobby retail shop.  We have stocking-stuffers that are sure to please any four-legged friend.

• Consider a comfy elevated bed (try orthopedic or heated versions for older or arthritic pets).
• A Thundershirt for the anxious pet (use for high-stress situations, only).
• A  Wonder Walker dog harness, the perfect dog-walking tool.  We carry them in a variety of sizes and colors.
• Pet snow booties, sweaters and rain gear are wearable gifts your pet will appreciate on outdoor winter excursions.  Be sure to properly fit your pet —  not too loose, not too tight — and remove when indoors.

DIY Gifts for Pets

Whether you’re the crafty type or just want to save money, homemade pet gifts are where it’s at these days. Pinterest and other craft and DIY websites are loaded with cute ideas sure to please, including:

• Build your own cat tree or kitty hide-out.
• T-shirt ball toy can be made using items you probably have at home.
• Food puzzles help fast eaters slow down while stimulating those foraging instincts.

For your pet’s safety, do supervise your pet while it’s playing with a toy, regardless of what it is.

The Best Gift of All

We hope our pet gift ideas inspired you! Still unsure what to get for your furry companion this holiday season? Remember, the greatest gift you’ve already given your pet is a loving home with you. Take a break from the holiday hustle to show your pet some extra love with a walk, a play session, their favorite activity, or some good old-fashioned snuggles. Quality time together doesn’t cost a thing and brings comfort and joy to both you and your beloved pet.

As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call with your questions or concerns. We wish you, your family — two legged and four — a happy and healthy holiday season!

From volunteering to donating, there are many ways for pet lovers to help animal shelters and rescues during the holidays. 

Your team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center has put together a list of ways you and your family can help pets in need this holiday season, as well as all year long.

An animal’s skin is his or her largest organ. Besides being a physical barrier that protects the internal organs of the body, the skin helps to regulate body temperature, makes vitamin D, provides the first line of defense for the immune system, and allows your pet to experience the outside world of touch and sensation, known as ‘tactility’. Simply put, skin is amazing!

Indeed, the skin plays many important roles in the health and well-being of your pet, which is why skin conditions should be taken seriously. Pet skin problems, including irritation and inflammation, are one of the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian and, while many are easier to treat and manage, others can be more difficult to diagnose and require treatment plans that are more involved.

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You probably weren’t thrilled when your pet did the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” across the carpet, just as you were serving the main course to your boss who happened to be over for dinner that evening. Your pet’s timely scoot is more than just an embarrassing situation, however, and may be an indication that he or she is having anal sac issues.

Anal sacs in pets are an important part of the anatomy, and must be functioning for your pet’s comfort and safety. Even if your pet has never had issues in this particular area, knowing how to care for the anal sacs is an important component of responsible pet ownership.

What Are Anal Sacs in Pets?

Anal sacs, also sometimes called anal glands, are two small, bag-like structures located just inside the rectum in both dogs and cats. These little pockets are lined with glands that produce a strongly scented fluid. Normally, as a dog or cat defecates, the fluid contained inside the sacs is transferred to the stool.

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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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There’s no question that pets bring joy, laughter, and a depth of feeling to our lives that is hard to find anywhere else. Unfortunately, they can occasionally bring illness in the form of zoonotic diseases, as well.

A zoonotic disease is one that can be passed from animals to people, or vice versa. Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, birds, cattle, pigs, rodents and wild animals can all potentially spread disease to humans. Fortunately, even though there are over one hundred known zoonotic diseases in the world at large, most are not found in the United States, thanks to good hygiene and modern veterinary care.

Even though your chances of catching a disease from your pet are low, it’s important to understand the risks associated with zoonotic diseases and how you can protect yourself and your family.

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A visit to the veterinarian is a reality of pet ownership and should be an important part of your experience as a caring pet owner. Whether your pet is coming in for a routine wellness exam, an ongoing health issue, or because you have specific concerns, knowing what steps to take in preparing for your pet’s visit can have a huge impact on the quality of your pet’s visit. It will also help you establish good communication with your veterinarian and the other staff members who will be interacting with your pet.
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When 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…

Pet obesity is mainly caused by eating too much and not exercising enough. Overweight and obese pets face many of the same serious health risks as overweight humans. Heart disease, high blood pressure, joint pain, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and certain cancers are some of the health risks.