Winter brings snowfall that turns our neighborhoods into a doggy paradise. There’s nothing quite like watching your furry friend bound through fresh snow with pure joy! But along with this winter wonderland comes a hidden danger – road salt. As a dog parent myself, I’ve seen firsthand how winter sidewalks can be absolute hell on … Read more
Bowie, our husky-German shepherd mix, loves riding along on the raft when we go out on local rivers here in southwest Montana. But, perched precariously on one of the tubes, he slipped and fell off in a Class 1 rapid last summer. Bowie knows how to swim, but he wasn’t wearing a life jacket, and … Read more
Dog vaccinations are critical to ensuring your four-legged friend stays healthy from puppyhood into their senior years. Vaccines are the safest and most cost-effective way to protect your dog from many infectious preventable diseases. The science behind canine vaccinations has progressed significantly over the past decade, enhancing both their safety and efficacy against existing and … Read more
As we approach the end of the year, celebrations such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve appear on the horizon. For many people, they provide a great excuse to crack out the fireworks, but often our pets feel differently. Noise phobias are incredibly common and require a multi-faceted approach to tackle. One of the … Read more
As a veterinarian and pet owner myself, I’ve seen this scenario countless times. You turn around for just a second, and there’s your dog, happily munching away on what they’ve discovered in the cat’s litter box It’s gross, it’s common, and yes – it definitely raises concerns about your dog’s health. Let me answer the … Read more
Have you ever sat down to watch TV, only to have a little furry head pop up and completely block your vision? Is your dog actually watching TV when they sit in front of the screen and stare at it or bark? What exactly is it that attracts your dog to the TV? Can dogs … Read more
Service dogs provide various types of highly valuable assistance to individuals who suffer from all types of disabilities. And, for the most part, service dogs are well-trained, highly-tolerant animals that are dedicated to their human companion. When it comes to selecting a dog breed as a service animal, some breeds are more common than others, … Read more
The first time I drove through Zion National Park, I cried. (Don’t worry, they were tears of joy.) “It’s like a red Yosemite!” I yelled out the window of our rental car, craning my neck to see the bighorn sheep perched atop those soaring crimson walls. I didn’t know Juno yet on that very first … Read more
Mama dogs pick up their pups by the scruff of the neck, but your full-grown Labrador probably won’t appreciate the indignity of this gesture. What’s the right way to pick up a dog? And is there a time when you should or shouldn’t do it? Have you ever watched a mother dog effortlessly pick up … Read more
Have you ever wondered how your dog knows its you walking through the door, even before they see you? Our furry friends have an incredible ability to recognize their owners through a blend of senses and experiences. Lets dive into the fascinating world of canine recognition and explore how dogs identify their beloved humans. Have … Read more