Intermountain Pet Hospital Blog

As a dog owner, it’s important to understand the differences between what you can handle versus what your dog can handle. For example, just because your dog is covered in fur doesn’t mean that they can handle cold weather better than you. Bigger dogs are better at coping with low temperatures outside than little dogs are, but even they are still at risk. In this blog, we’ll cover what temperatures different-sized dogs can handle and which ones are potentially dangerous, as well as how to identify the symptoms of hypothermia and gauge the need of a visit to the vet.

Our pets can’t verbally communicate when their teeth ache, or when it hurts to chew. And you can’t usually tell that your dog has dental issues until it has gotten to a serious point.

If you ask your veterinarian if they recommend a dental cleaning, the answer will always be, “Yes.” Always.

Your dog or cat’s bad breath is more than just unpleasant, it’s a sign that your furry family member could be suffering from infection (gingivitis, abscess, and/or periodontal disease). Dental infections can be painful, stressful on the organs and immune system, and eventually lead to tooth loss.

In November, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), released their 2017-18 edition of their Pet Ownership and Demographics Source Book and they listed Idaho as having the most dogs! Of course, we were not surprised by the news, but it does beg the question "How do other states stack up to dog, cat and other pet-owning households?"

While you’re considering that long list of potential New Year’s resolutions, think about setting one for your pet’s health. Why not resolve to brush your dog’s teeth every day in 2019? It may seem more ambitious to write this resolution down than to lose weight, travel more, or call your mom every Friday. But the truth is, brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t all that difficult, and creating a habit of healthy pet hygiene in 2019 could save your pet pain and your money. Here’s why.

The holidays can be a stressful time. All the hustle and bustle, guests at the house, new faces, every surface cluttered with gifts and yummy smelling holiday baked goods—it can be a lot. And imagine all of those things from your dog’s perspective, who doesn’t even understand what’s going on.

The holidays are just around the corner, and you’re probably trying to think of the perfect gift for the pet lover on your list. Maybe you’re even considering putting a big red bow on a furry friend and putting a pet under the tree this year. But hold up—think before you gift.

Have you ever had one of those mornings when you wake up and can hardly get out of bed? And it’s not because you’re not looking forward to your first cup of coffee: it’s because your body is all out of whack for one reason or another. That’s when you call the chiropractor.

Felines—they’re often viewed as one of the most majestic creatures, whether they’re a young domestic shorthair or a lion, the “king of the jungle.” Cats tend to have a reserved air, even sometimes with their favorite humans and will be aloof whenever it suits them. But there’s one time no cat can keep their cool—and that’s when someone brings out the catnip.

It’s Thanksgiving week, a time when we all sit down around a big table with our dear family and friends (both furry and otherwise) and take a moment to be grateful. Celebrating Thanksgiving can be a wonderful time to give your dog a little extra love and reflect on everything they’ve been for you over the years.