Posts about Pet Vaccination Clinic

Heartworm disease is a serious threat to our furry family members. Caused by parasitic worms that lodge themselves in the heart and lungs, it can lead to coughing, fatigue, and even death if left untreated. While preventive medication is widely available, there are some concerns that heartworm disease might be on the rise in the United States.

Summer is here again and it’s time for vacations. But this year, you want to take Fido with you, which now limits where you can go. Here are some vacation spots that Fido is sure to enjoy with you.

Bats are an important part in the Idaho ecosystem and overall, an animal that should not be feared or shunned. Contrary to popular belief, a very small percentage of bats carry the rabies virus. Out of all the Rabies captured for testing each year, only an average of 6% test positive for the virus.  

It’s estimated that the current population of the Treasure Valley is almost 710,000, which is a 65% increase from what our population was 2000. And when that explosive growth comes shopping centers, business complexes, and neighborhood development in areas which we used to consider remote.

As the days shorten and the weather cools, we begin to see the signs of a different season all around us. Sure, it’s the season of giving and twinkling lights and family togetherness, but it’s also another kind of season altogether—flu season. That might prompt you to head to your doctor’s office and get yourself a flu shot (and you should). But what about Fido?

You are a responsible dog owner. You take your pooch or pooches out for regular walks, give them the right food, take them to the dog park, and even doggy day camp on days you know you’ll be out all day. And of course, your family fur-ball is up-to-date on his vaccinations.

Now, he has a cough. A bad one.

You ask, “How could this happen? My dog is vaccinated. Is it the canine flu? Is it kennel cough?” The answer might surprise you.

In February, vets at Broadway Veterinary Hospital diagnosed the valley’s first case of dog flu, confirming fears that an outbreak would occur locally sooner or later. The dog flu has spread steadily across the U.S. over the last ten years, hitting hard in states like Louisiana and Minnesota.

Last March, Intermountain Pet Hospital decided to require canine flu vaccinations for all dogs staying at our Lodge and Day Camp. Over the past few months, some clients and fellow veterinary professionals have asked why we did this. We’d like to address those inquires and concerns here.

At Intermountain Pet Hospital, we’ve always believed in keeping our training and skillsets up to date. The better educated we are, the better care we can give to your furry friends. 

With cold weather just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about how to keep yourself and your family healthy--but when it comes to the pets, staying safe isn't as easy as pulling out the warm coats and stocking up on cough syrup! Although pets aren't susceptible to all the same germs as we humans are, there are plenty of illnesses that your pet can catch during the chillier days of the year. What can you do? Today, our experts at the pet vaccination clinic will explain.