Health & Wellness

19 Jul Kennel Cough

What is Kennel Cough? Kennel cough, or tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection affecting the airways of all breeds of dogs. The disease causes an inflammation of the dog’s trachea and bronchial airways. Young puppies and older dogs are most susceptible but any age dog...

30 Nov Holiday Pet Weight Gain & Obesity

Pack your bags. Pack your car. Pack your sleigh. But don’t let your pet pack on the holiday pounds! Holiday season is upon us — a busy time of year for festivities, family and of course, lots of eating! Did you know that if a ten-pound cat ate just...

18 Mar Canine Influenza

Highly contagious canine influenza, or dog flu, can affect dogs of any breed, age, sex or health status. Environments such as dog shows, dog parks, pet day care centers, and grooming facilities are particularly risky. It is caused by the canine influenza virus (CIV) and can...

17 Jan Upper Valley Veterinarian Tips

Have you ever asked your vet, "How do I do that?"  This page contains short "How To" videos to help you help your pet. Click on a link below for a very short tutorial....

14 Oct Fall Pet Care Tips

Fall is here. The leaves are changing, apples are hanging heavy on the trees, the air is nippy in the morning, and your pet has more energy as the air begins to be cooler during the day. Autumn is when many home owners make repairs and...

14 Oct Halloween Pet Safety

Fall is here and Halloween is approaching. Halloween is a fun-filled holiday for everyone. However, the scary creatures, silly costumes, decorations and treats can be frightening and potentially dangerous for dogs and cats. Pet Costumes Even if you’ve found the perfect costume for your pet, they may...

19 Jul Vaccinations for Cats and Dogs

Rexburg Animal Vaccinations

Once your furry bundle of energy has wriggled its way into your heart, its time to think about healthcare. Since pets usually don't come with an owner's manual, new owners often wonder about vaccinations and de-worming. Just like children, your pets need vaccinations in order to live a healthier life. Regular and routine vaccinations and de-worming are in place to prevent possible fatal infections and diseases.

17 May Does Your Horse Need a Dentist?

Paul M. Tew, DVM

Rexburg Horse Dental

Does your trusty mount "eat like a horse" but still lose weight? Does he slobber his grain all over the ground? Does the bit irritate his mouth? Then he may well need some equine dentistry! A healthy mouth is crucial to the condition and well being of a horse. Equines are like most of the grazers of the earth: they have very long grinding teeth embedded in their gums that slowly grow down into the mouth as they are worn away by the constant chewing of grass or hay. The wear pattern is not always even, so sharp points, hooks, or uneven alignment often occurs. This makes it difficult for the horse to chew properly and can cause sores on the cheeks, gums or tongue.

16 Mar Pet Grooming Tips

Snow and rain causes the coat of your pet to become dirty and matted.  When the fur becomes matted to the skin and tangled tight, it needs to be shaved off.  Regular grooming can uncover skin problems caused by injuries or allergies.  It also uncovers lumps and bumps.  As your pet is brushed and groomed, the shape of their body becomes familiar to the caregiver and potential problems are quickly recognized and can be treated by your veterinarian. Sometimes a pet owner will ask the groomer to "comb out the mats".  This is comparable to when you remove excessive "snarls" from your own hair.  It can be very painful to your pet.  Routine brushing by the pet owner removes dead hair, spreads oils and helps keep unpleasant odors away.  Cats that are regularly brushed have less problems with hair balls.  During spring shedding, it is important for the pet owner to brush their pets more often.

16 Mar Disaster Preparedness for Pets

The key to survival during a disaster, crisis or emergency is to be as prepared as possible beforehand.  Take the time to make a plan and assemble an emergency kit for you and your pet.

Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets

You need to prepare supplies for your pet.  Keep everything accessible and stored in sturdy containers such as duffle bags that can be easily carried.

Suggested items to include in your pet disaster kit should include:

• Food and water for at least 5 days for each pet. Bring a dish for water and don't forget a can opener if needed.
• Medications & Medical Records stored in a waterproof container and First Aid Supplies.
• Cat litter box, litter, and garbage bags to collect all pets' waste.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely to ensure that your pets can't escape.  Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Be sure to have a secure catch on the door and remember blankets or towels for bedding and warmth.

25 Jan Time to Get Pets Spayed or Neutered

When is my pet old enough to be spayed or neutered?  Vets are often asked this question, especially when vaccinating puppies and kittens.  No one wants to be surprised with an unexpected litter! Spay is the common term for surgically sterilizing female animals while the word neuter refers to males.

Rexburg Spay and Neuter

Many clinics now perform spaying and neutering at about four months (16 weeks) of age.  Newer generations of anesthetic drugs allow us to safely do surgeries at a younger age.  When you spay or neuter while young, it is less stressful to the animal than waiting until they reach sexual maturity.  Many clinics now offer laser surgery which reduces post-surgical pain and speeds recovery time.

25 Jan Pet Dental Health

FLIP THE LIP! February is National Pet Dental Heath Month. Do your pet a favor and take a few seconds to take a peek at his or her teeth - a GOOD peek. You might be surprised at what you find. According to many veterinarians, periodontal disease...

02 Dec Holiday Pet Safety

There are many pet safety hazards that Christmas, New Years, Hanukkah and all the resulting celebrations and decorations bring.  Aside from the over excitement and confusion caused by too many guests, there are purely physical problems: A dog can singe a tail on a candle or it can swallow tinsel and wind up with an intestinal blockage that may need surgery to repair. Hospitals often see more cases of toxicity, cases related to an animal's biting an electrical cord or cases related to a pet eating chocolate or table scraps and developing pancreatitis.

THE TREE - The natural smell of a Christmas tree attracts pets. But remember that needles (even artificial ones) are indigestible. Keep your pet away from the tree. Artificial trees have small pieces of plastic or aluminum that can break off and be swallowed, causing intestinal blockage or irritation to the mouth. Don't use preservatives in the stand water. They can be toxic if consumed by a thirsty pet. Lights can get very hot. Remove them from the lower branches of the tree so they won't burn your pet. Tinsel has sharp edges that can cause cuts in the mouth. Don't use edible ornaments or fragile, easily breakable glass decorations to trim the tree. Don't use angel hair as it is made of spun glass. Electrical cords should be taped firmly to walls or floors. Wire ornament hooks can easily snag an ear or a tail or if swallowed can lodge in the throat or intestines. Fashioning loops of yarn, ribbon or light weight twine will help you avoid this problem.

02 Dec Cold Weather Grooming Tips for Pets

Winter is here and good grooming keeps your pet warm and comfortable even when the weather isn't. Winter snow and rain causes the hair coat to become dirty and matted. Loft, the air between the hairs, creates insulation for your pet from cold winds and weather. The best way to maintain loft is to keep your pet's coat clean and well brushed. Mats should be completely brushed out. Trimming between the pads on your pet's feet