Dr. Rebecca Cross leaves osteoarthritis in the cold
As the weather transitions from falling leaves to falling flakes, we may enjoy playing in the snow with our canine companions or snuggling around the fire with our feline friends but nobody enjoys seeing their pets in pain. For many older pets, colder weather equates to an increase in musculoskeletal pain. Thankfully, there are numerous treatments available to address osteoarthritis in animals that are commonly worsened by the cold. Dr. Rebecca Cross, Associate Veterinarian here at Family Pet Hospital, recommends numerous options for pain control in pets. The most common of those being anti-inflammatories and joint supplements. If anti-inflammatories are
Family Pet Hospital’s Ultimate Guide to a Pet Friendly Thanksgiving
Let’s talk turkey! After what is easily the most coveted meal of the season, it may be tempting to share some bites with your furry companions. However, feeding your pets what may be fatty or heavily spiced food can do more harm than good. Fatty food can cause a real risk to animals and bring on serious conditions such as pancreatitis, a gastrointestinal condition in which the pancreas gets inflamed. The turkey carcass poses a particular risk to pets as it is not only tempting but can be dangerous if bones are ingested. Additionally, hidden ingredients like raisins, chocolate or
Tricks and Treats for a Pet Friendly Halloween
Lions, tigers and bears- oh my! Halloween, while fun for our human family members, this busy and strange night can be a frightening annual event for our furry ones. The doorbell rings on and off for hours on end, people are in and out of the home and what is normally a calmer time of day sees a lot of action. For even the most docile of pets, Halloween can be upsetting. So how do we include our animals and make this evening a less stressful one? Below are a few tips and tricks to help make Hallow’s Eve more
Fleas and Ticks: What you need to know
When the sun starts to peek out more and more frequently, Coloradians are eager to get out and about. The hiking trails get busier, campgrounds fill up and we Longmonsters are no different! As we and our pets get more and more active throughout the summer months, so too does the risk of fleas and ticks. Fleas and ticks are small arthropods that feed on blood from mammal hosts; many of which find our dogs to be the perfect hosts. These pesky creatures can be a danger to our pets in a number of ways. Fleas can cause anemia (low
Preparing for Your Pet’s Vet Success in 2021
If we learned one lesson in 2020 it is that HEALTH IS WEALTH! This sentiment extends as much to our furry family members as it does to our human ones. As we move into 2021, let’s make getting our beloved dogs and cats the care they need a little bit easier with some tips and tricks to help make your next vet trip as enjoyable as possible for all involved. Prepare your pet’s carrier in advanced: When planning for your vet trip, bring out your pet’s carrier at least a week before your appointment is scheduled. This allows for your
September 2020 is National Suicide Prevention Month; Do pets play a role in prevention?
At the end of a long day, coming home to a wagging tail or a purring kitty can turn a bad day into a manageable one. As pet owners, we have all had those moments where our furry companions are more than dogs or cats; they are our confidants, our therapists, and undoubtedly our biggest fans. We have also had those moments where our happiness is directly related to how much time we get to spend with our faithful fur babies. Not only is this a relatable feeling among pet owners, but this theory is actually backed by science. It
