Top 10 Tips to Help Pets Cope with Cold Weather
Utah’s winter climate is relatively mild compared to many other states, but temperatures still drop below freezing overnight, snow and ice can accumulate, trails become dangerous, and pets can suffer from cold-related injuries or illness. Some pets were built for the cold, but most need extra protection, and any pet can encounter hazardous winter chemicals or fall and be injured. The Desert Vet team knows how important outdoor activity can [...]
8 Tips to Alleviate Pet Holiday Stress
Pets thrive on routine. They know what time to wake up, when to take their daily nap, when you leave and come home from work, when it’s time to go outside, and when they can expect to eat. A predictable routine helps pets feel safe and comfortable, but when you upset the daily grind, they can feel stressed. Stress causes a myriad of physical, emotional, and behavioral problems and makes [...]
4 Tips for Puppy Socialization
As with people, the first few months of a dog’s life is a critical development period that shapes the way they view and interact with their environment for the rest of their lives. No pressure! We say this not to frighten you, but to emphasize the importance of puppy socialization for their development and future wellbeing. A puppy relies on their owner for all their physical and emotional needs, and [...]
10 Foods Toxic to Pets
There’s no denying that the key to your pet’s heart is through their stomach, which is great when you’re rewarding them with treats during positive-reinforcement training. However, do not take this sentiment to the extreme, or you may end up—unintentionally—damaging your pet’s health. Feeding your pet table scraps increases their risk of weight-related health conditions, and many common foods can be toxic—and sometimes deadly—for pets. Our Desert Vet team shares [...]
A Pet Vaccine Tutorial
Vaccines stimulate your pet’s immune system to fight dangerous infectious diseases, and keeping your pet’s vaccines up to date can save their life. Our Desert Vet team wants to provide important information about your pet’s vaccines to ensure they are properly protected. Puppy and kitten vaccines When puppies and kittens are born, their immune system functions only partially, making them highly susceptible to infectious diseases. They receive protective immunity from [...]
What Dog Owners Should Know About Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that causes severe gastrointestinal (GI) signs in dogs and puppies. Without prompt treatment, parvovirus is often fatal, but with aggressive therapy and supportive care, survival rates are 85% to 95%. Our Desert Vet team wants to provide information about this dangerous disease to help protect your four-legged friend. What is parvovirus in dogs? Parvoviruses are prevalent, and almost every mammalian species has their [...]