In autumn, Montana has a lot of chilly days and some downright frigid nights. And with winter fast approaching, it’s important to remember that your pets need to stay warm to stay safe. It’s especially important for cats that spend a lot of time outdoors. Being cold for too long can predispose a cat to hyperthermia and frostbite, or make underlying medical conditions worse. Staying warm and dry will help your cat stay safe this winter—here’s what you can do.  Winter Hazards for Cats in Montana Freezing Temperatures While they sport a fine fur coat, if cats become overly cold or, even wors ..read more

The holiday season is almost here, and many people will be traveling to visit family and friends. But if you can’t take your pets with you, do you try to find a place to board them, or do you hire a pet sitter? We discuss the pros and cons of each option and offer a few tips for finding dedicated pet care when you’re away.  Boarding vs. Pet Sitting Due to the unpredictable nature of Montana winter storms, it’s best to secure 24-hour pet care. For pets who are older or have medical conditions, we recommend finding a stay-in sitter or a facility that has caregivers onsite 24 hours a day.&nb ..read more

Winter in Montana doesn’t have to mean staying inside with your dog. There are plenty of ways to exercise with your furry friend, and most can be found not too far out of Bozeman, especially if you enjoy cross-country skiing. In fact, there are even some dog-friendly ski trails that you can explore together. Here are our top three picks for dog-friendly trails, and a few safety tips for skiing with your dog Montana. Three of the Best Dog-Friendly Cross-Country Skiing Areas in Montana  1. Lindley Park Dog Loop This dog-friendly loop is the newest addition to Bozeman’s network of wonderful ..read more

With winter on its way, it might seem silly to be talking about ticks. However, fall is one of the times of the year when ticks are most active. There are four common types of ticks in Montana, and they are all quite keen to attach themselves to a host. If your pet spends time outdoors, here’s how to keep them safe. Why Are Ticks Dangerous?  Ticks pose dangers in more ways than the nasty illnesses they’re known for. While ticks do spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, those cases are rather rare in Montana. However, ticks are still dangerous—if pets scratch them off, their ..read more

It’s easy to have a great time with your dog in Bozeman, because there are so many different dog parks in the city. But keeping dog parks safe is partly up to you.  There is always a debate about whether or not dog parks are safe. Too many dogs in a confined area can sometimes lead to fights, and unvaccinated dogs can spread kennel cough and even more dangerous diseases like parvovirus.  Dog Park Safety Depends on You The safety of a dog park depends on many factors, but the three main ones are you, your neighbors, and the number of dogs present. First of all, you need to be able to ..read more

Just like humans, dogs never stop learning. So whether your pup is 6 months old or 16 years old, it’s never too late or too early for them to learn something new. Training your dog is an important part of keeping them safe and healthy, especially in Montana.  Along with building trust, training is a way to make sure that your dog knows your voice and knows when to listen. Training your dog to obey your voice commands could even save their life! Wild animals are extremely unpredictable, and in Montana, the chances that your dog will have some encounters with wildlife are higher.  Trai ..read more

It’s October, so hunting season is in full swing and will be for some time. And whether you go hunting or not, you may need to take some extra safety precautions.  Accidents happen, and hunting season poses risks for people and dogs alike. Like the hunters who thought that a husky was a wolf pup, others might mistake the rustling in the bushes for the animal they are hunting. There is also the risk of encountering traps or wounded animals, both of which can cause death or serious injuries. Here’s how to keep your dog safe. Tips for Pet Safety During Hunting Season If you have a hunting do ..read more

Surrendering your pet is a difficult decision to make, but keeping a pet isn’t always easy. The rising cost of living, behaviors that are difficult to manage, adding children to the family, or moving away are the most common reasons cited for giving up a pet.  If you have decided that you can no longer care for a pet, it is important to surrender them properly. To do this you must give them to someone who will care for them properly. Most often your local humane society is the right place. Abandoning an animal is unfair to them, and could even have legal consequences for you. Always Surre ..read more

A trip to the spa is a great way to relax, especially after a good long hike. But even if your pet may not think the same, we know just how much a good bath and brushing can help them stay healthy and happy. Things like long nails and matted fur can lead to pain for your best friend, so take a look at our list of the best pet groomers in Bozeman. Cats and Dogs Both Need Grooming, But One of Them Needs It More Often We all know which one it is, too. Say it with us: Dogs.  Why do these two sweet and furry animals need different types of grooming care? Cats are solitary hunters, and in the w ..read more

Montana fireworks are often a month-long affair, even with the current bans in Bozeman and Missoula. But any loud, sudden noises can be extremely frightening and stressful for our furry friends.  Summer activities like parties, fireworks, and thunderstorms can make many pets want to run away in fear. Here’s how to protect your pets and keep them safe, even when loud noises like fireworks scare them. Why Do Loud Noises Frighten Pets? Our pets hear sounds much differently than we do—both dogs and cats hear a wider range of sounds than us.  Human ears have evolved for listening to other ..read more