Many dog owners have heard of kennel cough–especially those who board their dogs or take them to daycare facilities. Fewer, however, may know what kennel cough actually is. At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we’re here to help you understand kennel cough and to what extent it is a concern.  What is Canine Kennel Cough? Canine kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a generic term for a contagious upper respiratory disease in dogs that typically causes a fairly harsh, characteristically honking-type cough. Kennel cough does not refer to a specific bacteria or virus. Instead ..read more

Just as humans, our pets can experience anxiety and for a variety of reasons. It affects dogs and cats, as well as birds and other small pets. If not addressed, a pet’s anxiety can develop into chronic, lifelong behavioral problems that have a negative impact on the pet’s ability to interact appropriately with people and other pets. It can also jeopardize the pet’s relationship with its human family and, ultimately, its own well-being. Separation Anxiety Defined  One of the most common forms of anxiety experienced by pets is caused by separation from family members. Referred to as separa ..read more

One of the most important responsibilities of dog ownership is providing the preventive care your dog needs to avoid illness and disease. Regular check ups, parasite prevention and keeping your dog current on vaccinations all play a key role in its health and well-being.  Several years ago, we added the Leptospirosis vaccine to our core vaccine program for dogs because cases of this disease were being reported in Colorado. This was a concern, not only because of the risk it presents to dogs, but as a zoonotic disease, Leptospirosis can be transmitted to humans and dog to human transmissi ..read more

We often think of puppies as cuddly and adorable creatures, but that little wart-like bump you just noticed on your pup’s lip may not be so cute. While lumps and bumps on dogs are not unusual, when they occur in young and/or social dogs, canine oral papilloma virus, or COPV, is on the list of rule-outs for our team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center.  What Is Canine Oral Papilloma Virus? Viruses can be versatile and are able to manifest in several ways. One presentation of a virus is changes to the skin in the form of a papilloma, or wart. The canine papilloma virus falls in this cat ..read more

An endearing characteristic of small dogs is that they often come with big dog attitudes. Convincing as their “big dog” behavior may be, our small dogs still have some unique small dog needs.  At Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center, we see a lot of small dogs at our facility and are happy to share some interesting observations on what makes them different from their larger canine counterparts, and how this affects their behavior and care.  What is a Small Dog? The most obvious characteristic of a small dog is its size when compared to the medium and larger size breeds. Defined by we ..read more

Most pet owners are familiar with the Elizabethan collar, or e-collar for short. Often referred to as the “cone of shame”, this collar has a much-maligned reputation, despite it serving an essential role in post-surgery recovery for dogs and cats.  Designed to protect pets from licking or chewing at surgical wounds, bandages, sores or itchy spots, the e-collar has been a ‘go-to’ helper for many years and there are several versions that have become available over time.   Useful Device with a Downside While they serve an important purpose, hard plastic e-collars do have their dow ..read more

Pet owners have a responsibility to take pest-control precautions to safeguard their own animals. No one wants to share the yard, garden or house with uninvited guests. While insects and rodents may be fine from afar, the minute they cross our threshold or create problems in our yard, we humans usually decide to take charge.  For some, the easiest approach to pest control involves the use of chemical treatments. Pet owners, on the other hand, have the added responsibility of using pet-safe pest control methods, both inside and outside of the home. Chemical Pest Control Dangers Although th ..read more

Cat owners typically know when their cat is hungry. Constant meows, chirps, and the circling around your legs are often first clues. Yet, after all that fussing and the meal now in the bowl, it can be surprising and even frustrating when your cat decides not to eat it. What’s going on when your cat won’t eat? There are several possibilities and they deserve an owner’s attention and action. Question the Cat Food It’s not uncommon for cats to suddenly change their food preferences. After happily eating the same food for years, at some point in time, some cats may just simply reject it. Even tho ..read more

If only dogs could talk. All of us at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center would have so many questions for them!  Despite the language barrier, dogs still do communicate with us. By watching their body language and facial expressions, it is possible for us to see that our canine companions actually are saying something. When you observe a new behavior, pay attention, as it is just another way your pet could be telling you something you need to know. A shaking dog is a great example of this. What is My Dog Trying to Say? A shaking dog has something to tell you and it’s up to you to figure ..read more

Epilepsy is the main cause of seizures in pets and a commonly diagnosed neurological disorder that we see at our facility. Witnessing a seizure in your pet is a frightening experience, and it’s an event that any pet owner would want to understand and address right away. The team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center is here to help you navigate the difficult challenges that can occur during your pet’s life. Epilepsy can be one of those challenges and if it becomes a problem for your pet, helping you understand it is an important first step in managing it. Causes of Epilepsy In Pets A seizure ..read more