What Your Dog’s Poop Is Telling You About Their Health
Sharing your home with dogs also means accepting one unavoidable responsibility: cleaning up dog poop. Of all the chores that come with pet ownership—vacuuming fur, washing bowls, or trimming nails—picking up dog poop is often the least enjoyable. We’ve talked before about why keeping your yard free of dog poop is important, but today we’re shifting the focus slightly. Instead of just removing it, let’s talk about observing it. As unappealing as it may sound, paying attention to your dog’s poop can reveal valuable information about his overall health. From color to texture, your dog’s poop tells a story. Once ...
Pawternity Leave Explained: Why More Companies Are Offering Paid Time Off for Pets
A woman in Italy recently made headlines after requesting paid sick leave from her employer—not for herself, but to care for her dog. She explained that her dog was a member of her family, and ultimately, her request was approved. The woman works at Sapienza University in Rome and lives alone with her dogs. One of them required surgery, and she needed time away from work to take her pet to the veterinarian and provide post-operative care. When “Anna” first approached her employer, the time off was recorded as vacation leave. Unsatisfied with that decision, she reached out to an ...
How Often Should You Feed Your Dog? Three Healthy Feeding Methods Explained
Some pet parents prefer to keep their dogs on a consistent routine, serving the same amount of food at the same times each day—usually once in the morning and once at night. Others take a more relaxed approach and allow their dogs to eat throughout the day as they please. When it comes to feeding your dog, there isn’t a single method that works best for everyone. In reality, dogs can thrive under different feeding styles as long as their nutritional needs are met. Below are three common ways to feed your dog while still supporting good health. #1) LET ...
Dog Allergies Explained: From Food and Fleas to the Surprising Human Connection
Not long ago, while watching Jeopardy, a contestant shared a surprising story about his dog—one that caught many viewers off guard. The dog suffered from an unusual allergy, and after veterinary testing, the cause was identified: human dander. Yes, the dog was allergic to his owner. After starting monthly allergy injections, the issue became manageable, allowing both dog and human to live comfortably together again. While it’s uncommon, dogs can, in rare cases, develop allergies to people. Just like dogs, humans shed dander. Tiny flakes of skin and hair are released into the environment every day. When dogs are sensitive ...
Choosing the Right Dog or Cat Door: A Homeowner’s Guide to Installation, Size, and Cost
When you decide to add a dog door or cat door to your home, you’ll quickly discover that there are several installation options available. Pet doors can be placed directly into an existing exterior door, installed through a wall, or even fitted into a window. No matter which option you choose, one thing remains consistent—your pets will gain a greater sense of freedom and independence, allowing them to move in and out of your home without relying on you every time nature calls. Although some homeowners consider installing a pet door on their own, working with a professional installer often ...
Welcoming Your New Puppy: Tips for a Smooth Start
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an unforgettable experience—joyful, exciting, and full of anticipation. But it’s also a major decision that requires thoughtful planning and long-term responsibility. A puppy depends entirely on you, so it’s essential that everyone in your household is fully committed before moving forward. If even one family member feels uncertain, it may be wise to wait until the whole family is ready. A new pet deserves a loving environment where they’ll be accepted by everyone. Before you start searching for your new furry companion, sit down with your family and make sure you’re all ...
Navigating the Dog Food Aisle: How to Choose the Right Food
If you’re a dog owner, you know the feeling when it’s time to restock your dog food supply. The aisle is packed with options on every shelf, and if you haven’t committed to a single brand, choosing the right food can feel overwhelming. Today we’ll walk through the major types of dog food—wet and dry, puppy formulas and adult blends. Hopefully this breakdown will make your decision easier, but if anything remains unclear, your veterinarian is always the best resource. PUPPY FOOD Most dog food manufacturers offer a dedicated puppy formula. Dry puppy food is produced in smaller kibble sizes ...
Getting Your Yard Service-Ready: Simple Steps for a Cleaner, Healthier Lawn
As a dedicated dog owner and a regular reader here, you already understand that picking up after your dog is part of responsible pet ownership. While it’s certainly not the most enjoyable task and often falls low on the priority list, it’s still essential for maintaining a clean and healthy yard. Fortunately, you don’t have to stress about it because you’ve chosen Rocky Mountain Pooper Scoopers. You’ve gone ahead and booked your first appointment, but then you step outside and notice your yard isn’t exactly ready. Dog toys are scattered around, the grass is longer than it should be, and ...
Understanding Leptospirosis in Dogs: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
In the past year more than 70 dogs in Utah County have been diagnosed with a type of bacteria, called Leptospirosis, or Lepto for short. Experts are calling this an outbreak, and telling dog owners in the valley to carefully watch their dogs for any signs of the disease. WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS? Leptospirosis is a type of bacteria that is spread through contaminated urine, and not necessarily from a dog. The urine could come from any infected animal, including rodents, wildlife, dogs, cats, and even livestock. It’s considered to be a disease that is zootonic. This means the disease is ...
Essential First Aid Tips Every Pet Owner Should Know
April marks the arrival of Pet First Aid Awareness Month, a perfect reminder for pet owners to revisit essential safety practices that help protect their cats and dogs as we transition into the warmer seasons here in Utah. Spring brings sunnier skies, rising temperatures, outdoor adventures, and the gradual shift into the hot summer months to come. While this time of year is a favorite for outdoor recreation, it’s also when many hazards become more common for pets—especially as the weather heats up across the Greater Salt Lake City region and surrounding areas like Sandy, Taylorsville, and West Jordan. Whether ...
Common Spring Hazards Every Pet Owner Should Know
Many people welcome springtime for its sunshine and longer days, but for household pets this shift can introduce a variety of hazards. After months spent mostly indoors, dogs and cats suddenly encounter new allergens, plants, insects, and even wildlife emerging from Utah’s winter season. To help you prepare for the months ahead, here are several spring-related dangers to keep in mind so your pet stays healthy and protected. Toys When you’re outside enjoying the nicer weather with your dog, always stick to toys designed specifically for safe pet play. Avoid throwing sticks or branches, as they can easily splinter, injure ...
How Dogs Show Pain: Behavioral and Physical Indicators
As humans, it’s easy for us to express discomfort. Whether we stub a toe, overdo it working in the yard, or step on something sharp in the dark, we can clearly explain what hurts and how badly. We can complain to family members, describe symptoms to a doctor, or simply let out a dramatic groan. Dogs, on the other hand, can’t verbalize their aches and pains in a way we instantly understand. While some dogs may limp or cry out, their pain signals are often subtle and easy to overlook. Even attentive pet owners may struggle to determine exactly what ...
