Reading the Signs: What Your Dog’s Poop Can Reveal About Their Health
I’ll openly admit that I pay close attention every time my dogs do their business. Watching each performance of their so-called “poop show” isn’t about curiosity for curiosity’s sake—it’s one of the simplest ways to monitor a dog’s overall health. For pet owners who also keep an eye on what’s coming out the other end, one guiding principle matters most: consistency. Healthy dog poop should remain relatively uniform in color, size, and firmness from day to day. Changes in a dog’s stool can happen for a wide range of reasons. Common causes include eating something they shouldn’t have (“garbage gut”), ...
Common Dog Health Myths Every Pet Owner Should Know
Common Pet Health Care Myths That Could Put Your Dog at Risk Some myths have been passed down for generations, others circulate online or come from well-intentioned friends—but regardless of the source, many popular beliefs about pet health simply aren’t true. Misunderstanding these issues can lead to decisions that unintentionally harm your dog’s well-being. To help you keep your pet safe and healthy, here are the facts behind some of the most common misconceptions. Myth: Flea and tick protection isn’t necessary year-round Many pet owners assume parasite prevention is only needed during warmer months. In states with fluctuating temperatures like ...
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 ...
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month: How Small Actions Can Save Lives
Cruelty toward animals is an issue that deserves attention every single day of the year. However, April brings a special opportunity to focus on a topic that should never be overlooked. April is recognized as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action to protect dogs, cats, and all animals from harm. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on how we treat the living beings—large and small—that share our world. While humans and animals are different, that distinction never excuses mistreatment. We have an obligation to speak up when we witness cruelty ...
Pet First Aid Basics Every Owner Should Know in an Emergency
April is recognized as Pet First Aid Month, and throughout the month we’ve shared helpful resources covering common pet emergencies such as heat stroke and poisoning. We’ve also reviewed how to assemble a pet first aid kit and explained how to properly use the items inside it. In this article, we’re focusing on the essential first aid skills you may need to stabilize your pet in an emergency before you’re able to reach a veterinarian. It’s important to remember that emergency first aid is never a replacement for professional veterinary care. Any assistance you provide at home should be viewed ...
Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention and Awareness
May is recognized as Lyme Disease Prevention Month. Lyme disease represents one of the most frequently encountered tick-transmitted infections worldwide, yet symptoms manifest in merely 5 to 10 percent of infected canines. Throughout this article, we’ll explore Lyme disease fundamentals, transmission methods, and preventive measures available to pet owners. Understanding Lyme disease The bacterial agent causing Lyme disease in canines spreads through the gradual-feeding, hard-bodied deer tick. Infection typically develops after the tick remains attached to the canine for approximately two to three days. Signs of Lyme disease Numerous dogs with Lyme disease experience walking difficulties resulting from joint inflammation. ...
Essential Pet First Aid Kit: Be Prepared for Emergencies
Every pet owner should maintain readiness for a pet emergency. This preparedness involves ensuring you maintain a completely equipped pet first aid kit available in your residence, stocked with materials to assist your pet during an emergency situation. The optimal location for your pet first aid kit? Directly alongside the first aid kit designated for the human household members. Contact Information and your pet’s health documentation: Knowing your veterinarian’s contact details along with your closest pet emergency hospital’s number is critical. Additionally, record the Animal Poison Control Center—888-426-4435. Gauze Gauze is necessary for dressing injuries or creating a muzzle for ...
Dog Health Myths Busted: True or False Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know
A Warm Nose Means Your Dog Is Sick TrueFalse FALSE.A warm nose alone is not an indicator that your dog is ill. This misconception has been around for decades and is often linked to outdated beliefs about diseases like canine distemper. While distemper can cause changes to the nose, including thickening or dryness, temperature alone isn’t a reliable diagnostic clue. Dogs can have warm noses for many harmless reasons. They may be overheated from physical activity, resting in the sun, or genetically predisposed to warmer nasal skin. Instead of focusing on nose temperature, pay attention to overall behavior. Changes in ...
Why Do Dogs Hump? Common Causes, What It Means, and How to Stop the Behavior
It can be uncomfortable—sometimes downright awkward—when your dog suddenly starts humping your leg, a couch cushion, or another dog, especially if it happens in front of guests. While this behavior may feel embarrassing, it’s actually very common in dogs and is usually tied to excitement, overstimulation, or emotional triggers rather than anything inappropriate. You may notice it happens more often during playtime or when your dog is around other dogs. Although the behavior itself is considered normal, not every dog appreciates being mounted, and these situations can quickly escalate into conflict. In this post, we’ll break down why dogs hump ...
Scorpions in Utah: What Dog Owners Need to Know
The state of Utah is home to several species of scorpions, particularly in its warmer, drier regions. While Utah does not have the same scorpion population density as neighboring desert states, these creatures are still present and can pose a risk to pets. The species most commonly encountered in Utah is the Northern Scorpion (Paruroctonus boreus), which is found throughout the western United States. Worldwide, there are more than 1,500 known species of scorpions, and although most are not deadly, they are still venomous. Scorpions prefer dry, rocky environments, but they are highly adaptable and may be found hiding beneath ...
Common Household and Yard Poisons That Put Dogs at Risk
Every year in the United States, more than 10,000 dogs suffer from poisoning after coming into contact with substances found inside the home or around the yard. What makes these incidents especially dangerous is that many of the items involved are completely harmless to people. Dogs, however, process toxins very differently, and even small amounts can lead to severe illness or death. Understanding the most common causes of dog poisoning is one of the best ways Utah pet owners can protect their dogs from preventable emergencies. The Most Common Causes of Dog Poisoning Medications Human medications are one of the ...
What Your Dog’s Poop Is Telling You: A Vet’s Guide to Stool Color, Consistency, and Health Clues
Because dogs can’t explain how they feel, veterinarians and pet owners rely heavily on observation to understand their health. We watch behavior closely—energy levels, appetite, attitude—and we collect histories, run lab work, and perform physical exams. One of the most valuable diagnostic tools, however, is something far less glamorous: your dog’s poop. A stool sample can reveal a surprising amount about a dog’s digestive system and overall well-being, which is why veterinary technicians almost always ask if you brought one along. In the treatment area of any clinic, you’ll likely find a tidy lineup of labeled samples awaiting examination. Evaluating ...
