Smart Ways to Help Your Dog Take Medicine Without the Stress
We hate to see our fur babies sick When our dogs are under the weather, it tugs at us in a way few things do—second only to seeing our own kids feeling unwell. What makes it even harder is watching our pups struggle without understanding why they feel bad or why those strange pills you’re offering could help them recover. Getting a dog to take medication can become a challenge, especially when they’re already miserable. Before administering any medication, always consult your veterinarian. They can inform you of any dosing precautions, possible interactions, or restrictions that may apply to your ...
Keeping Pets Calm and Protected During New Year’s Fireworks: A Complete 2026 Safety Guide
We hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year—pets included! As the year wraps up, many of us look forward to celebrations, gatherings, and fresh beginnings. While this is an exciting moment for families across Utah, it can also be an overwhelming and frightening time for our four-legged companions. Loud noises, unexpected activity, and unfamiliar visitors can create a great deal of stress for pets. To help keep your furry friends calm and secure this holiday weekend, here are some important pet safety tips to keep in mind: 1. Keep all doors and windows securely closed Fireworks and New ...
New Year, New Paws: Simple Resolutions for a Healthier, Happier Pet
New Year’s Eve is a time filled with celebration and reflection. It’s when we say goodbye to the past year and welcome the next with hope, motivation, and fresh goals. As you begin setting your New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget about your pet. Just like us, our dogs and cats can benefit from a reset and a renewed focus on health and happiness. Below are several simple but impactful ideas to help make the new year your pet’s healthiest yet. More than half of pets across the United States struggle with weight-related issues, and Utah is no exception. If your ...
The Dirty Truth About Dog Poo: Why Professional Yard Cleanup Matters
Every year, dogs generate an astonishing amount of waste—more than 5.8 billion pounds of dog poo nationwide. To put that into perspective, that’s enough dog poop to cover roughly 900 football fields more than a foot deep. That’s an overwhelming amount of mess, and keeping up with it isn’t always realistic for busy pet owners. Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle it alone. When the dog poo in your yard starts to feel unmanageable, Rocky Mountain Scoopers is ready to help. Simply call 385-392-0791 and let the professionals handle the dirty work for you. We’re happy to set you up ...
Reading Between the Barks: How to Recognize Stress and Anxiety in Your Dog
Would you recognize the signs if your dog was feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Many pet owners assume their dogs can’t clearly communicate when something is wrong, but that’s far from true. Dogs constantly express how they’re feeling through their actions and body language. The challenge lies in learning how to interpret those signals correctly. When you understand what to watch for, you can often spot stress early and step in before the situation escalates into something more serious or potentially dangerous. When observing your dog’s body language, context matters. Take lip licking as an example—it can mean very different things ...
Breaking the Puppy Mill Cycle: How California’s Pet Store Ban Changed Animal Welfare
California made national headlines by becoming the first state to prohibit pet stores from selling animals that are bred in puppy mills. Former Governor Jerry Brown signed the legislation into law on October 13, 2017. Under this law, pet stores that wish to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits must source those animals exclusively from animal shelters or rescue organizations. The law does not restrict private breeders, who may still sell animals directly to consumers. The legislation, known as AB485, was designed to address the poor conditions commonly found in large-scale commercial breeding operations. Animals in puppy mills are often kept ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
What to Do When Your Dog Passes Away: Compassionate Options for Aftercare
We love our dogs deeply and treat them as cherished members of our families. That bond is what makes watching them grow older—and eventually facing their passing—so incredibly difficult. While this is never an easy subject to think about, it is something every dog owner should understand and prepare for when choosing to love and care for a dog. In this post, we’ll cover what steps to take after your dog has passed away. We’ll also discuss what to do if you come across a deceased dog near your home or on the roadway, as well as how to handle ...
Pet Emergencies You Should Never Ignore: When to Get Your Dog to the Vet Fast
When a dog is suddenly unable to urinate or have a bowel movement, it may signal a serious medical emergency. A blockage in the urethra, a urinary tract infection, or an obstruction in the digestive tract can all prevent normal elimination. Any of these conditions require immediate attention from a veterinarian and should never be ignored. Eye Injuries Protecting your pet’s eyesight is critical. Eye injuries can occur during play, from a fight with another animal, or even from debris while exploring the yard. If your dog has an eye injury, avoid attempting home treatment. Eye trauma can worsen quickly, ...
