Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital

12/23/2024

12/09/2024

This is Maddi, Saige, and Chris, familiar faces to many of you because they are part of our amazing staff, people deeply deeply committed to seeing that your pet/pets receive the best veterinary medical care available. They are also warm hearts and happy faces modeling the holiday shirts we are making available to you, as well.

We have limited sizes in a long-sleeved tee or a sweatshirt, all emblazoned across the front with "IT'S A WONDER-FUR HOWL-IDAY" (corny but loveable) and "Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital, Billings, MT" across the back. Tees are $28, sweatshirts $30. But both are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST ONLY. Drop by and pick one up today!

And while you're here, ask to participate in the holiday drawing that could get you up to $25 off your next purchase or procedure at Caring Hands! It's our way of saying thanks for your loyalty and patronage. 😊

11/15/2024

A QUICK LOOK AHEAD...

Yes, we will be open on Black Friday (11/29) 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No, we will NOT be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday (11/28). Saturday (11/23) is an open Saturday; Saturday (11/30) is not. Regular hours apply to all other days.

Remember, all the goodies and bones and sweet treats like pies and cookies and eggnog can pose a threat to your pet's health. Be careful what you give them, use a little common sense, call us if you're not sure a particular food item is okay for your pet to have.

And by all means, have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

11/11/2024

Thank you!

10/28/2024

So if you're dressing up your pet for Halloween this year (check our previous post for safety precautions), we'd love to see! Post a pic here! And HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 😊

10/25/2024

Halloween is fast approaching. And if you’re one of those pet parents who loves dressing up your Mitzy and Miss Cuddles, be assured. We do not judge! We’re suckers, as well, for overwhelming cuteness! But there are some things to think about in order to keep your pet happy and safe, surrounded by spooks and goblins and perhaps children they do not know:

1. Always keep a close eye on your pet while he/she is in costume. That way you can intervene in the event your pet begins to show signs of real distress. For what seems cute and adorable to you may actually be anxiety-producing for your pet. So make sure you’re not asking too much of them by watching for sudden mood changes including heightened agitation and even aggression.

2. Before Halloween, it might be helpful to make a trial run. In other words, dress your pet in costume a few days ahead of time to determine if there are going to be problems. Watch for growling and mewing, folded-down ears, eyes rolling back or looking sideways, a tucked tail, or extreme hunching of the back. These behaviors may indicate that your pet is feeling threatened. Add to that biting at and pulling on the costume so as to tear it away may also be your pet telling you they’ve reached their limit.

3. Although it’s rare, some pets may actually suffer an allergic reaction to a costume’s fabric or to the detergent in which the costume was washed. This is another reason to test the costume before Halloween night. And if your pet becomes itchy, or if there is visible irritation such as a rash or hives, remove the costume immediately. Needless to say, if the reaction doesn’t diminish afterward you should contact your veterinarian. Medication may be necessary.

4. And remember, a pet’s costume should never restrict his/her movement, or any of his/her senses. They’re out there, but you should never purchase a costume that covers your pet’s eyes or ears. Mobility is also an issue. If your pet can’t move about freely choose a different costume. And think about elimination needs. Would YOU like be dressed up in some garb that didn’t let you go to the bathroom? Therefore, it’s vital that your pet’s costume be “potty friendly!”

5. Choosing a proper fit is also important. Prior to purchase, examine the costume carefully. Make sure there are no small or dangling pieces that could be chewed off and choked on—e.g., sequins, metallic beads, buttons, yarn, or similar items.

6. Whatever costume you choose, make sure your pet’s ID tag is clearly visible. Even better, talk to your veterinarian ahead of time about microchipping your pet. This is critical if you plan on taking your pet trick-or-treating with you—just in case, in all the excitement, Muffin slips her leash and gets away. Precautions should also be taken to prevent your pet from bolting to the outside, as well, when all the mummies, Frankensteins, Draculas, and miniature veterinarians show up at your door asking for treats.

7. And for sure, don’t allow your pet to get into the candy bowl, snack on caramel apples, or gain access to home-baked goods. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and can prove fatal in large amounts, while other foods high in sugars that also contain food coloring and preservatives can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Even kidney damage!

We want you and your pet to both have a safe and Happy Halloween! What we don’t want is the night coming truly scary by a to the ER. That’s never fun!

10/18/2024

Calling all FRIENDS OF CARING HANDS! With increased boarding we're starting to run low on bath towels and blankets for pet bedding. T-shirts, too, that can be used as small animal bedding, or to warm animals recovering from surgery. Can you help? They can have stains, be torn, or tie-dyed...pets don't care!

While you're at it, we also need newsprint--e.g., outdated copies of the Billings Gazette or Denver Post (whatever!) that we can shred and use for bedding or litter for all the other non-dog and non-cat creatures we see and provide care for, as well.

How much is it worth to us? Well, to show our appreciation we'll give you a FREE tummy rub! Wait! What? No, to your pet, silly! After all, there ARE limits to what even we will do. 🤣

10/08/2024

WE'RE SO PROUD! This is Lara. Lara started at Caring Hands in high school. Now, as our first home-grown LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician), she heads our pharmacy. This is in addition to being a successful trainer, successful reptile breeder, and all-around super super nice person.

If you've had meds for your pet filled or re-filled at CARING HANDS, you've probably benefitted from Lara's knowledge, training, overall awesomeness and welcoming smile. Why? Because she loves animals, and loves helping others be the best pet parents they can be! Whether you come to us with a doggo, a gato, a three-toed gecko, or a Peruvian tree squirrel with rainbow fur and a lisp who answers to Ralph!

10/01/2024

To make sure our OPEN SATURDAY dates do not conflict with the holidays we are making a slight adjustment. Rather than being open this coming Saturday, October 5, we will be OPEN 8:00-12:30 Saturday, October 12 and 26, November 9 and 23, and December 7 and 21. No Saturday walk-ins but appointments can now be scheduled for any of these days. 😊

08/20/2024

From Dr. Erika...

Regarding RECENT CHANGES TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FOR DOGS: As of August 1st, 2024 there are some new rules for our canine friends traveling into and out of the United States of America (even just for a day trip to Canada).

Here is what we think you need to know:
-- ALL dogs wishing to enter (or reenter) the United States at any port must be at least 6 months of age.
-- ALL dogs need to be Microchipped.
-- ALL dogs need a CDC Dog Import Form.
-- ALL dogs must appear healthy.

It is also recommended that you always travel with proof of your dog’s most recent Rabies vaccination.

For additional information please check the CDC website at: www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/index.html
Or give us a call! We will be happy to answer all of your pet travel questions!

07/29/2024

Born in Texas (and we really really TRY not to hold that against her!), Tory is a "military brat" who's lived all over--Texas, Germany, DC, Florida, and now Montana since completing her vet tech training in Dillon. On July 3rd she came to work for us, and has already proven herself to be a valuable member of our team!

Like most of our folks, of course, her house is filled with animals--the nonhuman kind. Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, an orangutang, three moose, a water buffalo, and a yak. Okay...so maybe no yak. I may have gotten carried away there a little. Regardless, welcome Tory! You and your houseful of critters--whatever species they are--only adds to what makes us "us," and what makes Caring Hands where people come when their own fur, fin, and feather babies aren't feeling so good. Thank you for your love and a life-long dedication to Kingdom: animalia. 😊

06/24/2024

With INDEPENDENCE DAY just around the corner, we wanted to pass along some important things to remember.

While you may thrill at "rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air" your pets do not! Fireworks and extra humans gathered for a friendly BBQ can be absolutely horrifying for cats and dogs, prompting frequent runaways which can result in your pet being lost or harmed. So plan ahead!

Follow the tips below and take extra precautions this year to keep your pet safe--and at home! 'Cause bad stuff can happen if you don't. Meanwhile, no beer, rib bones, or chicken wings for Sparky either, even though she may be your own favorite little firecracker! Otherwise, she and Shooter could be spending their morning-after with us, your wallet getting hit with a hefty emergency charge. Sooo preventable!

06/17/2024

Are you familiar with the SEVEN SECOND RULE? You should be! Even with relatively mild temperatures, given Montana's arid climate asphalt can reach temps that burn your pet's paws in mere seconds (see chart below).

You wouldn't walk around barefoot on a surface approaching 150 degrees. DON'T MAKE YOUR DOG!!! Duh.

And yes, we'll be here if you need us. No problem. Whether it's a dog or cat or turtle or skink that burns its tootsies. But remember the old adage: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" Translated that means keep your pet safe by always doing the right thing, like steering Mitzi or Buttercup away from burning asphalt. Being smart costs you nothing in the long run, except maybe a few extra steps. But imagine how grateful your tender-footed precious one will feel over having a fur mama (or dad) so kind.

06/03/2024

IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER! Color us happy over finding two more quality people to add to our team. Chris (on the right) is an athlete, a dog parent, and the newest addition to our front desk crew. That means he (a guy!) might be that person who takes your call, answers your questions, and helps you with appointments. Chris hails from Florida but has been in Big Sky country long enough to call Montana "home."

Renee (pronounced "Ren-ae," on the left) is an Oregon transplant, a dog mom four times over (plus three cats), and a tech-trainee with a degree in biology. She's working toward a CVT at Purdue, Chris at Penn Foster. These two are going to be instrumental, for what we hope is a long time, in offering your fur babies the best in veterinary medical care. They definitely have the right stuff! So look for Renee and Chris the next time you're in!

05/28/2024

GREAT NEWS!!! We are extending hours!

Beginning June 1, we will again be taking Saturday appointments every other weekend from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Book now for June 1, June 15, June 29, or any other alternating Saturday through at least August.

Also, limited walk-ins will now again be allowed provided you drop your pet off no later than 11:00 a.m. and are prepared to wait, urgent care excepted. Unfortunately, anything that requires us to alter the existing appointment schedule, however, will include either an urgent care or emergency charge, depending on the nature of the problem.

Our plan is to still come back later and offer both after hours appointments (until 8:00 p.m.) and 24-hour emergency care. But we're just not there yet. A little at a time for now, with us doing our best to match OUR availability to YOUR needs.

In the meantime, thank you for all the patience you've shown during the move, and for continuing to trust us to be where love and your pet's good health meet.

05/22/2024

Just a reminder...

05/16/2024

"Where are all the people I know?" We hear it every week! The answer? They're still here. They're just scattered about in a much larger space!

Marcie (12 yrs) is in the lab. Lara (6 yrs) is now our pharmacist. You just don't see them as much because they're not the ones coming up to take your dog or cat. Seren's still here (4yrs). She's just in surgery or doing dentals. And Fay (4 yrs) is always running about, front to back, so much so that we've thought of putting her on roller skates! Or maybe buying her a Segway! "Stand aside!!!"

Yes, we lost Madi. After 5 years she was growing homesick for Oregon and decided to take a break for family. But Maddi's still here! And so is Maddy (below left) who's worked for us since a junior in high school, and between semesters at Eastern Wyoming College (our other Madison is now at MSU). It's just that with added docs and added hours and, yes, so much more space we've had to hire lots of new people to handle the demand. So maybe they're less familiar faces, but faces with big smiles whom once you get to know them you'll love and appreciate like we do. Like Saige (bottom right) who joined our staff and is our newest front desk person who came to us after a stint at the zoo. She was an employee, we think, not a resident. Regardless, she's more than proving she can do the job and more than doing the amazing when it comes to seeing your pet has the best care available! So get to know Saige. And say hey to Maddi or Maddy while you're here!

05/13/2024

"Nah, I don't have to worry about that! My dog never leaves the yard!"

Look closely at Ember's eye (photo on the right). Ticks find a way, man! This is Montana! If birds land in your yard, if squirrels and rabbits ever come for a visit, if you have grass and shrubs or any plants that can provide cover, unless you and your dog live in a New York City high rise and NEVER go outside, your pet needs to be protected from ticks! Flea and tick collars are largely ineffective. You need big ammo...and your vet has it! Give us a call today: (406) 656-6320 and deliver your baby from those pesky little parasitic beasties. They suck!