Alpine Animal Hospital, PC

03/07/2025

🐾🦷 Pet Dental Health: More Than Just Fresh Breath! 🦷🐾

Did you know dental disease can start as early as ages 2-3? Many people assume bad breath is normal, but it can be a sign of serious periodontal disease.

Take a 5-year-old dog we recently saw—still young, but already suffering from severe dental disease. After a cleaning, X-rays, and a full assessment, we found five oral fistulas. 😱

❓ What is an Oral Fistula?

An oral fistula is an abnormal passageway that allows infection and fluids to drain from an infected area in the mouth to the outside. It develops when severe periodontal disease erodes tissue, causing pain, inflammation, and infection.

🦷 How Did We Help?

We extracted the affected teeth and sutured the areas for proper healing. These pets recover beautifully and feel so much better after treatment!

📢 Dental Care is Year-Round!

Many recognize February as Pet Dental Health Month, but every month should be! Preventing dental disease is key to keeping pets happy and pain-free.

🏆 Gold Standard of Pet Dental Care:

✅ Daily Brushing (if possible!)
✅ Dental Chews & Water Additives
✅ Annual Vet Dental Exams
✅ Professional Cleanings when needed

Dental health is crucial to your pet’s overall well-being, yet often overlooked. A pain-free mouth = a happier pet!

03/04/2025

Edward’s New Life in Spain! ☀️🐾

Do you remember Edward? A little over a year ago, he came to us after a terrible accident with another dog that left the top of his head severely injured. It was a long road to recovery, with months of extensive care, but Edward healed beautifully—and now he’s living his absolute best life!

Edward has traded vet visits for beach naps, bandage changes for sunshine, and recovery for adventure. That’s right—our sweet Edward now calls Cádiz, Spain home! 🇪🇸✨

He recently sent us an email (yes, he’s that sophisticated) with some photos, letting us know that his days are now filled with:
🐚 Napping on the beach
☀️ Sunning himself in both the front and back yard (he’s got a system)
🐟 Taking in all the incredible smells of fresh seafood and jamón
🚴‍♂️ Going on bike rides with his dad—truly living the dream!

We couldn’t be happier for Edward and his new life of relaxation, delicious food, and adventure. Though we miss him dearly, we know he’s exactly where he’s meant to be. If he ever makes his way back to the valley, we’ll be waiting with open arms (and maybe a treat or two).

Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world, Edward! ❤️🐶

03/01/2025

🐱💙 National Cat Health Month & World Compliment Day! 🎉🐾

As February comes to an end, we want to remind everyone that National Cat Health Month isn’t just about one month—it’s about caring for our feline friends all year long! 🏥🐾 Cats are masters of disguise when it comes to hiding illness or discomfort, which is why preventative care is so important for their long, happy, and healthy lives. 😻

We totally get it—getting a cat into a carrier can feel like a mission impossible 🚗🐈‍⬛, and since cats often seem like they’re doing just fine, we might overlook little signs that something’s off. But regular check-ups 🩺, blood work 🧪, and weight management ⚖️ help us catch any hidden issues early, before they become bigger problems.

🐾 For senior kitties, hesitating to jump onto furniture or moving more slowly might be signs of arthritis 🦴—something we can help manage with medications, joint supplements, or diet adjustments. And since cats are so good at masking pain, lab work 📊 can help us spot things going on internally that might not be obvious on the outside.

And since today is also World Compliment Day 🎉, we just have to give a special shoutout to Peaches—one of the sweetest, happiest, most outgoing cats to visit us! 🧡🐱 She rolled around in catnip 🍃, stretched out on the exam table 🛏️, and let us do everything we needed without a care in the world! She was an absolute ham and a purr-fect example of how vet visits don’t have to be scary. 🐾😸

So, let’s take a moment to appreciate all of our amazing cats and make their health a priority—because they deserve it! 💙 Whether it’s scheduling a wellness visit 📅, adjusting their diet 🍽️, or simply keeping an eye on their daily habits, a little proactive care goes a long way! ✨

💬 Tell us—what’s one thing you love most about your cat? Let’s spread the compliments today! 😻👇

🏥🐾 😸💙 🩺 🐱 🎉 🧡 😻 ✨

02/27/2025

Avian Influenza in Cats: What You Need to Know

In light of recent news about avian influenza (H5N1) affecting cats, we want to keep you informed. The virus can spread through several sources of infection, including unpasteurized dairy products, raw pet food (e.g. poultry), exposure to infected wild birds or poultry, livestock, and even people working on affected farms. Symptoms to watch for include neurological signs (incoordination, circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness), as well as respiratory issues, fever, and lethargy. Take steps to protect your furry friends!

Visit the AVMA's website for more information: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats

02/25/2025

A Little Fighter’s Lucky Rescue

This morning, as soon as our doors opened, we had an urgent walk-in—a tiny but incredibly brave pup who had just been attacked by a much larger dog. His pet parent rushed him in, worried and scared, as he was bleeding pretty extensively.

We immediately took X-rays to check for any internal injuries before addressing his external wounds. And let us just say—this little guy was so, so lucky. Given his size compared to the dog that attacked him, his injuries could have been much worse. But by some miracle, he escaped with only a few broken ribs, significant tissue swelling, and external wounds that needed cleaning and drains.

We call these crushing bites, and they can be devastating. But thankfully, his pet parent was able to stop the attack before it became even more severe—preventing further damage from shaking or multiple bites. Other than the swelling and fractures, this pup is expected to make a full recovery!

What amazed us the most? His unbelievable bravery. Despite his pain, with no pain meds on board at first, he let us handle him, take X-rays, and start treatment without a fuss. He truly was the perfect gentleman.

We are sending all our love and healing energy to this little warrior for a speedy recovery. Sometimes, the smallest victories are actually the biggest ones.

🐶💙✨

02/19/2025

Happy National Whippet Day! 🎉🐶

We don’t celebrate every breed day, but this one was too perfect to pass up—because just in time for National Whippet Day, we got to meet the sweetest little whippet puppy, Ellie! 💕

Whippets are elegant, athletic dogs with a history that traces back to England, where they were bred for speed and agility. Sometimes called “mini greyhounds,” they are gentle, affectionate, and love to lounge just as much as they love to zoom! 🏃‍♂️💨 Their friendly but sensitive nature makes them wonderful companions.

Ellie, at just eight weeks old and nine pounds, came to see us for her first vet visit, and we’re happy to report that she is in perfect health! 🩺🥰 She’s from Fort Collins and has only been with her new family for a few days, so she’s still settling in. While she’s a little on the shy side, now is the perfect time to help her gain confidence! We chatted with her pet parents about socialization, encouraging her to explore new sounds, environments, people, and (safely vaccinated) dogs to help her learn that the world isn’t so scary. 🌎🐕

We’re so excited for Ellie and her new family and can’t wait to watch her grow! 🐾💖 Happy National Whippet Day!

🐶💨💞

02/17/2025

Traveling Internationally with Pets: What You Need to Know 🌍🐾

Planning to move or travel overseas with your pet? It’s not as simple as booking a ticket—there are strict requirements that must be met, and the process can take months to complete. Missing even one step could mean being turned away at your destination.

Recently, Targhee came in for a wellness exam as she prepares to move to Norway! 🇳🇴 While we were happy to help her mom navigate the process, we also scheduled a follow-up appointment to ensure that everything is in order before their big move.

Key Things to Know About International Pet Travel:

✈️ Start Early – Some requirements, like lab work, vaccines, and treatments, must be done months in advance and within very specific timeframes.
📋 Every Country is Different – Each destination has unique rules regarding pet entry, so research is crucial.
🩺 Veterinary Requirements are Extensive – The paperwork, exams, and treatments required on the veterinary side can be far more detailed than expected.
🛃 Final USDA Endorsement – Once all steps are completed, documents must be submitted to the USDA for approval within a short, strict window before departure.
🤯 It Can Be Stressful – Timing is everything, and delays can complicate travel plans.

To make the process smoother, we highly recommend working with a pet travel specialist—companies that handle all the research, paperwork, and logistics for you. They know every requirement inside and out, ensuring there are no surprises when you arrive.

For more information, you can visit:
🔹 U.S. Department of State: Pets and International Travel
🔹 USDA Pet Travel Information

If you’re considering international travel with your pet, schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible so we can help guide you through the process. Our goal is to make sure both you and your furry companion arrive safely and stress-free! 💙🐶🐱

02/14/2025

Celebrating Three Years with Chelsea! ❤️🐾

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating more than just love—we’re also celebrating three years with Chelsea! 🎉💖

When Chelsea joined us in 2022, she was already a talented hairdresser but was looking for something completely different—a career that would challenge her in new ways. She found that in veterinary care, and over the past three years, she has grown into an incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate member of our team. As a Customer Service Representative (CSR), she goes above and beyond for both our clients and patients, always eager to learn, help, and support wherever she’s needed. From assisting at the front desk to jumping in to help in the back, Chelsea does it all! 😊🐶🐱

Of course, no celebration is complete without a little extra cuteness—so in honor of Chelsea’s anniversary, we’re also featuring Manny, the adorable squish-faced British Shorthair she’s holding in the photo. Because what’s Valentine’s Day without a little feline love? 😻💘

Join us in congratulating Chelsea on three years—drop a comment below to show her some love! ❤️🎊

💕

02/13/2025

Luna: The One-Browed Adventure Queen! 🐾🏔️

Meet Luna, the sweetest Border Collie mix who came in for her wellness exam and vaccines! 🩺✨ This girl is non-stop energy—whether it’s hiking, biking, running, cross-country skiing, or swimming in the summer, Luna is always on the move! 🏃‍♀️❄️🌊

Her mom describes her as a picky eater, but despite that, she maintains a healthy weight—probably thanks to all her adventures! During her exam, we also revisited her obsession with balls. 🎾 Last year, we recommended she ditch the tennis balls (since they can be rough on teeth) and switch to rubber balls instead. And guess what? No further dental damage! 🙌 Way to go, Luna’s mom!

This girl is highly food-motivated (when she decides to eat 😉) and very toy-driven—especially when it comes to her beloved ball. And let’s not forget her signature look… Luna is a total trendsetter with her one brown eyebrow! 🥰😂 Seriously, she pulls it off like a pro!

We’re thrilled that Luna is healthy, happy, and ready for another year of epic adventures! Keep on exploring, you stylish, ball-obsessed queen! 👑🐕

02/12/2025

The Hardest Goodbye: A Final Gift of Love 💔🐾

From the moment we bring a pet home—whether they’re a tiny puppy or a rescue—we give them everything we have. ❤️ We fill their lives with love, adventure, and memories, cherishing every moment, no matter how long or short our time together may be.

But no amount of time ever feels like enough. And when the time comes to say goodbye, the weight of that decision is heartbreaking. As pet parents, we all wish our beloved companions would simply pass peacefully in their sleep. But the reality is, this rarely happens. Instead, we are faced with one of the most difficult choices—one we never want to make, yet one that is made purely out of love and selflessness.

Euthanasia is not about us—it’s about them. It’s about recognizing when their quality of life is no longer what it should be. It’s about putting aside our own pain to do what is best for them. And while it is an unimaginably hard decision, there is also beauty in it. The ability to ease their suffering, to help them pass with dignity and peace, surrounded by love, is the final, greatest gift we can give them.

Grief will come in waves. The house will feel emptier. The silence will be louder. But in time, we find comfort in knowing that we gave them a life filled with love and, in the end, a peaceful passing free from pain. That is the truest act of love and bravery. ❤️

If you are facing this decision, please know you are not alone. It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to struggle. But most of all, it’s okay to find peace in knowing that you are doing the most selfless thing for your best friend.

(Pictures of Bella Itzler were gifted to us for this post)

02/10/2025

Angus: A Little Tummy Trouble for This Adventurous Pup 🐶❤️

Meet Angus, the cutest little Labrador Retriever mix! 🥰 His parents brought him in because he had been experiencing bloody diarrhea off and on. Even though he was acting totally normal, they were starting to get concerned since it was happening more frequently.

After a thorough physical exam with Dr. Davis, everything checked out great! ✅ To dig a little deeper, we examined a stool sample under the microscope but didn’t find anything obvious. Just to be sure, we sent the rest of his sample off to the lab for a parasite check. While waiting on results, we started Angus on an antibiotic to help settle his tummy.

When the f***l test came back, the parasite screen was negative—which is great news! 🎉 Now, we’re hopeful that with a little medication, Angus will be back to normal stools in no time. More importantly, we’re glad his parents have peace of mind, and this little explorer can get back to his mini epic adventures! 🏕️🐾

🚨 When to Be Concerned About Your Dog’s Stool 🚨

While occasional soft stool can be normal, here are some signs that it’s time to visit the vet:
⚠️ Bloody or black stools
⚠️ Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
⚠️ Vomiting or loss of appetite
⚠️ Lethargy or signs of pain
⚠️ Frequent or worsening symptoms

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait! A quick check-up can rule out anything serious and get your pup feeling better fast.

We can’t wait to see Angus again soon—hopefully with perfectly normal p**p! 💩😂

02/08/2025

The Magic of the Human-Animal Bond 🐾✨

There’s something undeniably magical about the bond we share with our pets. It’s a connection that goes beyond words—one built on trust, love, and an unspoken understanding that only grows stronger with time. Whether it’s the wagging tail that greets you at the door, the comforting purr of a cat curled in your lap, or the soulful gaze of a loyal companion, our pets remind us every day what unconditional love truly means. ❤️🐶🐱

Pets have a way of making life brighter. They’re our constant companions, our confidants, and our greatest cheerleaders. They’re there to celebrate our victories, comfort us in times of sadness, and fill even the quietest moments with joy. In return, we give them a lifetime of care, belly rubs, treats, and endless affection.

The human-animal bond is more than just companionship—it’s scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. It’s why we treasure our pets so deeply—they’re not just animals; they’re family. 🐾💞

So here’s to the pets who make our lives better in every possible way. Thank you for the laughter, the snuggles, and the countless moments of pure magic. You remind us to live in the moment and to love without limits.

Cherish the bond, and don’t forget to give your furry (or feathered, or scaly!) friend an extra cuddle today—they deserve it. 🐕🐈🐇

02/07/2025

Bessie’s Journey: A Happy Ending for a Sweet Senior Kitty 🐱❤️

Sweet 16-year-old Bessie came in to see us with a stubborn skin lesion on her neck. Despite multiple treatments—steroids, antibiotics, you name it—the lesion just wouldn’t heal. So, we decided to take the next step: sedation and surgical removal.

Bessie did amazing during her procedure! 🎉 We carefully removed the lesion with good margins and sent it off for biopsy. When the results came back, we learned that it was a carcinoma in situ—which sounds scary, but in situ means the cancer cells were confined to the surface layer and hadn’t spread deeper. Best of all, we got clean margins all around, meaning we successfully removed the entire lesion! 🙌

Now, Bessie’s mom reports that she’s feeling like a brand-new kitty! 🥰 She’s happier, more comfortable, and finally free of that pesky lesion. We couldn’t be more thrilled with this outcome!

What Is a Carcinoma? 🧐

Carcinomas are a type of cancer that originates in the skin or the lining of organs. When caught early—like in Bessie’s case—they can often be completely removed. Carcinoma in situ means the cancer cells are still in their original place and haven’t invaded deeper tissues, making the prognosis much better. This is why early detection and treatment are so important!

We’re so happy for Bessie and her family! 🐾💖

02/06/2025

Meet Lecter: The Gentle Giant 🐾❤️

Say hello to Lecter, the 160-pound German Shepherd mix with a heart just as big as he is! At almost 5 years old, this guy is the definition of a gentle giant. He came in with his dad for a wellness exam, and let me tell you—he’s the nicest dude you’ll ever meet. 🐕✨

Lecter has been dealing with some off-and-on tummy troubles, especially diarrhea. His dad’s been doing an amazing job managing it with Hill’s Biome diet, but feeding a big guy like Lecter can get tricky (and pricey). To make things work, they’ve been mixing Biome with Hill’s Perfect Digestion, rice, chicken, and other foods. While that’s helped some, we’re hoping a stricter Biome-only diet might finally get those bowel movements back on track. 💩 (We get it, Lecter’s dad—it’s not fun dealing with that!)

Otherwise, Lecter is in great shape! His exam was completely normal, except for a little dental tartar and a few extra pounds. 🦷🐾 We recommended he get his teeth cleaned, stay consistent with his diet plan, and consider a couple of supplements to support his gut health. If his tummy troubles don’t improve, we might test for things like B12 deficiency to make sure we’re covering all the bases.

We’re confident that with a little patience, Lecter’s stomach will settle, and his dad will have a much easier time. In the meantime, we’re just so happy to know this sweet, giant pup. We can’t wait to see him back for his next visit—because who doesn’t love a big, lovable goofball like Lecter? 🐾💙

02/05/2025

Leia: Thriving at 11 with a Little Extra Support! 🐶💙

You’d never guess it, but Leia is 11 years old! 🤯 This sweet senior pup came in for her annual wellness exam and vaccines, and her family had some great questions about her mobility and long-term care.

As dogs get older, their joints can start to feel the effects of arthritis and general wear and tear. While supplements can be a great first step, sometimes they’re just not enough. That’s when NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)—like the carprofen Leia had been taking occasionally—can make a big difference in daily comfort. Her family noticed that she was at a point where she really benefited from it every day, and we were happy to help make that adjustment!

We also discussed other prescription options for arthritis and mobility support, but since Leia was already doing well on her current medication, we stuck with what was working for her. 💊🐾

Other than that, Leia is in great health, and we were able to update her vaccines without any issues. We’re so happy to see her thriving, and we can’t wait to see her again next year!

🦴 Supporting Senior Dogs 🦴

As dogs age, mobility issues can creep up, even in active pups like Leia. Some ways to help senior dogs stay comfortable include:
✅ Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s)
✅ Daily NSAIDs for pain relief
✅ Weight management to reduce joint strain
✅ Low-impact exercise like swimming or short walks
✅ Orthopedic beds & ramps to ease movement

Leia is proof that with the right care, senior dogs can continue to live their best lives well into their golden years! 🐕💛

02/05/2025

At Alpine Animal Hospital, we’re always looking for ways to show our appreciation for you and your pets. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the Alpine Pets Club, an exclusive loyalty program designed to reward you for the care and love you provide your furry friends. Through our app, we’ve made it easier than ever to stay connected to your pet’s health while earning rewards that make your visits even more valuable.

If you are interested in learning more or signing up, take a look at this months blog: https://alpinehospital.com/unlock-the-benefits-of-the-alpine-pets-club-your-pet-care-rewards-program/. Sign up and get a $25 reward to start things off!

Spread the word to friends and family in the Valley. We are always trying to grow our "pack" and we would love to take care of their pets too! Take care and please reach out with any questions regarding your pet, our rewards program or if you need to make an appointment.

At Alpine Animal Hospital, we’re always looking for ways to show our appreciation for you and your pets.

02/04/2025

Loki, the Adorable German Shepherd Pup 🐾

Say hello to Loki! This 10-week-old German Shepherd from Buena Vista came to visit us, and let me tell you—he’s ALL EARS! 🐶👂 Right now, his tiny ears are doing their best to stand tall, but they’ve got a little more “growing up” to do. Honestly, it just makes him even cuter (if that’s even possible).

Loki came in for his puppy wellness exam and vaccinations, and we’re thrilled to report he’s a healthy little guy. 🎉 Well, mostly. His belly was a bit on the round side, so we suspect he might have a few unwanted “squatters” (a.k.a. parasites). No worries, though—we gave him a dewormer and asked his new parents to bring us a stool sample for testing. Because nothing says “puppy parent life” like a p**p collection mission, right? 💩🐾

After his vaccines and lots of cuddles, we sent Loki on his way with a tail wag and some advice for his humans. We can’t wait to see this little fluffball again next month—by then, those ears might finally figure out which way is up!

Check out his pics—how could anyone resist this face?! 😍

02/03/2025

🐾 Claire’s Monday Motivation 🐾

Mondays are tough… unless you’re Claire, Dr. Gisleson’s little cutie patootie! This 17-week-old baby decided her cozy bed on the floor just wasn’t cutting it today. Instead, she elevated herself to her mom’s chair—because how else can you see over the baby gate and keep an eye on things?

While waiting for her mom to finish seeing patients, Claire made sure to keep Dr. Gisleson’s seat warm and her day a little brighter. She’s growing fast but still has plenty of paw to grow into—watching her grow has been nothing short of adorable chaos. 💺🐶

Here’s to a little Monday mischief and a whole lot of love from Claire! 💕