How to Gradually Change Your Dog's Food
Has your dog’s pallet changed and they’re ready for something new in their diet? Or maybe your puppy has grown out of their puppy food? It's important to know when you may need to switch to a different food and how to make it easier on your canine friends with these helpful tips from Zoetis Petcare.
WHEN to Change Your Dog’s Food
⏳Life stage transitions
🩺Health issues
💰Product availability and price changes
👅Your dog's preferences
HOW to Change Your Dog's Food
Changing your dog's food should happen gradually, over at least one week. For dogs with a particularly sensitive stomach or those who are picky eaters, you may want to extend this food transition to two weeks.
Here's a sample schedule for changing your dog's food:
Day 1-2: 75% old food mixed with 25% new food
Day 3-5: 50% old food mixed with 50% new food
Day 6-7: 25% old food mixed with 75% new food
Day 8+: 100% new food
‼️ If you're switching to a prescription diet or another food recommended by your veterinarian, discuss the transition schedule with them. In certain emergencies, they may recommend an immediate change. This is generally only necessary if there's a serious medical issue and the benefits of the new food urgently outweigh the risks of transitioning slowly.
👩🏼⚕️It is never a bad idea to discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian to make sure that your pet is getting the nutrients they need.
Click on the link below for the full article!
https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/change-dog-food
January is National Walk Your Dog Month!
🦮🚶♂️ Kick off the new year with a healthy habit for both you and your furry friend! National Walk Your Dog Month is the perfect time to embrace the benefits of daily walks, even during the chilly winter days.
Why Walk Your Dog?
🏃♀️ Physical Health: Regular walks help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles, and improve heart health—for both you and your dog.
🧠 Mental Stimulation: Walks are a great way for dogs to explore their environment, reducing boredom and destructive behavior.
🥰 Bonding Time: Walking together strengthens the bond between you and your pup.
👥 Socialization: Walks provide an opportunity for your dog to meet new friends and become more comfortable in different environments.
Tips for Walking in Winter
🧣 Bundle Up: If it's cold, consider a dog coat or sweater for short-haired breeds.
🐾 Protect Those Paws: Use dog booties or paw balm to shield against ice and salt.
🦺 Stay Visible: Use reflective gear or LED collars during early mornings or evenings.
⏲ Keep It Short: If it’s freezing, opt for shorter, more frequent walks.
Make It Fun
🐾 Explore new trails or parks.
🐾 Bring treats for training opportunities along the way.
🐾 Invite friends for a doggy playdate and group walk.
So, leash up, grab some comfy shoes, and hit the pavement! Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Month by keeping you and your pup active, happy, and healthy.
🐕 How are you celebrating National Walk Your Dog Month? Share your recent walking adventures below!
Holiday Hours 2024
12/30/2024: UPDATE ON DEC. 31ST HOURS BELOW
🎅🏼🎄🦌 HOLIDAY HOURS 🗓🥂🎆
Tuesday, Dec 24th - CLOSE @ 12:00 PM
Wednesday, Dec 25th - CLOSED
Thursday, Dec 26th - CLOSED
Friday, Dec 27th - OPEN
Saturday, Dec 28th - OPEN
* Tuesday, Dec 31st - OPEN 8AM-5PM *
Wednesday, Jan 1st 2025 - CLOSED
Return to normal business hours on Thursday, Jan 2nd 2025.
Please get your refill requests for medications or food as soon as possible to allow our staff enough time to get them ready for you before the long weekend.
🚨🐶🐱For small animal emergencies, the Pet Emergency Center and Sentinel Veterinary Medical Center in Missoula will be open.
🚨🐴🐐We will have a doctor on call for large animal emergencies.
NEW YEARS FIREWORK REMINDER
🎆 Does your pet hate fireworks? 🎆
As you may know, fireworks aren't just a problem in July. Some New Years celebrations include lighting off fireworks and other noisemakers at, or even before, midnight. Those loud noises can stress out our beloved pets.
💊 If your pet is in need of prescription sedatives, call our office to request a refill. We do require 24 hours notice.
Stay tuned for more tips on keeping your pets safe as we welcome the new year!
Thanksgiving Hours 2024
🍂🥧🦃THANKSGIVING HOURS🦃🥧🍂
Thursday, Nov 28th - CLOSED
Friday, Nov 29th - CLOSED
Saturday, Nov 30th - OPEN
Return to normal business hours on Monday, Dec 2nd.
Please get your refill requests for medications or food as soon as possible to allow our staff enough time to get them ready for you before the long weekend.
🚨🐶😸For small animal emergencies, the Pet Emergency Center and Sentinel Veterinary Medical Center in Missoula will be open.
🚨🐴🐐We will have a doctor on call for large animal emergencies.
My pet just brought me a bat: what do I do?
In the spirit of this Friday the 13th, we've got a spooky subject we'd like to cover - BATS! 🦇
Bats play a vital role in our ecosystem. However, they can be a carrier of Rabies virus and you should know the signs to look for if a bat is infected.
The following are unusual behaviors that could indicate that a bat has rabies:
🦇 A bat that is active during the day.
🦇 A bat that is found in unusual places (inside a home or on the ground).
🦇 A bat that is unable to fly or is easily approached.
‼️ Contact your local public health department if you see strange bat behavior.
What to do if you encounter a bat:
❌ DON'T TOUCH IT! Bat bites can be tiny, so if you think you have been in contact with a bat, talk to a medical professional immediately.
🏚 If you find a bat in your home, contact animal control or a health professional and safely capture it for rabies testing. Do not release the bat until you talk with a public health expert.
❓How can I prevent bats from getting in my home?
Bats can fit through tiny openings, even as small as ¼ inch, and they often find shelter in homes. Take these steps to "bat-proof" your home yourself:
1️⃣ Check for any openings that bats could use to get inside.
2️⃣ Caulk any openings larger than a dime.
3️⃣ Use screens, chimney caps, and draft guards to seal attic doors.
4️⃣ Fill electrical and plumbing holes with steel wool or caulk.
5️⃣ Ensure all doors to the outside close tightly.
📆Most bats leave in the fall or winter to migrate, so these are the best times to bat-proof your home!
There is some information in the linked article on how to capture a live bat. Testing for Rabies requires requires brain material, so the bat must be dead to test it.
‼VERY IMPORANT: If your pets have had any contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian immediately and make sure they are up to date on their Rabies vaccinations. This helps keep you and your family safe. A pet that has never been Rabies vacc
Important Changes to the U.S. Canine Import Requirements
🧳🚗✈️ As we shared last month, there are some major changes to travel requirements for dogs coming into the United States. Watch the following video as our current Practice Manager, Laura, addresses these changes and answers some of the questions you may ask yourself:
❓ Who does this impact?
❓ What are the changes and when do they take effect?
❓ What documentation do I need to have to travel with my dog?
‼️ If you are planning on traveling out of the country this summer (yes, even just to Canada🇨🇦 or Mexico🇲🇽) be sure to do your research to ensure your pet will be allowed back into the states. Please give yourself plenty of time, several weeks, before travel to ensure ample time to get everything in order with your veterinarian.
☎️ Call the office today at (406) 777-3844 for more information.
⬇️ To learn more about these changes, take a look in the comment section for some additional resources. You can also check out our previous post regarding these changes, featured on the top of our page!
🇺🇸Is the 4th of July your pet’s least favorite holiday?🇺🇸
If you answered "yes", then you should start preparing now - NOT on July 3rd! Today we’re going to discuss various calming aids and how they can be an effective way to manage anxiety. (Look for the 🌟 to see what products we carry in-clinic.)
♥️Pheromone-Based Products
These products mimic the calming pheromones produced by mother cats and dogs. They may not be the most effective option, but could give some calming effect.
🌟Feliway sprays and diffusers
🌟Pheromone collars (not safe for households with children)
👕Anxiety Wraps
These pressure wraps can provide gentle, constant pressure - like a big hug!
🌟ThunderShirt - available in size S, M and L
🦴Calming Treats and Supplements
This is probably the option we get asked the most about, besides prescription medications.
🌟ElleVet Sciences CBD+CBDA products
- Calm & Comfort Chews
- CBD+CBDA Complete Oil
- CBD+CBDA Feline Paste
‼️It is very important when looking for CBD products to look for those including CBDA as well as pay attention to the dosing. Ideally, 2mg/kg is the best to ensure the best effects.
💊Prescription Medications
These medications, prescribed by your veterinarian, can help manage situational anxiety and stress.
🌟Trazodone
🌟Gabapentin (suitable for both dogs and cats)
‼️If your pet needs prescription strength medication to help with anxiety, make sure you are established and up to date on your pet’s annual exam. Most veterinarians will not prescribe medication for a pet they have not seen within the last year.
💡Pro Tip: Don't wait until July 4th or give your pet a new calming aid - do a trial run or two! Any medication or calming treat designed to help reduce anxiety MUST be given at least 1-2 hours PRIOR to the anxiety causing event or it may not work as well as intended, if at all. Because of this, it's a smart idea to do a trial run or two to be sure the product will help y
Supplies You Should Add to Your First Aid Kit with Dr. Teresa Petterson
April is 🧰⛑National Pet First Aid Awareness Month🧰⛑
To wrap it up, Dr. Petterson wanted to to address a few additional things to throw into your emergency kit when you’re hitting the trails this season!
📝Here are a few things that may not come to mind when you are putting together your emergency kit:
- Wire cutters
- Mineral oil
- Benedryl
- Syringe
- Duct tape
- Multi tool/plyers
- Slip lead
- Water bowl
🤔 Interested in learning more about pet first aid? Stay tuned! There may be an opportunity to attend a short seminar put on by Dr. Petterson in the (hopefully) near future. We’re putting feelers out there now, so if this is something that would interest you, comment below!
Stay safe out there! ❤️🐾
NO LARGE ANIMAL ON CALL - FEB 24TH-26TH
‼️ATTENTION LARGE ANIMAL CLIENTS‼️
Dr. Magdi will be on call overnight tonight, February 23rd. Dr. Bull & Dr. Kauffman will be available for emergency consult by phone from 8AM-8PM on Saturday and Sunday.
🚨If an emergency does come up, consider reaching out to another local veterinarian for immediate care.
Have a great weekend!
❓❓❓How many treats are in the jar❓❓❓
Closest guess will win a bag of Welactin® Omega-3 Supplements for Dogs.
There are two different ways to play:
1️⃣📱 Comment below how many treats you think there are
2️⃣🗳 Next time you're in the clinic, write down your name, contact information and what your guess is
Treats will be counted on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH and the winner will be contacted! The winner can then pick up their prize at the clinic!
Happy guessing! 🐾
NO LARGE ANIMAL ON-CALL JAN 19TH-22ND
‼️ATTENTION LARGE ANIMAL CLIENTS‼️
There will be no large animal doctor on call this weekend, January 19th-22nd, from 5:00PM on Friday until 9:00AM Monday morning.
🚨If an emergency does come up, consider reaching out to another local veterinarian for immediate care.
Have a great weekend!
