Tag Archive for: veterinarian

Veterinarians in Wellington Colorado

Veterinarians in Wellington, Colorado

Wellington may be a small town but we are fortunate to host three veterinary hospitals that rank four stars and higher in reviews!

When it comes to taking care of your pets, there’s nothing more important than ensuring their health and well being. As a pet owner, you have a responsibility to make sure your pets receive the best care possible, including regular visits to the vet. Veterinary care is necessary for all pets – from dogs and cats to birds and even small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs. Visiting a veterinarian regularly can help detect any health issues early on, so your pet can get the treatment they need.

While this list can get you started in your search for your pet’s doctor, it is wise to call or visit each one to determine if they are a good fit for you and your pet.  This little town continues to grow so this is by no means an exhaustive list of veterinarians in Wellington but it should get you on your way to finding the perfect fit for you.

Vets in Wellington Colorado

Wellington Veterinary Hospital (970) 568-7387

  • Is AAHA Accredited
  • Practice of the Year in 2012
  • 265 Reviews with a 4.7 star rating
  • Provides Urgent and Emergency Care

Address: 7837 6th St. Wellington, CO 80549


Northern Colorado Veterinary Center (970) 447-6282

  • Dogs, Cats
  • On-Site Veterinary Acupuncturist
  • Pharmacy
  • Senior Care

Address: 8305 Wellington Blvd. Unit 103 Wellington, CO 80549


Tabby Road Animal Hospital (970) 568-7050

  • Large and Small Animal Hospital
  • Full Service
  • Emergency
  • Carries a Full Spectrum Hemp Oil

Address: 7200 5th St. Wellington, CO 80549


What Does a Veterinarian Do?

Veterinarians are experts in the care and treatment of animals. They provide a variety of treatments to help your pets get well and stay healthy. Some of the treatments that a veterinarian in Wellington may provide include:

  • Vaccinations: Veterinarians help to ensure that your pet is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. This includes vaccinations for common diseases as well as vaccinations for more exotic diseases.
  • Spaying/Neutering: Many pet owners choose to have their pets spayed or neutered. This procedure not only helps to reduce the number of animals that are euthanized, but it also helps to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.
  • Exam: A regular veterinary exam can help to identify any health problems or issues early. This can help to save your pet from further complications and/or surgery.
  • Treatment of Injuries: If your pet sustains an injury, a veterinarian may be able to provide treatment. This may include stitches, antibiotics, and/or pain relief.

Why Does My Pet Need a Veterinarian?

Pets are a major part of many families, and it is important to take care of their health. That’s why it is important to have a veterinarian in Wellington on hand to check on their health periodically. In fact, a veterinarian is essential for your pet’s health no matter what their size. Here are a few reasons why you need a veterinarian for your pet:

  • To check on their overall health and wellness.
  • To monitor any health problems that may be developing.
  • To treat any health problems that have already developed.
  • To provide preventive care, including vaccinations and other medical treatments.

How to Select a Veterinarian for Your Pet?

When it comes to selecting a veterinarian in Wellington for your pet, it is important to carefully consider all of your options. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a veterinarian. This includes the number of years they have been practicing veterinary medicine, as well as the types of animals they have treated. It is also important to look for a veterinarian who has a good reputation. This can be determined by looking at reviews online or contacting other patients to ask about their experience.

It is also important to consider the availability of the veterinarian. This can be determined by looking at their hours of operation and the locations they are located. It is also important to make sure the veterinarian is open during holidays and on weekends.

What should I do if I cannot find a veterinarian that will take my pet?

If you cannot find a veterinarian in Wellington that will take your pet, you may be able to find a veterinarian that will refer you to a veterinarian that will take your pet.

Conclusion

As pet owners, we all want the best of care for our beloved animals. The best way to ensure that your pet is living a long, healthy life is by visiting your veterinarian regularly. A well trained veterinarian can provide vital services such as preventive care, diagnostics and treatments for any medical needs or conditions your pet may have. But there’s much more to your veterinarian than just a doctor for your pet – they can be an invaluable partner in helping you make sure your furry family member stays fit and healthy.

Finding the right veterinarian for you and your pet need not be overwhelming or time consuming, I hope that the information we provided will help you in your quest to find the perfect fit!

Best Vets in Greeley, Colorado

Best Vets in Greeley, Colorado Header

 

Are you looking for a vet in Greeley, Colorado? You’re in luck! Folks in Greeley love their pets and the quality of veterinary care reflects that. There are some wonderful vets to chose from! Choosing the right vet for you is more about their location, expertise, and their style of caring for your pets. I personally prefer a small clinic and am willing to drive across town, but you may prefer a large clinic with longer hours or a clinic that is close.

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our article 5 Tips for Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

Here is a list of veterinarians that we have heard wonderful things about. We have included a few details but you will want to be sure to check them out and make sure they are a good match for you. There is nothing wrong with trying a few veterinarians to find the right one for you!

Alpine Veterinary Hospital

  • (970) 352-8835
  • 131 North 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Alpine Veterinary Hospital is a smaller clinic with a single veterinarian.

Edwards Veterinary Care

  • (970) 515-6405
  • 5240 W 9th Street Dr, Suite 400, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Edwards Veterinary Clinic is a small clinic with personalized care.

Highland Hills Pet Hospital

  • (970) 330-3332
  • 5592 West 19th St, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Highland Hills Pet Hospital is a single vet clinic that offers personalized care.

Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital

  • (970) 351-0936
  • 6297 W 10th St, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital is a larger clinic providing services to a wide variety of pets.

St Michaels Companion Animal Hospital

  • (970) 330-9400
  • 2914 67th Ave Suite 102, Greeley, CO 80634
  • St Michaels Companion Animal Hospital is a larger clinic that offers a wide variety of services
  • Sees exotic pets.

West Ridge Animal Hospital

  • (970) 330-7283
  • 8235 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
  • West Ridge Animal Hospital is a larger clinic offering a variety of services.
  • Also offers boarding care.

 

Now take a look at their websites and give them a call to see which veterinarian is the best match for you!

Best Vets in Windsor, Colorado

Best Vets in Windsor, Colorado Header

 

Are you looking for a vet in Windsor, Colorado? You’re in luck! Windsor is a quickly growing area and has a wonderful selection of veterinarians for your dogs and cats. Choosing the right vet for you is more about their location, expertise, and their style of caring for your pets. Some people prefer a small clinic with a single veterinarian and others prefer a larger clinic with more staff.

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our article 5 Tips for Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

Here is a list of veterinarians that we have heard wonderful things about. We have included a few details but you will want to be sure to check them out and make sure they are a good match for you. There is nothing wrong with trying a few veterinarians to find the right one for you!

The Vets Animal Hospital

  • (970) 686-5198
  • 1295 Main St, Suite 7, Windsor, CO 80550
  • The Vets Animal Hospital is a smaller clinic with a single veterinarian and wonderful support staff.

Windsor Veterinary Clinic

  • (970) 686-9664
  • 415 Main St, Windsor, CO 80550
  • Windsor Veterinary Clinic is a smaller clinic.
  • Fear Free Certified

Garden Valley Veterinary Hospital

  • (970) 674-5105
  • 32450 State Highway 257 #A, Windsor, CO 80550
  • Garden Valley Veterinary Hospital is a larger clinic that also offers boarding and grooming.

The Meadows Veterinary Center

  • (970) 223-9800
  • 8030 S County Rd 5, Windsor, CO 80528
  • The Meadows Veterinary Center is a medium-sized clinic that also offers laser services and acupuncture.

Mountainwood Pet Hospital

  • (970) 686-5725
  • 1200 West Ash Street, Windsor, CO 80550
  • Moutainwood Pet Hospital is a medium-sized clinic that also offers emergency care 24 hours a day for clients.

 

Now take a look at their websites and give them a call to see which veterinarian is the best match for you!

Best Vets in Loveland, Colorado

Best Vets in Loveland, Colorado Header

 

Are you looking for a vet in Loveland, Colorado? You’re in luck! Loveland has some of the best veterinary clinics and more are coming regularly, as the city grows. Choosing the right vet for you is more about their location, expertise, and their style of caring for your pets. Some people prefer a small clinic that only has a single veterinarian, while others prefer a larger clinic with more flexibility.

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our article 5 Tips for Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

Here are veterinarians we have heard wonderful things about. We have included a few details but you will want to be sure to check them out and make sure they are a good match for you. There is nothing wrong with trying a few veterinarians to find the right one for you!

Blue Sky Animal Clinic

  • (970) 663-6046
  • 2713 West Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland
  • Blue Sky is a larger clinic with many veterinarians and longer hours.

Boyd Lake Veterinary Center

  • (970) 680-4550
  • 3850 E 15th St, Loveland
  • Boyd Lake also has dog daycare and boarding, if you prefer to have multiple services under one roof.

Worthington Animal Clinic

  • (970) 667-2422
  • 4212 N Garfield Ave, Loveland
  • Worthington has been a mainstay in Loveland and has expanded to have a wider staff and hours.

 

 

Now take a look at their websites and give them a call to see which veterinarian is the best match for you!

What is Fear Free and How Can it Improve My Trip to the Veterinarian?

 

Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Dr Julie Gamble with Gamble Pet Care

This week we met with Dr Julie Gamble from Gamble Pet Clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. She discussed with us how Fear Free practices work and how to make your dog or cat more comfortable when going to see the veterinarian. Unfortunately a lot of pets do not visit the veterinarian as often as they should due to the level of stress and anxiety involved. In addition, once you arrive at the veterinarian your exam and care may not be as thorough as it could be if your pet is not willing to be handled easily. Fear Free is a new movement that you may not have heard of yet but is taking the animal community by storm! The general idea is to make visits to places like the veterinarian as stress free as possible for your cat or dog. This may mean taking steps in advance to coordinate with your veterinarian, breaking vet visits up into multiple trips, getting your pets used to the car and more. Dr Gamble talks about a lot of these ideas that you can use at home, or even better, discuss with your veterinarian and see if you can apply them to your visits.

*** Special note: Gamble Pet Clinic just received practice certification for Fear Free, making them the first Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice in Larimer County, Colorado! Congrats!

 

Gamble Pet Clinic

Gamble Pet Clinic is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, and specializes in preventative veterinary care for dogs and cats. As a disclaimer, Dr Gamble has been my veterinarian (this is Liana writing) for my entire adult life and watching her clinic develop and grow over the years has been an amazing privilege. Not to mention that my pets have also all loved her and her staff!

If you want to learn more about Gamble Pet Clinic, visit them online or contact them to learn more:

Fear Free Happy Homes

Fear Free Happy Homes is the program developed by the Fear Free organization for pet owners. They have both a complimentary membership and a paid membership, but the free side is a great place to start to learn more. They provide tips and resources to enrich your pet’s life, as well as information specifically on improving visits to the veterinarian. To learn about about them and join their program, visit their website Fear Free Happy Homes.

 

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

Previous topics:

Are you a local pet expert? Contact us to become a part of the Pet Care Tips Series!

Will You Care for My Sick Pet?

If you are a client of Wet Noses Pet Sitting then the answer is an emphatic yes, we will definitely care for your sick pet. Often if pets are sick before a client leaves then we can arrange extra care, but what happens if your pet becomes ill while you are gone? Here are two stories from the last month where we had to care for a sick pet after their pet parents left town.

The first case was an elderly cat that had kidney problems. During the previous few weeks she had been in and out of the vet clinic, but had been holding steady lately. The sitter was aware of the recent care but this was a short trip and the client decided to go out of town anyway, which we encouraged. Caring for an elderly sick pet can be draining and it often helps to get away to recharge your batteries to make sure you do not suffer from caregivers fatigue.

Anyway, after the first day I received a call from the sitter. The cat was acting much different than she had during previous vacations. We went over her behavior, discussed some basic health checks and formed a plan. The sitter contacted the client to discuss the behavior and see if it had been normal over the past few weeks. We discovered it was very different from what they had been seeing before they left and we all came to the decision that a trip to the vet was in order. The sitter took the kitty to the vet who then stayed the afternoon for tests and fluids. After the kitty was stable the sitter went to pick up the kitty and take her home. Over the next few days some supplemental care was needed and the cat was doing much better by the time the client returned.

The second case was a dog that suddenly lost mobility in his rear end out of no where. I had a brief call with the sitter and client and it was decided to hustle him into their vet ASAP.  The sitter brought him in and waited until the veterinarian was ready to run tests, then left for other visits. Once tests were done I went to pick up the dog and meet with the vet. There were no immediate problems they could find and his mobility improved throughout the day so we decided to take him home and focus on massage to increase his circulation.

Over the next few days he was up and down so we stayed in contact with the client and the vet to try to figure out the trigger. After a rearrangement of sleeping areas, lots of massage and the help of a walking harness the pup was doing much better.

So what is the common thread here? When you are gone we at Wet Noses Pet Sitting will do whatever is needed to maintain the health and happiness of your pets. While you are gone they receive the best care we can offer and we would imagine no less.

5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love!

 

Adding a new pet to your family is very exciting. It’s important to find a good vet and start their care as soon as possible. But it is likely that you feel a little overwhelmed when you see the long list of vets in the directory. It’s not too hard to narrow down the search if you know what to consider when choosing a vet.

1. What kind of accreditation do they have?

The best veterinary hospitals are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They regularly evaluate the practices on about 900 different standards of excellence, which means the level of care is the best in the industry. Visit their website to find an AAHA accredited vet near you.

Many clinics are also starting to offer a Fear Free certification. This is a course that teaches veterinarians to work with animals in such a way as to minimize the fear and stress involve in a vet visit. Find a Fear Free certified veterinarian near you.

2. How convenient are their hours and location?

There’s no doubt that we are busy people. That is why it is important to have a veterinarian office that is located near your home or on your daily commute. Moreover, make sure that they have the hours that fit your daily schedule. If you work long days, find a location with evening or weekend hours.

3. What type of emergency care do they offer?

Accidents and sickness happens. We can’t plan for them and unfortunately they also can happen at all hours of the night. Make sure to have a plan in place for emergency care. If the vet you choose has AAHA accreditation, there is a good chance they have 24 hour emergency services.

4. Do they have in house medical equipment and lab testing?

The best offices have in house testing and equipment. If your pet needs lab work or x-rays, the results will be faster; meaning you will know what is wrong and how to treat it as soon as possible.

5. Are there good online reviews and testimonials?

Nothing beats a face to face encounter to tell how much (or how little) you are going to like any particular office. However, in the great day and age of the internet, we have sites like Yelp.com that help shine the light behind the doors. Read reviews on community sites as well as testimonials on their website as well. This will help you get an idea if the practice is a good fit for you family.

 

After you’ve picked a vet, go for a regular check to assess the level of care. If they are a perfect, then great! If not, try again until you find the one that is just right for you.

Do you have any recommendations for veterinarian offices in the Fort Collins or Loveland area? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!

Does My Dog Lick Excessively?

 

Do you ever catch your pooch in the act of licking his feet, forearms, or other extremity so ferociously you think to yourself, “wow, that must really feel good”? While his licking may seem a non-issue, and one that provides him joy, that doesn’t mean it might not be his response to an underlying issue if they lick excessively.

Canine acral lick dermatitis (ALD) – also known as lick granulomas – is a lesion to the skin caused by chronic licking, resulting in skin inflammation. Over time, the skin thickens and the area can’t heal because they lick excessively. The licking and the inflammation cause itching, which causes your dog to lick even more, creating a vicious cycle of itching, licking, inflammation, and the inability to heal.

ALD can also result in secondary issues including bacterial infection, ruptured hair follicles and ruptured sweat glands. These issues just add fuel to the cycle, making the itching even worse which increases your dog’s need to lick.

The most common location for ALD is on the front side of a front leg between the elbow joint and paw, though they are often found on the ankle and between the toes. The condition is most often seen in middle-aged, large-breed dogs. Many veterinarians believe itchy skin triggers the excessive licking, although it is thought it can also be set off by a painful condition, such as trauma to the leg, a fracture, post-surgical discomfort, arthritis, or nerve damage. A fungal or bacterial infection, as well as skin mites, can also trigger itching in your pooch.

Not only is ALD rooted in health conditions, incessant licking is also a common obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs – yes, dogs can have OCD, too! Rover’s licking may trigger the release of endorphins (a chemical in the brain that leads to feelings of happiness) and once he learns licking brings about a pleasant feeling, he’ll likely continue to do it. As well, psychological factors such as boredom, stress and separation anxiety can result in excessive licking. To best determine how to treat the issue, it is important to determine the cause.

If you suspect your pooch has an ALD lesion, there will typically be a raised area of ulceration, hair loss, and thickened skin around the lesion. Your veterinarian should first rule out any potential allergies first, as a dog with recurrent skin or ear infections, hot spots, or itching in other areas may have an allergic condition that needs treatment. Several tests are needed to diagnose ALD, including skin scrapings and fungal cultures, and to look for infection.

If it is determined that your pooch is indeed suffering from ALD, once treated effectively, you’ll likely need to address any psychological or emotional factors that may have contributed to your pet’s obsessive licking. Try to refocus his energy with frequent walks, playtime, and other methods of physical activity. Make sure you and everyone in your family pays extra attention to Rover, stimulating his brain and keeping him happy and secure.

The best way to prevent ALD is to talk to your vet as soon as you notice you dog start to lick excessively. Make a habit of running your hands over Rover regularly to check for damp fur or sensitivity. If you notice him licking a particular spot but there’s no injury to the skin, wrap the area with an Ace bandage to discourage further licking. Anything you can do to prevent Rover from self-injury will be extremely beneficial.

While we associate licking with a dog’s natural instinct, sometimes it can serve as a sign of an underlying issue and, when done excessively, should never be ignored.

6 Common Myths About Your Dog

 

If you’re a pet parent to a canine, you’ve likely heard the old wives tales that have trickled down through the ages regarding our pooch’s health. Is your dog sick? “Check to see if his nose is dry!” Is Rover licking a wound? “Licking speeds up the healing process!” While there may be some truth behind statements like these, most are completely unfounded.

1. Dogs only eat grass when they’re sick.

While there is some truth to this claim, many scientists insist it’s normal for a dog to eat some grass from time to time as it’s in their genetics. There’s no need to worry if your dog enjoys a grass snack on occasion, however, if gulped down in large amounts it may indicate Rover has an upset stomach. If you find him chowing down on mouthfuls of grass and vomiting them up, it may be best to visit your vet.

2. Dogs eat non-food items because of a nutritional deficiency.

No one can say exactly why some dogs eat rocks, feces, lick carpet, and ingest things that are not meant to be ingested. Most vets believe dogs eat these things out of sheer boredom or as a method to gain attention. To prevent Rover from noshing on the non-edible, provide adequate exercise for him, along with ample outlets for his excess energy.

3. Garlic kills fleas.

Many pet parents claim garlic works to keep fleas at bay, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. While it is very possible that the smell acts as a deterrent, garlic does not kill them.

4. If Rover’s nose is warm, he is sick.

Not true! Your dog’s nose temperature cannot indicate illness or health. It also can’t verify whether or not Rover has a fever. The only way to accurately determine your dog’s temperature is by measuring it with a thermometer, with normal readings ranging between 101.5 to 102.5°F.

 

5. If your dog licks his wounds, it will help them heal faster.

Dogs naturally lick their wounds in an effort to clean them, but it actually slows down the healing process and can lead to serious infections. To prevent your pooch from licking his wound excessively, block access to the area with an Elizabethan collar (you know, the lampshade looking contraptions that go around Rover’s neck) or by applying a bandage. To aid in the healing process, clean the wound thoroughly and apply a dog-safe antiseptic.

6. Your pooch will let you know when he’s sick or in pain.

Definitely not true! In general, dogs are adept at hiding the signs that indicate they are sick or feeling pain. Behaviorists speculate this is instinctual, a behavior inherited from their ancestors who, in their drive to survive, hid any weakness. More often than not, by the time you notice your dog is sick, his condition has already progressed. Keep an eye on Rover’s typical behavior and make note of any differences you notice in the time he spends sleeping, if he’s slower in his movements (especially when getting up and lying down), if his appetite shrinks, if he seems more distant, or, on the contrary, becomes more clingy. It’s also a good idea to take a quick look at Rover’s poop every time he goes to identify any differences in its appearance.

 

It’s our mission as pet parents to provide the best possible care for our canine companions, and it can sometimes get confusing with the countless theories out there on dogs and their care. If you’re uncertain or just looking for advice, consult with Rover’s veterinarian.

How to Find the Best Price for Pet Medications

 

Owning a pet is a rewarding but costly commitment. Veterinary care can be expensive and the medications used for treatments can really add up. In most cases buying the medication directly from your vet (if they carry it) is the most expensive option. However there are some good options to cut pet medication costs while getting the same quality medication.These options include human pharmacies, online pharmacies and compounding pharmacies.  Check out these tips on how to find the best price for pet medications.

Human Pharmacies 

Many pet medications are human medications in different doses. I have had good luck with the King Soopers pharmacy, Walmart pharmacy and Costco pharmacy for pet medications. As a bonus Costco pharmacies usually carry pet specific medications like Frontline and Heartguard. When trying to find a medication at a human pharmacy make sure that they can give you a dose small enough for your pet. Check out GoodRx( http://www.goodrx.com/), this is a site that compares prices of a certian medication at pharmaices in your area.

Pros:

  • Prescriptions can be filled the same day (usually)
  • They are generally cheaper than the vet’s office
  • Some have membership deals

Cons:

  • The dose you need may not be available
  • Only human medications are carried

 

Online Pet Pharmacies 

There are over 20 online pet pharmacies that you can order from today, but not all are safe. Many of these fake or non-accredited pharmacies will provide expired medication, incorrect doses or the incorrect medication. These can all have negative consequences on your pet’s health. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has a list of certified and trusted online pharmacies to use (http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/safe-acquisition/recommended-vet-vipps-online-pharmacies). Most of the time your vet will have you fill out a liability form before they will send prescriptions to an online pharmacy. This works if you have a pet with a chronic condition (like hypothyroidism) and are good at planning ahead.

Pros:

  • Usually the cheapest option
  • Medication is made specifically for pets

Cons:

  • Medication needs to be shipped after it is ordered ( there is a delay)
  • Requires planning ahead
  • Temperature sensitive medications could go bad in the mail

 

Compounding 

Compounding is done at special pharmacies called compounding pharmacies. They create medications at specific doses and in specific mediums. Many pet parents need drugs compounded when the dose they need is smaller than what is commonly offered.

Pros:

  • Specific dose to what your pet needs
  • More limited ingredients

Cons:

  • More expensive
  • Compounding pharmacies can be hard to find

Finding inexpensive, effective and safe pet medications can be a challenge, but with the help of these tips it should be a breeze. Once you have gotten the medication you get to move on to the fun part, administering the medication to your pet. Don’t worry though, your Sidehill Sitter is a pro at giving medication to pets!