The Hidden Risks of Foxtails for Dogs
A run through tall grass can leave your dog with more than dusty paws. Foxtails and other grass awns can catch in the coat, slip between the toes, enter an ear or nostril, or puncture the skin, and once embedded, their shape may allow them to move farther into the body rather than working their way back out.
Summer Plants That Can Be Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Summer brings nicer, warmer weather to many parts of the country, which often means more porch time, garden projects, backyard play, and fresh-cut flowers on the kitchen counter. But, for curious dogs and cats, it can also bring easier access to plants that may cause anything from mild stomach upset to a true medical emergency. The tricky part is that many toxic summer plants look completely ordinary.
Navigating the Modern Vet World: A Look Inside Alpine Animal Hospital
Veterinary medicine is changing rapidly. Just like the rest of the world, our industry is shifting toward a corporate structure, technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, and new medical options are expanding what's possible for our pets.
Did you know Alpine has pet Wellness Plans?
Preventive care is one of the best investments you can make in your pet's long-term health. Regular wellness exams, vaccinations, diagnostic screenings, dental care, and parasite prevention all play a vital role in helping pets live longer, healthier lives. At Alpine Animal Hospital, we've designed our Wellness Plans to make that care more accessible, more affordable, and easier to manage.
Beyond Fresh Breath: The Hidden Benefits of COHAT Dental Cleanings
As dogs and cats live longer, the veterinary profession is evolving to understand the immense benefits of preventive care. As we have intertwined our lives with those of our pets, we have historically overlooked the importance of their dental health. Your pet's bad breath is not just an inconvenience for you; it is an indication that deeper dental disease can be hiding. Prioritizing their dental health goes beyond fresh breath; it is their quality of life at stake.
New Year, Healthy Pets: Start 2026 with Strong Preventive Care
The New Year is a time for fresh starts—and that includes your pet's health. Just like people, pets benefit from routine checkups, early detection of health issues, and personalized wellness plans. At Alpine Animal Hospital, we believe preventive care is the foundation of a long, happy life for your furry family members. Why Preventive Care Matters Preventive care helps us catch problems early, often before your pet shows visible symptoms. This can mean:
Year-End Reflection: Have We Done Our Best for Our Pets This Year?
As the year winds down in the Roaring Fork Valley, many of us naturally start looking back—at our families, our accomplishments, and yes… at our pets. Our furry companions share every bit of our year: the busy mornings, the lazy Sunday afternoons, the joyful moments, and the stressful ones too.
Don’t Ignore the Lumps: Caring for Senior Pets and Catching Changes Early
As our beloved pets grow older, they often develop new bumps and lumps on their skin. While many of these are harmless, some can indicate more serious underlying conditions. The key to keeping your senior companion healthy is early detection and regular veterinary checkups. Why Senior Pets Need Extra Attention Just like people, dogs and cats experience physical changes as they age — slower metabolism, weaker immune systems, and cellular changes that make them more prone to growths. These may include:
Recognizing and Managing Chronic Pain in Dogs and Cats: A Guide for Pet Owners
As veterinary medicine continues to advance, our understanding of chronic pain in pets has grown significantly. Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from long-term pain due to arthritis, cancer, dental disease, past injuries, or other chronic health conditions.