Break up isn’t the only thing brewing this time of year; it’s parvo season. The weather is warming up, the snow is FINALLY melting, and people and pets are itching to get out of the house. Of course, we worry about ice breaking here in Alaska, but cold water and strong currents aren’t the only things hiding under the ice …

Not all animal hospitals handle their emergency services the same way, but this is how we function at Tier 1. On any given day at Tier 1, there are between 1 and 6 doctors seeing patients. This number includes specialists, primary care, and emergency care providers. This staffing structure is unique to Tier 1, as we strive to provide comprehensive …

One of the most common messages I find on my board is that an owner wants a refill of a medication. Slightly less frequently, it’ll have written underneath that the owner does not want to come in for a recheck.”Why do I need a recheck? Why can’t they just send me more medications? It’s just the same old thing flaring …

Lately, so much of our news stream and media focus on vaccinations and boosters — how many and how often. So I might as well use this opportunity for a plug on the canine core vaccinations. Many people are actually unsure what vaccines their dogs, especially puppies, need and how often. Rabies and DAPP are recommended for all dogs, and …

We use a wide variety of medications in veterinary medicine. Many of them overlap with human medicine but are prescribed at different dosages and for different conditions. In the last few years, CBD has made its way into veterinary medicine. While it has its uses, it’s a bit like grain-free diets: overused and potentially dangerous. To be safe for use …

Marijuana, THC, pot, grass, 420…by any other name, it is no friend of pets. Dogs don’t dab, cats don’t chill, and no hot-boxing allowed. Veterinarians and our staff don’t care what your personal choices are; marijuana is legal in many states now, and we don’t judge (much) if your pet swiped some and is showing signs of THC toxicity. Knowing …

Ear cropping is an elective surgery currently implemented in approximately 20 dog breeds, including Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers, Schnauzers, and many others. This procedure involves the surgical removal of most or all of the flappy portion of the ear. The surgery may be followed by taping to train the ear cartilage into the desired position. Historically, the surgery was implemented …

Pets, just like the rest of us, inevitably age. As much as we would like to, even vets can’t fight the aging process. However, we can share a few tips to help you add quantity and — more importantly — quality to your pet’s golden years. Quality nutrition, exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular checkups with your vet are …

It may be a difficult point to continue hammering home for your pup, but sticks do your dogs no favors. During the spring, summer, and fall, I see 1-2 dogs weekly who have accidentally impaled themselves while playing with sticks. We get the occasional stick foreign body in the external skin or intestines. They also get stuck between teeth causing …

Why do dogs eat grass? A question vets get every day with no definitive answer. There are many theories on why your dog may be going green, including instinct, dietary deficiencies, boredom, and underlying illness. Regardless of the cause, eating grass can have serious and potentially dangerous consequences for your dog and should be discouraged. Bottom line: don’t let your …