High Desert Pets Blog
Welcome! Here is where we share expert tips, important reminders, and in-depth information to support the health and well-being of your beloved pets.
Stay connected for valuable insights to keep your pets happy and healthy.
Back to School, Bend-Style: Helping Your Pets Through the Fall Shuffle
You know it’s back-to-school season in Bend when the yellow buses appear, the mornings feel crisp, and you can’t find a parking spot at Trader Joe’s because everyone’s stocking up on lunch snacks. While you’re wrangling backpacks, packed lunches, and new schedules, your pets are also feeling the shift—and sometimes, they’re not too thrilled about it.
At High Desert Veterinary, we know pets thrive on routine. Summer often means extra walks, more ball tosses, backyard adventures, and the occasional ice cream run where they “accidentally” get a lick. When that suddenly disappears, your pets might wonder, Hey…where’d everybody go? That change in rhythm can bring stress, boredom, and even health changes.
August Is Prime Time for Your Pet’s Wellness Exam in Bend, Oregon
Summer’s winding down, the school buses are warming up, and here in Bend, the nights are just starting to whisper, “Fall is coming.” That makes August the perfect time to get your pet in for their annual wellness exam.
At High Desert Veterinary, I like to think of August as the sweet spot: the dust is still on the trails, the rivers are still inviting, but it’s early enough to check in on your furry friend before the cooler months (and holiday madness) hit.
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy in the High Desert
Living in Bend means fresh air, big skies, and endless trails—but our high desert climate also brings unique challenges for pets. Here are the top ten things we encourage pet parents to stay on top of to keep their furry friends feeling great year-round:
Toxic Foods to Avoid for Pets
It’s a common scene—you’re chopping veggies or enjoying a snack and those hopeful pet eyes are begging for a bite. But some foods that seem harmless (or even healthy!) to humans can actually be toxic to dogs and cats.
Be Prepared: National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
It’s National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to helping pet owners understand how to respond in an emergency. While most of us know the basics of human first aid, many pet parents are unsure what to do if their dog eats something toxic, their cat breaks a bone, or they notice sudden breathing issues.
April is National Heartworm Month: Protect Your Pet at High Desert Veterinary
April is National Heartworm Month, a time to raise awareness about this preventable yet dangerous disease that affects both dogs and cats. As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, it’s the perfect time to ensure your pets are protected from heartworms and other parasitic infections.
Facts About Obesity in Pets
Obesity in pets is a growing concern, affecting millions of dogs and cats worldwide. While a chubby pet might seem cute, excess weight can lead to serious health complications, reduced lifespan, and a diminished quality of life. Understanding the causes, risks, and misconceptions surrounding pet obesity can help owners make better choices for their furry companions.
Savoring magic moments, even at 6 am
Each morning I walk our three dogs. It’s not easy to walk three dogs at one time. Certainly not in the middle of a freeze-thaw cycle in the middle of winter, and definitely not easy when the dogs range in size from 10 pounds, tiny to 90 pounds, huge. So my solution is to get up well before dawn (before the other dogs and walkers), brew a hot cup of coffee to take with me, and hit the road to speed-walk my furry pack off-leash to the wide-open spaces adjacent to our neighborhood
Is There a Way to Tell If a Pet Is in Pain?
Pain in pets can be classified into two broad categories: physical pain and psychological pain. Both affect a pet’s behavior and overall health, and both can be challenging to detect. By paying close attention to changes in posture, appetite, activity levels, and temperament, you can determine if your pet might be suffering.
Celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month with High Desert Veterinary
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, a perfect time to focus on an often-overlooked aspect of pet care, your furry friend’s oral health!
Just like humans, pets require regular dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize that dental disease is one of the most common health issues in cats and dogs.
At High Desert Veterinary, we are dedicated to ensuring your pet’s smile stays clean, bright, and most importantly, healthy. Our very own Dr. Post specializes in pet dental care.
Follow These Tips to Keep Your Pet’s Heart Healthy
With Valentine’s Day inspiring our thoughts to linger on all the people and animals we adore, we’ve got your pet’s heart health on our minds here at High Desert Veterinary.
As one of THE most important organs in their body, the heart works tirelessly to keep our fur babies happy, active, and full of life.
Just like humans, our pets can experience heart conditions that require attention and care. Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, or any other beloved companion, ensuring their heart health is essential for their overall well-being.
Veterinarians play a crucial role in maintaining and monitoring your pet’s cardiovascular health. Any of the below issues can be detected with the right know how and tools. The goal is to detect any issues early, and do all that we can to ensure your pet gets the preventative care that will go far to ensuring they live a long and happy life.
Our Team is Growing! Meet Our Two New Veterinarians
High Desert Veterinary is excited to announce that two very talented and compassionate veterinarians have joined our team this year with Dr. Holly Lemaire and Dr. Jon Enyart. Learn more about each of them and what they are eager to share with the community of Bend.
How to Care for Pets’ Paws in Winter Weather
As winter sets in, the chilly temperatures, ice, and snow can pose unique challenges for our pets, especially when it comes to their paws. Proper paw care during the colder months is crucial to keeping your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy. Here at High Desert Veterinary, we’re dedicated to helping you ensure your pet’s paws stay in top condition through the winter. Let’s explore some essential tips and products that can make a big difference.
Evacuations: How to Bring Your Pet Along with You
In the face of an emergency, evacuating your home can be a stressful and chaotic experience. Adding pets into the mix complicates matters further, but with proper planning and preparation, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to include your pets in your evacuation plans.
Keep Your Pet Warm This Winter with these Tips from High Desert Veterinary
Winter can be a magical time, with snowy landscapes and festive holidays, but it also brings colder temperatures that can be challenging for our furry friends. Keeping your pet warm during the winter months is crucial to their health and well-being. At High Desert Veterinary, we want to ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable. Here are some efficient ways to keep your pet warm, the options available, and the risks of neglecting their warmth.
Capture the Magic: Holiday Photo Tips for Beautiful Memories with Your Pet
The holidays are a wonderful time to take photos to last a lifetime. As the holiday season rolls around, our homes fill with warmth, laughter, and the company of those we cherish most—including our beloved pets, who make every moment a bit brighter. There’s nothing quite like marking the moment in time with photos to last a lifetime.
Holiday Travel Tips for Pet Owners: Keeping Your Pet Safe and Comfortable on the Go
With the holiday season approaching, many of us are gearing up for visits to family, cozy getaways, or long-awaited vacations. For pet owners, holiday travel takes a bit more planning, especially when we’re bringing our furry friends along. Here are some essential tips from Dr. Post on how to prepare, pack, and plan for a smooth holiday trip with your pets—or arrange safe, stress-free care if they’re staying behind.
Meet HDV’s Veterinary Technician Team
At High Desert Veterinary, our team of vet techs is more than just skilled professionals—they’re the heart of our clinic, bringing dedication, compassion, and a dash of fall flair to everything they do. Read more to get to know each one a bit better.
Healthy Holiday Treat Alternatives for Pets: A Guide to Pet-Friendly Festive Feasting
Many holiday favorites contain ingredients that can be harmful to pets. To keep the holidays happy, it’s essential to be mindful of what’s going in your pet’s belly. That’s where these safe, festive, and downright tasty holiday treat alternatives come in!
Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Halloween can be stressful and even dangerous for pets. Here are our top tips for keeping your pet safe during this popular holiday.