Most of us associate a visit to the dentist with being told that you’re just not brushing enough, even if you think you are. Can you imagine a trip to the dentist if you never brushed your teeth in between visits? That’s the state of many pets’ oral health. Your pets can’t do much to care for their own teeth, but with a little help from you, they can live healthier. There are three great ways you can help your pet maintain good dental health. The first method is chews. Chews are easy because they require a minimum amount of effort on your part. All you have to do is give your pet a tasty treat. Pets love them, and they’re inexpensive. Chews work by using the mechanical action of chewing to physically strip plaque off of the teeth. This can be augmented through the use of an antiseptic called Chlorhexidine. Chlorhexidine inhibits the growth of bacteria, so even if some tiny bits stay in your dog’s mouth, it will help eliminate bacteria and prevent plaque. All of the C.E.T. HEXtra chews we offer at our hospital have Chlorhexidine in them, and are available for both dogs and cats. They are easier to digest than rawhide chews. Just one a day will help clean up your pet’s dirty mouth. No matter what! The second method to improving your pet’s oral health is with rinses. C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse is available at our clinic, and is a great product for keeping mouths clean. As often as once a day to once a week, just squirt the rinse in your pet’s mouth, between the cheek and gum. The rinse contains a chlorhexidine additive that is fortified with zinc, which has been positively linked to oral hygiene. This will eliminate the bacteria in your pet’s mouth and boost their defenses against new bacteria forming. The last and best method is good old fashioned brushing. We have many different types of brushes and toothpastes, to ensure you find what works best for your pet. These specially designed toothpastes are safe to swallow, and come in flavors your pet will like, such as beef and seafood. It can take a little time for your pet to get used to the idea of you brushing their teeth, but it is by far the best way to keep their mouths healthy. We also carry some supplemental dental health products. One of these is AquaDent water additive. All you need to do is add it to you pet’s drinking water everyday and it helps reduce plaque and sweeten breath. Also available is OraVet plaque prevention gel. OraVet is a sealant that you apply to your pet’s teeth once a week. This protects the teeth from new bacterial buildup. Keep in mind that all of these products are designed to prevent dental disease, not treat it. If your pet is already experiencing periodontal disease, they will likely need a dental cleaning to get them back on the right track. If you would like to discuss the condition of your pet’s teeth, we would be glad to set up a complimentary dental exam and estimate for cleaning. September and February are our dental special months, and all dental cleanings are discounted. Check with your veterinarian to find out which of these products or services would be best for your pet.… read more »

As we start a brand new year we would like to take a moment to remind you the importance of keeping up on your pets health.  When you were a child you received a series of vaccinations at certain points in your life. This is important for your pets as well. Pets need to have vaccinations to guard against disease. Your pets need a series of vaccines when they are young, from 8 to 16 weeks of age. They will also need these vaccines boostered at 1 year of age.  These vaccines protect your pet and other pets from diseases as well as other problems that could arise. We recommend that your pet is visiting the veterinarian on a yearly basis.  Other care besides vaccinations can be proper bathing, toenail clipping, and proper feeding.  Call us with any questions you have about providing your pets with the love and care that they deserve and have a safe and happy 2010! … read more »

The staff at Idaho Veterinary Hospital would like to take a moment to wish each and every one of you a very happy and safe holiday season! This Thanksgiving we are all taking a little extra time with our friends and family. We will be closed on Thursday 11/26/, Friday 11/27 and Saturday 11/28.  Idaho Veterinary Hospital will not have a Dr available on call this weekend. If you have an animal emergency, please try Indian Creek Veterinary Hospital at 459-6355 between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm on Friday, and 9:00am and 1:00pm on Saturday. Please contact West Vet after hours at 375-1600.… read more »

You may not know it, but Idaho Vet Hospital is a member of AAHA, The American Animal Hospital Association. This means that we are members of the only exclusive small animal hospital association in the world. They set the standards for companion animal care, and offer unique guidelines and educational materials that our hospital can use to make sure you are getting the best care possible for your pet. AAHA offers a specific set of standards that must be met in order for a hospital to be AAHA Accredited. Accreditation is the Gold Standard of animal health care. Only the most well-kept, well-organized, and capable animal hospitals receive accreditation. There are currently four hospitals in the valley with that distinction. Idaho Vet Hospital is currently hard at work making sure every aspect of our business meets or exceeds the standards set forth by AHAA. From our standards of patient care to diagnostics and workplace safety, all elements are rising to a new level.… read more »

We now offer home delivery service for prescription medications and diets. Read more to find out all about it!… read more »

Since last fall, the Nampa department of Parks and Recreation has been hard at work putting together a brand new off-leash dog park for Nampa. We are happy to announce that the park will be soon opening! The grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the park on Monday, July 20th, 10:30am.… read more »

If you call ten different vets and ask what they charge for a spay or neuter, you’ll get ten different prices. If they are all doing the same thing, the price should be the same, right? The truth is every hospital has their own set procedure and standard of care for their patients. You get what you pay for. That $65 low-cost clinic down the street is not doing the same thing as the place that charges $250. What’s the difference? Each hospital has its own standard of care. There are a few things you should know so you can fully understand the value behind the service that is offered to you.… read more »

When the air starts to warm and the frosts depart until October, it means the beginning of heartworm season for pet owners. In our area this usually begins in April or May. For most of us this means starting our pets on heartworm preventative, some of them for the very first time. There are all kinds of questions that commonly come up during this season, ranging from “What’s a heartworm?” to “What product should I use?” Let’s take a little time to answer these questions.… read more »

Our country’s economy has seen better days, that’s not news to anyone. Ever increasingly I am faced with furrow-browed clients fuming over prices of health care for their pets. Often they express their frustration: “Are you kidding, I don’t even pay that much when I go to the doctor!” There is an obvious response to this, which can open the eyes of many pet owners to a cost effective way to manage the cost of their companion’s health care; “Do you have pet insurance?”… read more »

Winter is fast approaching, and with it a whole new set of challenges for you and your pet. A few extra steps can make sure that your pet stays happy, healthy and warm this winter.… read more »