Urinary tract problems are common in cats and can lead to house soiling, discomfort, and serious health complications if left untreated. In fact, inappropriate elimination related to urinary concerns is one of the most common reasons older cats are surrendered to shelters.
What many people don’t realize is that urinary symptoms do not always mean a simple infection. In younger and middle-aged cats, the most common cause of urinary signs is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), a painful bladder inflammation often linked to stress. True bacterial urinary tract infections are more common in senior cats or those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
The good news? Many urinary issues are treatable!
Common Signs of Urinary Tract Problems in Cats
Watch for the following symptoms:
Urinating small amounts more frequently
Straining to urinate
Crying or showing signs of pain while urinating
Urinating outside the litter box
Blood-tinged (pink) urine
Sudden litter box avoidance
Lethargy
Vomiting
If your cat is unable to urinate at all, this is a medical emergency. Male cats are especially at risk for urinary blockage, which can become life-threatening within 24 hours. Seek veterinary care immediately.
2. Incorporate Wet Food
Canned food contains significantly more moisture than dry kibble and can meaningfully increase overall hydration. Even adding one wet meal per day can help support urinary health.
3. Consider a Therapeutic Urinary Diet (If Recommended)
For cats with a history of urinary crystals, stones, or bladder inflammation, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription urinary diet.
These diets are formulated to:
Carefully control mineral levels (such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium)
Promote optimal urine pH
Increase urine dilution
Reduce recurrence of certain types of crystals and stones
While these diets are prescription-based, they are often similarly priced to many premium over-the-counter brands. Always consult your veterinarian before switching diets, especially if your cat has had previous urinary problems.
4. Reduce Environmental Stress
Stress plays a significant role in feline idiopathic cystitis and inappropriate elimination.
You can help by:
Providing vertical spaces and hiding spots
Maintaining consistent feeding and play routines
Using pheromone diffusers if recommended
Providing vertical spaces and hiding spots
Avoiding sudden changes in environment when possible
Cats thrive on predictability
5. Keep Litter Boxes Clean and Appealing
A clean litter box is essential:
Scoop daily
Provide one box per cat, plus one extra
Avoid heavily scented litters
Scoop daily
Provide one box per cat, plus one extra
Avoid heavily scented litters
Ensure boxes are placed in quiet, accessible locations
Strong fragrances may smell pleasant to us, but can deter cats from using the box consistently.
Early Intervention Matters
Urinary tract issues are painful, but they are also highly manageable with early veterinary care.
If your cat begins avoiding the litter box, do not assume it is behavioral. Medical causes should always be ruled out first.
With the right treatment plan, environmental support, and preventive care, many cats with urinary conditions can live comfortable, healthy lives for years to come.
While genetics play a role in how long a cat may live, daily lifestyle choices often have a far greater impact on both lifespan and quality of life. A cat’s environment, nutrition, mental and physical enrichment, and emotional well-being shape their long-term health far more than chance alone. Understanding these factors is essential for anyone bringing a cat into their home or hoping to give their current cat the healthiest life possible.
Genetics vs. Lifestyle: What Really Determines a Cat’s Lifespan
Genetics can influence a cat’s predisposition to certain health conditions, but they don’t determine the whole story. While some cats may be born with higher risks for issues like kidney disease, heart conditions, or joint problems, lifestyle plays a major role in how, and when, those conditions develop.
What cat parents can’t control is genetics. What they can control is everything that surrounds it, diet, activity level, stress exposure, environmental safety, and emotional well-being. When lifestyle supports health consistently, cats are better equipped to live longer, more comfortable lives regardless of their genetic starting point.
Age-Specific Lifestyle Needs Throughout a Cat’s Life
A cat’s lifestyle needs naturally evolve as they move from energetic kittenhood into adulthood and, eventually, their senior years. While the goal of good care stays the same, the way cats engage with their environment, activity, and enrichment changes with age. Recognizing these shifts helps cat parents support health and comfort at every stage of life.
Kittens and young adult cats thrive on frequent play, exploration, and opportunities to climb, chase, and practice natural hunting behaviors. As cats mature, their energy levels often stabilize, making structured play sessions and consistent routines more beneficial than constant stimulation. Adapting enrichment to match a cat’s age helps prevent injury while still supporting physical and mental health.
For senior cats, lifestyle choices should prioritize comfort, warmth, accessibility, and gentle movement. Soft resting areas, easy access to food and litter, lower climbing options, and low-impact play help aging bodies stay mobile without strain. Importantly, slowing down does not mean eliminating stimulation; senior cats still benefit from interactive play, sensory engagement, and environmental variety tailored to their abilities.
By adjusting lifestyle choices over time, cat parents can help ensure that every stage of life remains enriching, comfortable, and supportive of long-term well-being.
The Human-Cat Relationship and Daily Interaction
The relationship a cat has with their human plays a powerful role in emotional health and overall well-being. Consistent, positive interactions help cats feel secure, reduce stress, and support healthy behavior patterns. Cats who feel safe and understood are better equipped to handle changes, recover from illness, and maintain stable routines over time.
Daily play and engagement provide more than entertainment; they support physical activity, mental stimulation, and emotional connection. Even short, regular play sessions help satisfy natural instincts and strengthen trust between cats and their humans. Just as important is daily observation: noticing changes in appetite, energy, movement, or behavior can reveal early signs of discomfort or illness.
Attentive cat parents often detect health concerns earlier because they’re familiar with what’s normal for their cat. In engaged households, subtle shifts are less likely to be overlooked, allowing for quicker veterinary care and better long-term outcomes. In contrast, hands-off care can delay detection, leading to more advanced health issues before intervention occurs.
Strong human-cat bonds aren’t just about affection; they’re an essential part of a lifestyle that supports longevity, comfort, and a higher quality of life.
Stress Levels and Emotional Well-Being
Chronic stress can quietly take a toll on a cat’s health over time. When stress is ongoing, it can weaken the immune system, disrupt digestion, affect sleep, and increase vulnerability to illness, all of which can impact longevity. Because cats are skilled at hiding discomfort, stress often goes unnoticed until it begins affecting their physical well-being.
Common stressors include loud or unpredictable noise, tension with other pets, frequent routine changes, limited access to safe spaces, or a lack of control over their environment. Even well-meaning attention can become stressful if a cat doesn’t have the ability to retreat and rest when needed. Creating dedicated spaces designed specifically for a cat’s comfort and autonomy, such as vertical retreats, quiet zones, or secure outdoor enclosures like catios, can help restore a sense of control and reduce daily stress. What feels minor to humans can feel overwhelming to a cat without proper outlets or security.
Predictable routines and designated safe spaces help cats feel grounded and secure. Consistent feeding times, familiar environments, and quiet areas where cats can retreat without interruption reduce stress and support emotional balance. These small, steady comforts create a sense of safety that supports both mental and physical health.
Equally important is finding the right balance between engagement and overstimulation. While attention, play, and affection are vital, cats also need autonomy and downtime. Respecting a cat’s signals and allowing them to choose when to interact helps maintain trust, reduce anxiety, and promote a calmer, healthier life overall.
Diet and Nutrition as a Lifestyle Foundation
Nutrition plays a foundational role in a cat’s long-term health and lifespan. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to thrive on species-appropriate diets rich in animal-based protein and essential nutrients. When nutrition supports a cat’s biological needs, it helps maintain healthy organs, stable energy levels, and a stronger immune system over time.
Portion control and consistent feeding routines are just as important as food quality. Overfeeding, free-feeding, or frequent diet changes can contribute to weight gain and metabolic stress, which place added strain on joints, the heart, and internal organs. Predictable mealtimes and measured portions help support digestion, weight management, and overall stability.
When it comes to wet versus dry food, each option has considerations. Wet food can support hydration and urinary health, while dry food may offer convenience and dental benefits for some cats. Many cat parents find that a balanced approach, guided by veterinary advice and a cat’s individual needs, works best for maintaining overall health.
Hydration and obesity prevention are two of the most significant nutritional factors influencing lifespan. Encouraging water intake and maintaining a healthy body weight helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and joint issues. Over time, these daily nutritional choices play a powerful role in how long and how comfortably a cat lives.
Mental and Physical Enrichment for Long-Term Health
Mental and physical enrichment play a vital role in supporting a cat’s health throughout their life. Daily play encourages movement, maintains muscle tone, supports joint health, and keeps the brain engaged. Just as importantly, regular activity helps prevent boredom and supports emotional balance, both of which contribute to overall well-being and longevity.
Activities that mimic natural hunting behaviors, such as wand toys, food puzzles, and interactive games, allow cats to engage their instincts in safe, satisfying ways. Puzzle feeders and treat-
dispensing toys slow down eating, promote problem-solving, and provide mental stimulation, especially for indoor cats. These small challenges help keep minds sharp while encouraging healthy movement.
Environmental variety also matters. Access to vertical space, window views, and changing sensory experiences gives cats opportunities to climb, observe, and explore. In some homes, secure outdoor enclosures can safely expand a cat’s environment by offering fresh air, natural sights and sounds, and additional space to move, all while maintaining safety and control. These enriched environments reduce stress by offering choice and stimulation without overwhelm.
Consistent enrichment supports more than entertainment; it helps reduce stress, prevent obesity, and maintain both physical and cognitive health over time. When enrichment is part of a daily lifestyle, cats are more likely to remain active, curious, and comfortable as they age, contributing to a longer and higher-quality life
Why Lifestyle Choices Matter Before You Bring a Cat Home
A cat’s lifespan and quality of life begin long before their first day at home. Preparation plays a critical role in shaping the environment, routines, and care a cat will experience over many years. Thinking ahead allows future cat parents to create a lifestyle that supports health, comfort, and emotional well-being from the very beginning.
Before bringing a cat home, it’s important to consider whether your space, schedule, and resources can support their needs throughout every life stage. This includes planning for daily interaction, enrichment, veterinary care, nutrition, and safe environments that adapt as a cat ages. Lifestyle choices made early often determine how smoothly a cat transitions into adulthood and senior years.
Approaching cat ownership with intentional lifestyle planning is an act of long-term responsibility and care. When a cat’s physical, emotional, and environmental needs are considered from the start, they’re more likely to experience a life that’s not only longer, but healthier, calmer, and deeply fulfilling.
The holidays bring cozy gatherings, sparkling décor, and plenty of tasty treats. They also bring a few sneaky hazards for pets that can turn festive fun into an unexpected veterinary visit. To help your season stay merry and bright, our team at the Humane Society of Utah put together essential Christmas pet safety tips for Utah families.
1. Food Safety: Holiday Treats to Avoid
Between charcuterie boards, turkey trimmings, and yummy dessert spreads, pets see the holidays as an all-you-can-sniff buffet. However, some seasonal favorites are surprisingly dangerous!
Keep pets safe by avoiding:
Chocolate, sugar-free baked goods containing xylitol, and rich desserts
Turkey bones or fatty table scraps can cause pancreatitis
Grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, and alcohol in any form
If you want your pet to enjoy a holiday treat, choose a vet-approved snack or a small portion of their regular food.
2. Decoration Safety: Sparkle Without the Snags
Holiday décor can be irresistible to curious cats and playful pups.
Use décor with care:
Keep tinsel, ribbon, and string out of reach to prevent ingestion
Place breakable ornaments higher on the tree
Unplug light cords when you are not home
Securely anchor your tree to prevent toppling if your cat decides it’s a jungle gym.
3. Cold Weather Safety: Protecting Pets in Utah’s Winter
Utah winters can be beautiful, but they are also brisk! Pets need extra care when temperatures drop.
Help pets stay warm:
Limit outdoor time in freezing temperatures for sensitive breeds, young, or senior pets
Wipe paws after walks to remove chemicals like ice melt and salt
Provide warm bedding away from drafts
Senior pets and small-breed dogs benefit from sweaters or jackets during short outdoor trips.
4. Sensory Overload Management: Holiday Stress and Routine Changes
Everyone talks about food and décor safety, but very few highlight the issue of sensory overload. The holidays can be overwhelming for animals, who thrive on routine.
Reduce stress during the season:
Create a quiet room with familiar bedding, toys, and water
Keep routines as predictable as possible
Offer enrichment toys or slow feeders when hosting guests
A calm environment reduces the chances of door dashes, overstimulation, and stress-related behaviors.
Keeping cats indoors is one of the best ways to protect them from cars, predators, disease, and other outdoor dangers. However, because indoor cats rely on their guardians to provide stimulation and exercise, they sometimes need a little extra encouragement to stay active. Without enough play or enrichment, even the most pampered house cat can gradually put on extra weight.
The good news is that maintaining your cat’s fitness doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right mix of play, creative spaces, and gentle encouragement, you can help your cat stay physically fit, mentally engaged, and emotionally fulfilled, all from the safety and comfort of home. This guide explores fun, practical ways to help indoor cats stay active, reduce stress, and live longer, happier lives.
Why Indoor Cats Are Prone to Weight Gain
Indoor life gives cats the safety, comfort, and stability they deserve, but it also changes how they burn energy. When a cat’s daily routine revolves around lounging, napping, and eating on demand, their calorie output can fall behind their calorie intake. Over time, that imbalance may lead to gradual weight gain.
Here are a few common reasons indoor cats are more likely to gain weight, and how understanding them can help you create a healthier routine:
Less Natural Movement
Constant Access to Food
Reduced Mental Stimulation
Boredom or Stress Eating
Health Risks Associated With Feline Obesity
Extra weight can have a bigger impact on cats than many people realize. Because cats are small and built for agility, even a few extra pounds can strain their joints, organs, and overall energy levels.
Here are some of the most common health risks linked to feline obesity:
Diabetes
Joint Pain and Arthritis
Heart and Breathing Issues
Liver Problems
Shorter Lifespan and Lower Quality of Life
Remember, this isn’t about blame, it’s about care. Weight gain happens gradually and often goes unnoticed. By understanding the risks and making small, consistent changes, cat parents can help their cats feel lighter, move easier, and live happier, longer lives.
How To Tell If Your Cat Is Overweight
Not sure if your cat might be carrying extra weight? There are a few simple ways to check at home before consulting your veterinarian.
Feel for the ribs: You should be able to feel your cat’s ribs easily under a thin layer of fat. If you have to press to find them, your cat may be overweight.
Check the waistline: When viewed from above, a healthy cat typically has a gentle “hourglass” shape. From the side, you should see a slight upward tuck behind the ribs.
Watch their movement: Hesitation to jump, difficulty grooming, or tiring quickly during play can all be signs of extra weight or joint discomfort.
For the most accurate assessment, your veterinarian can perform a Body Condition Score (BCS) evaluation, a hands-on check that helps determine your cat’s ideal weight and muscle tone. Some breeds (like Maine Coons or British Shorthairs) and older cats naturally have different healthy ranges, so a professional evaluation ensures your cat’s plan is tailored to their needs.
If you suspect your cat is overweight, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. They can confirm your cat’s condition, rule out any underlying medical issues, and guide you on safe weight-loss steps, such as adjusting portion sizes, choosing the right diet, and creating an activity plan that fits your cat’s age and personality.
Fun and Easy Ways to Get Your Cat Moving Indoors
Interactive Toys – Encourage your cat’s hunting instincts with wand toys, or feather teasers. Move toys unpredictably, like prey would in nature, to keep your cat engaged and motivated.
Puzzle Feeders – Turn mealtime into playtime by using puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. These mimic foraging behavior and help slow down eating while keeping your cat’s mind sharp.
Vertical Spaces – Cats love to climb and survey their surroundings from up high. Cat trees, shelves, and window perches give them healthy outlets for climbing, jumping, and lounging, all while enriching their environment.
DIY Obstacle Courses – Get creative with what you already have at home, tunnels, cardboard boxes, or even a few cushions can become a fun mini adventure park. Rotate items occasionally to keep things new and exciting.
Short, Frequent Play Sessions – Aim for several 5–10 minute play bursts each day. Even brief sessions add up to meaningful exercise and help prevent boredom.
Catios: Safe Outdoor Adventure – For cats who crave a little fresh air and variety, a catio (an enclosed outdoor space) is an excellent way to expand their world safely. Catios provide climbing spots, sunshine, and endless sensory enrichment—all without the risks of free-roaming outdoors.
Check out some catio ideas to inspire your next build and discover how these enclosures can become your cat’s favorite spot for play and relaxation.
Nutrition and Portion Control Matter Too
Exercise is only half the equation when it comes to keeping your cat healthy, nutrition and portion control play an equally important role. Even the most playful cats can struggle with weight management if they’re consuming more calories than they burn.
Feed with intention, not availability – Instead of leaving food out all day, try scheduled meal times. This helps you monitor how much your cat eats and prevents boredom snacking.
Measure portions carefully – Follow your veterinarian’s feeding recommendations based on your cat’s age, size, and activity level, scooping “by eye” can easily lead to overfeeding.
Consult your veterinarian before changing diets – Your vet can help you choose a balanced food and determine safe calorie reductions if weight loss is needed.
Final Thoughts — Active Cats Are Happy Cats
At the heart of every cat’s well-being is movement, whether it’s a playful pounce, a confident climb, or a curious stretch toward the window. Staying active doesn’t just keep cats physically fit; it strengthens their confidence, reduces stress, and enhances their emotional health. A cat that moves, explores, and plays is a cat that thrives.
The best part? Keeping your cat active doesn’t require major lifestyle changes, just small, consistent moments of enrichment. A few minutes of play each day, a puzzle feeder at mealtime, or a cozy catio that encourages natural movement can make all the difference.
As cat parents, we have the joy and responsibility of creating spaces that bring out the best in our feline companions. With a little creativity, we can give our cats the joy of movement, safely, sustainably, and with love.
Goober’s story is one of resilience and fortitude, but it’s also a story about how love and an open heart can truly change the tides.
Goober arrived at HSU in January of 2025 as a transfer from an overcrowded shelter. The then 5-month-old pup was goofy, lovable, and sweet, but it was immediately clear to the Humane Society of Utah’s licensed veterinarians that despite Goober’s happy-go-lucky demeanor, all was not well.
Goober Battles a Nasty Infection
Goober had sustained a broken jaw at some point in his early life. Although the jaw appeared to be healing well, the break had caused major infection in his face. Our team jumped into action, removing a piece of dead bone from Goober’s jaw along with three affected teeth.
The dental procedure went smoothly, and Goober was sent to a foster home to recover. After a couple of weeks of rest, rejuvenation, and some carefully prescribed meds, HSU staff thought Goober was ready to find a new home! Unfortunately, fate came forth to test Goober’s resilience once more.
Leaving the Eye of the Storm
Things took an unexpected turn when Goober experienced a rare complication, causing his jaw to become fused shut. Even essential activities such as eating and drinking had become a struggle, let alone regular puppy activities like playing with a tennis ball. This was clearly more than a cosmetic issue; Goober needed medical intervention ASAP.
What had started as a straightforward dental procedure quickly turned into a costly and complicated undertaking. Goober was going to need diagnostic scans, specialized exams, and ultimately, surgery.
Goober’s Resilience Shines Through
Luckily for Goober, the Humane Society of Utah has a partnership with Mountain West Veterinary Specialists, and their team was more than willing to get to the bottom of Goober’s issue. Due to their generous donation of services, Goober was able to receive the life-saving surgery he needed on April 10th, 2025.
Following a diagnostic CT, Goober underwent a maxillectomy, a surgery in which a portion of the upper jawbone is removed. Immediately after his procedure, Goober was able to open his jaw normally, indicating a massive success!
Goober once again went to a foster home to recover, awaiting a recheck with MWVS, 10-14 days after his surgery. Little did Goober know, his foster home would simply become “home.”
Resilience Through Love Pays Off
Goober was officially adopted by his foster family on May 23, 2025 after being cleared of his medical strife. Through multiple vet visits and follow up appointments, a surgery, and more, Goober’s friendly and playful personality never wavered.
Goober demonstrated that resilience comes not from age, wisdom, or the mere presence of hardship, but from something far more important: love and an open heart. Today, Goober is still his goofy adorable self, finally able to have quintessential puppy experiences while he grows up in the care of his human family.
His happy ending wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of Mountain West Veterinary Specialists, Goober’s loving foster-turned-family, and of course, YOU!
Are you interested in helping more pets like Goober? There are a plethora of ways you can lend a paw. You can donate, foster, volunteer, or simply share this post. And of course, you can always choose to make the biggest difference in a pet’s life possible by adopting! View all of our available pets today at UtahHumane.org/Adopt.
Protect your pet during outdoor adventures by learning to identify toxic algae
Utah has incredible outdoor spaces to explore with your dog, including reservoirs, rivers, and mountain streams. But as the weather warms up, it’s essential to be aware of a growing seasonal danger: harmful algal blooms. These naturally occurring algae can pose serious, sometimes fatal, health risks to pets. In partnership with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Water Quality (DWQ), we share what every dog guardian should know to prevent exposure and protect their pets this summer.
What Is Harmful Algae and Why Is It Dangerous for Dogs?
There are two types of harmful algae that dog owners should watch out for:
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs): Also known as blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, these blooms float on the water’s surface and can look like pea soup, spilled paint, or scummy foam.
Harmful Algae Mats (Benthic Mats): These grow along the bottom of water bodies and can break loose, washing ashore where curious dogs may sniff or eat them.
Both types can release toxins that affect the liver, nervous system, or skin, posing a serious risk to dogs that drink the water, lick their fur, or ingest the algae directly.
Common Ways Dogs Are Exposed to Harmful Algae
Dogs are at higher risk of algae-related illness than humans because they are more likely to:
Drink from contaminated water sources
Ingest algae mats found near shorelines
Lick algae residue off their fur or paws
Even small amounts of exposure can be dangerous. If you think your dog has come into contact with harmful algae, rinse them with clean water immediately and monitor for signs of illness.
Symptoms of Harmful Algae Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms can vary depending on how much and how long your dog was exposed to harmful algae. In some cases, symptoms can appear within minutes.
Ingestion-related symptoms:
Vomiting or diarrhea
Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
Loss of appetite
Stumbling or weakness
Difficulty breathing
Skin contact symptoms:
Rashes or hives
Itching or redness
Allergic reactions
If your dog shows any of these signs, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (855) 764-7661 (note: consultation fees may apply).
How to Tell if Water is Safe for Your Dog
During Utah’s recreational monitoring season, you can check current harmful algae advisories on the DEQ’s water quality page.
Even if no official warning is posted, water conditions can change quickly. Learn to visually identify suspicious water:
Harmful blooms often appear bright green, turquoise, or brown and can resemble spilled paint or floating scum.
Harmful mats are thick, dark-colored growths on rocks or the bottom of shallow areas.
Some harmless aquatic vegetation, like duckweed or stringy green algae, can look similar but doesn’t produce dangerous toxins. When in doubt, keep your dog out of the water.
Are At-Home Algae Test Kits Reliable?
No, rapid water test kits for algae are not approved by the U.S. EPA and may not reliably detect toxins. The best defense is visual awareness and avoiding questionable water bodies altogether.
Final Tips for a Safe Summer
Bring clean drinking water for your dog when you go hiking, camping, or swimming.
Avoid letting them drink from puddles, ponds, or slow-moving water.
Rinse your dog off with clean water after outdoor water play.
Know the signs of algae poisoning and act quickly if symptoms occur.
Spending time in Utah’s beautiful outdoors is one of the best parts of pet ownership. A little knowledge and prevention go a long way in keeping your dog safe, healthy, and by your side for many future adventures. Learn more and visit DEQ’s socials and newsletter at: Instagram, Facebook, and newsletter sign up.
Summer brings sunshine and outdoor adventures for pets, but also hidden dangers of foxtail grass. This common weed’s barbed seed awns can burrow into fur and skin, causing severe health problems.
Understanding Foxtail Grass
Foxtail grass has a bushy, spike-like seed head that resembles a fox’s tail. The grass awns, designed to burrow and plant seeds, can also burrow into a pet’s skin, causing pain and infections.
The Dangers of Foxtail Grass
Unlike typical grass blades, foxtail awns are barbed and don’t dissolve. They can penetrate a pet’s skin, eyes, ears, nose, or other openings. The barbs prevent them from backing out, allowing them to move deeper and cause serious injuries and infections. Left untreated, they can even reach internal organs and become fatal.
Symptoms of Foxtail Embedding
Be aware of signs your pet might have a foxtail awn embedded:
Persistent licking or biting at a specific area, especially paws.
Swelling, redness, or limping.
Sneezing, coughing, or nasal discharge (if inhaled).
Head shaking or ear scratching.
Preventing Foxtail Grass Problems
The best defense is avoidance. Here’s how to protect your pet:
Yard: Remove all grasses with barbed seeds.
Leash walks: Keep your dog leashed in areas with potential foxtail grass, avoiding fields, overgrown paths, and tall, dry grass.
Regular inspections: After walks, thoroughly check your pet’s paws, ears, and between toes.
Grooming: Regularly groom and trim fur, especially around the feet, to prevent foxtails from attaching.
Protective gear: Consider dog booties or body suits for frequent walks in foxtail grass areas.
If Your Pet is Affected
If you suspect a foxtail awn embedment, seek veterinary care immediately. Depending on the location, removal often requires sedation or surgery. Early intervention is crucial for a quick recovery and to prevent complications.
With June comes warmer weather, school break, and the beginning of summer activities. You and your pets may be spending more time adventuring in the great outdoors. But what if your beloved pet wanders off a little too far and becomes lost? A microchip could be the key to a quick reunion!
What is a Microchip?
Microchips are small implants, roughly the size of a grain of rice, that are injected into the back of a pet’s neck. The chip contains an identification number which is unique to your pet and is linked to your contact information so you can be reached if a lost pet is found.
It’s important to consider that microchips are not GPS trackers. When a chip is scanned at a veterinary office, shelter, or by an animal services officer, it brings up the pet guardian’s information. With this information, whoever has scanned the lost pet’s chip can contact the pet guardian.
For this reason, it’s very important that pet guardians ensure their pet’s microchip information is up to date. If you’ve moved or had a change in phone number or email, be sure to update your pet’s chip information to reflect that.
Why are Chips Important?
According to a study from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), lost pets with microchips are far more likely to be reunited with their guardians than lost pets without microchips. The rate of lost dogs with microchips who were returned to their families is more than double the rate of dogs without chips. The difference for cats was even more dramatic, with the rate of return with a microchip being more than triple the rate without a chip.
Microchips are a permanent form of identification for your pet. Once a chip has been implanted, it can be scanned at any time in your pet’s life. Chips work across boarders, and are even often a requirement for international travel and moves.
Studies also suggest that having your pet microchipped can help to deter pet theft. If you pet is stolen, microchips can offer proof of ownership. This makes chips a key tool in reuniting you with your furry friend, and in catching wrongdoers.
If Your Pet has a Microchip…
That’s great news! Your pet only needs to be microchipped one time in their life. However, it is very important for pet guardians to make sure their pet’s chip information stays up to date. Updated information helps to ensure that you will be able to be contacted should your pet ever get lost.
You are able to update the contact information associated with your pet’s chip through the manufacturer’s database online. If you are unsure which manufacturer your pet’s chip is associated with, you can have the chip scanned at your veterinary office to find out.
If Your Pet doesn’t have a Microchip…
The Humane Society of Utah can help with that! Our Murray clinic offers microchipping services on a walk-in basis. For an affordable, one-time cost of $40, your pet will be protected for life!
After your microchip has been implanted, our clinic will give you an informational handout about registering your microchip online. This is a very important step in the process because this is how you attach your contact information to your pet’s chip.
Don’t wait to protect your pet! Have them microchipped today at our Murray clinic for a lifetime of peace of mind. Find hours of operation, pricing, and more at utahhumane.org/clinic-locations/murray-clinic.
Most of us have heard of heartworm preventatives for dogs, but what exactly do these medications prevent? The Humane Society of Utah shares important information about heartworm disease and prevention for pet guardians.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworms are parasites that live in pets’ hearts, lungs, and blood vessels. These parasites cause a very serious disease that often leads to heart failure and damage to the lungs and other organs. Heartworms mainly affect dogs, but cats and ferrets can also contract them.
Heartworms are primarily spread through the bites of infected mosquitos. Adult female worms produce microscopic offspring which mosquitos ingest when they drink the blood of an affected animal. If the mosquito then bites another pet, it transfers the microfilariae to that pet’s bloodstream. The worms then mature in their new host causing heartworm disease.
Once the worms mature (a process that takes roughly 6 months), they can then reproduce, leading to more and more parasites infecting the dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Additionally, being bit by multiple infected mosquitos can cause even more worms to enter the dog’s system.
Unfortunately, heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states, meaning pets anywhere in the US can contract this disease.
Testing and Prevention
The best way to protect your dog from heartworm disease is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. We recommend annual testing and monthly preventatives to safeguard your pet from contracting these parasites. It is important to make sure preventatives are given at the same time each month as a late or missed dose can open your pet up to infection.
Our Murray clinic offers testing and sells preventative tablets on a walk-in basis. The test takes 10-15 minutes to run, so pet guardians should be prepared to wait in the lobby for a few minutes for results. Preventatives can also be purchased through our online pharmacy.
Throughout April, our Murray clinic is running a heartworm prevention special. Clients can receive $10 off the price of their test and a manufacturer’s rebate on their purchase of heartworm preventatives. Simply mention this post to take advantage of the deal.
One of the hardest decisions a pet guardian will ever face is knowing when it’s time to say goodbye. Pets are family, and making the choice to let them go peacefully is heartbreaking—but it can also be the greatest act of love and kindness we can offer. If you are struggling with this decision, you’re not alone. This guide will help you recognize the signs that your pet may be suffering and offer guidance on making the most compassionate choice.
Recognizing the Signs of Suffering
Every pet’s journey is different, but there are some key indicators that your beloved companion may be experiencing more pain than joy in life:
Chronic Pain That Can’t Be Managed—If your pet is in pain despite medication or veterinary treatment, their quality of life may decline. Signs include whining, limping, excessive panting or licking, or difficulty moving.
Loss of Appetite and Extreme Weight Loss—When a pet no longer eats or drinks, even when offered their favorite treats, it may indicate that their body is shutting down.
Difficulty Breathing—Labored breathing, chronic coughing, or frequent respiratory distress can be distressing for pets and their families.
Loss of Mobility—If your pet struggles to stand, walk, or control its bladder or bowels, their quality of life may be severely impacted.
Excessive Paw Licking—This can be a sign your dog is experiencing chronic pain, gastrointestinal, or spinal pain.
Sleep Startle – Pets who suddenly wake up react fearfully or aggressively.
Withdrawal from Family and Favorite Activities – Pets who once loved snuggling, playing, or greeting you at the door may become distant, disengaged, or disinterested.
The Quality of Life Scale
Veterinary professionals often use a Quality of Life Scale to help pet owners evaluate their pet’s well-being. Ask yourself:
Is my pet experiencing more bad days than good days?
Can my pet still find joy in daily activities (eating, playing, cuddling)?
Is my pet comfortable, or are they in frequent distress?
If your pet’s bad days consistently outnumber their good ones, it may be time to have an honest conversation with your veterinarian about end-of-life services.
What to Expect During Humane Euthanasia
Understanding the process of humane euthanasia can help ease fear and uncertainty:
1: A Peaceful Setting – Many pet owners choose to say goodbye in a veterinary office or at home, where their pet feels safest.
2: Sedation for Comfort – Your pet will first receive a gentle sedative to help them relax and feel no stress or pain.
3: Peaceful Passing – Once your pet is calm, the veterinarian will administer a second medication that allows them to pass peacefully and painlessly within minutes.
This process ensures your pet is surrounded by love in their final moments.
Coping with Grief & Honoring Their Memory
Saying goodbye is incredibly painful, but there are ways to honor your pet’s life and find comfort:
Create a Memory Keepsake – A paw print, lock of fur, shadow box with collar, or framed photo can help keep honor their memory.
Hold a Tribute or Memorial – Acknowledging their impact, whether through a private moment of reflection or a small ceremony with loved ones, can bring healing.
Consider Pet Loss Support – Grief is real, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Some veterinary offices and animal shelters offer pet loss support groups.
Adopt When You’re Ready – Welcoming another pet into your life doesn’t replace the love you had, but it can bring healing when the time feels right.
You Are Not Alone
Knowing when to euthanize a pet is a deeply personal and emotional decision, but it’s one guided by love, compassion, and the desire to prevent suffering. If you are facing this choice, contact your veterinarian for support. They can help guide you through the process and ensure your pet’s final moments are peaceful and filled with love.
The Humane Society of Utah is here for you if you need additional support or resources. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for guidance.
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