Nikki Wardle

Is your large breed dog getting enough exercise?

Are you passionate about helping local pets in the Treasure Valley and throughout Idaho? Consider donating to the Helping Hand Fund, a fantastic resource for needy pets in our area. Intermountain Veterinary Hospital is proud to partner with the Helping Hand Fund.

As cat owners become more aware of their pets' health, cats are living longer than ever. Thanks to sophisticated veterinarian tactics and rigorous vaccination, cats are enjoying longer and healthier lives—just like people. Studies show that the "graying" cat population has nearly doubled over the past decade, and there's no reason to think that this trend will end soon.

Achoo! Was that you, Mr. Whiskers?

No matter what time of year it is, there's a chance you'll end up stuck inside with a drizzly, gloomy day. Although you may be ready to curl up with a cup of coffee and a book, your furry friend will likely have a bad case of cabin fever—especially if the rain stretches over a few days.

We hear this common question from cat owners all the time: "How can I keep my cat from killing birds?" Can you do anything to keep your feline friend from ridding the neighborhood of birds, squirrels, and mice? Here's our advice for perplexed cat owners.

Have you ever wondered if your dog's strange behavior is normal—or if it's a sign you need to intervene? We're continuing our series on dog behavior this week, answering your questions about what's normal and what's not.

Do you watch your dog's odd behavior on occasion and wonder, "Is my dog crazy?" Some actions and behaviors are entirely reasonable even if they seem strange while some "acting out" can be a sign of necessary training or your dog trying to tell you something. Here's how to decipher your dog's nutty behavior.

Exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you. And the best news is, getting exercise for one of you often translates into exercise for the other. It's a great way to spend time with your pet, bond over the exhilaration of exercise and play.

Your dog may like to think he's in charge of what he eats and when, but you know that you ultimately are. Because pet owners are responsible for their dogs' diet, it's important to recognize the signs of canine obesity. But although 34% of dogs are overweight of obese, only 30-40% of their owners are aware of that.