Calm Animal Care Veterinary Clinic

08/31/2026

Good News to share😁

08/24/2026

Please keep an eye out for Gunner!!

08/03/2026

Now that we are in the midst of a hot summer, it is good to remember that summer heat affects every animal differently, and humidity can make warm days riskier very quickly. The bottom line is, if it is too hot for you to go outside, then it’s also too hot for your pets.

Dogs generally need extra caution above 70 F, and outdoor activity should be limited as temperatures approach 80 F and higher. The best and safest place for them, is inside a cool house.

If you are considering taking them for a walk or with you on an adventure, put your hand on the asphalt, and test the temperature. If you can’t keep your hand on the asphalt for longer than five seconds, it is going to burn their pads. It goes without saying that it will be even hotter in the bed of a pickup truck, and paws will burn very quickly.

Ensuring pets have access to water and shade is also key to keeping them safe over the summer. You can also offer frozen water bottles to lie on, provide a kiddie pool, and put ice in their water bowl.

Brachycephalic (short noses) or long coat dogs struggle more with cooling themselves compared to other breeds. Dogs don’t sweat like we do, so they are not as efficient and keeping themselves cool. Most of a dog and cat’s sweat glands are found on their footpads.

Keeping pets in cars is dangerous. Leaving a window open is not enough, as temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open.

If a dog is having a heat stroke they’ll start excessive salivating, become uncoordinated, and may vomit. Cats will lick themselves more than normal in an attempt to keep cool. know the signs and contact your veterinarian, if you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke.

You can check for the heat risk in your area on the CDC HeatRisk Dashboard by visiting: https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/HeatRisk/

07/08/2026

Calm Animal Care has added a new treatment option that is drug free! The Companion Regenerative Therapies (CRT) System uses both platelet-rich plasma and stem cell applications. The CRT system enables us to treat acute and chronic orthopedic and soft tissue injuries with minimally invasive, drug-free therapies. We can treat your pet inside and out!

The CRT System is used for preparing platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapies that handle the preparation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments, which makes it a versatile tool in regenerative medicine. It is designed to create high-quality PRP and stem cell products, which are essential for healing and treating damaged tissue and supporting tissue repair and regeneration in various clinical applications. The CRT System processes materials for platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapy, which are crucial for addressing chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and other conditions.

Our new CTS DUO+ Therapy Laser System provides optimal dosing and features up to 25 watts of energy for photobiomodulation (PBM) treatments. PBM is a non-invasive light therapy that uses red and near-infrared light from a laser to stimulate, heal and regenerate tissues. It boosts energy production and reduces inflammation, by penetrating tissues and promoting cellular repair is used to relieve pain, heal wounds, and promote hair growth. Much like sunlight helps a plant produce energy, laser therapy helps energize your pet’s cells.

The patient and the staff all need to wear eye protection during treatment. Handsome Eldwardo is blocked, so we are using the laser on his bladder, to heal him heal faster, and hopefully avoid surgery to unblock him. Your pet will feel a gentle, soothing warmth as their pain is eased. Most pets are relaxed during treatments, and some even fall asleep.

To learn more about our CTS DUO+ laser system, visit https://companionanimalhealth.com/pet-owners-laser

07/04/2026

Kila folks, please keep an eye out for these two.

06/23/2026

Pets and fireworks don't mix! The 4th of July is just around the corner, and while it can be a fun time for some people, it isn't the case with some of our furry friends. We encourage you to contact us now about medication options if needed, since the majority of fireworks will be set off over the weekend this year when our office is closed. We can prescribe medication that can help your pets get through the stress.

Additionally, we suggest the following tips:
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with correct contact info (and make sure your microchip contact info is up to date);
Keep them busy with special treat toys like Kong toys;
Keep pets indoors and on a leash when outside;
Have a current photo on hand in case they do get out;
Consider walking/exercising your dog earlier in the day, when it is quiet;
Play soothing music or turn on the TV to block out the loud crackles and booms;
Get an anxiety wrap specially made for pets to help calm them;
If it is really noisy at your house, consider temporarily relocating pets to a quieter friend/relative’s house.

06/12/2026

It’s Tick Season!
Please make sure your dog is on a prescription preventative for Ticks! Tick season in Montana typically runs from March to July, peaking in May & June, but it started early this year due to the warm winter. We have Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks and American Dog Ticks here.

The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (which can be fatal), Colorado Tick Fever, and cause tick paralysis. American dog ticks are 3-host ticks (use 3 different hosts in their lifecycle) feeding on people and a variety of animals ranging from rodents to livestock. Dog ticks can also transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and the germ causing Tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever,” causing sudden fever, chills, painful & swollen lymph nodes. Without prompt treatment, can range from severe pneumonia to a life-threatening systemic infection.

We have already had a couple cases of tick paralysis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever at the clinic this year. Please get your dog (and outdoor cats) on a prescription preventative. We recommend 7 in 1 parasite coverage, with Credelio Quattro-CA1, which protects dogs against ticks, fleas, heartworm disease, roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms. Credelio Quattro-CA1 is also conditionally approved for the treatment of New World screwworm larvae infestations in dogs, pending a full demonstration of effectiveness.

You can also treat Cats for fleas and ticks, with Credelio Cat. If you are a current client and your pet has been seen in the last 12 months, you can request your preventatives from our online pharmacy and have it shipped directly to you. Visit calmanimalcare.com and select “online pharmacy.” If your pet has not been seen in the last year, give us a call and set up an appointment.

For more information on ticks and prevention, visit The TickEncounter webpage at: https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/

06/11/2026

Independence Day Checklist

Independence Day celebrations are full of vibrant sights and sounds, but for pets, the excitement can quickly turn into a nightmare. The loud sounds and flashing lights from fireworks, thunderstorms and other loud noises are common sources of fear and anxiety in many dogs and cats. There are several reasons why a pet may develop this type of fear, such as a negative experience around a specific noise, lack of early socialization as a puppy, underlying illness, or because of worsening anxieties as they age due to changing brain chemistry.

The signs of fear can range from mild to severe, including trembling, vocalizing, panting, pacing, drooling, hiding, digging at doors and escape attempts.

When pets get scared, they may try to flee and escape in search of safety. The source of fireworks noise can confuse our pets, so pets may frantically try to escape outside. This leads to pets running away from home and putting themselves in danger of injury or getting lost in their most frightened state. Always ensure your pet’s ID collar and/or microchip information are current, and secure your home and yard as a precaution.

With some advanced planning, you can help your pets feel safe during a stressful time. Set your them up for success with the following tips:

• Talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications well in advance, if your dog has severe anxiety with loud noises. If medications are prescribed, trial them first on a day without noise to see how your dog tolerates them. Prescription anxiety medications require an exam, requiring your dog to be seen in advance, so call us now for an appointment. Sileo is the first FDA-approved prescription medication specifically for treating canine noise aversion.

• Give prescribed anti-anxiety medications early enough before the fireworks or thunderstorms start. It is much easier to prevent a fearful reaction than to reverse one.

• Exercise or play outside earlier in the day. Plan bathroom breaks and outdoor exercises accordingly to avoid going outside after the fireworks or storm start. Make sure they get a lot of exercise before the fireworks start. If you must go outside, keep them on a leash, even in a fenced-in backyard, as a precaution.

• Stay home to comfort them. Many dogs with noise phobias may also have some separation anxiety, so your absence may make them even more stressed. Offering comfort, speaking in a calm reassuring voice and petting them gently during fireworks reinforces your bond and helps them learn that they can turn to you for support when they are scared. If this isn’t possible, consider a pet sitter they know and trust. Punishment must never be used because it will only increase your dog’s distress.

• Create a safe space. This should be in a location of the home they are familiar with and have a cozy bed or blankets. Keep them in a room farthest from the noise and with few or no windows to help decrease outside sound. Only use a crate if they are already accustomed to it and consider it a safe spot.

• Secure the perimeter and close all windows, doors and blinds to block flashing lights and muffle the sound. Double check that your fence gates and doors are tightly secured to prevent bolting.

• Play white noise and music. Layering two different types of sound can help drown out the noise. Calming classical music and a white noise machine at a volume that helps cover the sound of the fireworks may also help reduce stress.

• Offer long-lasting treats such as stuffed frozen Kongs, Lick mats, or other food toys. Keeping them mentally engaged can make fireworks less overwhelming and help reduce anxiety.

• Dog calming supplements may also help dogs with mild to moderate anxiety. Calming treats such as VetriScience Calming Chews, Nutramax Solliquin chews, and Purina Calming Care are good to try in advance. You can also use a ThunderShirt to apply gentle, constant pressure. Your dog will feed off your energy, so act cheerful and reward calm behavior with treats.

06/09/2026

If looking at these creepy vampire-looking things bothers you, imagine what they feel like literally chewing and worming their way into your pets' skin....

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), alongside State partners in Texas and New Mexico, continues to lead an aggressive response to New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States.

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed another new case of NWS in a calf in La Salle County, Texas, bringing the total cases of NWS in the United States to five. USDA is working closely with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to respond and further investigate the case. The joint federal–state field teams have already expanded surveillance and response measures in the area.

New World screwworm is a parasitic fly that causes severe, potentially fatal infestations by feeding on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. Quick detection, treatment, and reporting are vital to safeguarding livestock, wildlife, and pets.

The name screwworm refers to the maggots' feeding behavior as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go like a screw being driven into wood. Maggots cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can become larger and deepen as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue. As a result, NWS can cause serious, often deadly damage to the animal.

Adult screwworm flies are about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger). They have orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along their backs.

Report mammals and birds with the following signs to your veterinarian:
• Irritated behavior
• Head shaking
• The smell of decay
• Presence of fly larvae (maggots) in wounds

USDA and TAHC are conducting a coordinated response that includes:
• Joint epidemiological investigations and case tracing
• Additional surveillance, testing, and trapping in the affected areas
• Releasing sterile insects and adjusting these operations as needed for the most effective coverage
• Conducting outreach to animal owners
• Ongoing coordination with local officials, veterinarians, ranchers, and community partners

Guidance for Animal Owners and Veterinarians:
The MOST important thing animal owners can do is to know what to look for and how to report suspected cases of NWS. USDA urges everyone in the area to check animals for:
• Draining or enlarging wounds
• Maggots or egg masses
• Signs of discomfort
• Lesions in body openings (nose, ears, genitalia, umbilical area)

Anyone who suspects a screwworm infestation should immediately contact their veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA. Early reporting is essential to ensure animals receive prompt treatment, so they fully recover.

Though rare in people, anyone who notices a suspicious lesion should seek immediate medical care.

Treatment & Preventatives for Dog & Cat Owners:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for Credelio Quattro-CA1 (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, pyrantel) chewable tablets, and NexGard (afoxolaner) chewable tablets for the treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in dogs.

They have also issued an EUA for NexGard COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution) for the treatment of NWS myiasis in cats.

Credelio Quattro CA-1, NexGard and NexGard COMBO are available only by prescription from a licensed veterinarian because professional expertise is required to monitor for and respond to potential adverse reactions.

In addition to the EUA, Credelio Quattro CA-1 and NexGard chewable tablets are already FDA-approved for flea and tick-related indications in dogs and puppies. NexGard COMBO topical solution is already FDA-approved for flea, tick, and worm-related indications in cats and kittens.

Conditionally approved animal drugs have been shown to be safe and have a reasonable expectation of effectiveness, and the conditional approval is valid for one year, and the drug sponsor can ask FDA to renew the conditional approval annually for up to four more years, for a total of five years of conditional approval. Credelio Quattro-CA1 is sponsored by Elanco US Inc., and Nexgard and Nexgard Combo are sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA.

Calm Animal Care carries all three of these preventatives, and recommends that pet owners keep their dogs and cats on parasite preventatives year-long, due to the 4 million plus visitors that visit the Flathead Valley annually, that may or may not treat their own pets. Veterinary appointments are legally and medically required for most preventative care. The FDA and the state of Montana both mandate that Veterinarians must establish a valid Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship, and an in-person annual exam to legally write or renew prescriptions, including preventatives.

Food Safety:
The U.S. food supply remains safe. NWS does not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food products. Any affected animal would be identified during USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection, and no contaminated product would enter commerce.

Travel Restrictions:
Both Canada and Mexico have placed restrictions on the export of live animals from the United States due to the New World Screwworm (NWS) detections, effective immediately. At this time, we do not know if Canada will add restrictions on animals from New Mexico in response to the announcement by the USDA of the detection of NWS in a dog located in Lea County, New Mexico. Affected species include dogs, cattle, equine, sheep & goats, swing, ferrets, and birds. Dogs entering the U.S. from Mexico still require screwworm inspection/certification. This is a constantly changing story, and updates will be posted regularly at screwworm.gov.

06/02/2026

Now that our short camping season is officially here, please browse through these helpful safety tips for taking your furry friends with you. Give us a call if you need to update their vaccines, or if they need their flea and tick preventatives, before you head out into the great outdoors! Have fun and be safe out there!

Camping is a wonderful way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. And what better way to enjoy the