Livingston Veterinary Hospital

08/04/2026

Tired of your dog's barking? Try using the "incompatible behavior" training method to help your furry friend learn to be quiet. The idea is to reward your dog for engaging in behaviors that are incompatible with barking, such as playing with a toy or going to their bed.

First, teach your dog the new behavior in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Make it a game and reward them generously for a correct performance. Once they have learned the behavior, start practicing it in areas where they usually bark, such as near a window or at the front door.

Gradually increase the level of difficulty by introducing distractions and cueing your dog to engage in the new behavior as soon as they get distracted. Over time, your dog will learn to associate the new behavior with being quiet, and the barking will decrease.

Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. With a little effort, you can help your dog become a well-behaved and peaceful member of your household.

07/30/2026

All pets—including indoor-only cats—are considered at risk for Lyme disease, as ticks are mobile parasites and can hitch a ride on clothing, bags, or shoes.

Although Lyme disease has never been confirmed in cats outside a laboratory setting, cats should still be considered at-risk as a preventive measure. Protect your furry friend from this debilitating condition by contacting us at 406-222-3011.

Stay informed, stay safe, and keep your pet healthy! ❤️

07/28/2026

🦟 Lyme disease prevention starts with tick prevention. The best way to keep your furry friend safe is to use tick preventives year-round, including the winter months.

Most veterinarian-prescribed preventives kill ticks only a few hours after the initial bite, preventing disease transmission, which requires 24 to 48 hours of attachment.

Contact us at 406-222-3011 to learn about tick prevention measures that will work best for your pet. Don't wait until it's too late! 🐾

07/23/2026

🚺🚫 Spaying your female pet is an important part of responsible pet ownership.

💔 During a heat cycle, pets may be more vocal and bleed excessively, which can be distressing for both you and your furry friend.

👉 Spaying eliminates the heat cycle, and helps reduce the urge to roam.

07/21/2026

🐾🦷👩‍⚕️Are you concerned about your pet's dental health?

Routine dental exams are the key to preventing dental disease in your furry friend. We can examine your pet's teeth, gums, and oral cavity to detect any issues early on. With early detection, we can provide treatment to prevent further damage and improve your pet's quality of life.

So, don't wait until it's too late. Book your pet's dental exam today! 406-222-3011

07/17/2026

A trail dog who flops down and won't get back up on a hot Montana afternoon isn't just tired. Heat stroke can start damaging organs within minutes once your pet's temperature passes 104 degrees, and cooling on the drive in makes a real difference. Our latest post walks through the signs and the first steps to take.

Heat stroke in a dog or cat on a hot Montana day looks like a pet whose cooling system has quit working in real time. Watch for gums that flush brick red or turn a muddy purple, thick ropy drool, a stumbling back end, vomiting, or a pet who flops down on the trail and

07/16/2026

💉 Parvovirus is a viral infection that can be prevented through vaccination. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are most at risk. The virus attacks the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe symptoms that can be life-threatening.

If you're concerned about your pet's risk for parvovirus, call 406-222-3011 to schedule a vaccination appointment with one of our Veterinarians. Protecting your pet's health is our top priority. 🐶🐾

07/14/2026

Want to ensure a longer lifespan for your furry best friend? Understanding their behavior can make all the difference. By recognizing warning signs of aggression and improving communication, you can help keep your pup happy and healthy for years to come.

07/09/2026

🐶😾 Your pet's boredom can cause more than just behavior problems—it can also lead to medical issues. Cats who lack environmental enrichment may develop feline idiopathic cystitis, a painful bladder inflammation that causes inappropriate urination.

🏥🩺 Bored pets may also suffer from excessive licking, hair loss, sores, and skin infections. Keep your furry friend healthy by providing them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Need ideas? Call 406-222-3011 to talk to your veterinarian.

07/07/2026

🌿🍇 Attention pet owners: grapevines can be harmful to your dogs!

😔 These vines are known to cause kidney failure in dogs if ingested. But there's a simple solution to keep your yard looking beautiful while protecting your furry friend.

👀 Try trimming off the budding grapes before they become fruit, preserving the aesthetic value of the vines while keeping your dog safe.

🐾 Stay vigilant and keep your pets safe by being aware of potential hazards and taking preventive measures.