Soda Springs Animal Clinic

08/15/2026

Here is the part that surprises most pet families: a torn CCL cannot stitch itself back together, and an unstable knee keeps grinding toward arthritis every month it goes unrepaired. A small few dogs do fine without surgery. Our latest post breaks down who those dogs are, and how TPLO compares to an extracapsular repair.

Here is the part that surprises most pet families: a torn CCL cannot stitch itself back together, and an unstable knee keeps grinding toward arthritis every month it goes unrepaired. A small few dogs do fine without surgery. Our latest post breaks down who those dogs are, and how TPLO compares to an...

08/14/2026

👀 Did You Know? 🐶

Dogs have THREE eyelids!

Most people know about the upper and lower eyelids, but dogs (and cats, too!) have a third eyelid called the nictitating membrane. This special eyelid sits in the inside corner of the eye and has some very important jobs:

✨ It helps protect the eye from injury.
💧 It spreads tears across the surface of the eye to keep it moist.
🦠 It contains immune tissue that helps fight infection.

Normally, you shouldn't notice your pet's third eyelid very often. If it's consistently visible, swollen, red, or covering part of the eye, it could be a sign of an underlying problem such as illness, pain, dehydration, or a condition commonly called "cherry eye."

👁️ If you ever notice changes in your pet's eyes, don't wait—eye problems can worsen quickly. Give us a call so we can help keep those peepers healthy!

💬 Did you already know dogs (and cats!) have a third eyelid? Let us know in the comments!

08/11/2026

Pet Trivia Tuesday

Question:
🐱 How many whiskers does the average cat have?

A) 6
B) 12
C) 24
D) 50

08/06/2026

🐾 5 Signs Your Pet May Be Hiding Pain 🐾

Our pets can't tell us when something hurts, and many dogs and cats instinctively hide pain. That's why it's important to watch for small changes in their behavior that could signal something isn't right.

Here are 5 subtle signs your pet may be in pain:

🐶 1. They aren't as active as usual.
If your pet suddenly doesn't want to go for walks, play fetch, jump on the couch, or climb stairs, pain could be the reason.

🍽️ 2. Changes in eating or drinking.
A decreased appetite or difficulty eating can be a sign of dental pain, illness, or other underlying conditions.

😴 3. They're sleeping more or seem withdrawn.
A pet that normally greets you at the door but now prefers to stay by themselves may not be feeling their best.

😠 4. Behavior changes.
Even the sweetest pets may become irritable, anxious, or avoid being touched if something hurts.

🐾 5. Changes in posture or movement.
Limping, stiffness, difficulty standing, walking more slowly, or repeatedly licking one area can all be signs of discomfort.

💙 Remember, pets are masters at masking pain. By the time they're showing obvious signs, they may have been uncomfortable for quite a while.

If you've noticed any of these changes in your furry family member, don't assume it's "just old age." Many painful conditions can be treated, helping your pet feel happier and more comfortable.

📞 If you're concerned your pet may be in pain, give us a call. We're here to help keep your best friend feeling their best!

08/05/2026

The heavy folds and droopy lids that give Shar-Peis, Bloodhounds, and Persians their look are the same features that let an eyelid roll in or sag out. If you notice squinting or a runny eye, surgery may be the fix that prevents life-long eye problems and restores comfortable vision. Our latest post walks through the decision and what to watch for.

The heavy folds and droopy lids that give Shar-Peis, Bloodhounds, and Persians their look are the same features that let an eyelid roll in or sag out. If you notice squinting or a runny eye, surgery may be the fix that prevents life-long eye problems and restores comfortable vision. Our latest post....

08/03/2026

🐴 Did You Know? Horses Can’t Vomit! 🤯

Unlike dogs, cats, and even humans, horses are unable to throw up. This is because of the unique way their digestive system is built.

A horse’s esophagus has a very strong one-way valve that allows food to move into the stomach but makes it extremely difficult for anything to come back up. Their stomach is also designed differently, meaning they cannot relieve pressure by vomiting.

So why is this important? 🤔

Because horses cannot vomit, problems like colic (abdominal pain) can become serious quickly. Gas buildup, feed changes, blockages, or other digestive issues can cause discomfort and may require veterinary attention.

🚩 Signs of possible colic include:
🐴 Pawing at the ground
🐴 Looking at or biting at their belly
🐴 Rolling or repeatedly getting up and down
🐴 Loss of appetite
🐴 Decreased manure production
🐴 Restlessness or acting unusual

Knowing what is normal for your horse is one of the best ways to catch problems early.

💙 If your horse is acting “not quite right,” trust your instincts and give us a call. Early intervention can make a big difference!

07/31/2026

🐾 Myth vs. Fact: A Female Pet Should Have One Litter Before Being Spayed 🐶🐱

MYTH! ❌

Many people have heard that a female dog or cat should have one litter before being spayed, but there is no medical benefit to allowing a pet to have a litter first.

In fact, spaying your pet before her first heat cycle can provide important health benefits, including:

✅ Reducing the risk of mammary cancer
✅ Preventing life-threatening uterine infections like pyometra
✅ Eliminating the risk of unwanted pregnancies
✅ Helping reduce the number of homeless pets in shelters and rescues

Pregnancy and raising a litter also come with risks. Complications during pregnancy or birth can happen, and caring for puppies or kittens requires a significant commitment of time, money, and resources.

🐶🐱 The best time to spay your pet depends on their age, breed, size, lifestyle, and individual health. Our veterinary team is happy to help you decide what timing is best for your furry family member.

💙 Spaying isn’t about taking something away from your pet—it’s about helping them live a healthier, safer life.

07/28/2026

ANSWER: is C: 4. Cows have a rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. Thank you so much for playing and great job on all of the correct answers!

🐮 Pet Trivia Tuesday (Large Animal Edition)

Question:
🐄 How many stomach compartments does a cow have?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 4
D) 6

07/25/2026

A cat who starts peeing outside the box or waking you at 3 a.m. is not being difficult- they are communicating. They are telling you the home setup is not working for them, or even that they might have a medical condition that needs to be seen. Our latest post walks through litter box placement, vertical territory, and the enrichment every indoor cat needs to stay happy in a small home, and how to know when they need an appointment.

A cat who starts peeing outside the box or waking you at 3 a.m. is not being difficult- they are communicating. They are telling you the home setup is not working for them, or even that they might have a medical condition that needs to be seen. Our latest post walks through litter box placement, ver...

07/24/2026

🌞🐖🐑🐐🐄 Fair Week Is Almost Here—Let's Keep Our Livestock Cool! 🐄🐐🐑🐖🌞

Fair week is an exciting time, but the summer heat can be tough on our livestock. Whether you're showing a pig, sheep, goat, or steer, taking a few extra precautions can help keep your animals healthy, comfortable, and performing their best.

🐖 Pigs
Pigs don't sweat, making them especially susceptible to overheating. Provide plenty of fresh, cool water, use fans whenever possible, and allow them to cool off with a light misting or a shallow mud area if available. Watch closely for heavy panting, open-mouth breathing, or reluctance to move.

🐑 Sheep
Recently shorn sheep handle heat better than those with a full fleece, but they still need shade, fresh water, and good airflow. Avoid working or exercising them during the hottest part of the day, and monitor them for excessive panting or lethargy.

🐐 Goats
Goats are curious and active, but hot weather can quickly wear them down. Make sure they have constant access to clean water, shade, and proper ventilation. Encourage them to rest during peak afternoon temperatures and keep an eye out for signs of heat stress.

🐄 Steers
Large body size means steers can retain a lot of heat. Keep them hydrated with cool, clean water, provide shade whenever possible, and use fans to increase airflow in the barn. If it's safe to do so, rinsing them with cool water can help lower their body temperature—but be sure to scrape excess water off so it doesn't trap heat against the skin.

🚨 Know the Signs of Heat Stress
• Excessive panting or rapid breathing
• Drooling
• Weakness or reluctance to stand
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Elevated body temperature

If you notice these signs, move your animal to a cooler area immediately, begin cooling measures, and contact your veterinarian if symptoms don't improve.

We wish all of our local 4-H and FFA exhibitors the best of luck at the fair! Have fun, stay hydrated, and take great care of your amazing animals. We're cheering you on! 💙💚🐾