General Practice, Urgent Care, or Emergency Clinic: What’s The Difference And Where Should You Go?2/3/2026
 Note: If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency outside of our normal business hours, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary clinic! You can reference our website for a comprehensive list of Portland-area ER hospitals.
When your pet needs care, choosing where to go can feel overwhelming. It’s especially stressful if you don’t know how urgent the situation is. This blog will help you make informed decisions about where to seek care! What Can Mountainside Veterinary Hospital Do For Your Pets? Not all veterinary clinics are the same. Just like human medicine has different clinics for different services, there are important distinctions between emergency, urgent care, and general practice hospitals. When in doubt, call your vet! Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is a general practice, which makes us your pet’s primary care provider. We see pets by appointment for preventative care such as wellness exams, vaccine updates, routine diagnostics, and chronic condition management. As a full-service hospital, we also have the ability to see same-day and urgent appointments! This could include everything from minor illnesses to more urgent situations. When your pet is sick or injured, our team can triage and provide supportive care, making sure they get the very best care possible. Our services include:
What if my pet needs to be seen urgently? Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a long-standing client, your pets’ well-being comes first! When you call with an urgent medical concern, we do our best to facilitate same-day or next-day appointments. Urgent health concerns might include:
For urgent appointments, our certified veterinary technicians use over-the-phone triage to make sure we’re prepared to give your pet the best care possible. When you arrive, we’ll get your pet into the treatment room quickly for hands-on assessment and stabilization as needed. While each urgent case is different, you can always expect clear communication from our doctors and support staff as we care for your pet. What if my pet is experiencing a medical emergency? When your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, every minute counts! We recommend taking pets to your closest veterinary hospital during a medical emergency. Emergency visits to Mountainside Veterinary Hospital receive the same level of care and attention that urgent visits do. Examples of emergencies include:
When you arrive, our first priority is getting your pet stabilized and on necessary supportive care. That may mean taking your pet straight to the treatment room for assessment and life-saving interventions. Next steps will depend on your pet’s injury or condition. In our hospital, we can provide supportive care and treatments and perform advanced diagnostics—x-ray, ultrasound, and labs. While we are not a 24/7 facility, we can coordinate transfer to an emergency hospital if your pet requires overnight hospitalization and monitoring. When To Go To Urgent Care Urgent care clinics have extended weekday hours and weekend appointments. If your pet is experiencing an urgent medical concern outside of your regular vet’s business hours, an urgent care clinic should be able to see your pet quickly! Most urgent care clinics do not offer overnight care, but can help coordinate transferring your pet to an emergency clinic if needed. After an urgent care visit, your general practice vet will receive medical records for follow-up care. Benefits of urgent care clinics:
When To Go To An Emergency Hospital Emergency veterinary hospitals have 24/7 staffing and the ability to hospitalize patients who need hands-on, continuous care overnight. Emergency hospitals treat life-threatening cases first. Less urgent cases may wait longer. For non-emergencies, urgent care is often quicker and more affordable. Deciding Where To Go So, how do you decide where to go when your pet isn’t feeling well? Start by asking yourself:
If your pet is unconscious, non-responsive, or has rapidly worsening symptoms, head to your nearest hospital. For new but mild-to-moderate symptoms, you may want to call your general practice for help determining urgency. In ALL cases, you should trust your instincts! If something feels truly wrong, it’s important to seek veterinary care and advice as soon as possible. Your Veterinary Team In Every Situation We’re here to support you and your pets through stressful medical situations, and we do our best to facilitate same-day appointments. In the rare event that we’re unable to see your pet, our team can help triage their condition over the phone and coordinate referral to a local urgent care or emergency clinic. When your pet isn’t feeling their best, it’s normal to feel uncertain about what to do. The good news is that you don’t have to navigate those decisions on your own! Whether your pet needs same-day care, guidance on whether a concern is urgent, or a referral to an emergency hospital, our team is here to help you understand your options and take the next best step. When in doubt, reach out—early intervention can make all the difference in getting your pet the care they need, when they need it most.  Between cold, rainy days and busy holiday schedules, winter can be tough for our dogs. Dogs who aren’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation generally find ways to keep themselves busy—and the results can be disastrous for our homes! The good news is that a little can go a long way when it comes to dog enrichment. Whether you add a few puzzle toys to your pup’s letter to Santa or DIY some simple treat dispensers, dog enrichment toys can help keep your dog happy and healthy.
Benefits of Dog Enrichment Toys Like exercise and nutritious meals, dogs need mental stimulation to thrive. Dogs are intelligent, social animals evolved to interact with their environments. Without enough stimulation, dogs can become bored, anxious, and develop unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, and chewing furniture. Luckily, even simple enrichment toys give your dog a big brain workout, which leads to less boredom-driven destruction and a calmer pup. According to PetMD, enrichment toys can even help nervous dogs reduce anxiety and build confidence. Dog Enrichment Toys 101 Enrichment toys aren’t just toys. They’re brain games that are specifically designed to stimulate your dog’s mind and challenge their instincts. Enrichment toys elicit natural behaviors like sniffing, pawing, chewing, and chasing. Dog enrichment toys come in a variety of forms—from more complex puzzle feeders to simple snuffle mats. Often, they’ll include some sort of reward (e.g., food or treats) to keep your pup engaged. Busy pet parents can find a variety of pre-made pet puzzles and enrichment toys on the market. The general categories include: Treat-dispensing toys: These may be chew toys that hold special treats (like peanut butter, normal kibble, and Greenies), or that take a little more work. For example, some treat-dispensing toys might require your dog to tug, shake, or paw at them to release treats. Snuffle mats: Dogs get a lot of mental stimulation from sniffing and foraging, two natural canine behaviors. Snuffle mats let dogs use their natural instincts to search for hidden treats within the soft fabric. Interactive puzzle toys: Puzzle toys tend to be more complex than treat-dispensing toys, requiring some level of problem-solving to get hidden treats. There are hundreds of puzzle toys to choose from, with difficulty ranging from beginner level to expert. Hide and seek toys: Hide and seek toys are a great option for dogs who like to dig, burrow, or de-fluff their toys. These toys allow dogs to pull small treats or toys out of a larger container (like these dinos that live inside a volcano). With hundreds of different toys and puzzles available, knowing your dog’s play style and preferences can help you choose something they’ll love. For example, a nose-driven terrier might enjoy a snuffle mat they can dig around in, while a strong-jawed bully breed may prefer chomping on a Kong. No matter which style of enrichment toy you choose, make sure to supervise your dog when they’re playing and regularly inspect toys for damage. Get rid of any toys that are falling apart, as they can create a choking hazard for your four-legged friends! DIY Dog Enrichment Toys If you’re on a budget or prefer to DIY, there are plenty of everyday household items that can be repurposed! This helpful resource from the ASPCA has some creative ideas for DIY puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and treat dispensers. One of the most common at-home solutions is a toilet paper tube treat dispenser. Just cut a hole in a toilet paper or paper towel tube that’s slightly larger than the treats or kibble you’re giving your pup. Then fold one end of the tube closed, place treats inside, and fold the other end. Now your dog has a treat dispenser they can shred, roll, crush, or shake for fun, simple enrichment. Just make sure your dog doesn’t eat the bits of cardboard that fall off! As with any other puzzle toy, these are meant to be used under supervision. An Enriched Pup Is A Happy Pup! When it comes to managing boredom and destructive behaviors, mental exercise is just as important as your dog’s daily walk. Thoughtful enrichment encourages problem-solving, builds confidence, and can help reduce stress and anxiety. If you’re still looking for a few last-minute presents from Santa Paws, consider adding a snuffle mat or treat-dispensing toy to your wishlist!  Coughing, sneezing, runny nose... just like people, our dogs are susceptible to respiratory infections. While most of these infections aren’t dangerous, they’re still uncomfortable for both pets and concerning for their people. Luckily, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help keep pups happy and healthy.
Symptoms of Dog Respiratory Infections Most canine respiratory infections look a lot like the common cold. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and most often affect your dog’s nose, throat, and lungs. Infections can affect both the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, larynx/pharynx) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, lungs). The most common symptoms of respiratory infection in dogs are:
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your vet as soon as possible! Early diagnosis and treatment can keep mild symptoms from getting worse. What Causes Respiratory Infections? Dog respiratory infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and (less commonly) fungi. Some infections can also be caused by environmental irritants like smoke, airborne chemicals, and pollution. While most respiratory infections are mild, they can get worse if left untreated. Potential complications include pneumonia, lung abscess, and bronchitis. “Kennel cough” is a particularly contagious canine respiratory infection that can be caused by several different types of bacteria and viruses. The most common contributors are Bordetella bronchiseptica, canine parainfluenza virus, and canine adenovirus type 2. Treatment for Dogs with Respiratory Infections The best treatment depends on the cause of your dog’s infection and the severity of symptoms. Potential treatments include: Rest and quarantine. Just like us, our dogs need rest to heal. If your dog isn’t feeling well, keep them indoors and try to limit activity until they start to recover. You can also help stop the spread of contagious infections by keeping your dog away from other animals while they’re symptomatic. Antibiotics or antivirals. For bacterial or viral infections, some medications can help support your dog’s immune system during the healing process. Cough medicines. If your dog has a persistent cough, your vet may prescribe a cough suppressant or mucus expectorant. These medications let irritated airways heal and can keep symptoms from worsening. Hospitalization. In the most severe cases, your pup might need more supportive care. Your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization if your dog needs oxygen therapy, IV fluids, or antibiotics. Please note: it’s important to only give medications as directed by your veterinarian! Never use over-the-counter human medications without veterinary guidance. Some human medications, including decongestants, are dangerous for our pets. Other medications may be the same for us and our pets, but with drastically different doses. A dose that’s helpful and healing to us may be toxic for them. When In Doubt, Call Your Vet! Canine respiratory infections are as common as the human cold, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are still important to help your pup bounce back quickly. If you’re worried about your dog’s cough or sniffles, get in touch with your vet to discuss potential treatment options.  Halloween is just around the corner, kicking off the holiday season. It’s time to start planning your costumes and taking some precautions to keep your pets safe. Whether you’re passing out candy or hosting a Halloween bash, these tips can help keep everybody happy and healthy. #1: Keep Candy Out of Paws’ Reach Whether you’re stocking up for trick-or-treaters or just treating yourself, Halloween is a candy holiday! Most pet owners know that chocolate is a no-no. But other candies can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even poisoning. For example, artificial sweeteners in sugar-free candies are dangerous for pets. Even small amounts of xylitol—also labelled as birch sugar—can be toxic. You can check out this in-depth guide to pet-safe Halloween treats from AHAA for more specific dos and don’ts. If there are kids in the house, talk to them about keeping pets safe by safely storing candy and throwing wrappers away. One of the best ways to avoid an emergency trip to the vet next weekend is to keep the candy stash well out of paws’ reach! #2: Low Stress Trick-or-Treating Ghouls and goblins, princesses and robots, there’s no telling who will stop by the front door on Halloween night! Even the calmest and most social pets can struggle with trick-or-treating. Luckily, a few extra precautions can keep your furry friends safe. First, make sure pets are microchipped or wearing up-to-date ID tags on Halloween. Every time you open the door to greet a group of trick-or-treaters, it gives your pet a chance to bolt. To keep things simple, consider using a baby gate to keep them away from the front door. Pets who are anxious about frequent visitors might prefer to be in a separate, quiet room. Some will even benefit from a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to reduce stress. Talk to your vet about options if your pet might like a little help relaxing on Halloween Eve! #3: Pet Costume Fit Check Nobody wants to wear tight, pinchy, or restrictive clothes—including your pets! The best pet costumes fit comfortably and don’t restrict their ability to move. Things like masks, hats, and other things that fit around the face might be ok for a quick photo opp, but most pets won’t appreciate wearing them all night. We also recommend removing any chewable parts or objects that could pose a choking hazard. If your pet still looks uncomfortable, take it off! They’re just as cute in their birthday suits anyway 😉 #4: Decorate with Care We love a decorative gourd as much as the next person, but remember to decorate with care this Halloween! Keep electrical cords and wires covered or out of pets’ reach. Open flames, including candles in jack-o-lanterns, should be outdoors and away from pets or out of their reach. Other decorations, like fake cobwebs and rotting pumpkins, are dangerous if they get eaten. Finally, while fog machines are great for adding some spooky ambience, they aren’t always pet-friendly. Some foggers are chemical-based and toxic to pets. Be sure to decorate with care and keep pets’ safety top of mind. Have A Spook-tacular Halloween By taking a few precautions, you can make sure your Halloween is full of treats and no tricks. If your pet gets into trouble, Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Happy Halloween, from all of us!  As pet owners ourselves, we know that giving medications to pets can be frustrating for you and your furry friends alike! When it comes to pills, even the best-behaved dogs and sweetest cats can become masters of evasion. Luckily, just like basic obedience, potty training, and advanced tricks, pets can be trained to take their medications. With the right approach, you can turn medication time from a struggle into a simple part of your daily routine. #1: Build A Positive Association Instead of washing their pills down with water like a human would, pets can get their favorite treat afterward instead. And the best time to start training your pets is before they actually need medications! The concept here is simple: your pet gets a favorite treat for swallowing something you offer them. You don’t have to start this training with pills. In fact, it may be better to start with a low-value treat that you’re sure they’ll eat. The goal is to teach your pet that eating whatever you offer them leads to a “jackpot” treat. To do this, offer a low-value treat (ex., kibble) and follow it with a high-value treat (ex., chicken, cheese, hot dog). Repeat this process a few times every day, changing the low-value treat to less and less exciting things over time. For example, the progression might look like:
If your pet is less food-motivated or picky about what they eat, this process may take a little more trial and error to find things they’ll reliably eat every time. While this process takes time, patience, and a little bit of creativity, it can give you the best results in the long run! #2: Use Gelatin Capsules and/or Pill Pockets Sometimes, your pet needs medications immediately, and there’s no time for practice. In these situations, empty gelatin capsules can be a game-changer for picky eaters. Most pets will refuse pills because of either the smell or the taste. Not only can gelatin capsules mask the taste and smell, but they can also be used to combine multiple pills in one easy capsule. Please note: Be sure to check with your veterinarian about your pet’s specific medications! Not all pills can or should be given together. Gelatin capsules come in a variety of sizes and can be bought in most drug stores or online. Some brands even offer flavored capsules to further mask the scent and taste of medications. Pill pockets or pill wraps can also be used with or without gelatin capsules. They come in a variety of flavors and sizes and are soft enough to be molded around pills or capsules of all types. #3: Hide The Pill Still having trouble getting your pet to take their medications? Sometimes, hiding the pill and a little bit of trickery are your best bet. Two of our favorite techniques are the “multiple meatball” method and the “rapid fire” method. For the multiple meatball method, take your pet’s favorite wet food or other soft snack (ex., cheese, hot dog, chicken) and form three “meatballs.” Put the medication in the middle of one meatball. As quickly as possible, give your dog a plain meatball, then one with the pill inside, and follow it with another plain one. Ideally, your pet will be too focused on their final treat to notice they’ve eaten their pill. This method works best if you’re hand-feeding your pets the meatballs. Alternatively, if your pet will catch treats out of the air, you can try the “rapid fire” method. Toss your dog 2-3 treats, then the pill (preferably wrapped in a pill pocket or other tasty food), then 2-3 more treats as a reward. Bonus Tip: Timing Matters! If possible, medicate your pet before mealtime. A hungry pet is less likely to turn their nose up at a pill that’s well-hidden in their favorite food. Mountainside Veterinary Hospital Is Here To Help Getting your pets to take their pills shouldn’t be a daily struggle—for you or your furry friends. If you’re having a hard time medicating your pet, the team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital can help. In addition to behavioral tips and tricks, we can discuss different forms of medication (ex., liquid, gel capsule, powders) that may be more tolerable for your pet.  At some point in their lifetime, many pets will need to undergo surgery—whether it’s a routine spay or a life-saving procedure. As veterinary professionals, we are always looking for ways to minimize pets’ discomfort, speed up healing times, and improve our level of care. That’s why Mountainside Veterinary Hospital proudly offers minimally invasive surgery for laparoscopic spay, cryptorchid neuter, and gastropexy.
What Is Minimally-Invasive Surgery? Minimally invasive surgery requires highly specialized equipment and advanced training. It’s performed using tiny incisions, through which the surgeon inserts instruments and a small camera. The camera provides high-definition video in real time to guide the surgical instruments. Benefits of Minimally-Invasive Surgery Despite every precaution, surgery traumatizes body tissues. Traditional open surgeries require a larger incision site and more manipulation of nearby tissues and organs so the surgeon can visualize the surgical area. Larger incisions mean longer healing time. Because minimally invasive procedures use smaller incisions and require less tissue handling, pets tend to experience less pain during recovery. Other benefits include:
What Minimally-Invasive Surgeries Do We Offer? Despite these benefits, minimally-invasive procedures aren’t the best choice for every pet or procedure. At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we specialize in three primary minimally invasive procedures: laparoscopic spay, cryptorchid neuter, and gastropexy. Laparoscopic Spay During a laparoscopic or “keyhole” spay, the surgeon removes the ovaries in what’s known as an ovariectomy (OVE) using just 2-3 small incisions. This is a routine and generally safe procedure that helps protect dogs against serious health problems. According to one 2005 study, laparoscopic spays caused less surgical stress and up to 65% less post-operative pain than a traditional spay. Learn more about the specific benefits of laparoscopic spay here! Cryptorchid Neuter Male dogs’ testicles develop near the kidneys, in the abdomen. They normally descend into the scrotum when the dog is between 2 and 6 months old. Occasionally, however, one or both testicles may fail to descend, leading to a condition called cryptorchidism. Similar to a laparoscopic spay, minimally invasive cryptorchid surgery allows for the removal of the retained testicle/s using small incisions in the abdomen. This is important because dogs with a retained testicle are more likely to develop testicular cancer and may experience testicular twisting, which causes pain and may require emergency surgery. Gastropexy During gastropexy surgery, the stomach is attached to the abdominal wall to prevent or treat gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV, AKA “bloat”) in dogs. GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and fluid, then twists on itself. This twisting cuts off blood flow to the stomach and spleen, resulting in shock and potentially death. Large and giant breed dogs are especially susceptible to GDV. By attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall, gastropexy surgery effectively prevents this twisting. We recommend prophylactic, or preventative, gastropexy for any large and giant-breed dog over six months of age. With our laparoscopic gastropexy capabilities, we can reduce your pup’s recovery time and post-operative discomfort! Our Trusted Surgical Specialty Partners While we can perform a wide variety of surgeries in-house at our Beaverton vet clinic, some procedures require a surgical specialist. Our specialty partners include:
Whenever we refer to our specialty partners, we strive to make your experience as seamless as possible. We’ll make sure your pet’s surgical team has a comprehensive medical history and consult with them as needed to ensure your pet receives the best possible care. Keeping Pets Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable! Whether your pet undergoes a traditional procedure or minimally invasive surgery, our goal is to keep them comfortable. We work closely with you to make sure your pet’s post-operative care plan gets them back on their feet as quickly as possible. Interested in learning more about our surgical capabilities? Give us a call to schedule your consultation: 971-405-1111.  Summer is full of sunshine, outdoor adventures, and quality time with our pets. But as the days get warmer, we tend to see three big problems at our clinic in Beaverton, Oregon: fleas, ticks, and foxtails! In this post, we’ll explore how to avoid these seasonal dangers and keep your pet healthy and happy all summer long.
Flea and Tick Prevention: What Every Pet Owner Should Know Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they can cause serious health issues for pets. These parasites survive by biting their hosts and feeding on their blood. Not only do these bites lead to skin irritation and discomfort. They can also transmit bacteria and other diseases. While both fleas and ticks can be present year round, their populations explode in the summertime, making preventive care a top priority. Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters Fleas and ticks can cause a range of health issues for pets, including allergic reactions and painful skin infections. They can also transmit serious diseases such as:
In young or small pets, the blood loss from flea infestations can lead to anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Plus, if left untreated, fleas and ticks can quickly multiply and infest your home. This makes them not just a danger to your pet, but a household problem as well. Best Practices for Flea and Tick Prevention Luckily, when it comes to flea and tick prevention, you have options! First and foremost, we recommend a year-round preventative that suits your pet’s lifestyle. Options include monthly topicals and oral chewables. You can consult with your vet before choosing a product. On top of prescription preventatives, you can:
Foxtail Season: A Hidden Danger Foxtails are more than just weeds—they're a serious summer hazard for dogs and cats. These barbed seed heads from certain grasses can easily work their way into your pet’s body, causing painful and potentially life-threatening injuries. Why Foxtails Are Dangerous Foxtails are barbed seeds designed to burrow. When they attach to a dog’s fur, they can burrow deeper into the skin. If not removed promptly, foxtails can lead to:
Because they don’t break down in the body, foxtails can migrate internally, causing major complications. If they travel to vital organs, such as the lungs or brain, foxtails can lead to serious complications or even be fatal. How to Protect Your Pet from Foxtails Every summer, we see an explosion of urgent care visits for foxtail removals. We strongly recommend taking some preventative steps to prevent foxtail injuries. Avoid Overgrown Grassy Areas. Foxtails can be found just about anywhere: lawns, gardens, roadsides, and even parks. When walking pets, stick to well-maintained trails and parks. Avoid letting your pet roam in dry, weedy fields—especially from late spring through fall. Groom Regularly. Make sure to brush your pet after spending time outside. Pay special attention to the paws, armpits, ears, and under the collar. Use a long-toothed comb for pets with long hair to make sure there are no foxtails close to the skin. If you find a foxtail lodged in the skin or deeply embedded, don’t try to remove it yourself—call your vet. Know the Signs. Because foxtails can lodge anywhere in the body, there are a variety of symptoms to watch for. Watch for persistent sneezing or paw licking, head shaking, ear scratching, and sudden limping or signs of pain. A foxtail could also cause red, swollen "hot spots" or draining wounds. Prevention Is the Best Medicine The key to a safe and fun summer with your pet is proactive prevention. By staying on top of flea and tick treatments and being mindful of foxtail dangers, you’ll reduce your pet’s risk of illness, injury, and unnecessary vet visits. If you’re unsure which flea and tick preventative is right for your pet or want advice on foxtail-safe grooming and activity tips, get in touch with your veterinarian. Here’s to a happy, healthy season for you and your four-legged friends!  Puppy season is officially in full swing, which means shelters and rescues across the country are talking about the importance of spaying and neutering pets! While the decision to spay your dog is deeply personal, we encourage pet owners to consider the health, behavioral, and community benefits of this simple procedure. In this post, we’re looking at the how and why behind spaying your dog and what to expect on procedure day.
What Is A Dog Spay Surgery? Spaying is one of the most commonly performed veterinary surgeries. In fact, in the U.S., around 70 million dogs get spayed each year! Also known as ovariohysterectomy, spaying a dog means surgically removing the female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus). This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Benefits of Spaying Your Dog In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancy, spaying your dog can help prevent life-threatening infections and reduce the risk of certain types of cancers. Other specific benefits include:
Spaying can also improve certain behavioral issues. Removing a female dog’s ovaries eliminates heat cycles and generally reduces mating-related behaviors that can be frustrating for owners. Traditional vs. Laparoscopic Spay Surgery A traditional spay, also known as an “open” surgical spay, is the most common type of spay procedure. This surgery generally requires a 2-4 inch long incision just below the umbilicus (belly button). This incision gives the surgical team the “window” they need to remove the reproductive organs. By comparison, a laparoscopic spay, or “keyhole” spay, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. During this procedure, the surgeon makes 2-3 small incisions (typically ⅕ inch to ⅖ inches long) into the abdomen. A camera is passed into one incision and a small instrument into the other. Then, using the camera to magnify and better visualize your pet’s organs, the surgeon will remove just the ovaries. This technique causes less surgical stress and results in lower post-op pain levels than a traditional spay. Laparoscopic spay procedures require specialized training and the use of highly specialized equipment. Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is proud to provide this service to our clients. Get in touch to discuss whether or not this is the right option for your pet! How To Prepare for a Spay Procedure Your veterinarian will help you decide when to spay your pet and provide guidance on how to prepare for their procedure. This will include performing a routine blood screening to help tailor an anesthetic plan for your pet. On the day of your fur baby’s spay, our team will perform a physical exam and ensure they are healthy and ready for the surgical procedure. Your veterinarian may ask you to withhold food and/or water to prevent vomiting during anesthesia. In some cases, your vet may prescribe medications for your pet to take at home prior to surgery. Our doctors focus on patient safety and comfort every step of the way, and we’ll always make personalized recommendations for your pet’s specific pre- and post-surgical needs! What To Expect After Your Dog’s Spay Most dogs get to go home once they’ve fully recovered from their anesthesia! In rare cases, your dog may need to be hospitalized for additional monitoring or support. For example, if your dog is at risk of bleeding or has underlying uterine disease, she may need more medical management. Once she’s back home, it’s important to keep your dog calm and quiet for 10-14 days. Leashed potty breaks, crate time, and careful monitoring can prevent complications such as reopening the surgery site. We strongly recommend either using an e-collar or a surgical recovery suit to keep your dog from licking her stitches. We can help you decide which option is right for your pup! Notify your veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice swelling, persistent oozing, or bleeding from the incision site. If your pet is lethargic for more than 24 hours post-op, has diarrhea, or is vomiting, you should also contact your pet’s care team. Supporting Dog Owners Every Step of the Spay! While spaying your dog is a big decision, in most cases, it’s the right choice. At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we’re committed to educating dog owners about their options. Whether you opt for a laparoscopic or traditional spay, we go above and beyond to ensure your pet’s procedure is safe and her recovery is as comfortable as possible. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of spaying and to schedule your pup’s procedure.  Aging is a natural and inevitable part of a pet's life, and it comes with both physical and behavioral changes. Pet parents know to watch for physical signs of pain or illness, but the symptoms of cognitive decline can be harder to see. By paying attention to early signs of age-related behavior changes, dog owners can help their pets thrive throughout their golden years! What Is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is an age-related disease that affects the brain. Sometimes called "doggie dementia," it's comparable to dementia or Alzheimer's in humans. When a senior pet seems to decline more rapidly or drastically than normal, cognitive dysfunction could be a culprit. Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome are very common, affecting nearly 1 in 3 dogs over the age of 11. By the age of 16, nearly all dogs will display at least one symptom. Common Symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction CCD may start as just one sign that progresses over time, or it can have several apparent signs. The most common signs include:
Successful Aging & Dogs Veterinary behaviorist Hannah E. Salvin defines "successful aging" as a rate of cognitive deterioration that doesn't affect a pet's day-to-day function. “Age is not a disease” is a true statement however, making this transition can be made easier for our furry family members. Causes of Behavior Changes: Is It Cognitive Dysfunction? Of course, CCD is not the only cause of sudden behavior changes in senior pets. Changes in their schedule, the loss of a companion, a scary experience, pain and discomfort, or even loss of sight, hearing, and smell can all trigger a senior pet's anxiety. As another example, a sudden lapse in potty training could be related to cognitive dysfunction. But it could also be caused by incontinence, kidney or urinary disease, bladder infection, diabetes, or even joint pain that makes it hard to get outside. This is why it's so important to discuss behavioral changes with your veterinarian as soon as possible! Your pet's doctor can use routine blood tests, thyroid testing, ultrasounds, or advanced imaging to rule out other diseases that may look like cognitive dysfunction. Caring for Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction While there's no cure for CCD, treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and minimize symptoms. Early intervention is an incredibly important part of maintaining quality of life for senior dogs. Treatment options may include (but aren't limited to):
Compassionate Care for Senior & Geriatric Pets Behavioral changes associated with cognitive dysfunction can be difficult to navigate. The team at Mountainside is here to help you and your pups navigate this new stage of life. Our goal when caring for senior and geriatric patients is not only to increase the length of their lifespan, but to improve the quality of their lives. That means giving you as many pain-free, healthy years as possible to enjoy with your furry friend! Get in touch to discuss strategies to help you senior pet age successfully.  As the days get longer and warmer, more and more dogs and their people are hitting the trails and heading out on camping trips. Unfortunately, it’s also the perfect condition for ticks to emerge from dormancy looking for a tasty snack. These tiny bloodsuckers can transmit various diseases to both humans and animals through their bites, including Lyme disease. April is “Prevent Lyme in Dogs Month,” which means we’re here to educate pet owners about the dangers of this disease.
What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is caused by a specific bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by bites from infected ticks. It is incredibly prevalent in the United States. In fact, according to the Global Lyme Alliance, roughly 1 in 5 dogs routinely tested for blood parasites tested positive for Lyme disease antibodies in 2018. Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs Most dogs infected with Borrelia bacteria will appear healthy, with no signs at all. However, some infected dogs will go on to develop signs of illness—which can be quite severe. In dogs who do become ill, diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms may not show up until 2-5 months after the initial tick bite. The most common signs of Lyme disease in dogs include:
Some dogs may also develop a type of kidney disease called Lyme nephritis. Signs that Lyme disease is affecting the kidneys are often non-specific and include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), and weight loss. Treating Lyme Disease in Dogs Because Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose, the infection is often widespread or even chronic before dog owners know anything is wrong. To diagnose Lyme disease in dogs, your veterinarian will use a combination of tests along with discussing your pet's recent travel history, tick exposure, and the symptoms your dog is showing. Once your dog has a Lyme disease diagnosis, the most common treatment is an antibiotic called doxycycline. Treatment typically lasts 30 days, and most symptoms clear up quickly with antibiotic treatment. Dogs with severe disease may need hospitalization for supportive care, including intravenous (IV) fluids and medications to support the kidneys. Lyme Disease Prevention Like many other illnesses, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to Lyme disease. Considering early signs of Lyme disease in dogs can be subtle or mistaken for other issues, year-round prevention is the most reliable way to safeguard your dog’s long-term health. Just one simple monthly topical or chewable preventative can reduce the risk of infection and avoid the complications and dangers of Lyme disease. Beyond that, you can limit your dog’s exposure to ticks in the first place. The most common habitats for ticks in Oregon include areas with dense vegetation, moisture, and plenty of wildlife. This includes dense, wooded forests or parks, gardens, and fields with tall grasses and shrubbery. What To Do If Your Dog Gets Bitten By A Tick If you find a live tick on your dog or suspect your dog has been bitten, contact your vet as soon as possible. Your dog’s veterinary team can either remove the tick for you or talk you through how to remove it safely and effectively. In either event, you’ll want to save the tick’s body in isopropyl alcohol or take a clear picture to document the tick. If your dog starts showing signs of tick-borne illness, your veterinarian may want to identify or test the tick. Keep Your Pup Happy & Healthy This Tick Season! Although it’s treatable, Lyme disease can cause your pet months of pain and discomfort as well as recurring, chronic symptoms. The best way to keep them happy and healthy? Talk to your veterinarian about year-round tick prevention! |
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February 2026
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Contact Us
Mountainside Veterinary Hospital
www.mountainsidevets.com [email protected] Office: (971) 405 - 1111 Fax: (503) 498 - 5322 |
Hospital Location
15000 SW Barrows Rd. Ste. 101, Beaverton, OR 97007
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Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00a - 6:00p
Saturday: 8:00a - 4:00p Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! (971) 405-1111 
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