 As pet parents, we know our animals best—from preferences and routines to their quirky personalities. That means we’re their first line of defense when something just doesn’t feel right. Still, it’s sometimes hard to know if your pet needs urgent care, emergency intervention, or just some R&R time. If you’re asking yourself, “Can this wait?” we’re here to help! In this blog, we’re looking at the top symptoms we see for urgent care appointments. We’ll also provide information to help you decide if your pet is in crisis or just needs to be seen as soon as possible. What Does “Urgent Vet Care” Mean? First, what is an urgent vet care appointment? Urgent care fills the gap between routine wellness care and crisis (or emergency) care. It can include anything from minor illnesses and injuries to more urgent situations. For example, imagine your dog breaks a toenail while playing fetch, and it won’t stop bleeding. While that’s not a life-threatening emergency, it does require timely intervention. During an urgent care visit, we’ll stop the bleeding, help manage your pet’s pain, and clean/bandage the nail as needed so they can heal quickly. Top 6 Symptoms That Shouldn’t Wait Some symptoms seem mild at first but can worsen quickly. These are the top symptoms you should never ignore! #1: Breathing Issues “Breathing issues” are a broad category that spans everything from mild sniffling and sneezing to severe respiratory distress. Difficulty breathing can be a symptom of heart or lung disease, a sign of allergies, or even caused by airway blockage and trauma to the airways. Dogs with urgent but non-critical respiratory signs don’t necessarily need a midnight ER run. But they should see a veterinarian within 12 to 24 hours. Urgent, but not critical: Persistent dry cough; sneezing or nasal discharge Emergency: Labored breathing/belly heaving; open-mouth breathing in cats; persistent wet or gagging cough; blue, gray, or pale gums #2: Urination Issues Your pet’s bathroom habits give important insights into their overall health. If you’ve noticed recent changes—asking to go out more often, suddenly having accidents in the house/peeing outside the litter box, frequent urination in small amounts—it could be a sign that something’s wrong. If your dog or cat is straining to urinate without producing any urine, it’s a critical emergency! This could be a sign of a urinary blockage. Even a partial blockage can become a life-threatening problem in just a few hours. Milder symptoms can be seen within 12-24 hours at your veterinarian’s clinic. Urgent, but not critical: Excessive licking of the genital area; difficult or painful urination; peeing more frequently, but only producing a small amount of urine; strong or foul-smelling urine Emergency: Straining without producing urine (especially male cats and dogs); crying or yowling while trying to urinate; blood in the urine #3: They’ve Eaten A “No-No” Food or Non-Food Object Picture it: you get home from work to find empty candy wrappers strewn around the living room and your dog grinning up at you with a chocolate-stained muzzle. Or you can’t find your spare hair tie and your cat has been acting a little off... Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our pets help themselves to things that are off-limits. So when is that missing sock or shredded tennis ball an emergency, and when do you have a little time to talk to your vet about treatment options? Some foods are toxic to pets and can be life-threatening without immediate, emergency intervention. The short list of toxic foods includes:
There are also plenty of common household items that can spell trouble for our pets. Some of the most common ones we see at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital are:
For a more comprehensive breakdown of toxic household items, check out our blog. Finally, non-food items can be dangerous when ingested. Things like socks, toys, ribbons, and bedding can cause dangerous GI blockages. While eating a “no-no” should always lead to a vet visit, the urgency of care will depend on a few factors. These factors include:
For example, even a single grape can cause acute kidney damage in dogs. When in doubt, call your vet! We can help triage the situation and determine if your pet needs immediate, critical care or can wait 12-24 hours for an urgent appointment. Urgent, but not critical: Mild GI upset like vomiting/diarrhea; restlessness and abdominal pain; loss of appetite; lethargy Emergency: Has eaten something toxic or poisonous in any amount; severe, continuous vomiting or inability to keep water down; difficulty breathing; signs of toxicity like tremors, seizures, or collapse; signs of internal bleeding, like abdominal swelling, pale gums, or petechiae (small, red/purple spots on the skin or inside the mouth) #4: Bug Bites & Bee Stings For bug bites or bee/wasp stings, location matters. For example, for non-allergic dogs and cats, a bite/sting on the paw or body is less dangerous than bites/stings to the nose, muzzle, mouth, or throat. Bee stings inside the mouth or throat are especially dangerous as swelling can obstruct the airway. If your pet was stung by a bee, monitor them closely for signs of an allergic response. Animals with bee allergies are at high risk of anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. If you don’t know your pet’s allergic status, treat every sting like an emergency! Urgent, but not critical: Localized pain or swelling around the site of the sting/bite; mild lethargy or sleepiness without changes to attitude/appetite. Emergency: Sudden facial swelling; difficulty breathing; extreme lethargy or weakness; signs of systemic response such as vomiting #5: Limping or Minor Injuries Cuts, scrapes, muscle strains, and other minor injuries are all part of pet ownership! What’s the difference between a minor injury and something that needs immediate attention? Limping is a very non-specific symptom. It can be a sign of overexertion, underlying joint/musculoskeletal conditions, or serious injury. When considering limping, look at the whole picture. Is your dog favoring one leg, but still seems alert, happy, and energetic? Are they eating and drinking normally? Is the limp mild and not getting worse? While a veterinarian should still see these signs, you likely don’t need to visit the emergency room. Minor injuries like cuts longer than half an inch, scrapes, and small puncture wounds should be seen by your vet within 12-24 hours. However, there are a few exceptions. If your pet has been in a fight with another animal and has deep scratches or puncture wounds, immediate intervention—either via urgent care or an emergency vet—can help stop bleeding and prevent dangerous infections. Urgent, but not critical: Favoring a leg/partial weight bearing without behavior changes; cuts, scrapes, or punctures that may require stitches; broken/cracked nails Emergency: Open wounds or heavy bleeding; pet cannot stand or refuses to put any weight on a limb (especially rear leg in a cat); signs of extreme pain like trembling, panting, crying/whining, or aggression when the injury is touched; visible bone or fracture #6: GI Upset (Vomiting/Diarrhea) Tummy troubles, like vomiting and diarrhea, can also be a sign that something is wrong. Lots of things can cause vomiting and diarrhea—from dietary indiscretion to GI blockages and chronic disease. In general, you should schedule a same-day or urgent care vet visit if your pet is:
Signs of a more life-threatening emergency include vomiting and diarrhea along with:
Urgent, but not critical: Sudden onset vomiting, vomiting 2-3 times in one hour; diarrhea without loss of appetite; vomiting/diarrhea, but able to drink water without issues Emergency: Bloody vomit or stool; hard, swollen, painful abdomen; signs of extreme pain; vomiting or diarrhea with collapse, weakness, or lethargy When In Doubt, Trust Your Gut One of the biggest mistakes we see pet owners make is waiting too long to seek care. Even if symptoms don’t seem “that bad yet,” many conditions are easier to treat when caught early. In fact, in some cases early intervention prevents expensive, stressful hospitalizations and intensive care. When in doubt, trust your gut and give us a call! Our team is trained in over-the-phone triage and can help guide your decision-making process. If your instincts tell you something is off, it is worth paying attention. Mountainside Veterinary Hospital Offers Same-Day and Urgent Appointments! Your pet's health is our number one priority. During our regular business hours, we do our best to facilitate same-day and urgent care 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 a referral to a local urgent care or emergency clinic. Early intervention can make all the difference in getting your pet the care they need, when they need it most: 971-405-1111  A quick hello from the owner-founder team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Steve Haley and Ronna Overman, CVT 👋
Our business has seen a lot of changes this year! We’ve moved into a beautiful new building, grown our team, and welcomed hundreds of new clients and patients into our family. With all this growth, we wanted to reintroduce ourselves. Hi, we’re the team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital. We are—and always have been—a locally-owned and operated veterinary hospital. In fact, you can find our owner-founders, Dr. Steve and Ronna, in the clinic most days! A little bit more about our founders: Dr. Steve Haley is Oregon raised, and has been in the Portland veterinary community for over 25 years. He’s passionate about forming lifelong relationships with clients and their beloved animals. As our Medical Director, Dr. Haley enjoys sharing his experience and love of veterinary medicine with our associate veterinary team. He feels incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a veterinary team that has such extensive and diverse experience. Ronna’s love for veterinary medicine started young. She’d bring home any stray puppy or kitten that needed her help, much to her mother’s dismay. As Practice Manager and co-owner of Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, Ronna works with grace behind the scenes to build the team which provides the excellent and compassionate care of our patients. She is honored to work with passionate veterinary professionals who cherish the difference our pets make in our lives. When we opened our doors on November 21st, 2021, it was the result of years spent planning for, working towards, and dreaming of this clinic. Still, we never imagined we’d outgrow our space so quickly! Whether you’ve been with us since day one or recently joined our family, we’re so grateful for your support. We’ve recently heard some concerns that our practice changed ownership when we moved into our new space, but nothing could be further from the truth. Rest assured we’re still a locally-owned and operated veterinary clinic dedicated to serving you and your fur family. With the move to a larger space, we’re excited to be able to accommodate:
Most importantly, being locally-owned gives our doctors the freedom to tailor treatment plans to each client and patient individually. We love getting to know you and working collaboratively with you to provide the highest level of care to your furry friends. While we have the same core team, you WILL see new faces around as our staff continues to grow! We value the wealth of knowledge each person brings to their role—from our CSRs to our amazing techs and medical assistants. Steve and Ronna feel extremely fortunate to be in this new space with more room to support our clients. We want to thank you all for your continued support. If you haven’t already come to see the new building, make time to come by soon!  As summers in the Pacific Northwest get hotter and drier, we’re seeing more frequent and more intense wildfire seasons. Uncontrolled fires can spread quickly and unpredictably. And as we’ve seen with recent events in Los Angeles and Spokane, disaster preparation is critical—not only for our own safety, but for our pets’ safety as well. When it comes to summer weather events and wildfires, having a plan in place can make all the difference!
General Disaster Readiness in the PNW Stay InformedKnowledge is power! We recommend keeping up-to-date on existing wildfires and statewide recommendations. Fire threat updates from the USDA and Portland.gov can help pet owners stay informed about current statewide risks. Oregon also provides OR-Alert, a county-based alerting system. You can register your address and phone number to get timely emergency disaster alerts. As of August 20th, the Pacific Northwest remains at USDA Preparedness Level 5 — the highest wildfire preparedness level. With warm, dry conditions, widespread thunderstorms, and intense wind, Oregon and Washington face a challenging fire season. Have A Plan Wildfires affect the whole family—pets and people alike! Start talking with your family, friends, or greater community before disaster strikes. Ready.gov has a comprehensive article on how to create an emergency readiness plan. A few key questions from that article include:
As you develop your plan, be sure to write down important details! During stressful emergencies, it can be hard to make critical decisions. Take the guesswork out of your plan by writing down important info such as household information, names and contacts of family members, meeting places, and medical information. During some emergencies, cell service or WiFi might become unavailable. You can avoid evacuation stress by keeping printed maps of your route in your go-bag or folder of important documents. Practice, Practice, Practice Last but not least, put your plan into action. Practicing your plan can help ensure you (and your pets) know how to handle a real emergency. The American Red Cross recommends practicing twice a year by grabbing your go-bag, packing up your family, and driving your planned evacuation route. By test-driving your evacuation plan, you can spot potential bottlenecks and troubleshoot alternatives. Readiness Essentials: Pet Supplies Checklist Most experts recommend packing enough pet supplies to last 7-10 days. Recommended supplies include:
Evacuating with Pets During an emergency evacuation, time is of the essence. For wildfires specifically, evacuating before mandatory orders can be a life-saving decision. If you’re living in a high-risk area, keep pets indoors or walk pets on-leash to make sure everyone is accounted for in case of evacuation orders. Keep microchips up-to-date. Evacuations are stressful events, and even the best-behaved pets may panic and try to run. If your pet gets lost during an evacuation, their microchip might be the key to a happy reunion! Microchips dramatically increase the return rate of lost pets, raising reunion rates to over 50% for dogs and nearly 40% for cats. Get pets used to carriers. Make your pet’s carrier an exciting place to be! Well ahead of emergencies, feed pets their meals or favorite treats inside the carrier. Practice closing the carrier and rewarding pets for staying calm. With enough training, pets might run TO instead of AWAY FROM their carriers. Know where to go. Not all hotels or emergency shelters can accept families with animals. Be sure to find pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities along your evacuation route ahead of time. For local, animal-friendly resources, you can consult the Ready.gov Pets Guide. Keep Pets Safe This Summer As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By taking a little time to prepare for the worst-case scenario, pet parents in the Pacific Northwest can keep pets safe and sound, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way! If you have questions about putting together an emergency supply kit or need medication refills, the team at Mountainside is here to help.  While ticks are active year-round in parts of Oregon, they thrive during our temperate summers. When you find a tick on your pet, dead or alive, it’s normal to worry! Ticks aren’t just a nuisance, they’re disease carriers that can cause serious illnesses. Luckily, knowing the signs of tick disease can help you catch problems early to give your pet the best care possible.
Common Tick-Borne Diseases in Oregon Ticks are arthropods who feed on the blood of humans, other mammals, and some reptiles. According to Oregon State University, Oregon is home to over 20 species of ticks. Luckily, only a few of these species feed on people and pets. Ticks to have on your radar are:
While tick disease has historically been rare in Oregon, new data from the CDC shows that we’re already facing our worst tick season since 2017. This increase in tick activity doesn’t only affect our pets. Human hospitalizations and rates of illness are also on the rise. The most common tick diseases affecting Oregon dogs include:
For more in-depth information on these diseases and their symptoms, check out our blog: Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs: Symptoms and Prevention. 5 Signs of Tick Disease in Dogs It only takes one bite from an infected tick to potentially spread disease. While the specific process and impact of each tick-borne disease varies, they often exhibit very similar symptoms. Importantly, because symptoms can take days or even weeks to manifest, it’s important to monitor your pet closely for up to 5 months after a tick encounter. Once symptoms develop, they can progress rapidly! If you suspect your dog has been bitten by a tick, seek medical care as soon as possible! #1: Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite Fatigue and fever are common signs of your dog’s immune system fighting off tick-borne infection. Widespread, systemic inflammation can affect your dog’s appetite and lead to anorexia and weight loss. These symptoms typically manifest within 2-5 days of a tick bite, and can be your earliest warning sign that something’s wrong. #2: Sudden onset lameness, limping, or swollen joints Tick disease can trigger severe inflammation and pain in the joints. In fact, a classic sign of Lyme disease is lameness that shifts from one leg to another, sometimes disappearing altogether and recurring later. Dogs with tick disease symptoms may have a stiff gait, have trouble standing after lying down, and have lameness that comes and goes. #3: Unexplained bruising or bleeding Some tick-borne diseases attack the blood cells and prevent the body from producing enough platelets. Low platelet count increases the risk of circulatory issues and internal bleeding. Affected dogs may have nosebleeds, dark bruises on the belly and/or legs, and pale gums from blood loss. #4: Vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors Certain tick diseases target dogs’ white blood cells. As the disease spreads, it can directly impact gut and nervous system function. Inflammation in the intestines causes nausea, vomiting, and loose stools. As the disease progresses to the nervous system, you’ll see neurologic signs like tremors, stumbling, shaking, or collapse. These are symptoms of advanced tick disease that require immediate intervention! Left untreated, these symptoms continue to progress and can cause permanent organ damage or even be fatal. #5: Seizures and collapse Late stage tick disease can attack the brain and spinal cord. For example, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and late-stage ehrlichiosis often cause brain swelling, which cuts off oxygen to nerve tissue. This can lead to confusion, seizures, and sudden neurologic decline. Tick Disease: Prevention Is The Best Medicine Year-round tick preventatives can greatly reduce your pet’s risk of tick-borne diseases. It generally takes 24-48 hours for an infected tick to transmit disease. Preventatives work by killing or repelling ticks before they can spread disease. Our recommendations for monthly preventatives include:
In addition to a monthly preventative, tick checks after outdoor activity can help prevent disease transmission. For more information on how to check your dog for ticks, check out our recent blog: I Found a Tick On My Dog! Now What?! When In Doubt, Get In Touch Many tick-borne diseases can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care when caught early. If you find a tick on your dog or notice any of the above symptoms, give us a call! Our veterinary team can help assess your dog’s symptoms and recommend the best diagnostics to get your pet the treatment they need. Need a refill on your pet’s monthly tick preventative? You can order your vet-prescribed medications through our convenient online pharmacy partner. Please note: your dog must have an up-to-date physical exam (within the last year) and current prescription to order.  Summer is officially here! For many of us, that means hitting the trails, taking to the water, and spending plenty of time outdoors with our furry friends. But pets don’t always handle heat the same way humans do. So how hot is too hot, exactly? In this month’s blog, we’re looking at hot weather safety tips so you and your pets can have the best summer ever!
First, Know Your Pet There’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for summer weather safety. Where some pets are happy to bake in the sun on a 75 degree day, others will overheat if temperatures climb into the 60s. As a pet parent, the best thing you can do is understand your pet’s personal heat preferences. A few factors that can impact heat tolerance include: Breed Some dogs were bred to thrive in warmer climates while others are better adapted to cool winter conditions. In general, dogs with long, lean bodies and snouts will tolerate heat better. Brachycephalic (or flat-faced) breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers are prone to overheating in the summer because of their shortened skulls and restricted airways. The same is true for our feline friends! Flat-faced cats like Persians and Himalayans will be much more sensitive to high temperatures than other breeds. Age Seniors and young animals are much more heat sensitive than healthy adult animals! Because puppies and kittens are still growing and developing, they struggle to thermoregulate. Younger animals also have less body mass, which means their internal temperature can spike rapidly. Similarly, senior and geriatric animals may have more difficulty keeping cool than other adult animals. With their lower muscle mass and aging circulatory systems, older pets can’t move heat away from vital organs as efficiently. Medications and Chronic Conditions Many medications and chronic health conditions can change your pet’s ability to thermoregulate. If your pet is on medications for a chronic condition, talk to your veterinarian about the risk of heat exhaustion and heat intolerance. Coat Type and Color Next time you’re walking in the sunshine, imagine how you’d feel wearing a heavy, black sweater. Some coat types are more naturally adapted for warm weather. Dogs and cats with short, single-layer coats (ex. Chihuahuas, Greyhounds, Siamese cats) are more easily able to dissipate excess heat. Pets with thick double coats (ex. Malamutes, Huskies, Maine Coon cats) have insulating fur that’s perfect for Arctic conditions. Unfortunately, that means their coat quickly traps summer heat. Fur color also makes a big difference in heat sensitivity. Darker coat colors absorb more heat than lighter coats. Size and Weight Small, lean dogs and cats tend to handle heat much better than their larger counterparts. Smaller animals have a higher surface-area-to-mass ratio, allowing them to radiate body heat much faster. Your pet's body condition will also affect how they handle the heat. Excess body fat acts like a blanket, trapping body heat and hindering the cooling process. Even if you have a large breed dog or cat, keeping your pet at a healthy weight can help them keep cool during hot summer months. So, How Hot Is Too Hot? While heat tolerance varies by breed, age, body condition, and health status, there are a few simple rules of thumb you can follow when adventuring with your pets this summer. If the temperature is... Below 75°F This temperature is comfortable for most animals. Still, you should always consider your pet’s coat type, size, and overall health before taking them outside. Watch for signs of heat stress, like excessive panting, drooling (especially in cats), or bright red gums. 75°F to 85°F This is the caution zone! Some dogs will be uncomfortable at this temperature. Seniors and puppies will be more prone to heat stress at this temperature. Consider shortening walks or outdoor play sessions and watch your pet closely for signs of discomfort. Above 85°F High risk temperature zone for most dogs. Try to walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak heat. Limit to short walks or play near water. Make sure pets have access to more water than normal. Above 90°F Extremely dangerous for most animals! Avoid taking dogs outdoors except for quick potty breaks. Make sure all pets have plenty of cool water, access to shade, and use A/C if possible. The Impact of Humidity Because dogs don’t sweat, they rely on panting to cool themselves down. Panting works through heat transfer. As the dog breathes in, cool air moves across their respiratory tissues. As they breathe out, hot, moisture-heavy air leaves the body. This draws heat away from the surrounding tissues and lowers their body temperature. When the air is more humid, panting is less effective. High humidity traps moisture in the air, making it harder for the dog's body to release heat via evaporation. Even mild temperatures can quickly become dangerous when the humidity is high, so pay attention to humidity levels if you live in a more humid area! Mitigating the Impact of Heat Even when temperatures soar, there are a few ways to keep your pets comfortable. Clean, cool water. The number one rule of hot weather safety is to make sure your pets ALWAYS have access to clean, cold water. Panting works through evaporation, which can quickly dehydrate dogs. On hotter days, place multiple water bowls around the house and in a shaded part of the yard. Taking your furry friend on an adventure? Pack your pet at least a liter of water and offer them a drink every 15-20 minutes. Schedule around hot weather. Even on the hottest summer days, mornings and evenings tend to be cooler. Plan walks and playtime around the hottest part of the day, trying to get pets outdoors before the sun is at peak intensity or after it has started to set. If you have to take your pet out during the heat of the day, always check the asphalt temperature first! The best way to do this is to hold the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws. You can also plan for a shorter walk or less intense exercise if you’re going to be out during peak heat. Shade and cooling gear. The ambient temperature in the shade can be drastically different from the full-sun! If you’re taking your pet out on a hot day, try to choose a shady, wooded hike or make sure they have access to shade on the boat, paddleboard, or kayak. If shade isn’t an option, specialized cooling gear can make it easier for your dog to thermoregulate. Air conditioning and fans. For brachiocephalic animals, seniors, puppies, and kittens even indoor temperatures can get too hot! If possible, keep these pets in an air conditioned house when the temperature soars. No access to A/C? Strategically placed fans help circulate air and help with cooling. Know the Signs of Heat Stress Heat stress can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening heat stroke. It’s important to know the signs so you can intervene early and get pets cooled down! Signs to watch for include:
In extreme, life-threatening cases, your pet may vomit, collapse, or experience seizures. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency hospital to take immediate action! Pets and Hot Cars Every year, hundreds of animals die in parked cars from heat-related complications. Hundreds more are rescued from hot cars, often by breaking a window. In fact, hot cars are so dangerous for pets that Oregon has laws in place to protect them. Need to take your pet somewhere on a hot summer day? Crank up the A/C before loading up your pet to prevent temperature spikes. If the ambient temperature is at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it is NOT SAFE to leave your dog unattended. Even with shade and cracked windows, the temperature inside your car can soar to over 115 degrees. If you must leave your dog in the car, make sure at least one adult stays with them and keep the A/C on! Keep Pets Happy & Healthy This Summer Summers in the Pacific Northwest offer plenty of opportunities to get outside with your pets! But it’s important to know when and how to safeguard your furry friends against hot summer conditions. If you ever have questions about your pet, the team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is here to help!  Summer is just around the corner, and the signs are everywhere! Flowers are blooming, trees are green, and your pet’s seasonal allergies are likely starting to flare up. If your pet suffers from seasonal allergy symptoms, you’re not alone. As many as 10-15% of cats and dogs have environmental allergies, just like us.
Your pets don't need to deal with itching, sniffling, and sneezing all summer long. In this month’s blog, we’re looking at common allergy triggers, symptoms, and treatment options. Common Culprits: Environmental Allergies Environmental allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to harmless, everyday substances. These allergens can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin when your dog touches them. Allergens can include outdoor triggers like pollen, dust, and mold, or household allergens like dust mites and even dander from other pets. While some environmental allergies peak in the spring and summer, others persist year-round. Both dogs and cats are most commonly allergic to:
Another common allergen, flea saliva, is transmitted when pets are bitten by fleas. When pets with allergies come into contact with an environmental trigger, the immune system responds by releasing chemicals that cause inflammation. Unlike most people with allergies, animals generally experience atopic dermatitis, or skin inflammation. Signs Your Pet Has Seasonal Allergies When you think of “spring fever,” you probably imagine a scratchy throat, stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. However, these symptoms are less common in our animal friends. While symptoms will vary depending on the type and severity of your pets’ allergies, some common symptoms include:
Less commonly, pets may show respiratory symptoms. Sneezing, an itchy, runny nose, and irritated, watery eyes are all well-documented symptoms of allergies. If you notice these symptoms tend to occur seasonally, it’s more likely that your pet has environmental allergies and not a systemic or food-related allergy. Treatment Options for Pets with Allergies Allergies can be a complex, chronic issue for pets with hypersensitive immune systems. As such, there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for pets with allergies. Instead, we recommend taking a personalized approach to determining triggers and creating the best course of treatment. A few options your veterinarian may recommend include: Minimizing Contact with Allergens First things first: get to the root cause of your pet’s seasonal itch. Check with your vet to rule out a bacterial or fungal infection or parasites like ringworm, fleas, and ticks. Then, try keeping a symptom log to help figure out your pet’s individual triggers. If symptoms are year-round or worse in the winter, you’re likely dealing with an indoor allergen. If symptoms peak in the spring or fall, try to figure out what’s in bloom when your pet’s allergies peak. Reduce contact time with allergens like pollen by wiping down pets with a wet washcloth each time they come indoors. Frequent brushing and bathing can also keep allergens from sitting too long on the surface of your pet’s skin. Over-The-Counter Medications & Supplements Does your pet have mild or intermittent allergies? Many OTC allergy medications and supplements are safe for pets, but only when appropriately dosed! NEVER give human medications without first consulting with your veterinarian, and ALWAYS make sure you’re not giving multi-symptom medications. In addition to anti-histamines, your vet may recommend dietary supplements to reduce inflammation. The omega fatty acids found in many fish oil supplements can help relieve itchy skin or prevent skin infection. Many specialty pet food stores sell supplements, treats, and tonics that claim to provide natural allergy relief. Always talk to your vet about the viability of these products before making them a part of your pet’s diet. Prescription Medications Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to manage persistent, severe, or year-round allergies. The goal of these medications is twofold: to relieve allergy symptoms and to address the hypersensitive immune system response. To relieve symptoms, your vet may prescribe a combination of topical and systemic treatments. For example, medicated shampoos and wipes to reduce skin irritation in conjunction with a steroid or monoclonal antibody medication to reduce immune‑driven inflammation. The best treatment plan for pets with allergies will address the root cause and not just the symptoms! Pets with severe, year-round symptoms might benefit from immunotherapy injections. These shots are typically given by a veterinary dermatologist. They work by gradually introducing small amounts of the pet’s specific allergens into the system. This process, which generally takes 3 to 12 months, helps desensitize the immune system to the allergen, preventing the allergic overreaction. Comprehensive Treatment for Pets’ Allergies Whether your pet needs seasonal relief or year-round allergy management, Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is here to help! Our veterinarians are passionate about helping pet owners understand their treatment options and making sure pets get the care they need to thrive! And, as a locally-owned veterinary clinic, we have strong ties to local veterinary specialists. If your pet requires advanced treatment, we’ll work hand-in-hand with their dermatologist to ensure seamless medical care.  Whether you’re growing your furry family or adopting your first pup, it’s exciting to bring home a new puppy! But between puppy-proofing your home, picking up supplies, and navigating those first few weeks it’s normal to feel a little daunted. As your local veterinary clinic, we love getting to educate folks about how to set their new puppy up for a lifetime of health and happiness. In this helpful how-to, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of puppyhood and give you the info you need to care for your new best friend. Before Bringing Your New Puppy Home A little preparation goes a long way for keeping your new puppy safe, comfortable, and entertained. Ask yourself the following questions:
While raising a puppy requires a lot of adaptability, having plans in place heads off some unknowns as your household gets used to its newest member. Talking through the above questions can help the whole family get on the same page about your puppy’s routine and care. Now, time for a visualization exercise. Take a long, careful look at the area where your puppy will spend the most time. Imagine you have a mouth full of sharp, brand new teeth and nothing feels better than chewing with them! What needs to be moved (cords and cables, shoes, precious heirlooms, etc.) and what needs to be secured or blocked off (cabinets that contain cleaning supplies or trash cans, etc.)  Feel free to save, print, or download for easy reference! The First Few Days
The first few days set the tone for your puppy’s routine, comfort, and trust. Although it’s an incredibly rewarding experience, raising a puppy is not for the faint of heart! Puppies are energetic, curious, and still learning the rules of their new life. They require plenty of patience and dedicated energy. The first day. It’s time to make your puppy feel like your home is their home! Take things slow and give your puppy breaks if they seem overstimulated or anxious. On the first day, give your puppy some calm, quiet exploration time. Puppies explore with their mouths, so keep a close eye to prevent unwanted chewing. Use treats and praise to reward good behavior like sitting, coming when called, and playing with toys. If you have other pets, start with short, supervised introductions one animal at a time. The first night. It’s been a big day for everybody! Puppies need a lot of sleep—as much as 20 hours per day. To help your puppy work off any excess energy, make sure they get a chance to play about an hour before bedtime. Now, where does your puppy sleep? Experts recommend using a crate or playpen so puppies have a quiet, enclosed place to sleep at night. Not only does this give them a “den” to feel safe in, it also prevents unwanted nighttime potty accidents and chewing. Plus, crate training can be a powerful tool when it comes to potty training. The first week. During the first week with your puppy, you’ll start to build a bond that lasts a lifetime. Yes, your puppy needs food, water, sleep, and potty breaks. But just as importantly, they need safety, predictability, and connection. Even sitting on the floor nearby while your puppy explores can create trust and foster a sense of security. Positive reinforcement, gentle training, and play are three great ways to build an unshakeable bond with your new puppy. Start building name recognition by saying your puppy’s name and giving them a treat when they look at you. Aside from bonding, use the first week home to reinforce potty training and get your puppy used to their daily routine! Consistency is the name of the game. Try to make sure they rest, play, go out to potty, and eat at the same time every day. A structured schedule will help your puppy adapt to their new surroundings faster and more confidently. It also helps your puppy learn faster and reduces potty accidents! Time Together vs. Time Alone Building a bond with your puppy is an important part of your early days together. But it’s also crucial to encourage your puppy’s independence! Including some alone time in your puppy’s daily routine can reduce separation stress later on. Some puppies—and even adult dogs—experience anxiety when their family leaves the house. Signs of separation anxiety can range from whining, pacing, and barking, to destructive habits like destroying toys and furniture. To help them work through this, start slow and gradually increase the amount of time they are alone. Your puppy may initially bark or whine when you leave, but as you practice they will learn to cope with their alone time. Remember: when leaving puppies unattended it’s important to have them in a crate, kennel, playpen, or a thoroughly puppy-proofed room to protect both the puppy and your home. When Should Your New Puppy See The Vet? We recommend getting your puppy into the vet within a week of adoption. During this first establishing care appointment, we’ll do a thorough physical exam, check for parasites, and make sure they’re on schedule with vaccines. If your puppy isn’t already microchipped, we can also get that done during their first visit. Preparing for Your First Vet Appointment We love getting to watch puppies grow up! During your puppy’s wellness visits, we'll practice low-stress handling and use distractions, like tasty treats, to create positive associations with veterinary care. Before your visit, you’ll want to gather:
The first few trips to the clinic are also a great time to discuss food and nutrition needs, recommendations for training and socializing, and how to prevent parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Congratulations & Welcome to Puppy Life! Navigating puppyhood requires a little preparation, a LOT of patience, and a pinch of creativity. At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we’re proud to offer comprehensive veterinary care for every stage of life. As always, if you have any concerns or questions about your new puppy, our veterinarians are here to help!  We’re thrilled to announce that Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is moving into a new, much larger space on May 11th, 2026! We’ll still have the same wonderful team providing the same high-quality medicine you’ve come to know and expect, but with more room to stretch our legs. The new location will have more exam rooms, a dedicated dental suite, a larger surgical suite, and more kennel space—including separate areas for our cat and dog patients!
The new building is just up Scholls Ferry at 12655 SW North Dakota St (Tigard). A little over a mile from our current location, it’s nestled behind the Providence building and close to Whole Foods. Swing by and peek in the windows if you’re in the neighborhood! This is ALL because of the support each of you have given Mountainside Veterinary Hospital over the last four years. Each and every one of you has been instrumental to our growth. We so appreciate your support and can’t wait to share the new space with all of you! Move-in day is coming up fast! Please note the following dates: We will continue seeing patients at our current location until May 6th. The hospital will be closed May 7th-10th as the final pieces make their way into the new building. We’ll reopen for our regular business hours Monday, May 11th in the new space! We appreciate your understanding during this transition and hope to minimize the impact on our clients and patients. Please reach out to our CSR team with any questions in the meantime and we look forward to sharing our new space with you all! Thank you for being part of the Mountainside Team! Steve, Ronna, and the MVH Team  From extra rugs around the house to special toys and diets, caring for senior dogs comes with plenty of special considerations. At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we strive to provide exceptional care at every stage of life. That means taking extra time and care to meet older patients’ specific physical and emotional needs. This month, we’re sharing a few key tips from the Senior Dog Veterinary Society about how to make vet visits with your senior dog low-stress.
When to Schedule Senior Dog Vet Visits Many senior pets have clinic anxiety, trouble walking, or cognitive decline. For these pups, timing is key! When possible, we recommend scheduling senior visits during non-peak hours. For example, morning appointments can mean a quieter clinic environment and no lingering scents from previous patients. This lower-stimulation environment makes a big difference in how comfortable your senior dog is during their visit. Other quiet times include mid-afternoon appointments and appointments during the middle of the week. Not sure when to schedule? Our client service team can help find the best time for your dog’s visit. Where To Wait While we do our best to minimize wait times, vet clinic lobbies are a high-traffic area! For dogs with painful joints or trouble getting around, a lobby full of unfamiliar animals and people can be especially stressful. If you know your dog doesn’t do well with waiting in the lobby, you’ve got options. At our clinic, we have a direct-access room (and soon we’ll have two!). This lets clients go directly into the exam room without passing through the lobby. Not only does this mean less distance walking for senior pets, but it also keeps your pet from getting bumped or bombarded by other waiting pets. The Senior Dog Veterinary Society suggests letting older dogs wait in the car to reduce stress. If your dog can't wait alone in the car, call us for curbside check-in. We can handle most of the check-in process by phone and bring your dog directly to an exam room when it’s ready. Consider Pre-Visit Medication for Senior Dogs At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we always take steps to make visits as low-stress as possible. Unfortunately, senior dogs often have increased pain sensitivity and more difficulty adapting to unfamiliar or overstimulating environments. For these pets, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! When scheduling your senior dog’s appointment, talk to your veterinarian about pre-visit medication protocols. Whether you’re proactively managing pain or giving an anti-anxiety medication to help with stress, a calmer, more comfortable dog means safer handling and overall better care. Preparing For Your Senior Dog Appointment Because their health status can change quickly, we recommend bi-annual exams for ALL senior pets. We recommend taking a few extra steps to make sure your senior dog gets the most out of these visits:
We believe every dog deserves personalized care that works for them. Our goal is to make sure every senior dog visit runs smoothly—from scheduling through check-out. That means working proactively with you to plan the very best visit for your pup! Have questions? Don’t hesitate to ask our team about how to prepare for your senior’s check-up.  It’s true that cats might seem more independent than our canine companions. But cats need just as much care and attention as the family dog! Indoor and outdoor cats alike need food, shelter, socialization, and proper medical care.
As experienced cat health professionals, we understand the complexities of caring for your feline friend throughout their lifetime. In honor of National Cat Health Month, this blog outlines the cat care essentials that will help your kitty live their longest, healthiest life. Cat Health & Wellness Guidelines While every cat is different, most kitties will have the same general wellness needs at each stage of life. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), cats have four life stages: kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior. While many health conditions can affect cats of any age, some cat health issues are mostly seen in certain life stages. For example, kittens are most likely to have intestinal parasites, and older cats are more likely to show signs of kidney disease. That’s why it’s so important to know your cat’s unique needs at every age! Caring for Kittens (Birth to 1 Year) A kitten is a curious, energetic, and adorable addition to the family! Just like babies and puppies, they require a little “kitten-proofing” before your new bundle of fluff comes home. Kittens can get themselves into plenty of trouble if you haven’t checked your home for certain safety issues. Kittens also have different nutritional needs than adult cats. A nutrient-dense food will support their rapid growth and development. Ask your vet about the right formula for your kitten’s breed, age, and lifestyle! Veterinary care is especially crucial during the first few months of your kitten’s life. If possible, schedule your kitty’s first veterinary visit within 10-14 days of adoption. During your kitten’s visits, we’ll check their eyes and nose, listen to their heart, check their teeth, and make sure they’re growing normally. We’ll also administer vaccines and boosters to protect your kitten against serious, deadly diseases like feline distemper, feline leukemia, and rabies. Depending on how old your kitten was when they had their first round of vaccinations, they will likely need to see the vet every three to four weeks until they’re 16 weeks of age or older. At this point, most kittens will be done with their vaccine series. The last thing you’ll need to consider is when to spay or neuter your new furry friend. Most kittens coming from a shelter or rescue are spayed or neutered around 8 weeks of age. But if your kitten is not already spayed or neutered, you can talk to your vet about the appropriate time to perform this routine surgery. Enjoy your kitten’s first year of life, they grow up fast! Those first twelve months are an incredible time for socialization, play, and watching your kitten learn about the world. Toys and enrichment—like cardboard boxes—give kittens an outlet for their energy and can prevent more destructive behaviors, like couch scratching. Caring for Young Adult Cats (1-6 Years) Many people think that adult cats don’t need veterinary care unless they’re sick or injured. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Because cats age more rapidly than humans, an annual exam and routine diagnostics are incredibly important. Your young adult cat needs fewer calories than your growing kitten. Around 10-12 months old, you’ll transition from a kitten diet to a lower-calorie food. While cats are obligate carnivores (AKA they MUST eat an animal-based kibble or canned food), they can eat veterinary-approved diets containing grains and plant material. When in doubt, ask your vet which food is best for your pet! Healthy young adult cats should still be seen annually for a physical exam and routine labs. These yearly visits help your veterinarian determine if your cat is at risk of developing a preventable condition or, if a condition is already present, diagnose and treat it early. During this annual visit, your cat’s veterinarian will also examine their mouth and look for signs of tartar, gingivitis, or tooth resorption. Cats generally need annual professional dental cleanings starting around 1 to 3 years of age to prevent periodontal (tooth and gum) disease. Finally, all cats, regardless of whether or not they go outdoors, need to be up-to-date on vaccines. Your veterinarian will make vaccine recommendations based on your cat’s lifestyle and exposures (e.g., indoor vs. outdoor), age, breed, and health status. Caring for Mature Adult Cats (7-10 Years) While cats age at different rates, many will experience changes that require more veterinary care around 7 or 8 years old. For example, up to 60% of cats will have symptoms of undiagnosed arthritis by age 7. Cats with emerging or chronic health conditions may need bi-annual veterinary visits and more frequent diagnostics like labs, X-rays, or ultrasound. As your cat ages, you are their most important advocate! Subtle behavior changes at home could be useful clues about your cat’s health status. If you notice your cat sleeping more, playing less, changes in appetite, or difficulty grooming, using the litter box, jumping or going up stairs, it’s important to discuss these changes with your cat’s care team. Obesity is a big concern for adult cats as it can aggravate or contribute to health issues like osteoarthritis and diabetes. Try to keep your kitty at a healthy weight with regular, measured feedings and daily play sessions to prevent age-related muscle loss. Caring for Senior & Geriatric Cats (10+ Years) There’s nothing quite like loving a sugar-faced senior pet! As cats age, their health can change quickly. Common conditions in senior cats include diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney disease, and feline IBS/IBD (bowel disease). Early disease detection often improves response to treatment, which is why we recommend twice-yearly physical exams and senior-specific lab work for older cats. Senior and geriatric cats may have drastically different nutrition needs. Some older cats still struggle with obesity, while others will have uncontrolled weight loss. If your cat has a chronic condition, your veterinarian may also recommend a prescription diet. Regular weigh-ins and nutrition counseling can help us ensure your pet is on the best diet possible. While healthy senior cats can still get their regular annual vaccines and dentals, some senior kitties might need more or less frequent care to stay safe and healthy. At Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we provide tailored treatment based on your cat’s actual health history and needs! We’ll work with you to manage chronic conditions, maintain a healthy weight, and help your kitty live better for longer. We’re also committed to providing compassionate guidance, education, and support when it’s time to navigate your pet’s final days. We believe every pet’s end-of-life care should be filled with dignity and love. Exceptional Care At Every Stage of Life We’re honored to offer comprehensive veterinary care for cats at every stage of life. Set your new kitten up for a lifetime of success or keep your adult cat thriving with personalized care. As always, if you have any concerns or questions about caring for your feline friends, our veterinarians are here to help! |
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September 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
12655 SW North Dakota St Tigard, Oregon 97223
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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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