Livingston Veterinary Hospital

10/09/2026

Finding a lump or swollen lymph node on your pet can set you off down a Google rabbit hole, with answers from “it’s nothing” to “it’s cancer”. The waiting and web searching is the part we would gently talk you out of, because your fingers and Google cannot tell an infection from cancer but a quick test here can. Livingston Veterinary Hospital walks through what to do first on the blog.

Healthy lymph nodes on your dog or cat are soft and easy to miss, so a new firm spot slips by too. Learn the five spots to feel and when a change matters.

10/08/2026

Has your pet been exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, such as bad breath or swollen gums? It's important to take action before the condition progresses. Call us, today, to schedule a check up for your pet! 406-222-3011

10/06/2026

🚫🐱 Did you know that millions of pets are euthanized each year because there aren't enough homes for them all?

👉🔪 Spaying or neutering your pet is an easy way to help prevent this problem by ensuring your pet doesn't produce offspring and add to the overpopulation.

💬👩‍⚕️ Call 406-222-3011 to talk to your veterinarian about the importance of spaying or neutering your furry friend.

10/01/2026

👉🐁 Pet owners, protect your furry friends from the dangers of rodenticides!

🐶🐱 These products are highly toxic to pets and can cause internal bleeding if ingested. Most rodenticides work by inhibiting the rodent’s ability to clot blood, which can also harm cats and dogs.

👀 If you suspect your pet has ingested rat or mouse poison, watch out for symptoms such as lethargy and pale gums and contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

💊 Early intervention is key to a positive outcome, so be vigilant to keep your pets safe and healthy!🚫

09/29/2026

🚨 WARNING: Pets and alcohol don't mix!

🚫 Even small amounts of alcohol can cause severe health problems in our furry friends, such as hypoglycemia, seizures, and respiratory arrest.

Keep an eye on your pet and seek help immediately if you suspect they've ingested any alcohol!👀🐾

09/24/2026

🐶🔊🚪Stop the barking with this simple approach!

Reward your dog for a behavior that makes barking inconvenient. Incompatible behaviors include retrieving a toy, tugging on a toy, and going to their bed or crate.

First, teach the new behavior in a quiet and distraction-free space, rewarding your dog generously for a correct performance.

Next, practice the behavior in the area where your dog barks, gradually increasing the challenge level. Cue the new behavior the moment your dog is distracted, and prompt them if needed.

Soon, your dog will perform the new behavior instead of barking when they hear a stimulus like the doorbell, delivery truck, or barking neighbor dogs.

09/22/2026

Our furry friends have complex emotions too, and sometimes, they may exhibit signs of fear, anxiety, or stress.

😢 In addition to obvious signs like shaking or hiding, dogs may also use self-soothing motions like yawning or scratching to alleviate nervous energy. They may even exhibit displacement behaviors like sniffing or running in circles.

Other signs of an anxious or fearful dog include stiff posture, avoiding eye contact, lip licking, and a tucked or frantically wagging tail. Stay tuned for more tips on how to help your furry friend feel more at ease.

09/17/2026

😾🐶 Bored pets often entertain themselves by doing something mischievous, destructive, or dangerous. A bored puppy may chew furniture, while a bored cat may become an aggressive bully.

🏃‍♂️🧠 Without proper physical exercise and mental stimulation, pets can develop many problem behaviors. They may also show signs of anxiety, fear aggression, and more.

🚫👎 Keep your furry friend happy and healthy by providing ample physical and mental stimulation. Need ideas? Call 406-222-3011 to talk to your veterinarian.

09/17/2026

A senior Labrador, senior Chihuahua, and senior cat reach the same age bracket with very different risks. That is why a senior screening isn’t a long list of tests that’s the same for everyone. Bloodwork and urinalysis come first, but what follows depends on your pet. Our latest post walks through how breed and age shape senior screening.

Your senior pet's breed and size change which screenings actually matter. Start with bloodwork and urinalysis, then see what senior screening adds next.

09/15/2026

Did you know that cats can experience separation anxiety too? It's a common myth that only dogs suffer from this condition, but our feline friends can also feel the same distress when left alone. Keep an eye out for signs like excessive vocalizations, destructive behavior, and more.