Pet Resources
This is where we share expert tips, important seasonal reminders, and in-depth information to support the health and well-being of your beloved pets. If you have a question or a topic you’d like us to explore, contact us.
The Hidden Hazard on Every Trail: What Central Oregon Pet Owners Need to Know About Foxtails & Cheatgrass
Every summer, dogs across Central Oregon come into the clinic with a problem their owners never saw coming. The culprit is usually something smaller than a fingernail — a foxtail or a cheatgrass awn. These two invasive grasses are among the most serious warm-weather hazards we treat, and they grow abundantly throughout the high desert […]
Ticks in Central Oregon: More Common Than You Think — And What to Do Before You Head Out
Ask most Bend pet owners whether they worry about ticks, and you’ll often get a shrug. “That’s more of an East Coast problem, right?” Not anymore — and not here. Tick populations in Oregon have been expanding steadily, and Central Oregon is no exception. Elevation and dry climate offer some protection, but if your dog […]
Is There a Way to Tell If a Pet Is in Pain?
As pet owners, we want our furry (or scaly or feathery) friends to live happy, comfortable lives. Unfortunately, pets cannot verbally tell us when something hurts, making it essential to recognize the subtle signs of pain. Whether it’s a physical injury, illness, or emotional distress, knowing how to identify pain in pets is crucial for […]
Healthy Holiday Treat Alternatives for Pets: A Guide to Pet-Friendly Festive Feasting
Hello, pet parents! The holiday season is here, which means kitchens are bustling, tables are loaded with treats, and festive cheer is in the air. However, as you whip up your holiday favorites, it’s crucial to remember that not all human foods are safe for our furry friends. So, I’m here to help you with […]
Fall Back in Love with Reading: 14 Animal-Featuring Books this Autumn
I spend my days with animals, and I still love reading about them in the evenings. Fall is the perfect time for it: longer nights, a warm drink, and a dog snoring at your feet. Here are fourteen animal books, one for each week of fall, from the week of September 22 through the week […]
Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Owners
Halloween can be a fun time for families, but it can also be stressful—or even dangerous—for our furry companions. Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe during this spooky season: First, if your pet tends to be anxious around strangers, it’s best to keep them at home while you’re out trick-or-treating. If […]
7 Tips for a Fun and Healthy Fall Season with Your Pets
As the crisp air rolls in and the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, autumn brings a refreshing change for both people and their pets. For dog owners, fall is an especially magical time. The cooler temperatures make outdoor adventures more pleasant, from long walks through the woods to weekend […]
When is the Right Time to Say Goodbye to Your Beloved Pet?
We all wish our pets could stay with us forever. But there comes a time in every pet’s life when we must make the heart-wrenching decision to say goodbye. During this difficult period, your veterinarian and their team can be a tremendous source of support, helping you navigate this emotional journey. There’s no definitive answer […]
Fluff or Fat? How to Tell if Your Pet is Overweight and What to Do About It
October 12th was National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and let’s be honest—our furry friends can be sneaky when it comes to guilt-tripping us for extra snacks. A little too much love in the form of treats can add up quickly, and before you know it, you might find yourself asking: Is this fluff or fat? […]
Why Your Pet’s Dental Health Matters More Than You Think
On the occasion of October being dental health month, we’re giving you our top 4 ways to make a positive impact on your pet’s health—all things you can keep in mind to do before bringing them in for their annual dental exam and cleaning. Taking care of your pet’s teeth is more than just keeping […]
Top 5 Reasons Every Pet Owner Needs a Veterinarian (and What You Risk Without One)
Today, I want to share with you the top five reasons why having a veterinarian is crucial for your beloved pets, along with the risks of not taking proper medical care of them. Our furry friends depend on us for their well-being, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they live healthy and happy lives. 1. […]
Core vs. Non-Core Vaccines: Choosing the Right Vaccines for Your Pet in Central Oregon
As pet parents here in Bend, keeping our furry friends healthy and happy is always top of mind. Understanding which vaccines are essential for your pet based on our local environment is a big part of that. Let’s break down the core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats in Central Oregon, so you can […]
3 of Our Favorite Summertime Hikes in Bend with Your Dogs
All of the staff at High Desert loves the outdoors, hiking especially. In the clinic, we are often recommending places to take your dog on walks in local open spaces. Here are our go-to, top 3 favorite spots and the links to Alltrails for details about each location. GOOD DOG PARK Good Dog at Rim […]
August Is Prime Time for Your Pet’s Wellness Exam in Bend, Oregon
Summer’s winding down, the school buses are warming up, and here in Bend, the nights are just starting to whisper, “Fall is coming.” That makes August the perfect time to get your pet in for their annual wellness exam. At High Desert Veterinary, I like to think of August as the sweet spot: the dust […]
Back to School, Bend-Style: Helping Your Pets Through the Fall Shuffle
You know it’s back-to-school season in Bend when the yellow buses appear, the mornings feel crisp, and you can’t find a parking spot at Trader Joe’s because everyone’s stocking up on lunch snacks. While you’re wrangling backpacks, packed lunches, and new schedules, your pets are also feeling the shift—and sometimes, they’re not too thrilled about […]
Is Your Pet Eating for the Season? What You Should Know About Summer Nutrition
Nutrition is one of those topics that comes up at nearly every wellness visit — and for good reason. What your pet eats directly affects their energy, weight, immune function, coat health, and long-term organ health. And yet for most pet owners, it’s also one of the most confusing areas to navigate. Walk through any […]
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Pet Healthy in the High Desert
Tips from Dr. Post at High Desert Veterinary Living in Bend means fresh air, big skies, and endless trails—but our high desert climate also brings unique challenges for pets. Here are the top ten things we encourage pet parents to stay on top of to keep their furry friends feeling great year-round: Dehydration & Water […]
Toxic Foods to Avoid for Pets
It’s a common scene—you’re chopping veggies or enjoying a snack and those hopeful pet eyes are begging for a bite. But some foods that seem harmless (or even healthy!) to humans can actually be toxic to dogs and cats. Here’s a breakdown to help you keep your pets safe: ? High-Risk Foods to Avoid: Grapes […]
Charlie’s Fund: A Legacy of Love
Some pets leave paw prints not just on our hearts, but across entire communities. Charlie—a gentle, black Labrador—was one of those rare souls. She had a way of brightening every visit to High Desert Veterinary, greeting us with a steady tail thump and the kind of calm, loving presence that made every day better. When […]
Be Prepared: National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
It’s National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to helping pet owners understand how to respond in an emergency. While most of us know the basics of human first aid, many pet parents are unsure what to do if their dog eats something toxic, their cat breaks a bone, or they notice sudden […]
April is National Heartworm Month: Protect Your Pet at High Desert Veterinary
April is National Heartworm Month, a time to raise awareness about this preventable yet dangerous disease that affects both dogs and cats. As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, it’s the perfect time to ensure your pets are protected from heartworms and other parasitic infections. What Are Heartworms? Heartworms are parasitic worms transmitted […]
What Your Pet’s Mouth Is Telling You (And Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Listen)
If your dog or cat could talk, their mouth might have a lot to say — and most of it wouldn’t be good news. Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed health condition in adult pets. By age three, the majority of dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease. By middle age, many […]
Facts About Obesity in Pets
Obesity in pets is a growing concern, affecting millions of dogs and cats worldwide. While a chubby pet might seem cute, excess weight can lead to serious health complications, reduced lifespan, and a diminished quality of life. Understanding the causes, risks, and misconceptions surrounding pet obesity can help owners make better choices for their furry […]
Savoring magic moments, even at 6 am
Hello friends! Katie Post, Dr. Post’s other half, coming to you with a little story from my life with our dogs. Each morning I walk our three dogs. It’s not easy to walk three dogs at one time. Certainly not in the middle of a freeze-thaw cycle in the middle of winter, and definitely not […]
Celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month with High Desert Veterinary
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, a perfect time to focus on an often-overlooked aspect of pet care, your furry friend’s oral health! Just like humans, pets require regular dental care to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize that dental disease is one of the most common health […]
Follow These Tips to Keep Your Pet’s Heart Healthy
With Valentine’s Day inspiring our thoughts to linger on all the people and animals we adore, we’ve got your pet’s heart health on our minds here at High Desert Veterinary. As one of THE most important organs in their body, the heart works tirelessly to keep our fur babies happy, active, and full of life. […]
How to Care for Pets’ Paws in Winter Weather
As winter sets in, the chilly temperatures, ice, and snow can pose unique challenges for our pets, especially when it comes to their paws. Proper paw care during the colder months is crucial to keeping your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy. Here at High Desert Veterinary, we’re dedicated to helping you ensure your pet’s paws […]
Evacuations: How to Bring Your Pet Along with You
In the face of an emergency, evacuating your home can be a stressful and chaotic experience. Adding pets into the mix complicates matters further, but with proper planning and preparation, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to include your pets in your evacuation plans. […]
Keep Your Pet Warm This Winter with these Tips from High Desert Veterinary
Winter can be a magical time, with snowy landscapes and festive holidays, but it also brings colder temperatures that can be challenging for our furry friends. Keeping your pet warm during the winter months is crucial to their health and well-being. At High Desert Veterinary, we want to ensure your pets stay safe and comfortable. […]
Capture the Magic: Holiday Photo Tips for Beautiful Memories with Your Pet
As the holiday season rolls around, our homes fill with warmth, laughter, and the company of those we cherish most—including our beloved pets, who make every moment a bit brighter. There’s nothing quite like capturing that perfect photo of your dog curled up by the fire, or your cat eyeing the holiday decorations with quiet […]
Holiday Travel Tips for Pet Owners: Keeping Your Pet Safe and Comfortable on the Go
With the holiday season approaching, many of us are gearing up for visits to family, cozy getaways, or long-awaited vacations. For pet owners like us, holiday travel takes a bit more planning, especially when we’re bringing our furry friends along. Whether you’re driving or flying, preparing your pet for travel can make the journey safer […]
Meet HDV’s Veterinary Technician Team
At High Desert Veterinary, our team of vet techs is more than just skilled professionals—they’re the heart of our clinic, bringing dedication, compassion, and a dash of flair to everything they do. From Amanda’s high-energy humor and love for apple crisp frappuccinos to Mersadies’ rescue dog expertise and pumpkin patch adventures, this group shines both […]
Growing Old Together: Why Senior Dogs Make the Best Companions
Celebrating Senior Dog Adoption Month at High Desert Veterinary There’s something special about a senior dog—the graying muzzle, the knowing eyes, the quiet joy that comes from simply being near their favorite humans. November is Senior Dog Adoption Month, a time to celebrate the deep rewards of giving an older dog a second chance at […]
The Healing Needle: How Acupuncture Joins the High Desert Veterinary Toolbox
We’re thrilled to share exciting news with our Central Oregon community: at High Desert Veterinary, we’re expanding our care menu to include alternative medical treatments led by Dr. Jon Enyart—a certified veterinary acupuncturist and holistic medicine expert who recently joined our team. With his background in emergency, wildlife, and integrative veterinary care, Dr. Enyart brings […]
Stop the Sneaky Invaders: Proactive Deworming for Your Cat
At High Desert Veterinary, we love cats for their curious, adventurous spirits—and that means they can unintentionally pick up more than admiration for a sunny windowsill. One of the most common, yet preventable issues we see in cats is intestinal parasites: the “worms” that can sneak into your pet’s system whether they’re strictly indoor or […]
7 Tips to Keep Your Pets Out of the Spook on Halloween!
Halloween might be a blast for us humans—costumes, candy, doorbells ringing off the hook—but for our pets, it can feel like an invasion of tiny monsters. Here are our 7 tips for keeping your pets feeling safe and relaxed this Halloween, and out of the loose candy very likely to be strewn about. 1. Have […]
