The Paw Print is where our veterinarians and team share clear, trustworthy guidance on pet health, behavior, and preventive care. Each article is written and medically reviewed by our team here in Billings, Montana, offering down-to-earth advice and up-to-date veterinary knowledge to help you care for your pets with confidence.
When planning a litter, choosing between natural breeding and artificial insemination is one of the most significant decisions an owner will make. In this guide, Dr. Amber Herron explains the clinical realities of each method to help breeders in our region make the most informed, medically sound decisions for their dogs.
Dr. Erika Cantamessa, DVM at Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital in Billings, shares practical, step-by-step advice to help your cat stop dreading the carrier. Learn how to turn your cat’s carrier into a safe, happy place using positive reinforcement—so vet visits become routine instead of stressful ordeals for both of you and your feline friend.
At Caring Hands, our primary goal in vaccinating your pets is to protect them from preventable, life-threatening diseases. However, there is a secondary, lesser-known medical and financial benefit to having vaccines administered by a veterinarian rather than purchasing them over the counter. When a vaccine is properly handled and administered in a clinical setting, reputable manufacturers will typically cover treatment costs in the rare event of a severe reaction.
Parasites like fleas, ticks, mites, and lice are common problems for dogs and cats, even in places like Billings, Montana where winters can be cold. These pests do more than make pets itchy — they can spread diseases, cause skin infections, and create serious health problems for both animals and people. In this article, Dr. Erika Cantamessa explains the most common external parasites affecting pets and why prevention is so important.
Tick season in Montana often begins earlier than many pet owners expect. As temperatures rise above 40°F, ticks can become active — even if there’s still snow on the ground. With shifting weather patterns and longer active seasons, starting prevention before peak spring activity is one of the best ways to protect your pet. Here’s what Montana pet owners should know.
Breeding a dog involves far more than pairing two animals and hoping for healthy puppies. From genetic screening and progesterone timing to understanding the medical risks of pregnancy, responsible breeding requires careful planning and veterinary oversight. In this article, Dr. Amber Herron shares what owners in the Mountain West should understand before moving forward.
Pet dental care plays a critical role in your dog or cat’s overall health. Learn why dental cleanings matter, how dental disease affects the body, and when to seek professional care in Billings, Montana — even when your pet seems fine.
Cold Montana winters can be tough on pets. From freezing temperatures and icy sidewalks to antifreeze spills and dry paws, seasonal hazards can put your dog, cat, or exotic pet at risk. In this guide, the veterinarians at Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital share practical winter safety tips to help you keep your pets warm, healthy, and protected all season long.
Wondering what to expect after your pet’s surgery? From the first 24 hours to the two-week mark, this guide breaks down the post-op timeline, offers practical recovery tips, and explains how Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital supports you every step of the way. Whether it’s pain management, incision care, or spotting complications early, here’s what you need to know to help your pet heal comfortably.
Recovery after surgery can be stressful for both you and your pet, and it’s normal to worry about their comfort and if things are progressing and healing as normal. Here, we’ll discuss how you can help your pet at home during recovery, common issues to expect, and how Caring Hands Vet can offer personalized guidance for you and your pet during this time when recovering from surgery.