Hand In Paw

Though we don’t really need the science to confirm it for us, the data certainly does: pets can have a massive impact on our health and wellbeing. Not only do they offer us affection and companionship, unconditional love and support, but their presence in our lives can boost our physical health, too. Studies have demonstrated that pets, especially dogs, encourage us to get out and exercise, which improves everything from cardiovascular function and blood pressure to bone and joint strength. 

Especially in Jackson Hole, our four-legged family members are deeply important to us. They join us on unforgettable adventures all year round and are woven into our home lives. It makes sense that in return, we want to do our best to lengthen and enhance the quality of their lives. 

When it comes to caring for our furry friends — whether on a preventative basis or helping them navigate an illness or injury — Jackson Hole has some exceptional resources that help keep everyone's tails wagging. 

Everyday Care & Beyond

Our critters have some unique lifestyle features in Jackson Hole, and keeping them in good health can help them thrive despite wintry conditions. Dr. Dave Hunt, a veterinarian who moved to the valley after 26 years in Sitka, Alaska, highlights the importance of keeping up on preventative care for pets.

Since 2016, Dr. Dave Mobile Vet has offered in-home services to pets and their owners around Jackson Hole. Through partnerships with brick and mortar clinics in the valley, he’s also able to provide more advanced diagnostics and care such as x-rays or more complex surgical procedures. 

“At someone’s home, I’m able to do things like blood draws and minor surgeries like repairing ski cuts. For the most part, it’s giving vaccines and other preventative care: wellness exams, deworming and the like.” Some animals, he says, just do better when the vet comes to them.

“I do see a lot of dogs and cats that experience a great deal of fear and anxiety about going into the vet’s office,” Dave says. It’s much less stressful on the animals — and their owners — to have the doc deliver care in a comfortable, familiar environment. He also offers at-home euthanasia to pets at the end of their lives, ensuring that parting moments are as peaceful as possible.

But when Dave is called out for a non-routine visit, the injuries and ailments he treats can be fairly unique to life in Jackson Hole. 

“We do see a lot of vomiting and diarrhea, which may come from levels of giardia and e. coli in the water. That’s something we don’t see as much in an urban environment.” He adds that while our climate prevents fleas and most ticks from flourishing, pets that roll in carrion or eat large numbers of small rodents can be susceptible to lice or tapeworms. 

One of the most common wintertime injuries that the vet encounters is ski cuts — when a dog who is running alongside a human on skis catches one of the metal edges and gets sliced. Often, they’re not terribly serious, but they can be, Dave says.

“I always carry a tourniquet and heavy bandage supplies,” he says. “If you’re way in the backcountry and you cut your dog, it could bleed out. Having supplies could save your dog’s life.”

Easing Stress & Suffering 

When we recognize our pets as members of our families, it’s clear that they’ve got personalities and feelings of their own. From beloved quirks to irksome habits, our critters are unique unto themselves. 

But when those inner lives become troubled, the vet might not be the right call. Andrea La Fevers, owner of Spirit Dog Healing, employs a modality called Healing Touch. While the methods were originally developed to help people through energy work, they’ve since been adapted to help animals as well. 

“Ultimately, at the most basic level, it’s a deep relaxation technique for animals,” Andrea says, explaining that her methods work hands-on, hands-off if the pet prefers, or even remotely with the help of technology. “What I do is channel universal life force energy through my hands to cleanse their aura and balance their chakras.”

“For animals that are dealing with stress, anxiety or fear, that can lead to behavioral issues. This technique can help support them,” she adds.

Andrea has also sharpened her skills as an animal communicator, which she finds helpful in the process. “I can connect with animals more on their spirit level, and they can communicate with me what’s going on in their life or ways that they can be better supported. I can translate that to the owners, which is a fun component of the work that I do.” 

Every day, Andrea sees how powerful animals are in people’s lives. “Our animals are mirrors. They often reflect our own imbalances back to us, and they will carry things for us. They will take on things for us because they love us so deeply,” she says. Working with pets and people in tandem helps both parties, reaching for a better sense of peace and balance. 

Keeping our four-legged family members thriving — whether that’s physically or emotionally — is deep in our character in Jackson Hole. We know that their presence, whether at our side on a snowy adventure or relaxing with a good book and a chew toy, enhances our lives. 

“Our animals are healers themselves,” Andrea says. “I believe they choose us — find us — to support us through this life. To help our earthwalk be more smooth and fulfilling. We’re here to support one another.”

Everything A Mountain Mutt Could Need

Need to equip your canine for the mountain winter? Or looking to get them spruced up for holiday photos? Jackson’s love of animals means there are plenty of places to find the highest-quality goods and services for your pup, no matter their size. 

Pet Place Plus — The largest pet store in town, you can find supplies for dogs, cats, birds, fish and small critters, too. The dog wash station is open for DIY baths, or hand the task off to exceptional staff for a full-service groom. 1645 Martin Ln. | (307) 733-5355

Teton Tails — From food and toys to apparel and grooming tools, you’ll find everything your pup needs at Teton Tails. Need the perfect gift for the pet-lover in your life? They’ve got you covered. Or swing into the self-serve dog wash and get Fido looking sharp. 515 W. Broadway | (307) 739-9247

DogJax — As much as we’d like to, sometimes our dogs can’t join us. But they’re not doomed to boredom! At this doggy daycare, your pup can enjoy 4,000 square feet of heated indoor play yards and a large outdoor space, all supervised by trained dog handlers. DogJax also offers boarding for overnight and beyond, as well as training and grooming services. 3590 S. Park Dr | (307) 733-3647 

Homestead Hound — This boarding and enrichment center offers boarding, training and consulting services to support dogs and owners at every stage. Luxury boarding packages include high-end mattresses, daily enrichment and exercise, and more: superb treats, dog tv, nightly tuck-in, aromatherapy, massages and other detail-oriented grooming services. 1725 KDC Ln | (307) 690-1260

Jackson Hole Pet Sitting — Sometimes it just makes more sense to have your pets cared for at home while you’re away. Get absolute peace of mind with Jackson Hole Pet Sitting; from dog walking and socialization to overnight stays and emergency coverage, they’ll make sure that your critters get the best of care. (307) 699-4379