June 2006 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
June 2006 Newsletter

Fourth of July Preparations
The familiar pop and bang of the Fourth of July season is upon us. These noises mark the beginning of a holiday dreaded by many a pet owner. As firework enthusiasts even now set of fireworks, some pets are left trembling and fearful for the next few weeks. Many pet owners just count the days down until the BOOM of fireworks is gone.

What can pet owners do?
We cannot prevent the noises of the holiday, but we can plan ahead and recognize if our individual pet(s) have a tendency for firework phobias.

1. Keep pets indoors.
Many pets run away when spooked by the noises and bright lights. Other pets may suffer injuries when jumping walls or fences, or even a vehicular accident if running at large.

2. Create a quiet room.
Give your pet a quiet room away from doors and windows. Turn on the TV or radio. Provide distraction with toys and goodies.

3. Do not use fireworks around pets.
Facial injuries, burns, and ocular injuries are all common when pets are allowed too close to the fireworks.

4. Consider tranquilizers.
For those pets especially bothered by fireworks, tranquilizers can take the edge off. But no pill makes the fears completely go away, so be sure to take additional precautions.

Emergency Clinic
We are proud to announce our association with the Las Vegas Animal Emergency Hospital. This newly built veterinary emergency hospital provides the latest in veterinary critical care & emergency medicine. The hospital is located at 5231 W. Charleston Blvd (between Decatur and Jones). As in the past, we will continue to provide emergency services during business hours, as well as continue in-patient care. After business hours, emergency calls will be referred to the emergency hospital as of July 1, 2006.

Trouble giving pills?
Giving your dog or cat necessary medication can be a challenging task to say the least. At LMAH, we carry some useful tools that may help you get pills down with the least amount of struggle. Pill poppers are plastic administrators that have a plunger action. The pill fits in one end and the other is pushed to "pop" the pill in the back of your pet's mouth. Pill pockets are meaty flavored treat pockets that you hide the pill in to disguise the medication. If you are still having trouble giving medication.ask your veterinarian if there is a suitable chewable or liquid formulation that you can use instead.

Pet of the Month
Say hello to our July recognized Pet of the Month, a tiny Chihuahua named "Gracie." Pocket sized- but what a big heart.