Ouch Those Aching Footpads!
Footpad burns are a common summertime injury that we see in Las Vegas dogs. During our hot summer weather, pavement surface temperatures can easily reach an excess of 130 degrees. Dogs with footpad burns will develop painful blistering sores on the bottoms of the feet. Treatment may include rest, bandaging, antibiotics, and pain relievers. Dogs that run or exercise on these hot surfaces are at higher risk for footpad burns. And remember that dogs may also get footpad burns when hiking on hot boulders or gravel. Please take extra precautions to keep your dogs feet safe this summer.

Tips to avoid footpad burns:
1. Walk dogs at cooler times of day- early AM or later PM.
2. Limit intensity of activity on hot days.
3. Use dog booties.

July 4th Holiday Hours
We will have limited office hours on Wednesday, July 4th from 8AM-1PM. After hour emergencies are referred to the Las Vegas Animal Emergency Hospital at 822-1045.

Clinic Upgrades- Closed
Please make note that LMAH will be closed for all business on Wednesday July 11th. We will be having a new computer installation and training. We will refer any medical emergencies to Craig Road Animal Hospital, 5051 W.Craig Rd., phone 645-0331. We apologize for any inconvenience this may present, but look forward to improved capabilities and service.

Fido's Fearful 4th of July
For many pet owners the coming holiday poses a difficult time for the family dog. The exploding fireworks can be a great source of anxiety for many pets, but especially those with noise phobias. Dogs with noise phobias will commonly exhibit anxiousness, trembling, drooling, destructive chewing behaviors, and have house soiling accidents. Noise phobia behaviors are triggered by loud noises such as fire alarms, household appliances, fireworks, and thunderstorms.

So what can you do besides begging for a ban on neighborhood fireworks? The best step that pet owners can take is to prepare ahead of time to help manage your pet's anxiety. Read on to learn some easy steps to calm your pet's fears this 4th of July.

1. Pheromones= scent hormones- Doggie pheromones are a natural way to provide a calming effect. These products emit the scent hormone that calms nursing puppies and has found to be useful not only for noise phobias, but also separation anxiety, and acclimating new puppies in the home. We recommend and carry the product called D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) plug-ins and dog collars.

2. Environmental changes- Keep pets indoors. Close curtains and blinds. Turn on music or television to help cover up the sounds of fireworks.

3. Tranquilizers- Medication is not the sole answer, but is useful when used in a combined approach for anxiety behaviors. Drugs such as acepromazine, alprazolam, or diazepam may be used to deal with short term anxiety. Other medications such as clomipramine (clomicalm) may be used to deal with chronic anxiety.

Please call to speak with one of our veterinarians if you need any help preparing your pet for the 4th of July. (phone: 645-3116)

Pet of the Month
Congrats to Stuart- a curious ferret who was voted LMAH's July 2007 Pet of the Month. Visit our website next month to learn more about this playful, cuddly guy. www.lmah.net