September 2007 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
September 2007 Newsletter

Halloween Pet Tattoos
Join us in celebrating the Halloween season! We will be offering free Halloween "pet tattoos" for any pet that has an appointment at LMAH from Monday, October 29th thru Wednesday, October 31st at the office. Pet tattoos will be Halloween themed and are made from a temporary spray-on vegetable based hair color. Make sure your pet friend gets to celebrate Halloween too! Pets in costume are welcome!

September Pet of the Month
Please greet "Koa", our latest recognized pet of the month. "Koa" is a German Shepherd mix that warmed our hearts after being hospitalized with a serious illness. Visit our website (www.lmah.net) to learn more about "Koa."

Tips for Babies and Pets
The addition of a baby into the home is a welcome event by all....but what about the family pet. How will your dog or cat adjust to sharing your love and attention? For dogs and cats that have lived life as the "surrogate" children, the addition of a new baby presents many big changes. Behavior problems such as house-soiling, destructive behaviors, and anxious behaviors can occur in pets struggling with the adjustments of a new baby. To help ease your pet's transition, read the following tips.

1.. See your veterinarian before the baby arrives to make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and parasite free.

2.. Allow the pet to explore the new room, furniture, and household preparations that come with planning for a new baby in the home.

3.. Expose the pet to an infant so they can get used to the sights, sounds, and activities of a child. Visit friends or family with children so your pet can learn to socialize with babies in a controlled manner.

4.. Carry around a baby doll to allow pet to see something else being carried besides him/her. Pretend the doll is a baby, talk to it, and condition pet to presence of the new family member.

5.. Prior to the birth start decreasing the time you spend with your pet. This may be difficult, but will help your pet adjust to future time commitments with baby duties.

6.. After the baby arrives, try to keep a routine and ensure the pet gets scheduled attention sometime during the day.

7.. Reward pet when he/she is displaying quiet and restful behaviors when baby is around. Do not reward pet when displaying anxiety, attention seeking behaviors, or vocalizing.

8.. Pets should not be left unsupervised with babies.

For more information or to speak with one of our veterinarians, call 645-3116.