November 2006 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
November 2006 Newsletter

Join in on the Toy Drive
Every year Las Vegas' radio station KLUC 98.5 sponsors a toy drive for local children in need. We at LMAH want to help out in this endeavor. Our desire is to foster a love of animals in children who may not have toys or pets. Join in with the staff from LMAH as we donate new, ANIMAL THEMED TOYS for the KLUC toy drive. Just bring your new, unwrapped toy to LMAH during business hours. We will be delivering in bulk to the KLUC donation site on Friday December 8th. Stuffed teddy bears, games, or puzzles. Everyone can think of a favorite animal-related toy that meant a lot to us as a child. Let's help inspire the future animal-lovers of the world!

Pet of the Month
All tails are waggin' for our December recognized Pet of the Month. Meet "Bruschi" a 10 month old Boxer with a heart of gold. Visit our website www.lmah.net to see him as well as past winners.

Quiz Yourself: Can You Spot the Common Pet Misconceptions
1.. A cold, wet nose means your pet is healthy.
2.. All pet foods are the same. the extra expense isn't worth it.
3.. Your pet will tell you when he is in pain.
4.. It is normal for old animals to just naturally lose weight.
5.. Feeding large soup bones is okay, just avoid the small ones.

1.. Not necessarily! The temperature of your pet's nose is influenced by physical activity and ambient temperature so a warm nose doesn't always indicate a fever. A dry nose can be a sign of dehydration, but is also very common for many pets in our desert climate.
2.. False. When you read a nutrition label you may see the exact same ingredients from one bag to another, but you don't get a good measure of quality between them. (Just think how a fast food hamburger is not the same as a filet mignon.) Premium brand foods will offer advantages of better protein quality, less fillers, decreased stool volume, and extensive nutritional research. Yes, there is an additional cost, but this translates into sound preventative medicine.
3.. False. You can't rely on your pet to verbalize pain. In cases of mild to moderate pain the pet will continue to walk, eat, and interact with the family. Only when pain of a high threshold or very sudden injury, will you hear your pet cry about it. So don't withhold that pain medication after you get Fido home from surgery just because he is up and walking! Animals feel pain just as we do, however they just have evolved to keep moving in spite of it!
4.. False. Weight loss in senior pets is not a sign of age, but rather evidence of some underlying illness. Many pets can live healthy, happy senior lives with regular veterinary care. So, remember, age is not a disease!
5.. False. Any bones pose a risk of injury to your dog. Poultry or pork bones are quite brittle and can easily splinter into the digestive tract or cause an obstruction. Chewing on large bones poses the risk of fractured teeth as well as pieces becoming lodged in the intestines.

Employee of the Month
Please help us in thanking Mike, our graveyard kennel attendant and recognizing him as our December Employee of the month. Mike is a reliable and thoughtful animal caretaker that has been with our office for over two years. We can all sleep soundly knowing that he is looking after the pets that stay at LMAH for boarding or hospitalized needs. Keep up the great work!