December 2008 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
December 2008 Newsletter

Keeping Your Pets Safe From Winter's Chill
Many of us chose to live in Las Vegas for the warmth and sun. But as this winter has already proven, Las Vegas is not exempt from winter's cold and snow. Pets can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just as people can. Pets may get frostbite on the ears, tail, and footpads. Frostbite injury can occur with sustained cold temperatures and especially at higher altitudes. Hypothermia occurs when ambient temperatures are lower than what the pet can tolerate. Senior pets, young animals, and those with health conditions will have a greater risk for succumbing to hypothermia. During cold winter weather, the safest place for your pet is inside the home. But if your pet must be outdoors take these few steps to keep them cozy and safe.

Provide ample shelter
Outdoor dog houses should be positioned to be protected from the wind and precipitation. Be sure to provide ample bedding such as blankets or dog beds. Even hay is great insulator. Avoid using small space heaters as this poses a risk of being knocked over by pet causing burns or fire danger.

Check the water bowl
Your dog's water bowl can turn to a block of ice when temperatures drop below freezing. When fresh water is frozen, dogs can become severely dehydrated. Change the water bowl daily or consider using a heated water bowl if the freeze risk is high.

Have a "Winter Check-Up"
Keeping warm in the cold temperatures requires animals to burn extra energy. Have your pet get a winter vet check-up to ensure they are fit and healthy to take on the added stress of the cold.

Clean up antifreeze
Antifreeze is very toxic to animals. It has a sweet taste and is easily ingested by dogs and cats. Even just a few teaspoons of antifreeze can be fatal for small pets. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze leaks and consider safer antifreeze products such as Sierra or Prestone's Low Tox.

Knock on the hood
Outdoor cats seek shelter and stay warm by curling up on car engines. When the car is started the fan belt causes severe injuries or death. Before starting your car, take a moment to knock on the hood of your car to give cats a chance to run away. And it is always wise to keep your cats indoors to avoid this outdoor cat danger.

New Year's Pet Resolutions
It is the time of year for making all those yearly promises. Be sure to include your family pet when making your resolutions…..

1. Get your pet fit by cutting back on the treats and getting out for a 30 minute walk daily. The fitness benefit will be good for both dog and owner!

2. Keep your pet safe by having both microchip identification and a collar with ID tag.

3. Keep your pet healthy by making sure your pet is examined by the veterinarian every 6-12 months. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

4. Ensure your pet is a good citizen by working on obedience training and improving socialization with other pets and people. Try a trainer or obedience class for proper direction.

5. Spend time with your pet to celebrate the bond with your pets. For all that our pets do for us- all they ask is to be at our side. So take time out to attend to your pets grooming, schedule play time to prevent boredom, or just cuddle up to your pet to show how much he/she means to you.