June 2008 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
June 2008 Newsletter

Pet of the Month
Due to delays in updating our Pet of the Month page last month, we are continuing to honor our June Pet of the Month winner throughout the month of July as well. Annie the pig gets to hold the title a "wee" bit longer!

Pet Friendly Landscaping
The dangers to our pets are closer than you might know….they're right there in your own backyard. If you thought your worst problem was your dog's propensity to chew and eat the landscaping rocks, then think again. Some commonly used gardening and landscaping products are a danger to your pet.

Do not use Cocoa Mulch
Cocoa mulch is sold as an organic soil additive made from cocoa bean byproducts. It may smell pleasant to us, but dogs find the smell too good to leave alone. The cocoa hulls used in the product contain theoboromine. This is the toxic compound found in chocolate, except it is in much higher levels within cocoa mulch. Ingesting cocoa mulch can lead to toxic signs of vomiting, diarrhea, hyperexcitability, heart arrythmias, and even death.

Avoid toxic plants
The most dangerous toxic plant threat to animals is the Sago Palm, which is a favorite small palm commonly planted in Las Vegas landscaping. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to animals when ingested and can result in vomiting, bleeding disorders, liver failure, and death. Oleanders are toxic to animals when ingested and result in heart arrhythmias and sudden death. Flowers such as Azaleas, Lilies, and daffodils are also toxic to animals. For more plants that are toxic to pets, visit the ASPCA's website at www.aspca.org/toxicplants.

Keep a well-groomed yard
Foxtails are small seed like parts that are found on bushes and other vegetation. They resemble a fox's tail and are well known for working their way into dog's skin, but not coming out. Foxtails can become lodged between the toes, in the ears, or other sites of the skin resulting infection and pain. Keep grass and bushes in your yard trimmed to decrease the risk of injury from foxtails or grass awns from working their way into your pet.

Beware of sharp edges
Inspect all fences and gates for any sharp edges that can lead to cuts or lacerations. Cactus of all varieties can pose a risk of injury to pets. Other plants such as Yucca and Palm fronds have sharp points that have been known to cause laceration injuries and eye injuries to pets.

Waiting Room TV
If you have been in to visit our office recently, you may have noticed something new in the lobby area. We have added a veterinary television program called EmebaVet. This program provides entertaining and educational pet information to our clients in the reception and waiting area. With EmebaVet you can meet our staff, learn more about pet health care, and hear about useful pet products and medications. We hope that our clients find this a fun and interesting way to keep up with the latest in pet care.