July 2008 Newsletter

Lone Mountain Animal Hospital
July 2008 Newsletter

Dr. White on XM Radio
Tune in on the airways.. one of Lone Mountain's own veterinarians is now a featured veterinarian on the "Animal Radio" program. Dr. Debbie White fields call-in questions from pet lovers across the country. "Animal Radio" is a two hour weekly program heard on Satellite Radio XM 158 on Saturdays 9am-11am PCT and again on Sundays from 6am-8am PCT. If you can't tune in, you can always download the podcast to your Ipod or cell phone. For further details visit www.animal radio.com. To call in to the show to speak with Dr. White or one of the other animal experts,
call 1-866-405-8405.

Additions To Our Veterinary Staff
We have expanded our current veterinary staff to meet the growing needs of our clients and their pets. We welcome Dr. Mary Lee and Dr. Amy Munchausen to our practice and know you will find them an excellent addition to our team. Dr. Lee is interested in small animal and exotics, especially reptiles. Dr. Munchausen works with small animals, exotics and even fish. For more details on Drs Lee or Munchausen please visit our website www.lmah.net.

Summer Misconceptions
Can you spot fact from fiction? Read on to spot the misconceptions about caring for pets during the summer.

1. Long haired dogs must be shaved during the summer.

FALSE

Just because a dog is shaved, it doesn't necessarily tolerate the high temperatures better. In some cases, it can put your dog at greater risk from summer related illnesses. A well-groomed hair coat actually insulates long haired dogs from the effects of the sun. And a dog with a complete shave down is more susceptible to sunburn injury. So don't assume you have to shave it all off.. have your pet professionally groomed to thin out the old hair, but leave the surface coat to protect against the sun.

2. A dog will know when it's too hot out and will seek out ways to stay cool.

FALSE

By the time dogs feel the effects of the heat, they may already be suffering from heat stroke. Dogs cannot recognize the danger of heat stroke before it occurs- That is where responsible human supervision is so important. Keep your pets indoors when the temperatures are dangerously high. Even when provided with ample shade and water, dogs may still succumb to heat stroke.

3. Heat stroke only occurs when outdoor temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

FALSE

Temperatures that exceed 100 degrees certainly poses an extreme danger for heat stroke. But that doesn't mean that heat stroke cannot occur in moderate heat. Dogs can suffer from heat stroke in situations where outdoor temperatures are as low as 80 degrees. There are factors beyond just the temperature that affect the risk of heat stroke such as high humidity and poor ventilation (like a closed car) all play a role in causing heat stroke. High activity or excitement can be another causative factor in heat stroke. Breeds of dogs with short faces, like Pugs and Boston Terriers, don't tolerate heat well, and are at higher risk for heat related illness. So the bottom line is keep your eye on the thermometer and your family dog!

Pet of the Month
Congratulations to Terra-Bell our August 2008 Pet of the Month winner!