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In This Issue
Adopt-A-Cat Month
June Photo Contest Winner
Summer Hazards
Summertime Travel
Volume 2, Issue 6
Adopt-A-Cat Month
 
There are millions of cats each year that end up in shelters, including thousands born every spring and summer during "kitten season." You can help promote adoptions or adopt a cat during the month of June.
 
 Girl and Cat
 
We have many local shelters in desperate need of placing these wonderful animals into loving homes. You can expect cats of every breed, age, and personality just waiting for a loving homes. There are young and active or mature and quite, you're sure to find the perfect companion during Adopt-A-Cat Month.
Occassionally our hospital will have cats or kittens in need of loving homes please contact our hospital at 602-277-1464 for more information.
May Photo Contest Winner
 To submit your pet's photo visit:
 
Alta Vista Pet Photo Contest
 
 
Summer is here and so is the hot weather. In this newsletter we have some information about how to keep your pet safe during the summer months, traveling tips for those trying to escape the hot weather, and Adopt-a-cat month...
 
 
Summer Hazards
 
 
During these summer months in Arizona, local residents should be aware of a few pet hazards.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  Ideally, most pets will do better limiting outdoor time during the summer.  Pets kept outside should be provided ample shade and fresh water.   Pets should never be kept in a car with the windows shut without air conditioning.  Signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, convulsions, and bleeding problems.  Heat exhaustion is a mild form of heat injury, while heat stroke is a more serious potentially life threatening condition.  If a pet overheats, the body temperature should be gradually lowered with water placed on the coat.  Ice should not be used at this can lead to too rapid of a drop in body temperature.
 

Rattlesnakes 
Rattlesnake
 
Native to the Sonoran desert, rattlesnakes come out of hibernation in the summer.  The curiosity of canines and felines can lead to harmful envenomations (bites) from rattlesnakes.   Signs of rattlesnake envenomation include swelling, pain, and bleeding at the site of the envenomation.  Shock and clotting problems can occur and result in serious complications.  Treatment of rattlesnake envenomation can be costly and does not always lead to survival of the pet.  Prevention can be achieved by keeping pets on leashes when in desert environments.  Certain dog trainers also provide avoidance training to prevent dogs from going near rattlesnakes.
 
Colorado River ToadsFrog 
 
These large toads contain a toxin secreted from parotid glands in the skin.  The toads come out at night during the monsoon months in certain regions of the Phoenix valley.  When dogs bite these toads, they become poisoned.  The classic signs of poisoning are brick red gums, panting, high body temperature, rigidity, tremors and sometimes seizures.  Immediate first aid includes rinsing the mouth out while holding the head down to prevent drowning.  This is best achieved with a garden house with large dogs and a kitchen faucet spray gun for small dogs.  Prevention is best achieved by keeping pets away from areas where the toads live.
 

Mosquitoes and Heartworm Disease mosquito 
 
Mosquitoes carry the deadly heartworm parasite and although mosquitoes are present year round, they are more commonly encountered in the summer.  Primarily affecting dogs, these parasites are also found in cats.  Reduction in the number of mosquitoes is achieved by elimination of standing water where the mosquitoes lay their eggs.  Heartworm is prevented by giving a monthly heartworm prevention medication available only by prescription through a veterinarian.  For more information on Heartworm, please see our website www.altavistavet.com.
 
If there are any concerns with the health of your pet, please set up an appointment for an examination.  As always, we do accept emergencies and walk ins during scheduled business hours.
Summertime Travel: With the Pets 
 

 

Summer is a busy time to travel.  There are many options to think about when deciding to travel with your pet.  Camping or a road trip out of town is a great way to escape the Arizona heat!  This is also great opportunity for you pet and they will love all the new sights and smells.  Please use these tips as guidelines to make your trip fun and safe!

 

Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and that the rabies tag is securely on the collar. Other identification and/or microchip tags are also very important to have securely attached to your pet's collar.

Research the nearest Veterinarian in case of an emergency.

Be prepared to handle your dog in various situations as you never know what situation may arise while camping.

Dog in CarResearch campgrounds as some places do not permit dogs.

Prepare for the long car ride ahead of time with short trips to the local park.

While in the car, remember to have your pet under control while driving. There are seat belts available or crates which is another more common option. On long trips, make sure you plan to stop every couple hours so your pet can relieve him/herself and get a drink of water.

Bring plenty of food and water from home and try to prevent your dog from drinking stagnant water.

Select a campsite that has plenty of shade and make sure to use sun block on pets that have short coats and light skin. Children's sunscreen may be used.

Use flea/tick prevention and heartworm prevention at least 3 days prior to travel.

If your pet tends to get carsick or becomes anxious during travel, there are medications that can make your pet more comfortable. Please speak to your regular veterinarian about those recommendations.

Be considerate of other campers and the environment by picking up after your pet, never leaving your pet unattended, and by keeping your pet on a leash.

 

If you plan to travel by air with your pet, you need to do some research.  Airlines, states, and different countries have specific requirements that if not met, may prevent your pet from meeting you at your final destination.

 

AirplaneWhen traveling to another state or country, please visit the website of The Animal and Plant Inspection Service-Department of Agriculture-- using the link below. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/pet_travel.shtml

Contact the airlines to make arrangements for travel with your pet. Some airlines may allow you to travel with your pet in the cabin while other may require your pet to travel in the cargo along side of your luggage.

It is hard to predict how a pet may react to a sedative at a high altitude. Most veterinarians advise against this. If you feel that it is necessary contact our hospital. A trial course is not a bad idea just to see how your pet reacts to the medication prior to travel.

Contact our hospital as soon as possible when planning your trip to assure that all state and federal requirements are met prior to leaving. 

Keep in mind, some of the requirements for travel to Hawaii or outside of the U.S. may be blood tests that take weeks to complete, so please give yourself adequate time so that things running smoothly.

Book a direct flight if possible.

Purchase a USDA approved kennel ahead of time so that your pet can get use to it prior to travel. Follow the USDA guidelines for labeling the kennel.

Do not give your pet food or water at least 4 hour prior to travel. It is stressful for your pet to fly and full stomach may cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Allow extra time to check-in and make sure your pet is secure in a kennel or on a leash at all times.

 

These are just some tips that may help you when traveling with your pet.  The best thing that you can do to make things run smoothly is do your homework and plan ahead!