Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital Newsletter News and Views from your Pet's Health Care Team

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March, 2012 - Vol 3, Issue 3
In This Issue
Know When Your Pet Might Have a FEVER
Rattlesnake Alert
Dear Rocky,
warning warning warning warning
 
 RATTLESNAKE ALERT
 
Colorado State University is undertaking a study to determine if Laser Therapy decreases the length of time a dog stays in a veterinary clinic after a snakebite and lowers the impact of snake venom on a dog's body.
 
At Alta Vista we now offer
Laser Therapy
to speed the healing of
wounds and surgery sites.
 
Most dogs who encounter a poisonous snake while hiking get bitten on the face, often on the nose. Let the dog walk out or carry him carefully, making sure not to touch the painful bite.  Do not put ice on the snakebite wound. Veterinarian assistance is needed for this medical emergency; don't try to care for the bite yourself.
 
The good news is that dogs can be professionally trained to avoid the sight, sound, and smell of rattlesnakes.

For Rattlesnake Avoidance Classes check out:
 
 
Mark Your Calendar!

 CAT SHOW

March 17th and 18th

Arizona State Expo Center

9am - 4pm

 

      Proud to be certified

by the 

American Animal Hospital Association  

aaha1 

 

Join Our Mailing List!

Dear Friend,  

 

Enjoy our tips for keeping your pets safe and healthy.

If you need us we are here for you

7 am - 10 pm

just call

(602) 277-1464

Know When Your Pet Might Have a FEVER

Everyone with a dog or cat should be able to take a pet's temperature.

In a normal cat or dog, temperature should be between

100 and 102.5 degrees.

 

 

Although you can find a special thermometer for dogs and cats in any pet-supply catalog or well-equipped pet store, you can also use an ordinary digital "people" thermometer which can be purchased at most grocery or drug stores.

 

To take your pet's temperature, lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y.  Gently and slowly insert the thermometer about 1-2 inches into your pet's rectum.

 

Leave the thermometer in place for a couple of minutes. Anything much above or below the normal temperature range is cause for concern, as is any blood on the thermometer. Call us if you have any concerns. 

 

 

 

On the saddest day,

we don't want you to drive.

Let us come to your house

to provide a

peaceful euthanasia

of your beloved pet.

 
  

 

 

Pet Loss Support Group

7-8pm

First Wednesday

every month

 

 

Dear Rocky,

Dear Rocky,
 
I live with two cats who spend their days thinking of new ways to destroy plants.  I like the plants and so do my people.  Is it possible to have both houseplants and cats?
 
Sincerely,
 Labrador Lou  

Dear Labrador Lou,
Your cats are probably a tad bored. More toys and more interactive games may help keep them out of trouble.  I chase Moo (my cat room mate) all over the house. You can also make the leaves "icky - tasting" by coating them with something your cat finds disagreeable. Cat-discouragers include Bitter Apple, available at any pet-supply store, or Tabasco sauce.  
 
Have a wonderful and safe March.
Thank you for trusting us to provide health care for your beloved, furry family members.