Bloat GDV

DVM-Bloat-750x808

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ARTICLE BY Dr. Matthew Brooks

Bloat

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New Perspectives on Bloat

Published September 2015 

https://purinaproclub.com/resource-library/todays-breeder/issue-90/new-perspectives-on-bloat

for the 15-minute drive to the veterinarian.

The race against the clock to save the life of the beloved giant dog ended futilely.
All too quickly, the bloated stomach had twisted, cutting off blood and oxygen to vital organs such as the heart, spleen and liver. The dog had gone into shock and could not be saved. One and a half hours earlier, Longo had left the Dane at home while she ran an errand only to return to find the dog standing in a pool of white foam and his loin swollen hard like a barrel. The look of pain and fear in his eyes was unforgettable.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), more commonly known as bloat, is a disorder that affects large- and giant-sized, deep-chested dogs. Gastric dilatation is when the stomach fills like a balloon with gas, and gastric dilatation with volvulus is when the gas-filled stomach twists 180 degrees on its axis. Among the high-risk breeds, Great Danes are believed to have a 25 percent risk of developing GDV in their lifetime. Sadly, one in four dogs does not survive bloat.

Years after the first incident, Longo, of Concord, Ohio, went through bloat with a 2 ½-year-old female Great Dane. “I had just put her out at 5:10 p.m., and when I brought her in the house at 5:20, she was bloated,” she says. “I called the veterinarian to let him know we were coming. We battled rush hour, virtually driving up on sidewalks to get around stalled cars. Fortunately, we made it before the stomach twisted. They were ready and waiting for us. Emergency surgery saved her life.”

Owners like Longo vividly recall the details of an episode of GDV, showing how horrific the experience can be. Their inability to stop an episode despite doing all they can to get a dog to an emergency facility is heartbreaking, especially when a dog dies.

These days, Longo, the 2013 AKC Working Group Breeder of the Year and the breeder of the top-winning Great Dane in breed history (Multi-BIS/ Multi-BISS GCH Longo Miller N Lore’s Diamond Lil), takes preventive measures into her own hands. “Bloat can happen so fast,” she says. “As soon as our dogs finish their championship around 1 year of age, we have a gastropexy performed. I encourage all my pet owners to do the same.”

Gastropexy is a surgery in which a dog’s stomach is tacked to the right side of the abdominal wall to prevent it from shifting or twisting. The cost for a gastropexy is around $1,000, depending on the clinic and its geographical location, compared
to $6,000 to $8,000 for emergency GDV surgery. Dogs receiving emergency surgery have a gastro­pexy performed at the same time to prevent
a recurrence.

GDV has been recognized in dogs for more than 100 years. Other than a dog’s conformation — large and giant breeds with deep chests — there are more mysteries about what causes the disorder than facts. Does the stomach bloat or twist first? Are there ways to determine if a dog is likely to survive? Is GDV due to genetics, environmental factors or both?

To learn more about GDV, the AKC Canine Health Foundation announced the bloat initiative in 2013 and provided funding of more than $500,000 for research to study the causes of bloat. At Michigan State University, researchers hypothesize that gastric dysrhythmia may predispose at-risk breeds to gastrointestinal motility problems that lead to GDV. At Tufts University where a biobank of DNA samples from GDV-affected dogs worldwide has been started, investigators are evaluating the bacterial microbiome of gastric and fecal content to see if altered flora triggers bloat.

Lead investigators of these studies presented their work at the 2015 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference in August in St. Louis. They were among 21 speakers at the two-day program who provided the latest findings about canine diseases. Purina has sponsored the biennial conference since it began in 1995. Here are insights about GDV presented by Laura Nelson, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, associate professor-health sciences at Michigan State University, and Elizabeth Rozanski, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM, associate professor of clinical sciences at Tufts University.

Understanding Gastric Motility
Emergency veterinarians act fast when a dog arrives with GDV. “It is definitely an all hands on deck situation,” says Dr. Rozanski, director of Tufts University’s critical care program, which sees about 60 cases of GDV a year. “The first thing we usually do is treat a dog for shock by giving fluids, and then we try to get the dog into surgery as quickly as possible. These dogs go into shock due to the twisting of the stomach.”

A complex process, gastric motility is controlled by hormones, the central nervous system, an enteric nervous system, the automatic nervous system, and cells within the GI tract, factors that determine the strength, speed and pattern of GI contractions.

Dr. Nelson explains, “To make things even more complicated, the fat-to-protein level and carbohydrates in a dog food, as well as the calories a dog consumes and whether the food is solid or fluid, and the kinds of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut also play a role in GI motility.”

Insights about how gastric motility may cause bloat are being shaped by a capsule-sized wireless motility device called a SmartPill™ first used to diagnose gastrointestinal motility disorders in humans. In the study underway at Michigan State University, about 80 dogs have swallowed the $600 SmartPill that measures gastric motility, relaying information to a SmartPill recorder worn in a harness or vest. The technological device picks up on changes in pressure, temperature and acidity as the pill passes through the gut and can record episodes of bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea.

Importantly, the SmartPill tells how long it takes for solids to pass through the gastrointestinal tract. “The pill may stay in the stomach of one dog for 21 hours and another one for only 10 minutes before reaching the small intestine,” says Dr. Nelson. “Prolonged transit of material through the stomach may stretch gastric ligaments to allow the stomach to twist. In addition, we know that the gas in the stomachs of dogs with GDV is a product of bacterial fermentation similar to what happens in cattle that bloat. With the SmartPill, we seek to learn if GDV risk and gastrointestinal motility are linked.”

Researchers at Michigan State also are evaluating the relationship between levels of two hormones, motilin (MLN) and ghrelin (GHRL), and GDV risk. Previous studies have shown that the phase III motility of dogs with GDV is weaker than in unaffected dogs. During phase III, contractions should be strongest to push nondigestble solids out of the stomach into the small intestine. The Michigan State team also is conducting a genetic analysis to evaluate the genes that encode MLN and GHRL in affected and low-risk dogs to determine if a mutation in one of the genes is more common in dogs that have bloated.

“As motilin is what seems to trigger phase III contractions in a dog’s stomach and ghrelin seems to end these contractions, potentially one or both of these hormones could cause the problem,” Dr. Nelson says.

The ability to predict which dogs are likely to respond well to surgery could be as simple as determining the amount of lactate in a dog’s blood, a measure of how effectively oxygen reaches body tissues. “When lactate goes up, it is a sign that tissues in the body have had to make energy without oxygen,” says Dr. Nelson. “The killer in GDV is more commonly related to shock, or the inability of the body to get oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and thus not necessarily related to the stomach. Lactate indicates the severity of shock in a particular dog, but high lactate does not necessarily indicate a dog will survive or die.”

Dr. Rozanski agrees. “Preoperatively, increased lactate is associated with gastric necrosis, or tissue death, and ectopy, or abnormal heart beats. We have found that a long duration of GDV may be associated with a worse prognosis. Different organs such as the heart, brain and lungs start to fail — a condition termed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) — which complicates recovery.”

In a Tufts study of 26 dogs of various breeds with bloat, Dr. Rozanski reports that those with cardiac dysfunction largely had a poor outcome. “We are looking to see how to better characterize myocardial disease in dogs with GDV,” she says. ‘We have found that the biomarkers of echocardiography and electro­cardiogram testing parallel the severity of disease.”

The biobank of hundreds of DNA samples of GDV-affected dogs being collected at Tufts is ongoing. The microbiome research, which includes the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, aims to determine if there is a difference in the bacterial flora of dogs with GDV compared to other dogs.

Given that bloat is a complex age-old disease, it is not surprising that answers don’t come quickly. Meanwhile, “early detection and planning ahead are key,” says Dr. Rozanski. “We can do more to help dogs with earlier detection, a more aggressive surgical approach and improved supportive care postoperatively. We want to learn how to prevent organ failure and infection in dogs with bloat.”

“The question for us is what causes bloat,” Dr. Nelson summarizes. “We need to clarify causative factors to guide preventive measures, improve medical treatment and implement selective breeding. The exciting thing about this devastating and significant problem is there are some new perspectives on this old disease.”

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New Dog Parks, Manners, & Rules

Are your dogs staring at you.  They are trying to tell you it is a beautiful day to go outside and play.

Henderson has two new Dog Parks.

Hidden Falls Park – 281 W. Horizon Way Henderson, NV 89002 – Opening Today

Reunion Trails Park – 44 Chapata Drive Henderson, NV 89012 – Already Opened

We have all the Las Vegas, Henderson, & Boulder City Dog Parks listed on www.VegasAnimalRescue.com including directions to get you there.

CLICK HERE FOR LAS VEGAS , HENDERSON, & BOULDER CITY DOG PARKS

Dog Park Manners and Rules
Those of you headed to dog parks may find these tips helpful:
An expert says at a minimum dog park users should pick up dog waste, “have a reasonable recall on [their] dog, and be respectful of people’s feelings.”
If your dog tends to display dog-dog aggression or plays more roughly than other owners like, closely monitor your dog and keep him under control.

“Additional dog-park etiquette rules include:

• “Unleash your dog. A leashed dog may feel threatened by others moving freely.
• “Keep moving. If you stand in one place, your dog may be more apt to become territorial.
• “Never leave your dog unattended, and don’t use a dog park as a drop-off daycare…
• “Make sure your dog has updated vaccinations.
• “Leave your puppies at home until they’re fully vaccinated and physically up to the sometimes rough-and-tumble play. Initial socialization for puppies is often better coming from a puppy training class.
• “Wait until your female dog is out of season…
• “Use caution with toys. Some dogs can be very possessive of their toys; others will want to steal everyone else’s toys… it’s usually a good idea to leave the toys at home…
• “Be careful with children. Not all dogs do well with children, and many dogs will bowl young kids over. If you take your children with you, supervise them closely.
• “[Do] not take more dogs with you than you can control; which for most people is a maximum of three [if they are] well-trained, responsive dogs.
• “Don’t let your dog dig in the park. It can cause a hazard to other dogs.
• “Leave the wildlife alone… for both the wildlife’s and your dog’s safety.

“Relax. The dogs usually figure things out pretty quickly and have a good time.
Be watchful and considerate, but stay positive —
your tension communicates itself to your dog”

DOG PARK RULES
http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/Depts/parks/Pages/dog-parks.aspx

http://www.cityofhenderson.com/parks/parks/dog_parks.php

Vaccination Information

How important are the dog vaccines?

You need to get your dog vaccinated in order to prevent it from various diseases. Various types of viruses are introduced into the body of the dog when the vaccines are administered. However the amount of organisms injected is less in quantity and thus they do not cause any sort of
illness. The vaccines expose the dog’s body to a virus so that their body can produce suitable antibodies against it. These antibodies will thus protect the dog from any natural infection with that particular virus.

There are two types of dog vaccines- the live virus vaccines and the dead virus vaccines. Live virus vaccines are more effective as they are able to generate a greater immune response from the dog’s body. However veterinarians have different opinions regarding the efficacy of live viral vaccines. According to some, dead viruses are more effective in protecting the dog from diseases.

Rabies is a highly fatal disease in human beings. Thus dogs must be vaccinated against the rabies virus. Dogs have been receiving this vaccine for years and this has lead to a decline in the total number of rabies cases in the world. The incidence of rabies has also declined among human beings.
There are two broad categories of dog vaccines. The first one is core vaccines. This category includes a number of vaccines like canine distemper, parvovirus, canine, adenovirus and canine hepatitis.

The second group is the non core vaccines. This includes canine coronavirus, canine parainfluenza, giardia vaccine, Lyme disease, rattlesnake vaccine and bordatella vaccine for kennel cough.

These vaccines are administered as and when recommended by the veterinarians.

Nowadays, there is a huge debate going on about the efficacy and the necessity of these dog vaccines. Many veterinarians feel that all the vaccines should not be given to the dogs. For example, kennel cough is a disease which the dogs usually develop when they go out so it should be used only for such dogs. Lyme disease is another example. The disease is found only in certain parts of the country and dogs living in those regions should only get the vaccines.
Frequent vaccination is often a subject of debate amongst the veterinarians. According to some, regular administration of vaccines can have some serious consequences. It may lead to suppression of the immune system. The average life expectancy of the dogs may also decrease.
Vaccines are effective but to derive the maximum benefits from them, they should be timed properly. Many veterinarians and teaching hospitals now suggest that the dogs should not be vaccinated repeatedly for it can lead to serious health problems in them.

According to Dr Pitcairn, regular vaccination can introduce a number of diseases in dogs like diseases of the thyroid, skin problems and allergies.

People are becoming aware about the advantages of fewer vaccines. Administration of all the vaccine to all the dogs regularly is not the right approach. Dogs should be given only those vaccines which they require.

You must visit a veterinarian today in order to know that which vaccines are required for your dog.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/287092/the_importance_of_dog_vaccinations.html?cat=53

Puppy Shot Schedule

6 – 8 weeks DHLPP + Corona
9 – 11 weeks DHLPP + Corona
12 – 14 weeks DHLPP + Corona
16 weeks – Rabies

(SEE IMAGES BELOW)

There are two types of vaccines currently available to veterinarians: modified-live vaccines and inactivated (“killed”) vaccines.
Immunization Schedules

There is a great deal of controversy and confusion surrounding the appropriate immunization schedule, especially with the availability of modified-live vaccines and breeders who have experienced postvaccinal problems when using some of these vaccines. It is also important to not begin a vaccination program while maternal antibodies are still active and present in the puppy from the mother’s colostrum. The maternal antibodies identify the vaccines as infectious organisms and destroy them before they can stimulate an immune response.

Many breeders and owners have sought a safer immunization program.
Modified Live Vaccines (MLV)

Modified-live vaccines contain a weakened strain of the disease causing agent. Weakening of the agent is typically accomplished by chemical means or by genetic engineering. These vaccines replicate within the host, thus increasing the amount of material available for provoking an immune response without inducing clinical illness. This provocation primes the immune system to mount a vigorous response if the disease causing agent is ever introduced to the animal. Further, the immunity provided by a modified-live vaccine develops rather swiftly and since they mimic infection with the actual disease agent, it provides the best immune response.
Inactivated Vaccines (Killed)

Inactivated vaccines contain killed disease causing agents. Since the agent is killed, it is much more stable and has a longer shelf life, there is no possibility that they will revert to a virulent form, and they never spread from the vaccinated host to other animals. They are also safe for use in pregnant animals (a developing fetus may be susceptible to damage by some of the disease agents, even though attenuated, present in modified-live vaccines). Although more than a single dose of vaccine is always required and the duration of immunity is generally shorter, inactivated vaccines are regaining importance in this age of retrovirus and herpesvirus infections and concern about the safety of genetically modified microorganisms. Inactivated vaccines available for use in dogs include rabies, canine parvovirus, canine coronavirus, etc.
W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
938 Stanford Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310/ 828-4804
fax: 310/ 828-8251

Note: This schedule is the one I recommend and should not be interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It’s a matter of professional judgment and choice. For breeds or families of dogs susceptible to or affected with immune dysfunction, immune-mediated disease, immune-reactions associated with vaccinations, or autoimmune endocrine disease (e.g., thyroiditis, Addison’s or Cushing’s disease, diabetes, etc.) the above protocol is recommended.

After 1 year, annually measure serum antibody titers against specific canine infectious agents such as distemper and parvovirus. This is especially recommended for animals previously experiencing adverse vaccine reactions or breeds at higher risk for such reactions (e.g., Weimaraner, Akita, American Eskimo, Great Dane).

Another alternative to booster vaccinations is homeopathic nosodes. This option is considered an unconventional treatment that has not been scientifically proven to be efficacious. One controlled parvovirus nosode study did not adequately protect puppies under challenged conditions. However, data from Europe and clinical experience in North America support its use. If veterinarians choose to use homeopathic nosodes, their clients should be provided with an appropriate disclaimer and written informed consent should be obtained.

I use only killed 3 year rabies vaccine for adults and give it separated from other vaccines by 3-4 weeks. In some states, they may be able to give titer test result in lieu of booster.

I do NOT use Bordetella, corona virus, leptospirosis or Lyme vaccines unless these diseases are endemic in the local area pr specific kennel. Furthermore, the currently licensed leptospira bacterins do not contain the serovars causing the majority of clinical leptospirosis today.

I do NOT recommend vaccinating bitches during estrus, pregnancy or lactation.

W. Jean Dodds, DVM
HEMOPET
Printable Titers Forms and Instructions for Testing: http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/HEMOPET.HTM

jeandodd1  jeandodd2

 

Spay Neuter Price Comparison 2014

http://www.animalfoundation.com/ 702-384-3333 X137

http://www.hcws.org/ 702-227-5555 X203

http://spayneuterlv.com 702-240-SPAY

http://towncentervet.com/ 702-262-1300

New ASPCA iPhone, Android App Provides Essential Resource for Pet Parents

http://www.aspca.org/blog/new-aspca-iphone-android-app-provides-essential-resource-pet-parents

ASPCA Launches Mobile App for Pet Parents

The ASPCA mobile app is a must-have app for pet owners. This free app shows pet parents exactly what to do when a pet goes missing. It also allows pet owners to store vital medical records, and provides information on making life-saving decisions during natural disasters.

With a few swipes, you can:

Access critical advice on what to do with your pet before, during, and after a major storm—even if there’s no data connectivity.
Receive a personalized missing pet recovery kit, including step-by-step instructions on how to search for a lost animal in a variety of circumstances.
Build a lost pet digital flyer that can be shared instantly on your social media channels.
Store and manage your pet’s critical health records.
Get the latest and most relevant news about pets and animal welfare.
See adorable pet photos from Instagram.
To download our free app from your app store!

http://www.aspca.org/blog/new-aspca-iphone-android-app-provides-essential-resource-pet-parents

New ASPCA iPhone, Android App Provides Essential Resource for Pet Parents

Helpful Tips For Your Pets

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If you have any ideas for this area please email us at vegasanimal411@gmail.com

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Pet Care Information Articles For LV Pet Scene Magazine

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Bloat

TCAH DVM - Bloat Twisted Stomach

Canine Distemper Article

Canine Influenza

Canine Parvovirus

Dental Care

Ear Infections

Feline Leukemia Virus

Giardia

Heart Disease in Cats & Dogs

Hiking Safety

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

Joint Health

Kidney Disease

Pet Cancer Awareness

Pet Diabetes

Pet Poisons

Pet Safety & The Heat

Spay & Neuter Information

Wellness Exams

Zoonotic Diseases

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine and Town Center Animal Hospital.

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Pet Health Websites:

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www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health.aspx

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Pet Poisons - Updated Feb 28th 2015

Pet Holiday Safety TipsTCAH DVM - 6 Winter TipsTCAH DVM - Fire Pet SafetyTCAH DVM - ExerciseTCAH DVM - Dental CareTCAH DVM - Bloat Twisted StomachTCAH DVM - Feline HealthTCAH DVM - Valentine's DayTCAH DVM - Why Spay and NeuterTCAH DVM - Pet Safety Travel TipsTCAH DVM - Senior Pet WellnessTCAH DVM - Adopt A Shelter PetTCAH DVM - Common Pet EmergenciesTCAH DVM - Pet First AidTCAH DVM - 5 New Year TipsTCAH DVM - Cold Weatherreasons to spay 2015Spay and Neuter price

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Pet Safety From The Heat

Living in Las Vegas we have to be very careful of heat conditions and our pets.

We would like to help your pets by giving you some great tips.  The following photograph contains what can happen to your pets paws from walking on the hot ground.

Burnt Paws

Try walking your dog while you are barefoot… if the asphalt is too hot for you to walk barefoot then it is too hot for your pets paws.

The damage will not only be very painful to your pet but they will have to visit animal hospital for treatment.  You usually will have to take your pet every three days to have their bandages changed and this could go on for about a month.  

Animals need their limbs to walk.  Humans can use crutches if we get hurt but pets need their legs to get around.  It is extremely painful to walk on burnt paws.  This can also cost your family a lot of money that could have gone to fun things for your pets.

Booties can be a little expensive but in the long run it will help keep your dog safe and your family their money 🙂  You can also look into purchasing booties for your pets to wear.  http://www.ruffwear.com/dog_boots

photos © Ben Moon 2010Check out At Your Service Pet Supplies Cooling Pet Product Supplies.  http://www.VegasPetSupplies.com (702) 982-4324

Cool Coats, Frozen Yoghund, Doggles, Cool-it Bandanas, Aussie Boots, Frosty Bowlz, & Kong Freeze Trays.

You can also check out the other great Pet Friendly Businesses that help our local animal rescue groups.

http://issuu.com/homesillustratedlv/docs/lvps-0514/14

DVM-HEAT-750x808

Nevada Laws for “Leaving a Pet Cat or Dog Unattended in a Motor Vehicle” (NRS 574.195)

http://www.shouselaw.com/nevada/animal-unattended.html

Hot Weather Tips From ASPCA 

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hot-weather-tips.aspx

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger, ASPCA experts warn.  
“Most people love to spend the warmer days enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, but it is important to remember that some activities can be dangerous for our pets,” said Dr. Camille DeClementi, Senior Toxicologist at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. “By following a few simple rules, it is easy to keep your pet safe while still having fun in the sun.”Take these simple precautions, provided by ASPCA experts, to help prevent your pet from overheating. And if you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, get help from your veterinarian immediately.Visit the Vet 
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program.Made in the Shade
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful to notover-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.

Know the Warning Signs 
Symptoms of  overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. “On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke,” says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset.

Screen Test 
“During warmer months, the ASPCA sees an increase in injured animals as a result of High-Rise Syndrome, which occurs when pets-mostly cats-fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally injured,” says Dr. Murray. “Pet owners need to know that this is completely preventable if they take simple precautions.” Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.

Summer Style
Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog: The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals.

Street Smarts 
When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

Avoid Chemicals 
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance.

Party Animals
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol.

Fireworks Aren’t Very Pet-riotic
Please leave pets at home when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals.

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For more information about caring for your pet family please visit the http://www.TownCenterVet.com website.

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or Visit our Pet First Aid section.

Please also remember to be careful what to feed your pets.  Visit our Pet Diet & Health Information section.

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Las Vegas has some great Dog Parks that you can visit.

Click on your city of choice to see their dog parks.

Manners & Rules
Manners & Rules
Las Vegas Dog Parks
Las Vegas Dog Parks
Henderson Dog Parks
Henderson Dog Parks
Boulder City Dog Parks
Boulder City Dog Parks