5 Tips For Healthy Pets in Las Vegas
Because so many pet owners are making Las Vegas their new home in record numbers, we have these 5 tips for healthy pets in Las Vegas. For most recent residents, the desert climate is often quite different from their previous residence. Even for seasoned residents, Las Vegas sits in an environment that cannot be trifled with.
Besides hot weather, there are many other factors pet owners must be keenly aware of in the city or countryside. Some of these tips probably seem obvious, but dogs still end up at the emergency veterinarian every day. Let’s help keep dogs healthy and happy in this great city.
Photo: Patrick Hendry
5 Tips for Healthy Pets in Las Vegas
1. Ensure that your dog or puppy is current on their vaccinations
If it’s getting close to the time for a vaccination booster, get it done without waiting. In Las Vegas, Parvo is unfortunately very common. Las Vegas Vets warn that Parvo is highly contagious and leads to death without protection or immediate and costly treatment. These vaccinations are not expensive, so please see your vet as soon as possible to get current and boosted.
2. Watch for the signs of dehydration
Dehydration is a genuine risk in the desert. It affects humans and dogs equally. By the time the symptoms are evident, dehydration has set in.
According to the AKC, these are signs of canine dehydration.
-Loss of skin elasticity
-Loss of appetite
-Vomiting with or without diarrhea
-Reduced energy levels and lethargy
-Sunken, dry-looking eyes
-Dry nose
-Dry, sticky gums
-Thick saliva
For most dogs, the easiest way to tell if they’re dehydrated is to lightly grab some skin near their shoulder blades, raise it up, and then let it go. If it returns instantly, the dog is well hydrated. If it takes a while, get your dog fluids and move them to a cool and shady place immediately. Please don’t wait to call your vet for advice. Dehydration can lead to heatstroke, which is a severe medical emergency. Please learn the signs and ensure your dog has regular access to cool, clean water.
3. Keep small dogs on a harness and leash when outside
Daily, stories report small dogs in Las Vegas ‘going missing.’ Sadly, they are the victims of coyotes and raptors. Too often, small dogs will be left outside for a time to relieve themselves and never return. Go out with your dog when it’s time to do their business. Don’t let them out of your sight.
The Wonderfold Foldable Wagon is perfect for children or dogs
4. Bring a folding wagon when driving with your dog in the summer months
Use the wagon to give your dog a ride over hot concrete, gravel, dirt, or asphalt. Most people have heard that if it’s too hot for you to walk barefoot, it’s too hot for the dog’s paws. The problem is that most people don’t walk around barefoot. When temperatures exceed 90° F, please either hand-carry your dog or use a wagon.
5. Shade or not, don’t leave your dog outside all day.
Of course, summers get very hot and dry, but winters are also quite cold. Las Vegas is NOT the place to leave dogs outdoors all the time.
Final Thoughts
There are a couple of crucial tasks all dog owners who are new Las Vegas residents should do. The first is to find a local vet and talk with them about living in Las Vegas and ways to promote a healthy life.
The second is to find a quality AKC Certified dog groomer who loves their essential role and includes a 22-point wellness checkup on every visit.
Since, as dog owners, we see our dogs every day, it’s easy to miss common indicators or problems. Well Groomed Pets Las Vegas measures and tracks height, weight gain or loss, lesions or lumps, and other signs of a healthy dog. They provide a report and update you electronically to keep you current on your dog’s health. This wellness evaluation is included with all bathing and grooming bookings.
Common sense goes a long way in the desert. Ask a vet for more information on keeping your dog happy, healthy, and thriving.