Rattlesnake Season

(photo source: Joyce Kuzmanic, St. George News, stgeorgeutah.com)

Now that the weather is really warming up, rattlesnake season is now upon us. Did you know that Valley Veterinary Clinic offers a rattlesnake vaccine?

The Rattlesnake Vaccine helps to prevent injury and even death from rattlesnake bites but stimulating your dog's immune system. It helps your dog produce antibodies that can effectively neutralize rattlesnake venom.  Over time these antibodies acclimate to their normal immune system and are therefore available if your dog is bitten.

There are also several things you can do to try and prevent your dog from getting bitten. Some ideas include: 

• Always keep your dog on a leash when outside exploring
• Avoid letting your dog wander into tall grass or shrubbery where snakes may be resting out of eyesight 
• If you do encounter a rattlesnake, stay a minimum of 10 feet away from it 
• Keep the grass in your yards cut short, and clean up any yard clutter (wood, leaves, etc) that could be an ideal hiding spot for snakes 
• Picking up food off the ground and securely closing your trash cans keeps small rodents away, therefore keeping away the snakes that may try to prey on them
• Fill in any small holes around fences and walls that snakes could enter your yard through 

Be sure to use these tips to keep you and your favorite doggy companions safe as you enjoy the outdoors this season! 

New Years Resolutions

The first month of our new year is almost over! How are YOUR New Year Resolutions going?

Did you know that your beloved pets can help you keep your resolutions?

From Bonney Brown, RGJ.com:

"Studies show that people who partner with someone else on a goal are much more likely to succeed. The idea is that when you forget or don’t quite feel like it, your partner will remind you or inspire you to action. Your pet could be just the partner you need

The top resolution for 2013 is losing weight and developing a healthier lifestyle. Your dog is the ideal partner for this goal because he or she will happily remind you to get out there to walk or run if you just get them used to a routine. If you are more of a cat person, consider yoga — cats are natural yogis.

Saving money is a popular goal this year, too. Your pet does not need dinner at a fancy restaurant or expensive gifts to adore you. They offer both companionship and entertainment at bargain prices.

Enjoying life more is also high on the list of top resolutions this year. Just being with your animal friend can lower your blood pressure. Their antics bring humor to the day and they live in the moment as only the most disciplined of zen masters can."

So whether your goals need another jump start or you are going strong, invite your furry friends to join in the fun!



Source: Pets Can Help People Keep Resolutions