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We have been hearing a lot in the news lately about the rapid spread of West Nile virus across the U.S. It is spread by mosquitoes
and birds and does cause human disease. Although horses can be affected by the disease, dogs and cats are probably safe. Our pets cannot transmit the disease to the 2-legged members of the family.
FURTHER DISEASE UPDATES:
 Cat owners should be aware that a nasty flu "germ" has been identified in cats in the Los Angeles area (causing some deaths). There is no
need to panic, but please make sure that your pet is kept current with its YEARLY VACCINATION.
A certain form of cancer (lymphoma) has
been shown to be more prevalent in cats exposed to second hand smoke.. Tuft's University found that cats living in homes where humans smoked a pack or more of cigarettes a day had more than three times
the risk of contracting the cancer.
 Dog owners should be aware that there has been a rare outbreak of distemper in Santa Ana (resulting in temporary closure of the city
shelter). This disease is life threatening, so double check your pet's vaccination records. We recommend a VACCINATION every 3 YEARS.
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Bookmark our website as an excellent source of useful information from the WEB. We keep the
"links" updated that provide good pet related information sites.
lagunahillsanimalhospital.com
 WELCOME TO DR. TROPE
We are very please to announce the addition of Dr. Jason Trope to our staff. He comes to us after a
post-graduate internship in Florida. He has been in private practice for 3 years. His hobbies are many; including flying radio controlled planes and hang gliding.
Say "Hi" if you get a chance to meet him.
FROM
OUR
DOCTOR S
DESK
QUESTION:
My dogs are burning brown holes in our grass with their urine. What is the cause and is there anything that I can do to prevent the problem?
ANSWER:
Not every dog's urine will kill the grass. Not all types of grass are susceptible to burn. Marathon grass
(popular) will burn easily while St. Augustine does not.
The nitrogen content of the urine is what burns the grass. A urine spot is like using too much fertilizer in
one area. Water dilutes the urine, so hose down the area when you see your pet urinate. Generally, changing to a low protein diet (senior type foods) may
help to reduce urine nitrogen. "Grass Saver" diet supplements will help some pets by changing the urine acid content.
If you are re-doing your yard consider making it
"dog proof", i.e. use concrete, gravel, decking, wood chips, etc. rather than grass. Train your dog to "go-potty" in designated areas only. This isn't as hard as it sounds.
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