Summer 2007 Newsletter for Great Falls Animal Hospital

10125 Colvin Run Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
Telephone: 703 759-2330
Email:

Other Newsletters
Spring 2008
Summer 2006
Spring 2006
Winter 2005-06
Fall 2005
Summer 2005
Winter 2005

Welcome!
We are pleased to welcome our newest team member: Dr. Gregory Lawrence. Dr. Greg Lawrence is a native of the Washington D.C. area. He grew up in Maryland, and is a graduate of Towson University. After graduating with a theater degree, he went to work in a wildlife hospital and sanctuary, where he realized his passion for veterinary medicine. He quickly applied, and was accepted, to Ross University on the island of St. Kitts. After 2 1/2 years of life in the Caribbean, he completed his clinical year at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville. After graduation, Dr. Lawrence practiced for one year in New York City, before returning home to the D.C. area. He has been practicing for several years at another small animal hospital in the Northern Virginia area, before joining GFAH in the summer of 2007. His professional interests include surgery, dentistry, and an especially challenging case. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga, kayaking, scuba diving and discovering anything electronic. He shares his home with two big dogs, Shadow and Ben, and two cats, Maggie and Maude. The next time you visit our office please welcome him to our team.

Congratulations!
Mary is a May 2007 graduate of NVCC's Veterinary Technology Program, had has passed the Veterinary Technician National Board Exam. Congratulations to Mary for joining our team of L.V.T.'s (Licensed Veterinary Technician).

Summertime Hazards
Never leave your pet at home while you run your errands. When the outside temperature reaches 70 degrees or above, it is too hot to leave your pet in the car, even for a short period of time. In Fairfax and Loudoun Counties it is illegal to leave a pet in your car if the temperature is 70 degrees or above. The authorities will open the vehicle to remove your pet, and you may receive a ticket. Pets in closed cars, even parked in the shade & with the windows cracked open, have died from heat stroke.

Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water. If you are going on a hike, or to a lake or beach, remember to take a cooler of water for your pet. Provide access to shade.

Avoid excess exercise, especially in the heat of the day, or after meals. Early morning and evening walks are best on hot humid days. This is especially important for older pets, or pets with short noses, like pugs. If you jog with your pet, remember the pavement is hot, so it is especially important to jog in the early morning or evening hours with your pet.

Help your pet stay cooler this summer with a day of grooming. Removing that thick winter coat with a good combing/brushing or with a short hair cut will help your pet stay more comfortable through the hot summer days.

Do not use any chemicals, like insect repellant, that are not specifically labeled for use on pets. This also holds true for any over the counter medications. In the event your pet has ingested a toxin please contact The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center: Telephone: 1-888-426-4435 or 1-888-4ANI-HELP

Make sure your pet is not drinking from puddles in the parking lot. This may be coolant/antifreeze that has leaked from someone's car. Coolant/antifreeze has a sweet taste, and may attract animals; even a small amount can be fatal.

Use caution when opening the windows of your house. Many pets have been injured by falling out an open window, when the screen gives way. House cats may gain access to the outdoors and become frightened; a pet could break a bone in the fall.

Do not use any chemicals, like insect repellant, that are not specifically labeled for use on pets. This also holds true for any over the counter medications.

Blood Drive
Please join us at our dog and human blood drive on September 6, 2007. Call our office for details!

IS YOUR DOG LICENSED?
Your dog needs to be licensed in your county EVERY year. Many dogs receive a rabies vaccine that is good for three years, however your pet's registration with the county is only valid for one year. Please make sure your pet is licensed yearly to avoid any possible fines.

Effective on July 1, 2007, the state of Virginia is requiring all veterinarians to report to the rabies vaccination of all pets to the treasurer of the locality in which the vaccination occurs. Your local treasurer will then send a bill to all dog owners that do not have a current license on file for that particular pet.