Veterinary Services 4146 Mountain Home Street Nellis AFB, NV 89191 (702) 652-8836

Hours Of Operation Mon. through Fri. 8:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. By Appointment Only

Jump Menu: Winter | Summer Safety Tips for Pets

The Nellis U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility offers limited veterinary care for family pets. Services routinely available are vaccinations for dogs and cats, testing for intestinal parasites and health certificate examinations. Sick animals may be seen if time permits. This facility does not provide surgical services, hospitalization, boarding or grooming.

All animals must be registered with veterinary services upon arrival at the base and must be vaccinated against distemper and rabies. The animal should wear the rabies tag at all times. Pet owners are responsible for maintaining control of their pets at all times. Nellis Air Force Base Instruction 31-206 defines these responsibilities. Base Veterinarian recommends Home Again microchip implant.

Pets are vaccinated on an appointment-basis only. Payment is required in the form of cash, check Visa or MasterCard at the time the service is rendered. This office provides on-base registration of pets and sale of over the counter medication.

Moving with Pets:

Traveling with a pet can be a stressful time for both us and our four-legged friends.
Many airlines require strict guidelines when traveling with pets. Most require a ‘health
certificate’ for travel within 24 hrs to 10 days before the flight.
We suggest calling the airline you plan to use as soon as you decide to take your pet so you have ample time to get an appt.

Most airlines will also require the pet be up to date on all vaccinations before travel. We offer both health certificates and all necessary vaccinations here at the clinic during clinic hours.
If you are PCS-ing to another country and plan to take your pet along with you, we recommend coming to see us as soon as you get word you’re leaving. Many countries require weeks if not months (some up to six months) preparation to bring a pet to the country. It can be stressful with international requirements and will do our best to make it as smooth as possible to take your family friend along.

Pets and Heat Stress:

The summer can be a busy time for us with vacations, picnics, pool parties, July 4th,
and more. Unfortunately, this busy and exciting time can come with more hazards to
our pets. There are many health risks for our pets during the hot summer
months. A few tips are listed below to help keep your pet safe. As always, consult
your Veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pet’s health or well-being.

Winter Safety Tips for Pets:

1. Keep pets away from antifreeze and clean up any spills immediately. Antifreeze is very
   attractive to pets but is also very harmful if swallowed.
   
   
2. Here in Las Vegas, salting roads and sidewalks is not as common as other places but if you do walk your dog on salted ground, it is advisable to wash their feet when you’re done. Sometimes the salt can irritate the pads on your pets’ feet. Just wiping with a warm washcloth will do.
   
   
3. Keep the Christmas tree and decorations away from pets if possible. Tinsel can be an attractive toy but can lead to digestive issues if it is eaten. Also ornaments are fun to bounce around until one breaks and has sharp edges that can cause damage to feet and mouth.
   
   Mistletoe, Holly Berries, and Poinsettias are poisonous to pets. Keep holiday plants well out of reach from your family’s best friend.
   
   
4. Be careful when using electrical cords during the holiday season. Some pets may think it’sa great chew toy but are quite disappointed when they receive a fair jolt. Sometimes it is as easy as tucking the tree light cord under the tree skirt. Out of sight out of mind usually works.
   
   
5. Always provide plenty of clear and unfrozen water for your pets. Pets can dehydrate in the winter just like in the summer. Snow and Ice are not substitutes for a fresh supply of water.
   
   
6. Keep in mind the activity level of your dog or cat this season. Many pets slow down during the winter months and do not require the same caloric intake as they do during the summer. However, if your dog/cat spends most of its time outside, the extra calories will help keep them warm. Use your judgment and consult your veterinarian if you have any questions.
   
   
7. If you do have an outside pet and you plan to keep them outside this winter make sure you provide adequate shelter away from drafts with a nice warm blanket to curl up in. Dogs and cats are sturdy animals but they are not able to completely make it on their own. We’re here to help!
   
   
8. If your dog does develop an ailment during the winter months, please do not use over the counter medications without consulting a veterinarian first. It is true, some human drugs may be given to our pets but some of them may be very harmful or deadly!
   
   
9. If you and your family are thinking of investing in a new friend during the holiday season, please do some research on finding who will fit best in your family (there are many websites online to choose from one of which is: (http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselectorindex.do ) Each breed has different needs/responsibilities and it will benefit both parties to pick the best possible match. Also, keep in mind the animal shelters! Many pets are put to sleep during and directly after the holidays due to unwanted friends roaming the streets.
   
   Return to top
   

Summer Safety Tips for Pets:
Here in Vegas, heat is a problem for everyone. However, unlike us, our pets can’t
change their clothes or turn on an air conditioner to stay cool. It is imperative that
we pay attention and try our best to keep our friends cool and healthy. Here
are a few tips to help keep heat issues at bay:

1. Always have fresh water available (in back yard, hikes, picnics, etc.)
   Many pet stores carry collapsible pet bowls that make providing fresh drinking
   water for your pet very easy and travel-savvy. Please remember
   that many pets may need som conditioning prior to spring time activities.
   
   
2. Never leave your pet in the car!! Even if it’s just for a few minutes.
   A car’s inside temperature can reach deadly temperatures very quickly,
   especially here in Las Vegas. Even on a nice day, 88° outside can get up to 120° inside
   a car, even with the windows cracked.
   
   
3. Keep an eye on your pool. If you only have a ladder leading out of your pool it is
   possible for a dog to fall in and not be able to climb out. Dogs are naturally
   great swimmers but they do need to be able to get out of the water if they tire.
   
   
4. Shade of some kind is very important for pets. Temperatures here in Las Vegas
   can get brutal for anyone, but imagine being covered in hair! It can be dozens
   of degrees cooler in the shade than in the sun. Also, the patio/cement/rocks
   can get blisteringly hot during the day (literally) and our four legged
   friends need somewhere to stand that won’t burn their poor feet.
   
   
5. The 4th of July can be a very stressful time for pets. Many dogs/cats get very scared
   and can even run away. Keep dogs away from fireworks at all times, and if
   possible keep indoors in a crate with his/her favorite toy.
   For more information, please visit www.avma.org
   
   Please call the Veterinary Clinic on base if you have any questions at 652-8836
   
   Return to top