Altadena Valley Animal Clinic
2898 Acton Road - Birmingham, AL 35243
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Is Your Dog at Risk of Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)?
It could be tied to their diet.
Making sure your pets are healthy and happy is certainly every pet owner’s goal. From vaccinations to regular vet check-ups, your pet relies on you for their overall well-being. This trust also extends to the food you provide.
The FDA recently issued an update on its investigation into reports of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs eating certain types of pet food. DCM or dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of a dog’s heart muscle and results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump, and heart valves may leak, leading to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen.
The FDA has been investigating the link between diet and heart disease, finding evidence that “boutique, exotic, and grain-free” (BEG) diets may be responsible. Certain breeds (Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, and Cocker Spaniel) are genetically predisposed to developing DCM. However, it was discovered that other breeds NOT usually suspected of DCM were being diagnosed with this heart condition. These breeds included, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Standard Poodles, and Shepherds.
As part of the FDA’s investigation, the brands listed below were most frequently in reported DCM cases.
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Choosing a healthy dog food can be confusing based on all the different products available, aggressive advertising, and nutritional fads.
The FDA continues to investigate this issue. As new information becomes available, it will be released to the public. Until then, the FDA advises you avoid feeding your pet diets that list peas, lentils, potatoes and/or sweet potatoes (in any form - such as lentil meal, potato flour, or pea protein) in the first 10 ingredients (listed before vitamins and minerals).
If your pet is showing possible signs of DCM or other heart conditions, including decreased energy, cough, difficulty breathing and episodes of collapse, you should contact your veterinarian at Altadena Valley as soon as possible.
Have a great summer!
Julie Grimes, DVM
Melissa Miller, DVM
Sarah Foster, DVM
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*All specials good thru August 31, 2019
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*All Specials good thru August 31, 2019
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Wet Nose Wednesday
August 7, 2019
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Bring Rover Along for a Fun Night with the Birmingham Barons
$15
Gets Your General Admission Ticket For you and Rover!
- A Baron's Dog Bandana
- A Hot Dog
- and it will help raise money for the Birmingham Boston Terrier Rescue
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Dr. Melissa Joseph Miller
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New Training Classes Added!
Puppy/Beginner Obedience (6-week course)
- Wednesday, August 21 @ 7:30 pm
- Instructor: Meredith Dempsey
- Wednesday, September 25 @ 6:30 pm
- Instructor: Emily Daniel
- Cost: $225
Impulse Control (6-week course)
- Tuesday, September 10 @ 7:30 pm
- Instructor: Rebecca Mason
- Cost: $225
Tricks Time
Yappy Hour: Puppy Socialization (4-weeks)
- Every Tuesday @ 6:30 PM
- Cost: $125
Kids' Clinic: Learn to Speak "Dog"
Game Night
- Tuesday, September 3 @ 7:30 pm
For more information and complete course descriptions, visit our Training
website
page or to signup for an upcoming class click the REGISTER button or image below.
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How to Handle Tangled, Matted Fur
Our grooming staff often sees pets with tangles and matted fur (so bad), the only remedy is to cut their coat as short as possible. The best way to keep your pet's fur clean, healthy, and looking its best is with regular brushing.
Below is a helpful grooming video that explains the importance of choosing the right brush for your pet's coat.
To schedule your pet's grooming and bath call
967-7383.
Angie Bullock
Head Groomer
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Pet Pictures of the Month
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This month we recognize a few of our recent Puppy Obedience class graduates, Theo, Lila, and Henry all passed with flying colors and their parents couldn't be prouder. Training classes are a great way to provide structure, obedience, and bond time with your best furry friend. If you are interested in one of our upcoming classes, click on the link in the training schedule section above.
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Altadena Valley Animal Clinic | Phone: 205-967-7383 | Fax: 205-967-7395
Email: admin@altadenavalleyanimalclinic.com | www.altadenavalleyanimalclinic.com
(c) 2017 Altadena Valley Animal Clinic
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Designed and Created by Dan Feltham - Providien Marketing Group - Phone: 205.422.0898
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