Volume 40 | June 2020


Altadena Valley Animal Clinic
    2898 Acton Road - Birmingham, AL 35243

Read AVAC's Statement on the COVID-19 Pandemic: COVID-19 and Your Safety
Summertime Reminders

Keeping your pet happy and healthy is a job we take seriously. As we start another hot and humid summer, we wanted to provide the following important reminders to keep your pets safe. We encourage you to bring your pet in immediately if they experience any of the situations below, as some are potentially life threatening.
Fleas/Ticks
Parasites are a year-round concern, but summer is a more active time since our pets are outside for longer periods of time. First, and foremost, pets should be on preventative medication. Fleas are often the cause of skin allergies and can transmit other parasites, such as tapeworms.

Ticks are also serious parasites that can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis. If taken as prescribed, a flea and tick preventative such as NexGard® will help protect your pet all year long.
Heartworms
Don't let a little mosquito bite become a BIG problem. One bite can transmit infective larvae that will mature into adult heartworms. Signs of heartworm disease include mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

It is important to have your dog checked for heartworms annually and begin a preventative medication, like Heartgard®, regularly to help avoid this potentially deadly disease.
Heatstroke
To keep your dog safe this summer, make sure you know the signs of heatstroke and how to provide immediate care if your best furry friend is in distress.

Dogs indicate signs of overheating by excessive panting. If they are too hot, they may be unable or unwilling to move around. Other signs of heatstroke include drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement and/or collapse.

Remember, heatstroke is preventable. If you suspect your pet is experiencing a heatstroke or heat related distress, make sure you bring them to the clinic for an evaluation. For more information on heatstroke and pets, visit our July 2019 article here.
Snake Bite
Summer hasn’t officially started yet we have already had our first snake bite victim. Unfortunately, it probably won’t be our last. Snakes usually avoid humans and pets unless they are cornered or feel threatened. If your dog stays outside during the day make sure you check them regularly for bites and swelling. Signs of a bite include shaking or twitching of muscles, difficulty blinking and breathing, hind limb weakness followed by collapse, loss of bladder and bowel control, vomiting, paralysis, salivation and enlarged pupils.

Treating a dog’s snake bite may include antivenom medication, fluids, and wound care, depending on the severity and type of snake (venomous or non-venomous). The important thing is to bring your pet to the clinic immediately if you suspect they have been bitten. The sooner treatment is started the sooner they will recover.
For more information on preventative medications for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, or to schedule an appointment, please contact the clinic (205) 967-7383.
Dr. Julie Grimes
Dr. Melissa Joseph Miller
Dr. Sarah Foster
Lobby Service Returns June 1
We are excited to reopen our lobby for walk-in service beginning June 1. All social distancing and sanitizing precautions are still in place.

We have also renovated our lobby to help serve you better.

If you are still uncomfortable with coming into the lobby, we continue to offer curbside service for now. Just call us at 205-967-7383 when you arrive at the clinic.
The Renovation Begins
Bill and Amelia Check Out the New Changes
Playtime at AVAC Just Got Personal

Canine Enrichment Sessions Now Available!

Your pet can now enjoy one-on-one enrichment sessions as part of their stay during boarding, grooming, and day care. Beginning this Friday, March 6, AVAC will hold individual enrichment sessions from 10 am to 12 pm. While these are not training classes, they are conducted by Anthony Rodriquez, Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Each session will last 15 minutes and is only $15.

Enrichment sessions are designed to engage your pet through mental, physical, sensory, and confidence building activities based on your pet's specific needs. If you are interested and want to sign your dog up for one-on-one enrichment, call 205-967-7383 for available dates and times.
SAVE ON THE PRODUCTS YOUR PET NEEDS!
*All specials good thru 6/30/20

*Terms and conditions apply. Must be of the same product, size, and purchased at one time, Ask front desk receptionist for full terms and conditions.
Live Training Classes Are Back!
Puppy/Beginner Obedience (6-week course)​​
Thursday, June 11 @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, June 11 @ 7:30 pm
Wednesday, July 8 @ 6:30 pm
Cost: $275

Impulse Control (6-week course) 
Tuesday, July 7 @ 7:30 pm
Wednesday, July 1 @ 7:30 pm
Cost: $275

Please note, everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask and participation is limited to 2 family member per dog in order to keep class size small and reduce risk.

For more information and complete course descriptions, visit our Training website page or to sign up for classes by clicking the REGISTER link below.

Maybe It's Time For A Bath And Groom?

Maybe you and your pet have been a "stay at home" family and your best furry friend is getting a little shaggy. If so, we're here to help.

Now is a great time to schedule your pet's bath and grooming. We'll make sure they look and smell their very best with a good earl cleaning, nail trim, and express their anal glands.

To schedule your pet's bath and grooming day, call (205) 967-7383.
Pet Picture of the Month
Meet our new friend Xander. This big, lovable guy is the new addition to Amy and Jessica's family. Xander was recently adopted and is so happy to have a new forever home. He's a good example of how older dogs can make great companions and deserve to be adopted. Lots like he's found where he belongs.
Altadena Valley Animal Clinic | Phone: 205-967-7383 | Fax: 205-967-7395
 Email: admin@altadenavalleyanimalclinic.com | www.altadenavalleyanimalclinic.com
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A Passion For Pets
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