As our days get warmer and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s a good time to start preparing your pet for spring. Here are 5 things you can do now to get them ready. 

Before your pet starts to enjoy the warmer spring weather and become more active outdoors, now is a great time to consider microchipping your pet. Microchipping is easy, painless and the best way to be reunited with a lost pet if they are found. All it takes is one slip of the leash or a bolt out the front door and your pet could be missing. Microchipping your pet will give you peace of mind and a good opportunity to see your pet again if they go missing.

When spring is in the air, allergies are not far behind. Like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. As flowers, grass, and trees start to bloom, keep an eye out for excessive licking, scratching, and hair loss – all typical signs of allergies. If you notice any of these signs of allergies, call and schedule an appointment. We will examine your pet and develop a treatment plan to help effectively manage their symptoms. 

The onset of spring also means warmer, rainy weather. This weather combination brings standing water and the risk of mosquitoes – the carrier of heartworm parasites.

While fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can be a year-round parasite problem in our area of the country, some pets are unfortunately not taking preventative medication during the winter months. If you don’t keep your pet on year-round control, you need to take steps now to make sure they are protected before parasites become more active.

To make sure your pet never misses a monthly dose of heartworm medication, Altadena Valley now has ProHeart® 12 ((Moxidectin), a one-shot, 12-month protection against heartworms. For more on this simple, effective option to keep your pet safe, contact the clinic to schedule an appointment.

Pets with heavy winter coats will start to shed more as warmer spring weather arrives. To help your pet, and your home, handle these changes, try to brush them regularly. This will minimize excessive shedding and reduce matting. Your pets will also benefit from regular bathing and grooming. To schedule your pet for a deep cleaning bath and post-winter grooming, call the clinic today.

Cold winter days usually keep parents and their pets inside, where it’s warm and comfortable. This means most pets don’t get the important exercise they need to keep their weight down and stay healthy. Now is a good time to grab the leash and head outside for a good, low-impact walk with your pets. Start out with a nice slow walk, working up to more frequent, brisk activity over the next few weeks. Your pet will enjoy the fresh air and shed a few winter pounds in the process. Regular exercise will also be good for those stiff, winter joints.

Spring is almost here, and we hope these tips will keep your pet happy, healthy, and ready to shake off those winter blues. To schedule a wellness exam for your pet call (205) 967-7383. 

Sincerely,

Julie Grimes, DVM

Now is a good time to have your pet get a thorough exam so they are ready for spring. It's important to make sure they are current on vaccines and their heartworm prevention. Warmer weather may also bring on allergies for some pets. A good exam and proper treatment plan will help them have a healthier, happier spring and summer.(Pictured: Dr. Julie Grimes and Kendra Hardin examine Gracie)

Bobby Wilson, DVM

Lolly Wilson, DVM

*Terms and conditions apply. Must be of the same product, size, and purchased at one time, Ask the front desk receptionist for full terms and conditions.

Congratulations to our sweet friend Mama Cat. She has been ADOPTED! After all her adorable kittens were adopted, Mama Cat was a resident of the clinic for longer than she expected. Thanks to one of our kennel staff, Mama Cat has a forever family and is living the life she deserves. She wants to remind anyone looking for a new pet to consider adoption first.

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