Altadena Valley Animal Clinic
2898 Acton Road - Birmingham, AL 35243
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The Importance of Your
Pet's Dental Health
While most people are thinking of Valentine's Day this month, February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Your pet's dental health is very important to their overall well-being and happiness. Here are a few tips you should know to help your pet have a healthier smile and help prevent oral diseases.
Daily Brushing
This may sound extreme but daily brushing removes the biofilm and plaque created by mouth bacteria and helps avoid most oral diseases. It's also why we brush our own teeth daily.
If your pet just won't sit still while you brush their teeth, try a good chew treat containing anti-plaque ingredients. This isn't a perfect substitute but it can help.
Monthly Mouth Check
Mark your calendar for a monthly peek inside your pet's mouth. Look for reddened or puffy gums, cracked or broken teeth, and unusual color changes, growths or swellings. If you notice these or other changes contact us immediately for an appointment.
Yearly Vet Check
Annual check-ups are important and a good time for us to check their dental health. Oral health may impact your dog’s entire body; infection in the mouth is reported to cause infection in the heart, kidneys, and elsewhere.Some older pets may need a dental check-up every 6 months.
Veterinary Dental Cleaning
A regular, professional veterinary dental cleaning is recommended to keep your pet's sweet smile looking its best and, most importantly, prevent diseases caused by poor dental health.
To schedule a professional dental cleaning call us at 967-7383.
Julie Grimes, DVM
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Dental cleaning is safe, painless, and important for your pets overall health.
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It's National Pet Dental Health Month!
National Pet Dental Health Month will be here soon (February). Make sure you schedule your pet's teeth cleaning early and get
20% off for the month of February. Call 205-967-7383 to schedule your pet's appointment.
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Wednesday, February 14, 2018
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Don't forget your pet this Valentine's Day. Check out all the cute collars and bows from Jazzy J Designs.
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Ask Angie
This month we answer several grooming questions we've received from our wonderful pet owners.
Q
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Should I have my cat groomed?
A. Yes. Even cats need a regular bath, nails clipped, and their potty trail shaved. Older cats often have trouble grooming themselves and could use a professional's help.
Q.
Any suggestions for bathing my cat at home if I can't get them in to you for their regular bath?
A. The most important suggestion is...make sure you rinse them thoroughly. Cat hair is very absorbent. If the shampoo is not completely rinsed out it can cause them to get dry, itchy skin. Check out our video,
A Stress-free Way to Bathe Your Cat for a great how-to video.
Q.
How often should I get my dog groomed?
A. Unless your dog is outside a lot, every 4-6 weeks should be good for most dogs.
Angie Bullock
Head Groomer
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Dog + Chocolate = One Sick Puppy
Valentine's Day and chocolate go great together, but Coco and chocolate do not. As a matter of fact, any dog and chocolate can be a deadly combination. Remember: dark = dangerous.
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According to the Pet Poison Hotline, "Dogs make up 95 percent of chocolate emergency calls (cats are usually too discriminating to eat chocolate) and in smaller dogs, even the wrappers from candy can result in secondary obstruction in the stomach or intestines."
Baker's chocolate is especially poisonous because of the large amounts of theobromine, a chemical cousin to caffeine.
If you think your dog has ingested chocolate here are some signs to look for...
- mild vomiting and diarrhea
- severe agitation
- elevated heart rate (tachycardia)
- abnormal heart rhythms
- tremors, seizures and collapse
If you think your dog has eaten chocolate and you are concerned, call us immediately. For more information on dogs and chocolate check out this helpful information from the
Pet Poison Hotline.
Melissa Miller, DVM
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Half-Price Baths Every Tuesday and Wednesday Through February
It's back!!! Beginning Tuesday, January 16, through Wednesday, February 28, all baths are 1/2 price on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This includes ear cleaning, expressing anal glands, and clipping nails..
.you can add a medicated bath for only $5 more. Grooming services available at an extra charge. Space is limited, so call now to schedule your pet's half-price bath.
967-7383.
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Free Seminar
Puppy Problem Behaviors
Date
Saturday, April 7, at 2 PM - 3 PM
Location
Altadena Valley Animal Clinic
Join us for a free seminar on potty training, nipping, chewing, and jumping up. Plus, learn about our training course offerings! This seminar is "humans-only."
Please call
967-7383 to reserve a spot!
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Two New Training Classes Added
- Puppy/Behavior Obedience - February 15 @ 7:30 pm
- Instructor: Emily Daniel
- Impulse Control - April 5 @ 6:30 pm
Our professional trainers use only positive methods and believe that every dog has potential, no matter the age or breed!
Rebecca Mason, CPDT-KA certified trainer, along with her staff, will help your dog learn through positive, family-friendly methods that do not require shock or harsh training tactics.
For more information on specific course details & skills taught, visit our training web page
here.
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Pet Picture of the Month
Dr. Miller and Jessica give Amelia an ultrasound exam with our new equipment. Having our own, in-house ultrasound unit will save our pet parents time and money while providing an increased level of veterinary diagnosis and care for our furry friends. Good girl, Amelia!
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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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