What can I do if my pet already has heartworms?

If you find your pet has heartworms, it is usually treatable, although treating heartworms after they are detectable is much more expensive than heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease has four stages that are similar to cancer. Treatment includes restricting exercise, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and drugs that kill both the adult heartworms and the heartworm larvae.

To find out if your dog has heartworms, your veterinarian will perform a blood test, and if that is positive, they will perform a second test. This is because heartworm treatment is expensive and intensive. The good news is that the vast majority of heartworm positive dogs that undergo treatment are able to successfully recover. The bad news is it can be a costly procedure. 

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Veterinary Dentistry

Just like their human family, dogs and cats require quality pet dental care as an essential part of an overall health plan. A comprehensive plan for dog and cat dental care is often the most overlooked element in caring for the health and happiness of your pet. At Petroglyph Animal Hospital, our impressive team of veterinary specialists has extensive experience in a wide range of pet dentistry care and treatment.

If cat or dog dental hygiene is left unattended to, they can develop a wide range of painful, debilitating health issues. Diseases that develop in your pet’s mouth can lead to even more serious complications and conditions that regular pet dental care works to avoid.

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What Does It Mean to Spay and Neuter Pets?

An operation performed by a trained veterinary medical surgeon removes the sexual organs of your pet in a standard surgical procedure. The surgical procedure to spay and neuter pets will prevent them from reproducing. The operation will also result in a series of health and behavior benefits for your cat or dog.

The surgery performed on female cats and dogs is called spaying, while male pets are neutered. Each is a minor operative procedure that removes the sexual organs of household pets.

Pets that reach mature sexually will act out by attempting to escape to mark their territory by urinating on your furniture, while the males will fight other males while roaming the neighborhood for females. It is generally recommended that cats and dogs be spayed or neutered before the start of their sexual maturity.

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What Supplies Will I Need?

Basic puppy supplies include a crate large enough for them to sit up, stand, and turn around. This will be used for transportation as well as crate training if you so choose. You may want to get a crate that is large enough to accommodate the adult size of your puppy, especially if you have adopted a large breed. You can also pick up a variety of chew toys, puppy food, a dog bed, a collar, food and water bowls, and a leash.

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Where Do I Find An Emergency Vet For Cats?

Oftentimes, pet owners don’t consider what to do in an emergency situation until they are in the midst of a crisis. Planning ahead and being aware of nearby, reputable emergency veterinarians near you may save your pet’s life.

To find an emergency cat vet, ask your regular veterinarian for an emergency animal hospital recommendation or search the internet for clinics in your area.

How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Sick or Injured?

It can be difficult to figure out whether or not your cat is ill or injured as cats are known to hide their illnesses. However, an unwell cat will likely exhibit a variety of subtle signs. Some of the most common signs of illness or injury in cats are:

• Neglecting to groom – if you are a cat owner, you know how often your cat grooms himself. A cat who stops grooming may need to see your veterinarian.
• Purring – cats don’t only purr when they are happy. It is not uncommon for a cat who is in pain to purr.
• Hiding – a sick or injured cat may go off on their own to hide. If your normally friendly cat has suddenly begun hiding, it may be a cause for concern.

What Do You Do If Your Pet Has An Emergency?

If your pet is having an emergency, the first thing you must do is remain calm. Pets pick up on our emotions and behaviors; if they see that their owners are in a state of panic, they too will begin to panic.

Seeking emergency medical care for your pet may save your pet’s life. If you think your pet is suffering a life-threatening emergency or is in pain, seek out an emergency animal clinic immediately.

Should I Take My Cat To The ER?

It is always best to err on the side of caution if you are questioning whether or not you should take your cat to a cat emergency clinic. Second-guessing yourself could mean a death sentence for your pet.

How Can I Hydrate My Cat at Home?

A common yet potentially deadly ailment in cats is dehydration, which can lead to a host of health conditions. Depending on the severity of your cat’s dehydration and the underlying causes, your pet may require IV fluids. It is best to seek out the care of an emergency animal hospital if you believe your cat is dehydrated.

Emergency Vet Albuquerque

The emergency vet care Albuquerque pets need is available at Petroglyph Animal Hospital. If you believe your cat is experiencing a medical emergency, call right away at 505-898-8874.

Original Source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/12/where-do-i-find-emergency-vet-for-cats.html

Petroglyph: Emergency Care For Dogs in Albuquerque

Dogs cannot speak for themselves and rely on their owners to make medical decisions on their behalf. If your dog is experiencing a medical emergency, he may need to be rushed to an emergency animal hospital. Knowing when to make that decision is imperative, as any wasted time could mean life or death for your dog.

It is a good idea to have a plan in place before an emergency happens. Find a local dog emergency room near you and familiarize yourself with the hours of operation, contact numbers, and the steps you will need to take if you need to bring your dog in for a visit.

Knowing what constitutes an emergency as well as where the nearest emergency animal hospital will save your sanity, and maybe your dog’s life if the worst happens.

What Do You Do If Your Pet Has An Emergency?

The best thing you can do if your pet is experiencing a medical emergency is to remain calm. Dogs are very empathetic and will pick up on even your most subtle cues. If you show your dog that there is a reason to panic, he will panic with you, likely increasing the severity of the situation.

Making the decision to take your dog to the emergency animal hospital should be made quickly. Any wasted time could mean

What Is Considered An Emergency For A Dog?

Any time you feel that your dog’s life is threatened or he is in extreme pain is an emergency. For example, labored breathing, excessive bleeding, or a broken bone is considered an emergency. If you are not sure whether or not your dog is experiencing a medical emergency, call and speak with the closest emergency animal hospital and describe your pet’s symptoms.

Should I Take My Dog To The Emergency Vet?

If you are questioning whether you should take your dog to the emergency animal hospital, the answer is likely yes. Trust your instincts – if your dog is suddenly lethargic, struggling to breathe, excessively panting and vocalizing, or in obvious, extreme pain, the best course of action is to seek emergency medical attention.

Where Do I Find an Emergency Vet For Dogs?

If you believe your pet’s health is in jeopardy, let Petroglyph Animal Hospital provide your animal with the emergency vet Albuquerque families have relied on for decades. Call right away at (505) 898-8874.

Original Source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/12/petroglyph-emergency-care-for-dogs-in.html

Should You Buy Pet Medications Online?

Now, more than ever, pets are members of the family. Like any other member of the family, pet owners want to make sure their pets are healthy and feeling their best at all times. When a pet gets sick, many pet owners are tempted to diagnose their pet at home and order medications online. Buying pet medication online can be convenient and oftentimes less expensive than purchasing from a pharmacy, however, these medications can be severely detrimental to your pet’s health.

It is nearly impossible to tell if the medications available online are legitimate, safe, or even legal. Giving pets medication purchased from an online source can have a number of adverse effects. Online medications may be ineffective or cause your pet’s condition to further decline, or worse.

Visit Your Veterinarian’s Office

Your pets depend on you to take care of them. When your pet isn’t feeling well, it is a natural, caring response to want to help them feel better quickly. Instead of getting online and searching for symptoms (which we all know could lead to unnecessary panic), taking them to your vet will allow both peace of mind and an accurate, medically sound care plan.

Taking your pet to the vet ensures that whatever might be causing their discomfort, will be properly diagnosed. Your vet has the experience, education, and high-tech medical equipment to make a proper diagnosis. Your vet will know what symptoms are significant and what each one may be causing. He or she knows how to put the puzzle together to make sure that they are giving your pet the most accurate diagnosis so that they can be appropriately treated.

Safe, FDA-Regulated Pet Medications

After a thorough exam and diagnosis, your vet will then be able to prescribe the correct medicine for your pet. Based on your pet’s exact symptoms, their species (and sometimes based on their specific breed), the vet will choose the exact dosage and exact medicine for your particular pet.

When buying medication for your pet, taking them to the vet is essential. If you purchase any medications online, you run the risk of misdiagnosing, getting the wrong medication, or worse. Not knowing exactly what is being put in the medications that you are buying online is a dangerous game of blind trust. The safest thing you can do is get your pet prescriptions directly from a veterinarian or pharmacy.

Visit Us

When it comes to proper pet medication for animal care, Albuquerque trusts Petroglyph Animal Hospital. Call to make an appointment or stop by our clinic. Our caring, compassionate staff will treat both you and your pets like family!

Just Call (505) 898-8874

Original content was posted on https://www.pahvets.com/should-you-buy-pet-medications-online/

How to Find the Right Animal Clinic for Your Family Pet

Petroglyph Animal Hospital of Albuquerque New Mexico knows how important it is to find the right Veterinarian, Animal Clinic or Animal Hospital for you and your family pet. Here are some important considerations to make when choosing the right animal clinic for your pet in Albuquerque.

One of the most important decisions to make as a pet owner is what veterinary practice in your local area is right for you and your family pet. Finding a quality health care provider for your furry or scaly friend, can promote a healthier, longer life for your adopted animal loved one. Selecting the right veterinarian is a personal decision. You’ll want to select an animal hospital practice that offers the highest available standard of care for your pet and their particular needs.

How to choose what veterinarian is right for you?

It’s always a good idea to start by asking for recommendations from friends, family and trusted neighbors. You can also ask your local breeders and pet stores for their recommendations. After you have sought the advice of people you know, the next step is to consider the following advice when actually selecting your family vet.

• Make a preliminary appointment with prospective vets so you can get an overall feel for the facility, how they practice and what types of animals they service.
  
• During your preliminary appointment, take a good look at the facility. How clean is it? Is it modern and well organized? Does the staff seem friendly and outgoing? How are the animals in the waiting room treated and behaving?
  
• Ask about the different vets on staff and find out if you will be working with the same vet or if the responsibility of care is shared by the entire vet team.
  
• Ask questions; lots of them. You are responsible for the well-being of your family pet and your potential veterinarian shouldn’t seem reluctant or hesitant to answer your important health care questions or concerns.
  
• Once your visit has concluded, reflect on the encounter. Did you feel like you had a good rapport with the veterinarian and support staff, including the front desk person? Did you like the facility? Did they answer all of your questions?

What are some questions to ask the veterinarian and support staff when selecting an animal hospital or clinic?

Your questions may vary depending on the reason for your visit, but you can use the following list as a guide, especially when selecting a new practice to provide health treatment for your pet.

• Does this practice have licensed veterinary technicians on staff, and if so, how many?
  
• What type of animals do you treat?
  
• Do you dispense and provide your own pharmaceuticals in house or am I required to order my prescriptions from an outside source?
  
• Is this practice AAHA-accredited?
  
• How are overnight patients monitored and cared for?
  
• What types of equipment does this practice own, use, outsource?
  
• Does this animal clinic refer patients to outside specialists?
  
• How are patients evaluated before anesthesia and surgery?
  
• What are your protocols and guidelines for pain management?

Guess what? If you have problems with your vet or no longer feel your needs are being met, you can always switch.

If you have concerns about the quality of care being provided by your current vet, don’t worry, you can find a practice that better serves your needs. Most veterinary practices, like all businesses, expect clients to come and go. Before you leave, remember to ask for a complete copy of your pet’s health records to be mailed or faxed to you or your new animal healthcare practitioner.

Petroglyph Animal Hospital serves the Greater Albuquerque, New Mexico Area. If you are looking for a new animal clinic, veterinarian, or animal hospital for your adopted furry or scaly loved one, we would love for you to consider us as part of your new pet’s health considerations.

Just Call (505) 898-8874

Original content was posted on https://www.pahvets.com/how-to-find-the-right-animal-clinic-for-your-family-pet/

Questions to ask your Small Animal Veterinarian before your Pet is Scheduled for Surgery

Sometimes, asking the right questions can mean life or death to your favorite small animal pet. At Petroglyph Animal Hospital of Albuquerque, New Mexico, we specialize in a wide range of Family Pet Veterinary Services. One of our specialties is small pet veterinary diagnosis, care, surgery and after-care. Ask us the hard questions and we will give you the right answers for you and your small animal pet.

Sometimes, asking the right questions can mean life or death to your favorite small animal pet. At Petroglyph Animal Hospital of Albuquerque, New Mexico, we specialize in a wide range of Family Pet Veterinary Services. One of our specialties is small pet veterinary diagnosis, care, surgery and after-care. Ask us the hard questions and we will give you the right answers for you and your small animal pet.

Whatever your pets surgical needs, they are completely dependent on you to find the right veterinarian to perform that surgery successfully with minimized risks and a comfortable after-care and recovery period. Petroglyph Animal Hospital has compiled a list of important questions that you should refer to when selecting the right veterinary hospital to perform your pets surgical needs.

• Is surgery part of your veterinary hospitals daily schedule? How often do you perform surgeries? Specifically ask your veterinarian how often they perform the particular surgery that your pet is going to undergo.
  
• Do you have all of the necessary equipment needed to perform your pets surgery and how familiar are they with that equipment? If you don’t have all of the equipment will your pet be housed at multiple facilities or will the necessary equipment be brought in for that one procedure?
  
• Will my pet require anesthesia? How do you determine how much medication and anesthesia to administer; by weight, breed, size?
  
• Will my pet be catheterized for hydration and for other emergency procedures such as quick access to the cardiovascular system?
  
• What outcome can I expect from this surgery?
  
• How often is your surgical equipment sterilized? What should I do if my pet acquired an infection from the surgery?
  
• Are there other alternative procedures or treatment for my pets medical issues other than surgery?
  
• What is the possible risk and complications associated with anesthesia and surgery?
  
• What can I expect for my pets after-care and recovery?
  
• Should my pet spend the time in the veterinary hospital for an extended period of time after the surgery?
• Are you a board-certified veterinary surgeon and if not should a board-certified veterinary surgeon be performing this surgery?

It is a tremendous benefit to your pet if their surgery needs are fulfilled by a veterinary surgical specialist. At Petroglyph Animal Hospital we are able to provide your small animal pet, and loved one, with the most up-to-date, technologically advanced, surgically certified small animal surgical veterinary center in the Greater Albuquerque, New Mexico area.

Schedule an appointment with our veterinary team today and find out how we can benefit you and your small animal with our state-of-the-art small animal surgical center.

Call Us Today at (505) 898-8874

Original content posted on https://www.pahvets.com/questions-to-ask-your-small-animal-veterinarian/

What to Look for When Choosing an Animal Clinic?

Do you know what to look for when choosing your animal clinic in Albuquerque? Petroglyph Animal Hospital, located near Coors Blvd. and Paseo del Norte, is here to give you helpful advice about important considerations to make when you are selecting a new animal clinic for your pet.

Walk-In Appointments Available

We understand that many pet owners have a busy schedule. You need the freedom to take your pet to the animal clinic whenever you need, to which means you need a reliable facility that offers walk-in appointments with no scheduling necessary.

Extended Hours Throughout the Year

Of course, accidents and problems don’t always occur during business hours. Along with walk-in appointments, it’s helpful to have a veterinarian that is open late into the night, on weekends, and during major holidays.

Routine Veterinary Services

Any animal clinic you bring your pet to should be able to administer consistent care to your pet over the course of its life and development. This means being able to provide vaccinations, basic wellness exams, minor injury and illness care, and other general veterinary services.

Emergency Veterinary Services

The right Albuquerque animal clinic should also be ready to administer emergency veterinary intervention to your pet at a moment’s notice. These facilities need to be equipped with the resources and extensively trained staff that can save your pet’s life when necessary.

In-House Lab & Equipment

Just because a veterinarian can treat an emergency doesn’t mean that they can provide the long-term care that your pet needs. In fact, many emergency centers do not have the equipment necessary to provide follow-up care after the emergency. Make sure your animal clinic provides a full spectrum of services in-house.

Qualifications & Certifications

Always check to see what types of certifications and qualifications an animal hospital has before scheduling an appointment with your vet. An AAHA accredited animal clinic will meet the highest standards of veterinary excellence. You should also discover what qualifications and certifications the facility’s staff will have, looking for specialized training or memberships in notable veterinary associations.

A Warm & Welcoming Facility

Ultimately, you and your pet need to feel comfortable and confident in your veterinarian. We invite you to visit Petroglyph Animal Hospital, the friendly and knowledgeable full-service animal hospital Albuquerque pet owners trust.

Original content posted on  https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/08/what-to-look-for-when-choosing-animal.html ​​​​​​​