Apple Valley Animal Hospital

12/19/2024

Tis' the season to celebrate! Tomorrow, December 20th, we will be closing early at 4:30 pm for our Staff Holiday Party. We will be open on Saturday for normal weekend hours.

12/18/2024

Don't forget the stocking stuffers for your furry friends! We have Lean Treats, Dental Chews, Pill Pockets, and more!

12/17/2024

Here are some important safety tips to keep your pets happy and healthy during the holiday season:
* Avoid Human Food: Many holiday foods can be harmful to pets, including bones, fatty foods, chocolate, grapes & raisins, and xylitol.
* Avoid Toxic Plants: Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias can be toxic if ingested.
* Secure Decorations: Keep fragile or sharp decorations out of reach. Opt for shatterproof ornaments instead.
* Gift Wrapping: Keep ribbons, strings, and small gift items away from pets, as they can cause intestinal blockages if swallowed.
* Holiday Guests: Create a quiet, safe space for your pets to retreat to if they become overwhelmed or stressed by holiday guests.

Keep these tips in mind to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for both you and your furry friend.

12/11/2024

Do you have a cat that can't resist the allure of a Christmas tree? Here are some helpful tips to avoid a tree and/or cat disaster this year:
* Secure the tree - Use a weighted base or attach weights to the base to prevent the tree from tipping over.
* Block access - Keep the tree away from areas where your cat spends time, like furniture. You can also use a baby gate or fence around the tree.
* Use a covered base - Cover the base of the tree with a tree skirt or tin foil to prevent your cat from drinking the water.
* Decorate carefully - Place fragile ornaments at the top of the tree and non-breakable ones near the base. Avoid garland, tinsel, or angel hair which can be dangerous for cats.
* Use repellents - Spray the tree with a citrus or citronella scent or place fresh lemon and orange peels around the base. Or try spraying pine cones with a citrus scent.
* Use cord protectors - Wrap the cords with a cord protector to prevent chewing. Unplug the lights when you're not supervising.
* Leave the tree bare - For the first few days, leave the tree bare.

12/06/2024

Fun Fact Friday: About 83% of pet owners include their pets in their holiday photos.

12/03/2024

You may have heard about anesthesia free dental cleanings. This involves scaling a dog or cat's teeth without putting them under anesthesia. What does this mean for your pet?

If a patient is receiving an anesthesia free cleaning, then there is usually a moderate amount of restraint involved in order to access the teeth. This can be very distressing for the pet.
The discoloration on a pet's teeth are layers of bacteria and plaque. The "scaling" involves scraping the teeth with an instrument to remove these layers. While some pets may be somewhat tolerable to this, most are not.
After an anesthesia free cleaning, the surface of the pet's teeth may appear visibly white, but white teeth do not mean a clean and healthy mouth. Bacteria that cause periodontal disease, bad breath, and extensive damage to tooth roots and bone structure, exist below the gumline. This unseen damage is often painful for a pet and can cause other serious problems in the heart, kidneys, or liver. Anesthesia free dental cleanings are not able to clean beneath that gumline and properly assess potential oral health problems.

If an anesthesia free dental cleaning is something that you are considering for your pet, remember that it is a cosmetic procedure, not a medical one, and should not replace regular dental care by your veterinarian.

11/30/2024

The annual Pup Crawl has survived the hurricane and has been rescheduled to Saturday, December 7th. Join the fun, support Blue Ridge Humane Society, and get some holiday shopping done too!

Join us October 19th from 12-5pm for the 4th Annual Pup Crawl! Dog owners and pet lovers tour the Historic 7th Avenue District businesses and participate in the Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl benefiting Blue Ridge Humane Society. Each stop will feature a pet giveaway or treat as well as an i...

11/28/2024

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

11/27/2024

We will be closed tomorrow, November 28th, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen on Friday, November 29th, with regular hours.

If your pet experiences an emergency during this time, please contact:
Veterinary Emergency Group (828) 470-7802
MedVet Asheville (828) 665-4399
Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital (828) 697-7767.

11/26/2024

Here are some safety tips to keep your pets healthy over the Thanksgiving holiday:

* Avoid Table Scraps: Turkey bones, fatty skin, onions, garlic, and raisins can be toxic or harmful to your pet.
* No Alcohol: Keep alcohol out of reach; small amounts can be toxic.
* Raw Bread Dough: If ingested, bread dough can expand in the stomach and cause serious problems.
* Candles: Use caution and keep lit candles out of reach of rambunctious dogs and curious cats.
* Safe Space: If you are expecting guests, provide a quiet area where your pets can retreat if the festivities become overwhelming.

Keep the number to an emergency vet handy in case of any unexpected emergencies.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

11/22/2024

Fun Fact Friday:
Most cats lack the receptor gene for sweet taste buds, so your pumpkin pie should be safe...should be.

11/21/2024

Did you know...if one of our veterinarians recommends a dental cleaning for your pet, you can save 10% off of the cleaning if you schedule it within 30 days.

11/19/2024

Dogs and cats present with very similar symptoms of diabetes, but there are some differences.

Both dogs and cats show:
* Increased thirst and increased urination
* Increased appetite
* Weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite
* Lethargy

Dogs tend to show weakness in their hind legs and cloudy eyes or visions problems.
Cats tend to have a poor coat condition and sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea.

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms, schedule an exam with one of our veterinarians.

11/18/2024

The new receptionist is pretty cute.

11/15/2024

Fun Fact Friday: The Golden Retriever ranks as one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia and Canada. We love starting our day with any litter of puppies but how cute is this bunch???

11/11/2024

Today, we will be closed in observance of Veterans Day.

11/09/2024

We will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. We will resume our normal hours on Tuesday the 12th. If your pet experiences an emergency during this time, please contact the following:

Veterinary Emergency Group - 828-470-7802
Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital - 828-697-7767
MedVet Asheville - 828-665-4399

11/07/2024

CDS, or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, is a degenerative condition that affects older pets, leading to changes in behavior and cognitive abilities. The symptoms you may see are:
* Disorientation - Pets may get lost in familiar places, stare off into space, or "get stuck" in a corner.
* Changes in Interaction - Pets might become more clingy or avoidant and may have trouble recognizing familiar people.
*Sleep-Wake Cycle - Pets may sleep more during the day and be awake or restless at night.
* House-Soiling - Pets that are house-trained may start urinating and defecating indoors.
* Anxiety & Aggression - Increased anxiety, new phobias, irritability, and even aggression can occur.
* Memory Problems - Pets may forget previously learned commands or tricks.

If you notice any of these signs in our pet, it's time to have a senior consult with your veterinarian. Early intervention can help improve your pet's quality of life.