Apple Valley Animal Hospital

08/27/2024

Is rabies the only vaccine your cat needs?

No. The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that all household cats, even the ones kept indoors, receive the FVRCP vaccine in addition to the rabies.
The FVRCP vaccine covers the feline herpesvirus (viral rhinotracheitis), the calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (feline distemper). These viruses cause severe illness and are possibly fatal.
For our feline friends that venture outdoors or are exposed to outdoor cats, the American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Vaccine. About 50% of cats diagnosed with FeLV succumb to the disease within 2.5 years.
Make sure your cat is fully protected.

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day! Today we celebrate our furry friends. Our staff is sharing pics of their pooches, let's see yours! Share pics of your pup to celebrate them today!

08/24/2024

Our phones are at it again! While we are waiting on repair, please call the hospital cell phone at 828-595-0829. You can also text this number as well. We apologize for any inconvenience.

08/23/2024

Answer:
A group of kittens are known as a litter, a kindle, or a totally cute distraction.

08/19/2024

Here's an adorable golden to perk up your Monday.

08/15/2024

Vaccinating your pet against rabies is crucial for several reasons:

* Public Health: Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. Vaccination protects both pets and their owners. Once clinical signs develop, rabies is almost 100% fatal. It can spread by bites, scratches, and even licks from an infected animal.

* Legal Mandate: In many jurisdictions, rabies vaccination for dogs is legally mandated due to the high fatality rate and public health risk posed by the virus. It is mandated in the state of North Carolina to have all dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated starting at 4 months.

* Effective Protection: Rabies vaccines are highly immunogenic and effective. Rare vaccine failures are reported, making them a reliable preventive measure.

* Wildlife Risk: Unvaccinated pets are at risk from wildlife diseases like rabies and distemper. Although canine rabies has been eliminated in the US, wildlife reservoirs (skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats) still pose a threat.

08/14/2024

These storms have been crazy! If your pet has thunderstorm anxiety, then these past few weeks have been even more crazy.

When it comes to helping pets cope with thunderstorm anxiety, here are some effective strategies:

1. Safe Space: Allow your pet to retreat to a familiar and cozy spot during storms. This could be their crate, a dark closet, or any enclosed area where they feel secure.

2. Background Noise: Reduce stress by providing background noise. Play white noise or soothing classical music to drown out the thunder and lightning sounds. Speaking to your pet in a calming manner and offering long, gentle strokes can also help.

3. Chew and Puzzle Toys: Chewing and licking are self-soothing behaviors. Offer your pet toys or treats that engage them during storms. Puzzle toys can be especially helpful.

If your pet's anxiety is severe and none of the soothing methods are helping, contact us to discuss an anxiety exam and possible medications or supplements to help ease their nerves.

08/13/2024

Brushing your dog's teeth is one of the most useful ways to prevent dental disease, but it's not always the easiest. This video demonstrates some excellent ways to get your dog used to toothpaste and having a toothbrush in their mouth. We carry pet toothpaste in three different flavors, (chicken, beef, and salmon), as well as other treats that help prevent tartar build-up.

Do you skip brushing your dog's teeth because you're not sure what to do or are having trouble selling your dog on the idea? Watch our tips that show it is e...

08/12/2024

It's Monday again! Get yourself a coffee and a kitten!

08/09/2024

Fun Fact Friday: Rabbits express happiness by jumping around and flicking their heads and feet, which is called a “binky".

08/08/2024

Some pets live in areas where the risk of a copperhead or rattlesnake bite is much greater than others. For those pets, we offer rattlesnake vaccines.

The rattlesnake vaccine will not prevent or stop the venom from infiltrating your pet's body, but it can delay of onset of symptoms, make the symptoms less severe, create faster recovery times, and lower mortality rates.

The vaccine works by creating protective antibodies that help neutralize venom, so dogs experience less pain and swelling after a snake bite. Dogs that are bitten may also require less antivenin, which can be fairly costly and may produce side effects. Factors that can influence the effectiveness of the vaccine include the location of the bite, the type of snake, and the amount of venom injected.

That being said, a bite from a rattlesnake or a copperhead is still an emergency! Despite your pet's vaccine status, you should take them to the emergency vet right away if they are bitten.

08/06/2024

Adult dogs have 42 teeth and adult cats have 30 teeth. That's a whole lot of teeth to take care of. Fortunately, we carry several products that help reduce tartar on your pet's teeth:

* Tartar Shield Chews for dogs
* Tartar Shield Treats for cats
* Dental wipes
* OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews for dogs
* Toothpaste in Beef, Chicken, and Salmon flavors

These tasty treats can be given in addition to regular dental cleanings to keep your pet's teeth healthy for many years.

08/05/2024

Happy Monday! Here's an adorable puppy to make it bright.

08/02/2024

Birch Sugar, Tree Sugar, or Birch Bark Extract are the other names that xylitol goes by. If you see any of these ingredients listed, make sure to keep this food far away from your dog.

Xylitol can be found in many sugar-free treats, such as cookies, candies, mints, gum, jellies and peanut butter. It can also be found in liquid medications and toothpaste.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning are vomiting, shaking or seizures, weakness and collapse, lethargy, difficulty walking, and bleeding problems.
If you believe your pet may have ingested something containing xylitol, get them to the Emergency Vet immediately.

08/01/2024

What is a DHLP vaccine and why is it so important to my dog?

The DHLP vaccine protects your dog from several dangerous viruses that can be potentially life-threatening.
D- Distemper - side effects include cold-like symptoms, from a runny nose or eyes to more severe symptoms, like a hacking cough, difficulty breathing, and even seizures and paralysis.
H - Hepatitis - infectious Canine hepatitis typically hurts your dog’s liver, but it can also expand and affect organs like the kidneys and lungs.
L - Leptospirosis - a bacteria which causes kidney or liver disease in pets and people.
P - Parvo and Parainfluenza - Parvovirus hurts your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and can spread rapidly. Its attacks quickly lead to symptoms like vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and stomach pain. Parainfluenza is a highly contagious disease and can cause a low-grade fever, coughing, runny nose, low energy, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Don't let this important vaccine lapse! Ask us if your dog is current on their DHLP.

07/31/2024

We are surrounded by beautiful forests, parks, and reserves with plenty of hiking to be had. But not all parks are available for your furry companion. Here are some of the friendliest trails for pets:
* Triple Falls Trails - Dupont State Forest
* Ho**er Falls Trail - Dupont State Forest
* Oklawaha Greenway - Jackson Park
* Catawba Falls River Trail - Pisgah National Forest
* Holmes Educational State Forest Loop - Holmes Educational State Forest
* Looking Glass Rock Trail - Pisgah National Forest
* Bridal Veil Falls - Dupont State Forest
* Covered Bridge and Grassy Creek Falls - Dupont State Forest

07/26/2024

Fun Fact Friday: In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and often depicted in art. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was punishable by death.

07/23/2024

In addition to the reduced cancer risk, spayed and neutered pets tend to live longer. Studies show that neutered male dogs live 13.8% longer, and spayed female dogs live 26.3% longer.

07/22/2024

Happy Monday from this cutie who will be available for adoption soon!

07/19/2024

Fun Fact Friday:

A dog's sense of smell is legendary, with as many as 300 million receptors in their nose, compared to a human's 5 million.

07/16/2024

In these dog days of summer (pun intended), here are some fun ways to provide relief from the heat with your furry friend...

* Take walks in the morning or the evening.
* Give frequent but brief water breaks while on walks.
* Avoid hot asphalt or brick surfaces.
* Place a towel soaked in cool water on your dog's belly or dabbed on your cat's fur.
* Make pet-friendly ice pops using low-sodium chicken broth and Popsicle molds.
* If outdoors, provide a small "kiddie pool" for some fun supervised water time.
* Stay on top of grooming and consider a shorter cut for the season.
* Place ice cubes on the floor for a fun "batting" game for cats.

07/15/2024

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Both are dangerous but knowing the signs can prevent irreparable damage to your pet.

Heat exhaustion is dangerous and can progress into heat stroke quickly. The early warning signs of your dog getting overheated are:
* restlessness
* heavy panting
* vomiting/ diarrhea
* increased heart rate, respiration, and salivation

Heat stroke has invisible complications such as brain swelling, kidney failure, intestinal bleeding, and abnormal clotting. The following symptoms indicate an emergency and you should take your pet to the veterinarian immediately:
* temperature above 106 degrees
* heavy panting and labored breathing
* lethargy, weakness, and staggering
* collapse and/ or seizures

If you are ever concerned that your pet is suffering from either heat exhaustion or stroke, call or go to the vet immediately. Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, boxers, etc) are more susceptible to heat related illness.

07/12/2024

Fun Fact Friday: Scientists believe that cats can make about 100 different sounds whereas dogs only make about 10.

07/11/2024

July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. The Fourth of July is the busiest day for missing animal reports, usually due to the fireworks. Microchips are the most reliable way to be reunited with a lost pet.
1. They are more permanent than collars and tags, making them more reliable and long-lasting.
2. Roughly 72% of microchipped pets are reunited with their families.
3. They are non-invasive and deter theft.

The process involves a special needle that implants the device under the skin. It does not require a doctor, sedation, or pain medication. It is very quick and easy and provides peace of mind.

07/09/2024

Fact: Bad breath is usually an indicator of infection in the mouth. The odor is often caused by bacteria in the mouth that can form plaque and cause dental disease. If your pet's breath can peel the paint, it's time to have those teeth checked.

#

07/05/2024

Fun Fact Friday: Dalmatian puppies are born completely white and develop their spots as they grow.

07/05/2024

IMPORTANT!!!

We are currently experiencing a phone outage. If you need to reach the hospital, please call or text our clinic cell phone:

828-595-0829

07/04/2024

Stay safe and have a happy 4th of July!

07/03/2024

We will be closed tomorrow, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.
We will resume normal hours on July 5th.
If your pet experiences an emergency during this time, please contact Veterinary Emergency Group at 828-470-7802.

07/01/2024

Why did the dachshund want to sit in the shade?

Because it was a hot dog.

Happy International Joke Day!