Alpine Trail Veterinary Clinic, Inc

06/05/2024

Veterinary Technician Position Available : Alpine Trail Veterinary Clinic, Inc. is seeking a full-time veterinary technician/assistant. Certification is preferred. Seeking a self-motivated, energetic person who possesses good vet tech, interpersonal and communication skills. Applicant must be able to work 1-2 evenings per week. Interested individuals should send resumes to: Alpine Trail Veterinary Clinic, Inc., 4374 Harlansburg Road, Slippery Rock, PA 16057, (724) 530-2049 (fax) or email: [email protected].

05/28/2024

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/toxintails/spring-cleaning-for-pet-poisons/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3JV4oWcWGDHM8LKQSxo-WX4gWzrFHMUC9ZWfJNlrvKaTQMwUNWawai1DA_aem_ARVHVTfXihykzquML4iKQkCce6KOQTk1Ch_QrkkTyBABfurqQmmlmyZdcTNQyWW4pmwnteXFeez20MMbQzv4oirx

When Geoff Pender and his family decided to get away for a holiday on the lake, they took their curious cockapoo named Soho with them. While relaxing in their rental cabin, they noticed that Soho had pulled something out from inside a crack where the stone fireplace had pulled away from the wall. It...

05/16/2024

Mr Rusty did not like his leash yet but we cant wait to see how big he gets at his next appointment!!!

05/14/2024

how cute are these corgi pups!!! Jen got her puppy loving in today!

05/14/2024

Little lucy Lu had her first puppy visit!!

05/13/2024

We will be closed for Memorial Day Monday May 27th.
Thank you to everyone who served and is serving us currently!

05/08/2024

look how handsome Mr. Herman is!!

05/07/2024

Here is a chart of how dangerous chocolate is!

05/02/2024

Paw Pad Burns
Inexperienced pet parents may not realize how hot pavement can get during the summer. Remind them that asphalt and cement surfaces can be significantly hotter than the surrounding air temperature. In fact, one older study found that, in direct sunlight and no wind, asphalt temperatures can reach 125 degrees Fahrenheit when the air temperature is only 77 degrees and 135 degrees in 86-degree weather

Asphalt heated by the sun to 135 degrees can fry a dog’s paw pads in seconds. Make sure your clients know that air temperature is not a good indicator of ground temperature. To judge how hot the pavement is, tell them to use this rule of thumb: Press your own bare feet or hands for 10 seconds on the pavement. If it is too hot for you, then it is too hot for your dog. Find a different, cooler way to get your daily exercise, or go for a walk on soft surfaces like dirt trails or grass.

05/01/2024

poppy's first vet visit! thank you for the puppy snuggles!

04/25/2024

Hogan had his first puppy visit with us!!! Happy tails Hogan

04/25/2024

Imagine walking into an animal hospital without someone at the front desk to greet you.

04/24/2024

Big louie pup got his first vet visit! such a personality already happy tails Louie!!!

04/24/2024

Amy and Jami got puppy cuddles!

04/24/2024

look at these cute little pups! cant wait to see them grow

04/23/2024

LOOK HOW PRETTY MILLIE GIRL IS!!

04/18/2024

look at little miss dahlia!!

04/17/2024

Amos enjoyed his visit even though it doesn't look like it! happy tails!

04/16/2024

Ty is getting some office time in today!

04/15/2024

Otto loved his visit tonight with cheese and treats!! His big brother did not care to be apart of the fun!

04/15/2024

4 ways to prevent pets from getting lost

Summer is all about fun in the sun—especially when your pet is there with you. But there’s another side to the season.

A lot of pets get separated from their owners during summertime events. A slipped collar, open window or unexpected squirrel chase is sometimes all it takes.

Fortunately, the steps you take now to prepare for that possibility can affect how quickly you can be reunited with your pet. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Prepare your home
Tip #2: Animal Rescue and Animal Sanctuaries
Don’t let your summer backyard party turn into a fur-ightful debacle.

Before guests arrive, make sure all gates and windows are secured. Consider posting reminders to your guests that there are pets inside, and they need to be mindful about closing doors and gates. This is doubly important when fireworks may be going off in the neighborhood, and frightened pets may act out of character.

2. Ensure proper ID
Pet Collars and ID Tags
If your pet does get out, proper ID is their best ticket home. As part of your summer prep, be sure to:

Always keep identification tags current and easy to read.
Offer a reward on the tag.
Include any medication information.
Get your pet microchipped.
3. Offer a quiet retreat from holiday fireworks
Tip #8: What to Expect at Your Animal Shelter
A lot of pets are very afraid of fireworks. Dogs and cats have very sensitive hearing and may not understand that the sound they hear is very far off in the distance. As a result, hundreds of pets every year get out or injure themselves trying to get away from the thundering booms.

The best protection against fireworks fear is a quiet, safe retreat indoors for your pet. Offer a comfortable space, either in a crate or small room, with familiar smelling blankets and toys to retreat and relax. It often helps to close the windows and play calming music or white noise to drown out the sound. Also, if you can, stay with anxious pets to offer comfort until the fireworks end.

If fireworks are very stressful for your pet, consider veterinarian-prescribed sedation, and be sure to have medication on hand before noisy holidays.

4. If your pet gets out, act quickly!
missing pet
There’s no time to waste when you realize your pet goes missing. Quick action makes a safe, injury-free return home more likely. Here’s your game plan:

Post lost pet listings on social media with your location, recent pictures and a description of your pet.
Create flyers with your pet's picture and reward info.
Check with all area shelters and veterinary practices, not just the closest.
Report your pet as lost to the microchip registry.
Talk to neighbors, get the word out at local businesses and, above all else, keep looking! Lost pets, especially microchipped ones, can be found days or even weeks later. The wider and more complete the net you cast is, the better.

When it comes to lost pet prevention, a little preparation goes a long way. Hopefully, you’ll never have to search for a missing pet, but if the unexpected happens, every step you take now can help to bring your four-legged friend home quickly.

04/10/2024

The cutest kittens got some loving today! Rachel and Dr.Flanery had their hands full.

04/08/2024

The Life Cycle of the Flea: Ctenocephalides felis

The flea life cycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Eggs are laid in the hair coat and are designed to fall off your pet and into your home. Larvae hatch from the eggs and develop in a pet’s environment by feeding on adult flea f***s (i.e. digested blood) that fall out of the hair coat of the pet. Larvae eventually spin cocoons, often within carpet fibers, for pupation. Pupae are resistant to freezing, drying, and insecticides, and can lie dormant for many months! New fleas develop from pupae and can begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. The entire flea life cycle can be completed in as little as three weeks.

Flea Control Recommendations

Treat all pets with a flea control product as directed by your veterinarian. Do NOT use permethrin-containing products on cats. As fleas can live indoors even in the winter, your veterinarian may also recommend year-round flea control.

Sometimes, a pet’s indoor environment also needs to be treated for fleas using a flea spray designed to quickly kill fleas and stop their reproduction. There are pet-safe options available, and always consult your veterinarian to find the best products for your needs. To use an environmental flea spray around your home:
Remove your pets from the area to be sprayed.
Wash all bedding.
Vacuum all carpets and upholstery and then discard the vacuum bag. This will prevent the flea eggs from hatching in vacuum bags and spreading through your home.
Apply environmental flea spray to all surfaces until damp to the touch.

Sometimes, a pet’s outdoor environment will also need to be treated for fleas. Your veterinarian can recommend a product for you to use, or the outdoor environment can be treated professionally by pest control specialists.

04/05/2024

Zibi girl came in for her first puppy exam and we love her!

04/04/2024

Meet our Veterinarians ~

We have DR. Coreen Flanery who was born in Pennsylvania and lived in the South Hills area of Pittsburgh. She attended Fresno State University where she graduated with her Bachelors of Science degree in 1986 and her Masters of Science degree in 1988. Dr. Flanery then moved to Davis, California where she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and her Masters of Preventative Veterinary Medicine degrees from the University of California, Davis, in 1994. Dr. Flanery currently lives in Mercer, Pennsylvania with her husband, Rich Williams. She has a sister, Krista, who lives with her family in Fresno, California, a stepson, Andy, and a grandson, Evan. Dr. Flanery has two horses, Bailey and L.B., a mini donkey, Squeekie, Rhodesian Ridgeback Levi, a pug named Ty, and a Chug named Tika. Her hobbies include horse care and riding, writing, gardening, line dancing and goofing around with her dogs.

Dr. Logan graduated from The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in May, 2022. Logan grew up in this community, having graduated from Laurel High School in 2012 and graduating from Slippery Rock University in 2016. Logan lives with his family (including English Lab, Jagger) in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania . Logan fished competitively for Slippery Rock University where he and his partner, Tyler Sheppard, took 1st place at the FLW College Bass Fishing Northern Conference Tournament on the Potomac River. That win secured the duo a spot in the FLW National Bass Fishing Tournament in Alabama where they placed 7th in the nation. Eight months out of the year you can find Logan fishing the local lakes and waterways in PA, Ohio and New York. He also enjoys deep sea fishing off the coast of Florida. Logan loves to spend time outdoors and attend Ohio State football games in the Fall. Go Bucks! Logan is a small animal practitioner at the Clinic with a special interest in orthopedics.

Dr. Mark Pollman was born in Didsbury, Alberta, Canada. He moved to central Ohio with his family when he was in the fifth grade. Dr. Pollman obtained his undergraduate degree in 1989 from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and his Master’s degree in 1991 from The Ohio State University. Dr. Pollman graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University in 1996. Upon graduation, Dr. Pollman and his family moved to Western Pennsylvania. In 1999, Dr. Pollman started Alpine Trail Veterinary Clinic, Inc. Dr. Pollman has a wife, Cindie, and two sons, Tyler and Logan. Dr. Pollman enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, boating, ATV riding and hiking.

04/04/2024

04/03/2024

Morgan loves puppy snuggles!

04/02/2024

Teaching your dog to be calm and comfortable with the nail trimming process is necessary for your pet’s well-being. Your dog needs to hold still as their feet and nails are manipulated. The procedure can be painful if the nails are trimmed too short or if your dog struggles during physical restraint. Untrimmed toenails can break or tear, causing pain or infection. Trimmed nails help to contribute to healthy body movement.

Lay a Positive Foundation in Puppyhood

Food treats distract puppies and help keep them still without restraint. Lickable treats such as squeezable cheese, canned food, or peanut butter spread on a spatula or table are helpful. Trim one or two nails daily so your puppy enjoys short training sessions. If they become stressed, stop and try again later with higher-value treats. Routine trimming is not an emergency and forcing your dog’s compliance may cause long-term resistance to foot and toe handling.

Change the Emotion to Change the Behavior

Classical conditioning can be used to change your dog’s emotional state from neutral or negative to positive by rewarding each step with a tasty treat.

Touch your dog’s shoulder. Treat.
Touch your dog’s elbow. Treat.
Touch your dog’s paw. Treat.
Put pressure on the nail. Treat.
Place your nail trimmers nearby. Treat.
Sound of the snip nearby. Treat.
Place nail trimmers near the toenail. Treat.
Trim the nail. Treat.
Ideally, your puppy will learn to expect a yummy treat at the sight of the trimmers.

The process should proceed at your dog’s pace and they should remain relaxed. It may take several sessions to change their emotional response. Each nail trim step should occur right before the treat is delivered and the treat is given regardless of your dog’s reaction. They do not need to offer a paw or other behavior, to earn the treat. Rushing the training may cause your dog to become fearful, and then they may associate treats with a negative experience. They will then avoid the treats and nail trims.

Observe your dog’s body language for subtle indications of stress or fear. When working with a partner during the conditioning process, one person can carry out each step while the other delivers the treat. Clear communication and proper timing are important. If your dog is given the treat too soon, they will not connect the handling to the treat. Your dog should be aware of each step, then rewarded before continuing. Operant conditioning gives your dog an opportunity to offer their cooperation. They can be taught to sit, lift a front paw, place the paw in your hand and hold it still. No restraint is necessary as the dog elects to participate. Positive reinforcement training methods should be used. If punishment methods such as pushing, grabbing, pinching, yelling, collar corrections, or shock are used, then fear and anxiety will be associated with nail trimming.

03/27/2024

We will close from 12:00pm-12:30pm Monday-Friday for lunch!
Thank You

03/26/2024

Common Myths

Even though fleas are the most common parasite in dogs and cats, there are many misconceptions about them. Myths that veterinarians hear about fleas almost every day are:

Myth: My pet cannot have fleas because he lives entirely indoors.

Fact: Fleas thrive particularly well in the well-regulated temperatures in the home.

Myth: My pet cannot have fleas because if there were any fleas they would be biting (insert name of a person in the family reportedly sensitive to flea bites). Since this person is not being bitten, there must not be any fleas.

Fact: The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, can suck the blood of a wide variety of animals. However, this flea definitely does not prefer human blood and won’t eat it unless absolutely necessary. Humans tend not to be bitten unless flea population numbers are high.

Myth: We do not have fleas because we only have hardwood floors.

Fact: Fleas love to develop in the cracks between the boards of hardwood floors.

Myth: My pet cannot have fleas because I would see them.

Fact: You cannot expect to see fleas because many animals will lick, groom, and chew after being bitten by a flea. This causes the flea to either jump off the pet or get swallowed.