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/

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/

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 ​​​​​​​

When people are looking for an animal clinic in Albuquerque, they can turn to the trusted veterinary experts at Petroglyph Animal Hospital. Our team of experienced, compassionate veterinarians and technicians are prepared to restore your pet’s health. We believe that all pet owners should have a thorough understanding of the types of veterinary services and care their pets can receive. We’ve gathered together the most important information that every family should know before they take their pet to an animal hospital or clinic.

Facts about Animal Clinics Every Pet Owner Should Know

1. Know what an AAHA accreditation is. AAHA stands for the American Animal Hospital Association which is an accrediting body for veterinary service providers throughout the country. Not all animal hospitals and clinics pass the high standards that the AAHA sets forth. That’s why you should always trust your pet’s health only to clinics that are AAHA accredited. Petroglyph Animal Hospital is a proud AAHA-accredited animal clinic Albuquerque.  
   
2. Know what services your clinic provides. Not all animal clinics can tend to the needs of all pets. You should know if your local clinic provides services such as x-rays, dentistry, blood work, or emergency services. If you have an exotic animal like a reptile or bird, you should also discover the extent of services your local clinic can provide. We’re happy to provide treatment to many pets including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and small rodents.
   
3. Know how to recognize a pet emergency. Pet emergencies can happen at any time which is why you should know the warning signs and symptoms your animal may experience during a serious health issue. Each pet displays different warning signs during an emergency. We invite you to view our blog or call us to learn more about these symptoms.
   
4. Know if there are staff is available to help during off-hours. In the event that your pet is experiencing an emergency, you should know which local animal clinics have trained staff on-site 24/7 to provide assistance.
   

Petroglyph Animal Hospital has trained staff on-site 24/7 to provide all of your pets with emergency and routine care. As an AAHA-accredited facility, we invite you to schedule an appointment and see when we’re a trusted animal clinic Albuquerque for pet owners.

Original Source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/05/facts-about-animal-clinic-every-pet.html

Imagine not brushing your teeth for weeks — or even months. Now imagine the pain of letting a cavity go untreated or trying to eat with sore gums that bleed. You wouldn’t let your oral health suffer which is why you shouldn’t neglect your dog’s mouth either. Our highly trained veterinary staff at Petroglyph Animal Hospital wants to help you keep your dog happy and healthy. Unfortunately, dog dental surgery at our Albuquerque location is often needed when owners neglect to provide regular dental care for their canine. In hopes of educating all responsible pet owners, we have identified five common problems that can make dogs undergo dental surgery.

1: Broken Teeth

Teeth wear over time in humans so you can be sure that they wear down faster in animals that use their mouths for more than just eating. When a dog’s oral health is neglected — whether by lack of care or by allowing them to chew on objects that could harm them — there’s a chance that they will break a tooth. Certain broken teeth may lead to dental surgery if the tooth needs to be cut out from the gums.

2: Loose or Damaged Teeth

Just because a tooth isn’t broken doesn’t mean it is healthy. In fact, a tooth may need to be extracted if it is loose or if a disease has damaged it enough that it poses serious health risks for your pet.

3: Broken Jaw

Far worse than broken teeth, a broken jaw will cause serious pain for your dog. Depending on the severity and placement of the break, your animal may require surgical intervention to reset the bone so that it will heal and return them to their normal lifestyle.

4: Mouth Tumors

Growths or tumors can pop up on any part of your dog’s body, including inside their mouth. Some may be benign while others may be malignant. After it is examined by a veterinarian, they may need to have surgery to remove the tumor as well as teeth or parts of their jawbone.

5: Natural Issues

Unfortunately, even the best canine oral hygiene practices cannot necessarily prevent dog dental surgery. Your dog’s teeth or jaw may naturally develop incorrectly which may only be repaired by surgery.

For more information about dog dental surgery Albuquerque, call the veterinarians at Petroglyph Animal Hospital today.

Original Source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/05/5-problems-that-can-cause-dogs-need.html

You love your pet and you want to keep them happy and healthy for the rest of their lives. Although many pets will not suffer any dire medical emergencies throughout their lives, you still need to pay special attention to their lifestyle if you want to preserve their wellness.

The expert veterinarian staff at Petroglyph Animal Hospital Albuquerque wants to help you keep your pet as healthy as can be, that’s why we’ve gathered tips concerning the three most important aspects of their daily lives: nutrition, exercise, and wellness.

Tips for Proper Pet Nutrition

The health of your pet is directly related to their level of nutrition. Keep their digestive system healthy with these tips:

• Do not suddenly switch them to another food without veterinarian discretion. This could upset their stomach and make them sick. If you need to change the brand of your dog or cat’s food, do it gradually. Mix a little new food in the with old and repeat this process until you transition over to the new food.
• Do not give your pet food scraps. Even though you want to reward your pet with a treat from your plate, this could be unhealthy for their digestive health. Giving them extra food without tracking it can cause them to become obese.
• Add vegetables to their diet. Cats and dogs can both have small amounts of certain vegetables added to their food.

Tips for Proper Pet Exercise

Equally important to nutrition is physical activity. Keep them moving with these tips:

• Always consult your vet before starting your pet on an exercise program.
• Do not let your pet play outside when temperatures are severe.
• Stop playing or exercising with your pet if they have difficulty breathing.
• Make sure your pet gets enough rest and water during their playtime or exercise.

Tips for Proper Pet Wellness
Our #1 tip for pet wellness? Schedule wellness checkups with your veterinarian.

Many animals do not show signs of injury or discomfort until their bodies are experiencing significant pain. Scheduling regular wellness checkups once or twice a year allows a trained veterinarian to assess your pet’s overall health and provide preventative care.

​For more tips on pet health and wellness, call the animal hospital Albuquerque residents trust – Petroglyph Animal Hospital.

Original Source- https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/04/animal-hospital-tips-on-pet-nutrition.html

The emergency vet specialists at Petroglyph Animal Hospital, Albuquerque have created this quick list of tips on how to recognize a medical emergency in your pets.

#1: Dogs
Any time your dog eats something that it shouldn’t, like chocolate or human medicine, you should take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent illness or a fatality.

#2:  Cats
Did you know that hiding can also be a sign of a pet emergency? If your cat is deliberately trying to hide from you it may be a sign that it has advanced stages of a disease. Find your pet and bring them to an animal clinic immediately.

#3:  Birds            
Pin feathers, also called blood feathers, may break and cause a medical emergency for your pet bird. When one breaks while it is still in the bird’s skin, it can cause the bird to bleed out and die. You should immediately take your pet bird to an animal hospital if it has a broken blood feather.

#4: Snakes
Snakes are susceptible to a number of diseases but one that may be hard to notice is called blister disease. Little blisters or lesions can develop on the underside of the snake and become infected which can result in death. This is usually caused by too much bacteria or moisture in the snake’s living area. If you find these bumps on your snake, consult a veterinary professional right away.

#5: Rabbits
Although this might not be an emergency for humans, a torn toenail can turn into an emergency for rabbits. When it is torn, it could develop an infection. If the area is swollen or red after the injury occurred, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.

#6: Iguanas
Many pet iguanas can suffer from metabolic bone disease which can be attributed to poor diets. Pet owners should look for signs like swelling around the jaw or limbs. Changes in behavior, like twitching or seizures are also a cause for concern.

#7: Ferrets
A common emergency in ferrets occurs when they are not eating or defecating. This typically means that they have intestinal blockage that needs to be removed. Vomiting and diarrhea, as well as bloody stool, are also serious warning signs.

​For more pet tips, call the emergency vet in Albuquerque that pet owners trust, Petroglyph Animal Hospital.

Original Source-
​https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/04/tips-from-vet-to-help-you-recognize-pet.html

Preserving and maintaining good oral health practices should be a primary concern for dog owners. While many pet owners are diligent with shot schedules and required check-ups, numerous individuals do not understand that a dog’s oral health needs constant attention to successfully prevent diseases from occurring.

Canine dental diseases are common. In fact, more than four out of every five dogs will have a dental disease at some point in their lives after their third year. In order to prevent dog dental surgery  in Albuquerque, pet owners must be aware of, and prevent the common dental diseases in dogs which may lead to dental surgery.

Most Common Dental Diseases in Dogs

Gum Disease: Just as humans can develop gum disease, dogs can also develop this oral health problem due to lack of proper hygiene. As plaque builds below the gum line, it can damage the tissue. These tissues can breakdown and cause inflammation which may lead to other serious oral health problems. Gum disease can either be classified as periodontitis or gingivitis.

Gingivitis: Common symptoms of gingivitis include bloody gums appearing purple or red in color. Although gingivitis is problematic, most cases can be reversed if proper oral hygiene is performed. If gingivitis is not treated, it can evolve into periodontitis.

Periodontitis: Periodontitis is by far the most serious form of gum disease as it can deteriorate the tissues, jawbone, and ligaments. Dogs experiencing this disease may lose their teeth or become susceptible to complications from diabetes or other harmful bodily ailments.

Endodontic Disease: Occurring within the teeth, an endodontic disease can be a painful condition. This disease can result from oral injuries, decaying teeth, abnormalities in the enamel and broken teeth. Symptoms include a decrease in appetite, obvious pain around the mouth and teeth discoloration.

In all three cases, surgical intervention may be required to treat these diseases. Procedures range from safely cleaning a dog’s mouth with simple anesthesia, to surgical procedures to treat broken teeth or damaged jawbones. It is important to remember that to prevent dog dental surgery, Albuquerque pet owners must be diligent in their oral health practices. For more information about preventing common dental diseases in dogs, call Petroglyph Animal Hospital to speak with one of our knowledgeable veterinarians today.

​Original Source:- https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/03/common-dental-diseases-in-dogs-that-can_2.html

The pet medication Albuquerque specialists at Petroglyph Animal Hospital recommend that pet owners keep their pets healthy at home with these six medication storage tips. 

Tip #1: Never keep pet and human medications together.
The first rule of pet medication is to store it away from human medication so that no one accidentally ingests it. Always check the label before giving medicine to a human or animal.

Tip #2: Understand that some medications are engineered with flavouring.
This is to help the animal ingest it, however, the smell or taste can make it tempting for them to find. You’ll want to make sure it’s away from where your animal may be able to find it.

Tip #3: Keep the medication stored away from children too.
Not only could children ingest the medication if they find it, but they could also give it to your pet. Make sure the medicines are out of reach of everyone except responsible adults.

Tip #4: Be prepared in case an accident occurs.
Accidents happen. Since your pet cannot tell you what the problem is, an overdose of medication is a serious issue that you need to be ready to respond to. Have your pet’s list of medications close by your veterinarian’s phone number so that if an accident happens, you can immediately alert the vet of the problem.

Tip #5: Obey the storage instructions from the pharmacy and veterinarian.
Follow all storage instructions that were provided to you so that you can keep the medicine working properly. If refrigerated medication is left out or if medication is expired, you should dispose of it and not give it to your animal.

Tip #6: Safely discard all medications your pet no longer needs.
Don’t assume your pets will never dig through your trash. Always dispose of medications properly by mixing it with something that doesn’t taste good to pets or by immediately disposing of it in a sealed container in your outdoor garbage bins.

For more tips on safely storing pet medications to avoid danger, call the pet medication Albuquerque specialists at Petroglyph Animal Hospital.

Original Source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/02/6-pet-medication-storage-tips-to-avoid.html

Petroglyph Animal Hospital is the animal clinic Albuquerque pet owners trust. We have identified the five most important facilities that we believe an exceptional animal clinic in Albuquerque should have.

The 5 Most Important Facilities Required in an Animal Clinic Albuquerque

#1: Outpatient Facilities
Over half of homeowners in the United States also have a family pet. Out of this group, about 75 percent of them take their pets to the veterinarian once a year. A reliable animal clinic will offer a variety of outpatient services, like vaccinations or checkups, so that pet owners can easily get their animal examined then return home on the same day.

#2: Inpatient Facilities
Unfortunately, as many as 53 percent of pet owners believe that veterinary costs are too expensive. Because of this belief, many do not take their pet to the vet until they discover that the animal is sick. Some sick pets may require additional diagnostic testing which is why it is important that an animal clinic can perform these tests in-house and comfortably keep the pet overnight if necessary.

#3: Emergency Facilities
Pet emergencies are an animal lover’s worst nightmare. In the event that a pet experiences a serious health problem, it is important that the animal clinic is prepared to tend to these emergencies. They should have all emergency equipment and medications on-hand so that they can quickly and successfully perform a medical intervention.

#4: Surgical Facilities
One common pet emergency is one which requires surgical intervention. Whether a broken bone needs healed or growth needs to be removed, it is critical that an animal hospital has a surgical facility and staff available to tend to these emergencies right away.

#5: Specialty Facilities
Not all pets are dogs and cats. Rodents, reptiles, and birds can all be part of a pet owner’s family. An animal clinic should be equipped to treat these special animals and have a licensed veterinary professional on staff that is specifically trained and educated in treating these exotic animals.

The five types of facilities — specialty, inpatient, outpatient, surgical and emergency — are critical resources that every reliable animal clinic should have. For more information about our exceptional facilities, call Petroglyph Animal Hospital today!
​
Original source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/02/5-most-important-facilities-required-in.html