Some people may believe the adage that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth, leading them to believe that their dog does not require significant oral hygiene treatment. Unfortunately, a dog’s mouth is actually one area of their body in which they can experience significant health issues if their teeth and gums are not properly cared for.

Dogs are actually five times more likely to get dental disease than humans; their mouths actually promote the formation of plaque. Without regular brushing, this plaque can build and become a serious problem. Canines are also at an increased risk of damaging their teeth or jaws via trauma from activities like playing or chewing.

Warning Signs of Canine Oral Health Problems

Unfortunately, your dog may not display signs of their pain. In some cases, unless you are watching your dog as they engage in specific activities like eating or chewing, you may not be able to recognize that they’re suffering from an oral health issue. Smaller issues like chipped teeth and even larger issues like periodontal disease may be present in the animal although they don’t show any sign of discomfort. Some warning signs include:

•    Bloody gums, teeth or saliva and blood found on their toys or food bowls
•    Loose, chipped or broken teeth
•    Audible discomfort when using their mouths
•    Avoiding chewing on one side of the mouth

Pet owners should be vigilant in checking for mouth damage. Although some issues can be treated with medications and small procedures, serious complications could require dental surgery.

Dog Dental Surgery Albuquerque

At Petroglyph Animal Hospital, we understand that any type of surgery can be a worrisome event for dog owners. We want you to know that we’ve been the providers of the safe and effective dog dental surgery Albuquerque pet owners have trusted since 1996. Our team of compassionate veterinarians has the skills, knowledge, and resources available to treat all of your dog’s oral health issues. If you believe your canine may need dental surgery, bring them to Petroglyph Animal Hospital — your reliable neighborhood veterinary specialist.

Original Source: http://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2018/10/why-pet-dental-care-should-be.html

The veterinary experts at Petroglyph Animal Hospital love animals as much as you do and we want to ensure that every pet that visits our clinic lives a happy and healthy life. We take annual canine vaccinations very seriously and understand why some pet owners may be unsure if their furry friend really needs these shots. Rest assured, we’re here to answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease.

Does my dog need to receive any vaccinations?

Yes. Although you may be worried that the vaccination may harm your dog, you must also understand that your puppy is susceptible to damaging and even fatal diseases if left untreated. For instance, there is no cure for rabies in dogs. Without a rabies vaccination, your pet could contract the disease and pass away within one week. Speak with one of our veterinarians to learn more about which diseases can be avoided with proper vaccinations.

Does my puppy need annual or repeat vaccinations?

Yes. Rabies shots and vaccinations for distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza and parvovirus are suggested throughout your puppy’s development. In order to help them grow into a healthy dog, you should follow the vaccination schedule determined by one of our knowledgeable veterinary specialists.

Once my puppy grows into adulthood, are annual vaccinations still necessary?

Yes. It’s suggested that rabies and DHPP vaccinations are administered to dogs every few years to ensure they don’t contract these diseases.

Are optional vaccinations necessary?

Maybe. Depending on where you live and your dog’s individual risk factors, your veterinarian may or may not suggest that your pet receives these shots. A veterinarian at Petroglyph Animal Hospital can suggest the appropriate optional vaccinations for your dog.

Annual Dog Vaccinations Albuquerque

Ultimately, both you and your veterinarian want to do what’s best to preserve the well-being of your dog. Keeping your pet on the suggested vaccination schedule helps ensure that they will not contract potentially fatal diseases. The trained and licensed experts at Petroglyph Animal Hospital will educate you about all of the vaccinations they believe your dog should receive annually. Call us today for more information about the annual dog vaccinations Albuquerque canines need.

Original Source - http://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-veterinary-experts-at-petroglyph.html

Your pet is part of your loving family. To keep them healthy and happy, you may need to treat them with veterinarian prescribed medications. Veterinary care is quite different than human healthcare — even the types of medication, though similar to other human drugs, can impact your pet in vastly different ways. That’s why it’s important to consider all issues when giving medications to your animal.

Issues to Consider While Giving Medications to Your Pet

Understand dosages. 
The medication schedule your pet is placed on by a veterinarian must always be followed. Changing the amount of medication given or altering the dosage schedule in any way could harm your pet. Too much medication could make them sick and infrequent dosages may not heal their health issue.

Understand side effects.
Though medications are administered to help your pet heal, some of them can cause unwanted side effects. Pain, discomfort, inflammation and swelling could occur. If the side effects are severe, it could cause internal bleeding, sickness and even death. It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of every medication and monitor you pet while they’re taking them.

Understand the difference between human and animal medications.
At face value, some medications seem like they could be administered to both species. After all, humans and pets are often prescribed pain relievers, antihistamines, steroids and antibiotics. Even though these drugs are used to treat similar health conditions, they may be very different in chemical structure. You should never give an animal any human medication or any other medication not specifically prescribed by your veterinarian.

Understand drug interactions.
Certain medications do not interact well when used together. For instance, corticosteroids and NSAIDs should never be taken at the same time. Various drugs will also increase serotonin levels and cause serotonin syndrome. Other drugs will increase or decrease CYP enzymes which could lead to overdose symptoms. 

Pet Medications Albuquerque
While necessary, pet medications can be dangerous if used incorrectly. You should only let a licensed veterinarian prescribe your pet medication and determine a dosage schedule. Speak with the caring veterinarians at Petroglyph Animal Hospital to discover which pet medications Albuquerque pets need.

Original Source: http://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2018/08/issues-to-consider-while-giving.html

Petroglyph Animal Hospital is the emergency vet care Albuquerque pet owners trust in their time of need. While it is important that your pet receives consistent care from a veterinarian that is familiar with their medical history, some veterinary offices are only open during weekly business hours. When your pet falls sick or becomes injured, you need a reliable animal hospital that offers emergency care on nights, weekends and holidays.

Importance of Emergency Vet Care
Having access to emergency veterinary care is crucial in preserving the wellbeing of your animal. Because medical symptoms can range in severity, it’s necessary that your pet receives medical intervention immediately.

There are three critical reasons why emergency vet care is important:

• Emergency animal hospitals are available when you need them most. Unfortunately, a pet emergency can happen at any time of the day or night. An animal hospital that offers emergency vet care on nights, weekends and holidays will be available to treat your pet at a moment’s notice.
  
• Symptoms can change quickly. While some injuries or illnesses may progressively get worse over time, there are many types of trauma that can quickly become medical emergencies. It’s never wise to wait until symptoms become too serious to seek treatment. If your pet needs immediate medical intervention, an emergency animal hospital will be ready to provide life-saving treatment.  
• Having an emergency vet as your primary veterinarian keeps them prepared. Although you may have a primary veterinarian, choosing to provide your pet with a veterinary office that also offers emergency care is ideal. An emergency vet will be prepared with the specific treatment options your pet needs to stay healthy.  

Emergency Vet Care Albuquerque
Pet medical emergencies can happen at any time. It’s important that you have a reliable and knowledgeable emergency veterinarian available to provide your pet with the healthcare they need. Petroglyph Animal Hospital has provided Albuquerque pets with emergency veterinarian services for over twenty years. Our staff of compassionate veterinarians is available to care for your pet 364 days of the year. Trust Petroglyph Animal Hospital for your entire emergency vet needs.