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

The Importance of Emergency Care Veterinarians
While all pet owners hope that they will only need to visit a veterinarian for routine checkups, unfortunately, accidents, injuries, and illnesses do happen. At some point in your pet’s life, they may have a medical emergency that needs to be addressed by a trained professional. Thankfully, there are emergency care veterinarians in Albuquerque, like the compassionate staff at Petroglyph Animal Hospital that can provide the medical intervention necessary to help your pet overcome their health issue.

Duties of a Vet during Emergency & Critical Care
When considering an emergency vet Albuquerque pet owners may be wondering what role these individuals play during an animal’s health crisis. Though all veterinarians receive training in emergency care situations, some of these individuals choose to specialize in critical animal care. Depending on the type of trauma or health condition, an emergency vet may perform any of the following duties:

• Perform blood tests to determine and monitor infections or illnesses.
• Take X-rays, MRIs or CT scans to observe bone fractures or internal organ damage.
• Administer medications to the animal to treat pain, infection or to prepare them for surgery.
• Place endoscopic tubes into the animal to view or retrieve items from the digestive or respiratory tracts.
• Perform CPR.
• Evaluate traumatic injuries and write case reports.
• Monitor and guide other veterinary technicians.
• Prevent external bleeding.
• Perform surgery.
• Supervise intensive care units for animals.
• Stitch wounds or set broken bones.
  
  

Emergency and critical care veterinarians are all required to achieve board certification, which means the intervention methods they can perform are much more diverse and intensive than a general veterinarian. Some vets will also specialize in emergency care for particular animals like horses, reptiles or birds. Regardless, all emergency care vets provide prompt and professional veterinary intervention for your pets and strive to make your animal happy and healthy again.
​
Emergency Vet Albuquerque
No pet owner wants to experience a pet emergency, but it is an unfortunate reality that could occur. Emergency and critical care veterinarians have the knowledge, training, and experience necessary to treat animals that have been injured or have become ill. If your pet is ever experiencing an emergency, let the board-certified emergency vet technicians at Petroglyph Animal Hospital help. Call us today for more information about our emergency veterinary services.

​Original source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/01/duties-of-vets-during-emergency.html

As your dog ages, they may face certain health conditions that require veterinary attention. From injuries to illnesses, medications may be prescribed by a licensed vet to treat these issues. Petroglyph Animal Hospital, an Albuquerque pet medication specialist, believes that all pet owners should know which medications may be prescribed and which should never be given to your dog.
​
Common Medications for Dogs
The following are the most common types of medications that veterinarians may use to treat your canine. Though there are many more used in veterinary medicine, pet owners should at least be aware of what these drugs are and why they are used:

• Pain Relievers: Similar to pain relievers for humans, these medicines are made from morphine and are only available with a prescription. Types include oxycodone, butorphanol, and meperidine.
• Antibiotics: Often used to kill bacteria and treat infections, common antibiotics include penicillin and cephalexin.
• Antiparasitics: These medicines are used to treat parasites like worms, heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
• Steroids: Steroids like prednisone and dexamethasone are used for a variety of reasons including to reduce allergic reactions and lower inflammation.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories: Instead of using steroids, a vet may prescribe NSAIDs like meloxicam and carprofen to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation.
• Sedatives: These drugs are used for behaviour modification and can reduce anxiety. Types include diazepam and midazolam.
  
  

Medications that Will Harm Your Dog
Pet owners should only give medication to their dogs that have been prescribed by a licensed and trained veterinarian. Giving your dog medicine that’s not prescribed or intended for that specific animal may result in injury or death. The following human medications should not be given to dogs:

• Acetaminophen, a painkiller
• Ibuprofen, a painkiller
• Aspirin, a painkiller
• Adderall, ADHD medication
• Clonazepam, anti-anxiety medication
• Duloxetine, antidepressant medication
• Zolpidem, a sleep-aid
  ​

Pet Medication Albuquerque Dogs Can Safely Use
Some medications can heal your animal; however, others may only cause more harm. Always remember that you should never give any medication to your animal unless it’s been approved and prescribed by a licensed and experienced veterinarian. To learn more about medications for dogs, call Petroglyph Animal Hospital and speak with a trained veterinary specialist today.

Original source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2019/01/dog-health-wellness-your-guide-to-pet.html

Dog dental surgery is a rather disturbing topic for homeowners owing to the strong human-pet bond. However, in some unavoidable circumstances like difficult tooth extractions, dislocated teeth, oral tumor extraction, or nasal fistulae, palate defects, and jaw fracture management, the procedure has to be done.

Standards followed before, during and after surgery.

Specific surgical protocols must be followed

Assessment before surgery is done to verify the particulars of the surgery and do a physical examination of the dog. Physical exams include blood tests, documentation among others.
Surgical suits; these are meant to avoid infections and contamination of the wound. Sterilize the room and everything in it to prevent contaminating the wound.

Surgical attire; these are disposable and sterile masks and gloves worn by everyone involved in the surgery.

All equipment is sterilized and properly wrapped before every procedure. This ensures no infections arising from the equipment used.

Recovery of your pet after dog dental surgery
For your dog to heal fast and without any further complications, there are several things that you need to ensure you follow religiously such as:

1. You need to keep your pet confined
   The drugs that your dog will take during and after the procedure could have different effects depending on various factors like breed, age, height and weight of the dog. Keep the dog under close surveillance in a comfortable cage for as long as the doctor recommends before you can set it free.
2. Water and food
   Dental procedures are very painful causing a lot of discomfort for your pet. This, therefore, means that you have to ensure the food is easy to chew, is the right temperature and has the proper nutrients for fast recovery.
3. Handle the pet with care
   Even if the dog is under painkiller drugs, there might be some discomfort in its mouth till it heals completely. Be careful while moving, petting or cleaning it to avoid any pain inflicted on the mouth.
4. Take the pet for a walk as soon as possible
   This is an important part of the healing process of your pet. This is the time it will take to relieve itself; most pets are not comfortable using the toilet facilities at the vet.
5. Keep it warm
   Following the procedure, the pet might not be in a position to maintain normal body temperature, hence the need to keep it warm. Keep a warm blanket in its cage to lie on and some to cover part of its body.

After dog dental surgery
Veterinary reviews even after the dog has healed are critical. We ensure that ourvet identifies any complications as soon as possible for immediate medical attention. Consult a reputable animal clinic in your area for pet health services as soon as you realize something is wrong with the procedure, or any other problem.
​
Original source: https://petroglyphanimalhospital.blogspot.com/2018/12/dog-dental-surgery-what-you-should-know.html