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| Adoptions
We would like to Thank You for spreading the word and getting Gray Kitty, Bandit, and Mr. Whitten homes!
We still need help finding Twitter and 3 other cute dogs homes.
Don't forget about Twitter.
She is a female brown and white tabby cat. She is spayed, vaccinated, and declawed in the front. She is about 2 years old and is very sweet.
Oscar
 This terrier mix is about 3-4 years old. He is vaccinated and will be neutered before going to a new home.
PK
 This chihuahua mix is about 1-2 years old. He is also vaccinated and will be neutered before going to a new home. PK responds better to women.
Princess
This chihuahua is about 1-2 years old. She appears to be spayed and has suffered some trauma. She is very sweet. Please contact us and ask for Sabastiana for more details. |
Alta Vista Boarding
and Grooming
SPECIALS AND NEWS:
Grooming now being offered 7 days a week, with evening appointments available.
Save $10.00 on a groom, please contact 602-265-3198 for more details or to schedule an appointment.
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February is National Pet Dental Month!
Why is this important? It means that dental cleanings are 10% off the regular price for the month!
Dental disease in our pets has been overlooked by pet owners and by veternarainans prior the last 20 years or so. It has taken us until now to realize that the benefits of good oral hygiene that you and I enjoy are also important for our pets. Pets with dental disease not only have foul breath but are prone to kidney and liver disease.
Severe dental disease is painful and causes loss of bone and soft tissue surrounding the teeth. This, in turn, causes the teeth to become mobile which is painful and also allows bacteria to enter the blood stream. Recent studies have shown that even moderate dental disease causes a marked
increase in bacterial toxins that are circulating in the blood and this perpetuates chronic inflammation and progression of organ damage.
So. how do we stop? It's easy. Regular dental cleanings remove the debris that traps bacteria, at home maintenance with oral rinses and occasional brushing will keep the tarter from reforming in most cases. On the other hand, we don't want to clean teeth that are not in need because we do not want to anesthetize animal unless it it truly needed.
So, in short, stop in for a free dental exam and consult with our doctor's and staff about your pet's needs.
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Greetings!
It's already February and National Dental Month is here! Please take advantage of the benefits and promotions of dental month. Have questions or comments about your pet's teeth please contact our office by phone 602-277-1464 or email angie@altavistavet.com.
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Learn Your Breeds- Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher (translated from German as Monkey-Terrier) is an active dog that has the face and impish nature of a monkey. Affenpinschers have a fun-loving, sometimes mischievous, personality. This wire-haired terrier-like dog often acts as if he is a bigger dog. The coat of an Affenpinscher is usually black, but they also come in gray, silver, red, or black and tan. They ranging in size from 9 to 11½ inches tall at the shoulder. The length is approximately the same as the height, giving a square appearance. The female may be slightly longer. Ears-- Cropped to a point, set high and standing erect; or natural, standing erect, semi-erect or dropped. All of the above types of ears, if symmetrical, are acceptable as long as the monkey-like expression is maintained. Skull--Round and domed, but not coarse. Muzzle-- Short and narrowing slightly to a blunt nose. The length of the muzzle is approximately the same as the distance between the eyes. Nose-- Black, turned neither up nor down. Lips-- Black, with prominent lower lip. Bite-- Slightly undershot. Dense hair, rough, harsh, and about 1" in length on the shoulders and body. May be shorter on the rear and tail. Head, neck, chest, stomach and legs have longer, less harsh coat. The mature Affenpinscher has a mane or cape of strong hair which blends into the back coat at the withers area. The longer hair on the head, eyebrows and beard stands off and frames the face to emphasize the monkey-like expression. Hair on the ears is cut very short. A correct coat needs little grooming to blend the various lengths of hair to maintain a neat but shaggy appearance.
The Affenpinscher is one of the most ancient of toy dogs, the Affenpinscher originated in Central Europe (Munich, Germany and France), where they earned the nickname "little devil with a moustache" or "Diablotin Moustachu." Both describe the appearance and attitude of this delightful breed. During the 17th century, small terriers were frequently kept around stables, on farms or in stores where they served as ratters. Bred down in size, these small terriers became companions in the home and kept mice from overrunning their mistresses' boudoirs. The Affenpinscher was AKC recognized in the Toy Group in 1936.
General demeanor is game, alert, and inquisitive with great loyalty and affection toward its master and friends. The breed is generally quiet, but can become vehemently excited when threatened or attacked, and is fearless toward any aggressor. Their intelligence, appearance and attitude make them a good house pet, but children should always be taught how to properly handle the dog. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment. They are very active indoors and most of their exercise needs can be met with indoor play, but they enjoy daily walks. Their wiry coat should be brushed and combed twice a week and trimmed twice a year.
Information obtained from AKC breed website
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HEALTHCARE FOR YOUR SENIOR PET
Proper health care can add years to the life of your pet as well as substantially decrease your cost of treating medical problems associated with aging. Since pets age 5-7 times faster than humans, it can be estimated that one physical examination for a pet is equivalent to one exam every 5-7 years in humans. The exam should include a very detailed medical history along with a "nose to tail" physical examination. As your pet gets older, a more comprehensive physical examination should be performed every 6 - 12 months depending on any specific medical problems discovered in your pet.
Nutrition: Feed the highest quality pet food you can afford. Read labels carefully. Ideal diets for senior pets would have less sodium and fat, and more fiber than regular adult foods. Higher quality and premium foods are more digestible and result in less stool volume. If a specific medical condition is diagnosed, a specific prescription diet may be best for your pet. Vitamin supplements help keep the skin healthy and may enhance the pet's immune system. Fatty acid supplements may be useful for skin problems, arthritis, & inflammatory bowel disease. DO NOT feed table scraps or snacks unless formulated for the senior pet. Pet treats are now available and can be very palatable as well as healthy for your pet.
As the pet gets older, water consumption becomes much more important. Increased thirst and water consumption is a very important in several senior pet medical problems. Be sure to notify us if you see changes in water consumption.
Keep Your Pet Under Control: Letting pets run loose takes years off their life. Some statistics show pets spending the majority of their life outdoors do not live as long. Be sure your pet wears an ID Tag and has a microchip. Older pets lose their sense of hearing and vision; increasing the chances they will become lost.
Vaccinations: Depression of the immune system occurs in older pets making them more susceptible to the common infectious diseases. Maintaining vaccinations is very important to because of the potential for decreased resistance in these pets. Vaccination recommendations must be individualized for each pet based on breed, age, physical condition, diseases prevalent in the area, etc.
Heartworm Prevention: Heartworms are a serious problem. Although heartworm is not as common in our state we have diagnosed a few cases at our hospital. All pets should be on heartworm prevention all year long.
Prevent Obesity: Extra pounds burden the heart, kidneys, muscles, & joints, decreasing life expectancy 30-50%. It is much harder to lose weight than to prevent the weight gain. If your pet is prone to weight gains, feeding diets made to maintain weight and limited access to food is important for control.
Dental Hygiene: Periodontal disease is a very serious problem in senior pets. Tartar buildup is a result of bacterial infection in the mouth. Once this bacteria becomes attached to the teeth BELOW THE GUM line, it becomes a "seed" of infection that spreads all over the body. Many respiratory, kidney, liver, and heart infections are a result of bacteria spreading from the mouth. It is important to note that the "real" problem is what you don't see (what is below the gum line) rather than what you do see (above the gum line). What you don't see can certainly be slowly killing your pet. Dental exams, routine use of dental hygiene products, and dental scaling/polishing are important for a healthy mouth.
Grooming & Nail Trimming: Maintaining healthy skin & toe nails makes your pet more comfortable, prevents odor, and makes your pet "shine." Notify the clinic if you observe excessive scratching, flaking, fleas, ticks, sores, or bald spots. Skin growths are also more common in senior pets. Early removal decreases pain, your costs, and chances of spreading.
Laboratory Screening For Diseases: Many medical problems can be diagnosed through the use of laboratory diagnostic testing long before
clinical signs of disease become evident. Specific recommendations for your pet may include:
Annual Heartworm Testing
Urinalysis Complete Blood Counts Internal Parasite Examination Blood Chemistry Screening Thyroid Screening
Medicating Your Pet: NEVER give human medications or medications prescribed for other pets to your senior pets. The liver and or kidneys once administered must break down most drugs. There can be very serious complications if a medication is given to a pet that has compromised internal organs.
Maintain A Constant Environment: Tolerance to heat and cold decreases with age. Warmth also lessens the signs of arthritis.
We recommend presenting your pet for examination if you observe any of the following:
Sustained, significant increase in water consumption. Sustained, significant increase in urination.
Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than 2 consecutive days.
Significant increase in appetite.
Repeated vomiting.
Diarrhea that lasts over 2 days.
Difficulty in passing stool or urine.
Inappropriate elimination accidents in the house or general changes in bowel habits.
Lameness that lasts more than 3 days, or lameness in more than one leg.
Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or pupils that do not constrict in bright light. Eye discharges or reddening of the white parts of the eye.
Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persists more than 1 week.
Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts more than 24 hours.
Increased size of the abdomen.
Increasing inactivity, especially time spent sleeping.
Persistent coughing, gagging, or panting.
Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas of the body.
Episodes of sudden weakness, collapse, or fainting spells.
Seizures (convulsions)
Reluctance or inability to chew dry food.
Any changes in routine behavior or personality.
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