How safe is my pet’s procedure?
At All Creatures Animal Clinic, we only recommend those surgical procedures that are in the best interest of your pet. Each individual procedure varies from pet to pet and condition to condition. Typically, a physical examination, review of the patient’s medical history, and blood work are recommended for each pet that may have to be subjected to sedation or anesthesia. We will use this information to screen your pet for potential issues before beginning any procedure to help ensure the safety of your pet. Although there will always be a minimal amount of risk associated with anesthetizing your pet, we take every precaution available to ensure that any risks are minimized.
Why does my pet need a dental procedure?
Periodontal disease (disease of the structures around the tooth--the gums, bone, and connective tissue) is one of the most common problems that we deal with on a daily basis at All Creatures Animal Clinic. Periodontal infections, tooth fractures, and oral masses can be sources of serious discomfort for your pet and can cause your pet to lose teeth prematurely. Additionally, untreated periodontal infections can cause damage to major organs of the body including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Proper veterinary dental care can help prevent your pet from developing painful dental conditions, avoid loss of teeth, and can extend their life expectancy as well.
How long should I wait to bring in my pet if I notice a change in behavior?
If you notice your pet acting strangely, including loss of appetite or energy, you should call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for an examination by our doctor. Pets have an instinctive tendency to hide pain and illness so that they do not show any weaknesses that might attract predators. As pet owners, by the time we notice a change in behavior, the animal may have been suffering for several days already.
At what age should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
There are several factors that help determine the best age for spaying and neutering including your pet’s breed (larger breeds wait longer) and individual health status. Typical spaying and neutering for most pets not used for breeding purposes is usually recommended at about 6 months of age. Spaying and neutering help with animal population control and prevent unwanted pets. Just as importantly, spaying and neutering can improve the overall health of your pet, and help in avoiding certain reproductive diseases, prostate issues, and some types of cancer.
What are heartworms, and how can I prevent my pet from getting them?
Heartworms are a serious, year-round parasitic threat to your pet’s health. After an infection occurs, treatment is not only very expensive, but can also be life threatening. Heartworms are common in Alabama and can infect both our canine and feline companions. Heartworms are spread when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then transfers the juvenile worms when it bites a healthy animal. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, these immature worms can grow into adults that can cause serious damage to your pet’s blood vessels, lungs, and heart, and may even cause death.
There are several options available for prevention of this potentially life-threatening disease. Preventatives can keep your dog or cat healthy and are much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. Our veterinarians will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on needs and lifestyle.
What financing options do you offer, or is payment expected at the time of service?
All Creatures Animal Clinic strives to offer compassionate, comprehensive veterinary care to Jasper, Alabama, and the surrounding communities. In order to continue a high quality of service, payment is expected in full at the time of examination or procedure. We accept cash, checks, debit, and credit card payments.
Sometimes an emergency occurs with our pets that is not within our immediate budget. If you would like the option of financing unanticipated expenses in order to provide the best care for your pet, we are partnered with Care Credit and ScratchPay. For more information and to find out if you qualify, please visit https://www.carecredit.com/ or https://scratchpay.com/