The doctors and staff at Alpine Animal Hospital strive to provide each and every patient with compassionate and quality health care. We understand that you, as the owner, are a partner in your pet’s health care. In order to ensure you have access to accurate and helpful information regarding pet care, we have compiled the following list of resources.
 VeterinaryPartner.com
Do you have questions about your pet’s recent diagnosis or recommended treatment? Don’t “Google it”! Instead, search veterinarypartner.com. Veterinary Partner is a website that contains a species-specific search engine on a wide variety of animal health topics, medication information, behavior, and pet safety. All of the articles are written by veterinarians or experts in the animal care field, and provide reliable and current animal health information for pet owners.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
The ASPCA is a national animal welfare organization that provides local and national leadership in caring for pets and owners, serving victims of animal cruelty, and providing shelter and positive outcomes for at-risk animals. Their website is a wealth of information on pet care, and contains the most comprehensive list of toxins for dogs and cats on their page for animal poison control.
The American Veterinary Medical Association
The AVMA was established in 1863, and is a not-for-profit association acting as a collective voice for more than 85,000 veterinarians working in a variety of positions across the country. Their goal is to improve animal and human health and advance the veterinary medical profession. The AVMA’s website is informative on a wide range of topics, including the association’s official stance on controversial topics of declawing, tail docking, raw food diets, and why anesthesia-free dental cleanings are not recommended.
The American Animal Hospital Association
The AAHA sets the standard for quality animal care in the United State and Canada. The association is responsible for setting a variety of guidelines for all practicing veterinarians, including the following topics: vaccinations, dental care, nutrition and weight management, and pain management. They also work together with the American Associate of Feline Practitioners to develop life stage guidelines to direct care for a pet’s different stages of life.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners
The AAFP is a nationwide organization representing veterinary professionals who are passionate about the care of cats. The AAFP provides publications of practice guidelines, position statements, and offers continuing education to advance the field of feline medicine and surgery. They publish excellent guidelines on vaccinations, house soiling, judicious antibiotic use, fluid therapy, handling & nursing care for cats, pain management, senior cat care, and infectious disease information. Visit their website to read more about your cat’s health.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council
Ticks, fleas, & worms, oh my! Parasite control is very important for your pet’s and your family’s health. Effective parasite control includes treatment of both internal and external parasites. For the most comprehensive information regarding the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of parasitic infections, see the website of the Companion Animal Parasite Council.
American Heartworm Society
Heartworm disease has been slowly spreading across the country and is now circulating in the Pacific Northwest. Our veterinarians recommend starting heartworm screening and prevention for all of our dog and cat patients. Read more about this fatal but easily preventable disease at the above link to the American Heartworm Society's website and ask our veterinarians about keeping your pet safe today.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council
Have you noticed that most of the dog toys and chew treats at the pet store have label claims that they are for oral health or tartar control? Well, many of them are not effective. The Veterinary Oral Health Council was created to review products for their effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar build-up. A product (diet, treat, toy, water additive, etc.) will earn a VOHC seal of approval if they demonstrate effectiveness at plaque and tartar reduction with regular use. Visit their site today to read more about products you and your pet can use to keep their mouth healthy.
Do you think your pet has ingested a toxic substance or plant?? Call Alpine Animal Hospital right away to ensure prompt assessment and treatment (if needed) at (509) 332-6575. Additionally, the following resources are available in case of any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435 **Fees apply, see website for current rates
PetPoisonHelpline.com
(800) 213-6680 **Fees apply, see website for current rates
We know that the loss (or impending loss) of a beloved pet can be difficult to cope with. Sadly, all who care for a pet will one day face an injury, illness, or old age that will lead to the passing of this pet. We grieve for your pet along with you, and assure you that grief is a natural and necessary part of saying goodbye to a loved one. Below are available resources for support during a time of grief over a lost pet, including hotlines for additional assistance. These resources are especially helpful for information on helping young children, the elderly, or disabled individuals, through the loss of their companion animal.
ASPCA Pet Loss
(877) 474-3310
Pet Compassion Hotline
(855) 245-8214
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