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Memorial Day - Closed Sunday, May 27 & Monday, May 28th
The Animal Hospital of North Asheville will be closed Monday, May 28th in observance of Memorial Day so our AHNA staff can spend time with loved ones. We will maintain normal hours before and after Memorial Day Weekend.
- Saturday, May 26th, normal business hours: 8:00am -5:00pm
- Sunday, May 27th - CLOSED
- Monday, May 28th - CLOSED
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Atopic Dermatitis or Pollen Wars: The Immune System Strikes Back!
Spring is a beautiful time of year here in the mountains, but April showers and May flowers also bring pollen. Human allergy symptoms usually include sneezing, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes, but dogs often show their allergies with itchy skin symptoms known as
atopic dermatitis or
atopy.
PetMD describes atopy this way: "Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, chronic skin disease associated with allergies. In fact, this is the second most common allergic skin disease in dogs. These allergic reactions can be brought on by normally harmless substances like grass, mold spores, house dust mites, and other environmental allergens." There isn't a diagnostic test for atopic dermatitis, but there is a very typical pattern of itching. Dogs with atopy usually scratch, chew and/or lick their feet, face, chest, abdomen, and ears. For many years, dermatologists assumed that the allergens were inhaled and that the dog's itch pattern was somewhat random.
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Important Information Concerning Our Sunday Urgent Care Hour
We regret to announce that AHNA will no longer continue our Sunday Emergency hour from 4:00PM to 5:00PM as of May 27th. We will continue to care for our non-critical hospitalized patients over the weekend.
Should your pet require emergency services after Saturday (5:00PM) or before Monday (7:30AM), both REACH (Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital) and WCRAHVEH (Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital) are open and accepting emergencies at this time. Both hospitals have doctors and nursing staff on the premises whenever we are closed. They will provide our hospital with a digital record of your pet's visit, to be placed in your pet's permanent medical record and reviewed by one of our doctors. We will reopen on Mondays at 7:30AM. Please call AHNA to schedule a follow-up medical exam at this time should one be needed.
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When Fur Flies -
Cat Bites Can Happen
With the warmer weather upon us, your feline friend might be asking to go outside and explore more than ever. Unfortunately, the freedom of outdoor exploration comes with a higher risk of injury from other animals including other cats. Over 90% of septic wounds in cats are caused by a cat bite during a cat fight. Dog, rat, raccoon and other animal bites are rarer but can also cause issues.
Cats are very territorial. They will fight to protect or expand their territory as well as if they are backed into a corner. Cat fights are very common in areas with outdoor roaming cats. Fighting cats are not limited to stray cats. Cats that live mainly indoors can also be territorial and instigate fights or sustain injuries fleeing from an attacking cat. Intact male cats are very territorial but neutered male cats and female cats can be territorial as well. It may not be obvious to you right away that your cat has been bitten during a fight. Puncture wounds from a cat bite are small but deep and can heal over quickly. This rapid wound healing traps bacteria from the cat's mouth under the skin.
Click Here to learn more.
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Who will be the WNC Pet of the Year?
The race for the Asheville Humane Society's WNC Pet of the Year is heating up! Have you cast your vote for your favorite pet photo yet? There is still time to vote - or to vote again! The WNC Pet of the Year fundraiser is accepting votes until June 1. Check out all the contestants today! There are so many amazing stories that will warm your heart and make you feel proud to be part of our local animal community.
All these wonderful families have come together to support Asheville Humane Society (AHS) by entering their cat, dog, rat, ferret, and even an alpaca in this fun-filled fundraiser. So far there are 147 pets helping animals in need by sharing their stories. Altogether they have raised over $14,272. The goal is $40,000. There is still time to help out!
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What's All the Buzz About? Bees!
It's springtime in the mountains and the bees, hornets, and wasps are buzzing around. Many dogs and cats like to chase and bat at these insects, which can result in a painful sting. Dogs and cats who are uninterested in 'playing' with these insects are also often stung, so what do you do if your pet is stung by a bee, hornet, or wasp?
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Upcoming Pet Help Sessions
& Classes at AHNA
FREE CLASSES
Free classes are for people only. Please leave your pet at home.
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Pet Loss and Grief Support Group
Losing a pet friend and companion can be heartbreaking. Whether it is a sudden or planned goodbye, it is an emotional time. We understand the strength and specialness of the animal - human bond. On the first and third Monday of each month, we are hosting a Pet Loss Grief Support Group presented by Four Seasons Compassion for Life. This group is for anyone who is grieving the loss of an animal companion and needs further support.
- June 4th and 18th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm
- Location: Animal Hospital of North Asheville Education Room
- Presented by: Four Seasons Pet Loss Grief Support Group
Click Here to read more about this support group.
JUNE
Be Brave! How To Help Your Fearful Dog Gain Confidence
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Tuesday, June 19th, 2018 starting at 7:00PM
- Location: Animal Hospital of North Asheville Education Room
- Presented by Tristan Rehner-Fleurant, MS, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CBATI of Pet Behavior Aid
- People Only. No Registration required. No fee to attend. Everyone welcome!
Whether your dog has specific fears or is generally timid, learn how to understand the signs of anxiety, how to prevent fear from becoming aggression, and some fundamental techniques to help your "wallflower" dog come out of his or her shell.
Click Here to read more about this class.
JULY
Help Prevent Your Cat's Destructive Scratching
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Tuesday, July 17th, 2018 starting at 7:00PM
- Location: Animal Hospital of North Asheville Education Room
- Presented by Tristan Rehner-Fleurant, MS, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CBATI of Pet Behavior Aid
- People Only. No Registration required. No fee to attend. Everyone welcome!
Come learn ways to help prevent your cat from destroying your furniture and carpets by scratching. This Free Behavioral Help Session will help you understand the normal behavioral needs cats have for scratching and ways to meet those needs that are acceptable to both cats and people. The behavioral pros and cons of declawing will be covered as well as some alternatives to declawing for people who are having trouble managing their cat's destructive scratching.
Click Here to read more about this class.
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If you are happy with the care and service you and your pet have received at Animal Hospital of North Asheville, we would greatly appreciate your taking a few minutes to write a review online.
We have made it easy for you to review us on Google - just
Click Here for easy instructions - and thank you!
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Mission Statement:
By embracing new knowledge and state-of-the-art technology, our mission at AHNA is to provide the highest level of medical, dental and surgical care possible; to deliver it with integrity and compassion for our clients, but most importantly, to constantly see ourselves through the eyes of our voiceless patients who understand only that we are gentle and kind; to have as our first priority, relief and prevention of their fear, pain and discomfort and to strive to minimize separation from the people they love.
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