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Animal Hospital of North Asheville Phone System Update
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Why do cats eat grass? Well, cats have actually eaten grass throughout history. Although they're generally not too particular about the kind of grass they choose, some humans offer their felines cat grass, which is a safe and controlled alternative for kitties to get their greens. Despite what some believe, cat grass is not the same as catnip, which is a member of the mint family. Cat grass typically grows from rye, barley, oat or wheat seeds.
Felines are obligate carnivores, which means they can live a healthy life eating only animal protein. So why do cats eat grass? Even if they're fed a highly nutritious diet, most every cat enjoys chomping on many varieties of the green stuff, and there are good reasons for this proclivity.
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Pitter Patter of Puppy Paws as AHNA Puppy Preschool heads into Year 6! (And a video!)
We are so excited to be heading into our 6th year of AHNA Puppy Preschool. Thursday nights at Animal Hospital of North Asheville have been filled with the sounds of puppies, families, laughter, and play as the puppies build lifelong positive associations with coming to the hospital and being around new people and other puppies.
Our goal at Puppy Preschool is to strengthen the bond and understanding between families and their puppy by using positive activities aimed at encouraging investigation and interaction, stimulating the senses and building confidence.
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Diablo's Surprise
By Amy Plankenhorn, DVM
We'd like for you to meet Diablo, a very sweet and beloved 8-year-old Chihuahua. I met Diablo about a month ago when he came in because he was having difficulty breathing. His mom said that she'd noticed his abdomen getting larger over a few weeks, but she wasn't sure why. When I saw him, I was concerned that his belly enlargement might be fluid, and wondered if he might be in congestive heart failure. But when I felt his abdomen, I knew it wasn't fluid. Instead he had a large, firm growth in his abdomen. He was having trouble breathing because he couldn't expand his diaphragm against the mass.
I did an ultrasound of his abdomen to try to find out what organ was abnormal, but it was very hard to tell. I talked to Mom about doing surgery to remove the mass, and she agreed. Fortunately, Dr. Duncan was able to do the surgery that day. We were all curious to know what this big lump was!
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U.S. Pet Obesity Steadily Increases
Every October Animal Hospital of North Asheville participates in the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) Annual Pet Obesity survey. Families and veterinarians are given a short questionnaire to fill out. No personal information is shared. Surveys are collected throughout the United States and the data is reviewed.
In 2017, the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention found that the number of clinical obesity continued to increase from 2016 to 2017, affecting 60% of cats and 56% of dogs. These results indicate an estimated 50.2 million dogs and 56.5 million cats are above healthy weight, based on 2017 pet population projections provided by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). In 2016, APOP found 54% of dogs and 59% of cats were overweight or obese in the U.S. APOP's tenth annual survey revealed opinions of pet owners and veterinary professionals on several pet food issues such as the benefits of corn, dry versus canned foods, whether or not pet food has improved, and the best sources of pet dietary recommendation.
Click Here to learn more.
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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.
- August 6th and 20th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm
- Location: Animal Hospital of North Asheville Education Room
- Presented by: Four Seasons Pet Loss Grief Support Group
- Please do not bring pets to the grief support meetings. Thank you.
Click Here to read more about this support group.
Puppies W.I.N. - What is Normal Puppy Behavior?
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Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 7:00 - 8:30pm
- 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!
This free Behavior Help Session is for anyone with a puppy under 5 months of age, anyone who is interested in understanding more about puppy behavior or anyone planning on adding a puppy to the family. The focus of this help session will be to help you learn what age-appropriate puppy behavior is for your puppy, learn how to establish good habits to prevent problems from developing, and discover how to take advantage of your puppy's socialization window.
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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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