SOUTHEAST ALASKA ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER
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​ The Importance of Pet Grooming


​​While for many people the concept of grooming your pet conjures up notions of brushes and bows, it is in fact a vital element to their overall health and wellbeing. Regularly grooming your animal allows you to catch any underlying diseases or conditions early, meaning that they will be able to be treated quicker and more efficiently and will therefore be less likely to have any lasting effect on your pet.


However not all animals enjoy the grooming process and many owners find that it is easier to send their pet to a professional groomer on a regular basis instead. If you have a puppy or a kitten then training them to ensure the grooming process is an important part of their learning and will be beneficial to them as they reach maturity. This is especially true of nail clipping and ear cleaning which require them sitting completely still for the process. Good breeders will often begin grooming their litters as soon as they are old enough to help get them used to the process. Even if you do opt to use a professional pet groomer, there are still a number of regular grooming techniques that you can do at home with your pet to strengthen your bond.
Here are some of the important benefits of pet grooming.

Brushing
Quite often misconstrued as the only part of grooming, brushing is still a huge element of the process. Regular brushing removes dirt, dandruff and dead hairs from your pet and in kittens and cats can also cut back on the number of hairballs that they ingest. It also prevents tangles and matting which can lead to pain and infections. Brushing also stimulates the natural oils in your pets’ fur, which are then spread across the coat leaving it with a glossy and healthy sheen.
When brushing your pet you will be able to do a thorough examination of its skin, identifying any issues such as ticks, fleas, bald and dry patches. Any swellings or other abnormalities will also be easier to feel.

Ears
Ears can be a concern for a number of different breeds who are more susceptible to infections and parasites. They should be clean and odor-free. Anything that looks red, swollen or has an unpleasant smell, plus any sign of infestation by mites or ticks, should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Eyes
Eyes can also be prone to infection if the hairs around them are not kept trimmed. They should be bright and clear. Any watery eyes or anything that looks sore should also be checked by your veterinarian.

Teeth
Regular teeth brushing is the only way to help combat periodontal disease, and if your pet has bad breath then it is a sure sign of a dental problem. Your vet will be happy to recommend specialist pet toothbrushes and toothpaste – just ask!

Bathing
Bathing your pet too often can actually have a detrimental effect on their health as it strips all of the natural oils from their skin, leaving them with dry, itchy patches which when scratched could then cause infection. That said, some washing is needed to ensure that your animal remains clean and germ free. Ask your vet what sort of bathing schedule they would recommend for your breed of dog.
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Nail Trimming
Pets can have extremely sharp nails which, if not frequently trimmed, can cause serious injury. Regular trims can reduce the risk of injury, stops them getting caught in carpet or other upholstery, and prevents the likelihood of in-growing nails. For older pets it can also ease arthritis and other joint pain.
We hope that this article has helped highlight the importance of grooming your pet for its overall health and wellbeing.
CLINIC INFORMATION
Address: 

8231 Glacier Highway
Juneau, AK 99801

Phone:

After Hours Emergencies:

907-789-7551

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907-789-7551

OFFICE HOURS
Monday       8:00am- 1:00pm / 2:00pm-5:00pm

Tuesday       8:00am- 1:00pm / 2:00pm-5:00pm

Wednesday 8:00am- 1:00pm / 2:00pm-5:00pm

Thursday     8:00am- 1:00pm / 2:00pm-5:00pm

Friday          8:00am- 1:00pm / 2:00pm-5:00pm

Saturday      Closed

Sunday        Closed
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EMERGENCY SERVICES

Due to very short staffing we will be offering limited after-hours coverage during the month of February-March. This was a hard decision to make, but a necessity to allow our doctors to provide care during the day. We will still have VetTriage available 24 hours a day for telehealth consultations and will have a doctor available for on-call services some weeknights. We will not offer in-hospital after-hours coverage February 27, March 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 30. We advise our clients to be mindful of this limitation and keep their animals indoors, on leash and under supervision to prevent injury by car, porcupine quills, dog fights and lacerations. If you perceive an emergency situation outside of business hours, please reach out to VetTriage. If you contact VetTriage and they recommend contacting our office the following business day, please call (907)789-7551 at 7:30AM to secure an appointment. If you perceive a medical issue with your animal during business hours, please contact our office early so we can advise you if a same day urgent care appointment is needed.

To continue offering after-hours care to our clients and patients we must make a few changes.
Starting today, October 15th, we will be offering after-hours care only between the hours of 5pm and 10pm. Weekend days we will cover between 8am and 10pm. If you are unsure if your animal is having a life threatening emergency please reach out to VetTriage well before 10pm to see if your animal requires emergency medical attention. If you need help after 10pm reach out to VetTriage and they will give you medical advice and instruct you what to do until your animal can be seen.
Starting today, October 15th, we will no longer be treating patients for clients that are established with and receiving treatment at other local clinics. We will treat patients that have been established with our practice and have received routine services (yearly examinations, vaccinations, spay or neuter) within the last 24 months. We will also see patients that are new to Juneau and are not established with a local clinic.

For after hours emergency services we have partnered with VetTriage to offer video telehealth services. The VetTriage veterinarians are available 24/7 and for a consult fee they will assess your pet on live video chat to determine if your pet requires immediate emergency care, or simply monitoring at home until we reopen. In the event of an emergency they will coordinate your visit with the on call veterinarian. Please click the button below to initiate the telehealth service.

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Make An Appointment 

To make an appointment please call 907-789-7551 our staff looks forward to talking to you!

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  • Home
  • Services
    • Wellness Care
    • Dentistry
    • Diagnostics
    • Emergency Care
    • Exotic Patient Care
    • Non-Invasive Treatments
    • Surgical Procedures
  • About
    • Meet Our Professional Staff
    • Meet Our Support Staff
  • Contact
  • Client Reviews
  • Life in Juneau
  • Local Resources
  • Helpful Articles for Dogs
  • Helpful Articles for Cats
  • Helpful Articles for Health
  • General Articles
  • Privacy Policy