Frequently
Asked Questions

Did you know that in many species, each year of the life of the animal equals approximately seven human years? Imagine a seven-year-old dog that doesn’t go to the veterinarian for three years. This would be likened to a 49-year-old person not going to the doctor for 21 years! At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work as necessary unless your pet is sick or has a unique condition. Taking proper care of your pet during their younger years can mean fewer medications as they age and may extend the life of your pet. Call one of our veterinary professionals at (205) 631-6210 to set up your pet’s yearly appointment today!

Just like people, our furry family members need dental care for their overall health. Without proper dental care at home and care from a veterinarian, bacteria can grow on our pet’s teeth, causing tooth decay and gum damage. Over time, these bacteria may cause harm to organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, which can shorten the life of your pet. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care as early as one year of age to best protect your pet from periodontal disease. Our caring doctor understands that maintaining your pet’s dental health from an early age can result in better overall health and long-term savings for you by avoiding future corrective dental procedures. Contact one of our friendly veterinary staff professionals today at All Creatures Pet Hospital to set up your pet’s dental appointment!

Proper nutrition and portion control are as important for our pet companions as they are for us. Overweight pets face the same conditions as people, including arthritis, joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease, for example. Dr. Hankes can evaluate your pet to determine their individual nutritional needs, as well as the proper portions to maintain a healthy body weight. Affordable prescription diets are available at our hospital for your convenience. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend regardless of their life stage or current health condition.

Dr. Ted Hankes recommends spaying or neutering all pets not being used for breeding purposes. Sterilization not only prevents unwanted litters but can also prevent certain reproductive cancers later in their lives.

Puppies and kittens can be spayed between four and six months of age. Our pets feel pain the same way people do, therefore, we administer pain medication to keep them comfortable during and after the procedure. Additionally, blood work is needed to help determine if your puppy or kitten is healthy enough for the procedure. Please call All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your furry friend for a spay or neuter as soon as they are old enough for the surgery.

Heartworms have been diagnosed in all fifty states and are especially prevalent in warmer climates found in Alabama. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs and cats by the bite of a mosquito infected with immature heartworms. If the dog or cat is not protected by a heartworm preventative, the worms can mature, eventually damage the heart and lungs, and cause death if left untreated. Please remember that heartworm preventatives are always less expensive and more effective than heartworm treatments. Dr. Ted Hankes attends conferences and lectures throughout the country to stay current and ensure that All Creatures Pet Hospital offers the safest and most effective products here at our pharmacy, including heartworm preventatives. Please call one of our caring veterinary team members at (205) 631-6210 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and are pleased to partner with Care Credit for our clients’ convenience. We understand that sometimes there are unexpected costs and emergency situations; Care Credit is similar to a credit card and can be applied to veterinary services. Care Credit can be accessed here: https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/ for more information on their services.