Discover Premier Pet Care at Alameda Pet Hospital: Your Trusted Partner in Pet Health

Taking care of your beloved pet involves many aspects, and at Alameda Pet Hospital, we understand that comprehensive care is key to a long, happy life for your furry, scaled, or feathered companion. From routine check-ups to advanced treatments, ensuring your pet’s well-being is our top priority. Perhaps you’ve heard about COHAT and wondered what it entails, or maybe you’re seeking a reliable boarding facility. This guide will walk you through the essential services offered at Alameda Pet Hospital, highlighting our commitment to excellence and compassionate care for your pets.

Understanding COHAT: Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment at Alameda Pet Hospital

Dental health is a cornerstone of your pet’s overall wellness. Just like humans, pets can suffer from dental issues that can lead to pain, infection, and even systemic health problems. At Alameda Pet Hospital, we emphasize proactive dental care through COHAT, which stands for Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment. Many pet owners have questions about this vital procedure, and we’re here to provide clarity.

What Exactly is COHAT?

COHAT is far more than just a simple teeth cleaning. It’s a comprehensive dental procedure performed under general anesthesia, allowing our veterinary team at Alameda Pet Hospital to thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your pet’s oral cavity. This includes:

Scaling and Polishing: Removing plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gumline. Polishing is crucial as it smooths the tooth surface, making it harder for plaque to adhere in the future.
Dental Probing: Carefully examining the gums around each tooth to detect pockets, which are indicators of periodontal disease.
Dental Radiographs (X-rays): Essential for assessing the tooth roots and bone structure beneath the gumline, where hidden diseases often lurk. This is a critical step in identifying problems not visible to the naked eye.
Tooth Extraction (If Necessary): If diseased or damaged teeth are identified, they can be extracted during the COHAT procedure, eliminating pain and preventing further complications.

Addressing Common Concerns About COHAT

We understand that pet owners often have questions and concerns regarding COHAT. Here are some common points we address at Alameda Pet Hospital:

1. “Why is COHAT so expensive?”

It’s true that COHAT is a significant investment in your pet’s health. However, it’s important to understand why it costs more than a simple “teeth cleaning.” The primary reason is the necessity of general anesthesia. Unlike human dental procedures where we can cooperate, pets require anesthesia to ensure their safety and comfort during a thorough oral examination and treatment. Anesthesia allows for:

A Pain-Free Experience: Your pet feels no discomfort or stress.
Thorough Examination: We can safely and comprehensively assess the entire oral cavity, including areas below the gumline.
Effective Treatment: Procedures like scaling, polishing, and extractions can be performed meticulously and safely.

Without anesthesia, only a superficial cleaning of the visible tooth surface is possible, neglecting the critical areas beneath the gumline where most dental disease occurs. This is why anesthesia is paramount for a true COHAT.

2. “Non-anesthetic dental cleanings seem less risky and cheaper.”

While non-anesthetic dental cleanings might appear appealing, it’s crucial to understand their limitations and potential risks. In California, these procedures are legally required to be performed under the direct supervision of a veterinarian if they involve scaling and polishing. Establishments offering non-anesthetic services without veterinary oversight are only permitted to brush teeth.

The main drawbacks of non-anesthetic cleanings include:

Superficial Cleaning: They only address plaque and tartar above the gumline, missing the subgingival disease, which is the primary source of dental problems.
No Assessment Below Gumline: Without anesthesia and dental radiographs, it’s impossible to assess the health of tooth roots and supporting structures.
Potential for Injury: A sudden movement from an unanesthetized pet during scaling can cause injury to the gums or mouth.
False Sense of Security: Teeth may appear whiter after a non-anesthetic cleaning, but underlying disease can still be present and progress unnoticed, leading to more serious issues later.

At Alameda Pet Hospital, we prioritize your pet’s health and safety. We believe in providing comprehensive dental care that truly addresses the root of the problem, not just the visible surface.

3. “Extractions? Will my pet be able to eat?”

The thought of tooth extractions can be concerning for pet owners. However, extracting diseased teeth is often the most compassionate and effective way to relieve pain and improve your pet’s quality of life. Just like humans, pets with dental pain avoid chewing on affected teeth. Once these painful teeth are removed, pets almost always eat more comfortably and enthusiastically.

We often hear from pet owners after extractions, “My pet is like a puppy/kitten again!” This highlights the significant positive impact of addressing dental pain through necessary extractions.

4. “Wild animals don’t get dental care, and they survive.”

While it’s true that wild animals don’t receive dental care from veterinarians, their lifespan and quality of life are vastly different from our domesticated companions. Wild animals do suffer from dental disease, which can impact their ability to hunt, eat, and thrive. Domesticated pets are fortunate to have owners who care for them and seek veterinary care to ensure their comfort and longevity. At Alameda Pet Hospital, we believe in providing the best possible care to extend and enhance the lives of your beloved pets.

Boarding Services at Alameda Pet Hospital: A Home Away From Home

When you need to travel or simply require daytime care for your pet, Alameda Pet Hospital offers a safe, comfortable, and fun boarding experience for healthy dogs and cats. Our dedicated kennel team is passionate about animals and provides personalized attention to every boarder.

What Makes Boarding at Alameda Pet Hospital Special?

Experienced and Caring Team: Our kennel team members are animal lovers who are trained to provide excellent care, monitoring, and affection.
Spacious and Secure Environment: We offer comfortable kennels and a large, fenced backyard where dogs can enjoy playtime and exercise.
One-on-One Attention: We ensure each pet receives individual attention, playtime (where appropriate), and cuddles to make their stay enjoyable.
Veterinary Oversight: As a veterinary hospital, we have the added benefit of having our veterinary team readily available should any health concerns arise during your pet’s stay.

Boarding Requirements and Important Information

To ensure the health and safety of all our boarding guests, we have a few requirements:

Established Clients: Boarding services are primarily for established clients of Alameda Pet Hospital.
Current on Vaccinations and Exams: Pets must be up-to-date on their examinations and vaccinations to board with us.
Temperament Test: For new boarders or those who haven’t stayed with us in over a year, we conduct a temperament test to ensure they are comfortable and safe in a boarding environment. This helps us tailor our care to their individual needs and ensure they eat and drink well during their stay.
Focus on Healthy Pets: Our boarding facility is designed for healthy pets who are good boarding candidates. We may decline extended stays or pets with significant medical ailments, as our primary focus is on providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for healthy animals.

Whether you need overnight or day boarding, Alameda Pet Hospital provides a loving and secure environment for your cherished pet.

AAHA Accreditation: Your Assurance of Exceptional Veterinary Care at Alameda Pet Hospital

Alameda Pet Hospital is proud to be an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation is a prestigious recognition awarded to veterinary practices that meet the highest standards of veterinary care. Alameda Pet Hospital has maintained this accreditation for the past 19 years, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to excellence.

What Does AAHA Accreditation Mean for Your Pet?

AAHA accreditation signifies that Alameda Pet Hospital has voluntarily undergone a rigorous evaluation process and adheres to over 900 standards of excellence. These standards cover all aspects of veterinary practice, including:

Patient Care: Ensuring compassionate and high-quality medical care for every pet.
Pain Management: Implementing best practices for pain prevention and treatment.
Surgery: Maintaining the highest standards of surgical protocols and safety.
Pharmacy: Ensuring accurate and safe medication dispensing and management.
Laboratory: Utilizing advanced diagnostic testing and quality control.
Exam Facilities: Providing clean, comfortable, and well-equipped examination rooms.
Medical Records: Maintaining thorough and accurate patient records.
Cleanliness: Upholding exceptional standards of hygiene and sanitation.

Benefits of Choosing an AAHA-Accredited Hospital Like Alameda Pet Hospital

Superior Care: AAHA-accredited hospitals are committed to providing the highest quality of care across all aspects of veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Team Excellence: Accreditation encourages continuous learning and adherence to best practices among our veterinary team, ensuring your pet benefits from the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
Trust and Peace of Mind: Knowing that Alameda Pet Hospital is AAHA-accredited provides assurance that your pet is in capable and caring hands.
Comprehensive Services: AAHA-accredited hospitals often offer a wide range of services, providing convenience and continuity of care. While we offer a broad spectrum of services, for specialized care beyond our scope, we provide trusted referrals to top-notch local specialists.

When you choose Alameda Pet Hospital, you are choosing a veterinary practice dedicated to providing exceptional care, backed by the gold standard of AAHA accreditation. Look for the AAHA logo as a symbol of our commitment to your pet’s well-being.

Appointments, Prescription Refills, and Contacting Alameda Pet Hospital

For your convenience, Alameda Pet Hospital offers streamlined processes for appointments, prescription refills, and getting in touch with our team.

Scheduling Appointments

Our lobby is open to clients without respiratory symptoms. If you or your pet are experiencing symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge, please call or text us upon arrival for curbside assistance. For non-urgent appointments, texting is a convenient way to request a booking. For urgent medical issues, please call us directly and choose option 2 for immediate assistance.

We kindly request 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling appointments to best serve all our patients. Late cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a fee. New clients are required to pay a deposit for the first exam, which is applied to the exam fee if the appointment is kept or rescheduled with more than 24-hour notice.

Prescription Refills

For prescription food and medication refills, please call or text us, choosing option 3 if calling. Please allow at least two business days for processing refills, and longer for special orders or prescriptions from outside pharmacies.

Contact Information and Office Hours

Phone: (510) 523-1626
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2275 Buena Vista Avenue Alameda, CA 94501 Google Map

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Reception area closed for training and lunch breaks daily: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

For the latest information on Coronavirus (COVID-19), please refer to trusted sources such as:

For avian, reptile, or small mammal care, we can provide referrals to local exotic vets. Click here for Dr. Granzow’s list of local exotic vets.

Choose Alameda Pet Hospital for Comprehensive and Compassionate Pet Care

Alameda Pet Hospital is dedicated to partnering with you in ensuring the health and happiness of your beloved pets. From advanced dental care with COHAT to comfortable boarding and AAHA-accredited veterinary services, we strive to provide exceptional care in every aspect of your pet’s well-being. Contact us today to experience the Alameda Pet Hospital difference!

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