Our staff at Auburn Valley Animal Clinic is filled with passionate animal lovers who are here to help you and your pet! They are highly trained and dedicated to making sure that your pets receive the care and compassion they deserve every time they walk in the door!
We offer the following services to keep your pets healthy:
Surgery
We are pleased to offer our clients the highest quality veterinary care. We want nothing but the best for our clients, especially during surgery. It is our goal to make sure that our surgical team is prepared to offer our clients the latest medical procedures. We look forward to learning about the newest medical advances in surgery and actively partake in continued surgical education.
Wellness Exams
At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic in Auburn, WA , we believe that regular checkups and wellness exams are critical to your pets’ well-being. These wellness exams give us a chance to evaluate the overall health of your pet while also giving us a baseline for their unique bodies and tendencies.
Not only do these exams keep us up-to-date with your pets’ health, but they also allow us to detect potential problems before they become serious. This thorough checkup gives us vital information to help keep your pet healthy!
Dental Care
Dental care is vital to the overall health of any pet. Dental disease can lead to health issues with the heart, liver, and kidneys and has the potential to seep into your pet’s bloodstream. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats over three years of age suffer from some form of dental disease, making it the most common pet health issue among our pet population.
Microchipping
At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic, we are happy to offer microchipping. Every year, thousands and thousands of pets go missing. Not knowing where your pet is or how to bring them back can be a helpless, hopeless feeling. It’s a tragedy that happens all too often.
But there is a simple, safe, and effective way to ensure your pet’s safety and retrieval should he or she ever become lost. Microchipping is a standard procedure that implants a tiny chip underneath your pet’s fur. It is a painless and relatively fast procedure and is completely safe.
Nutritional Counseling
Auburn Valley Animal Clinic offers nutritional counseling for pet owners of Auburn, WA and surrounding communities. If you have any questions about your pet’s diet or would like more information about your pet’s nutritional needs, please contact us today. We can set up a nutrition plan for your pet.
Obesity is a common problem among pets, as it can be easy to overfeed a cute dog or cat that knows how to beg. Being overweight is a serious problem for animals, and can cause real health problems. With proper diet and exercise, all pets should be able to meet their dietary needs and stay within a healthy weight range.
Parasite Prevention
The idea of your pet being infested with parasites is a disturbing thought, but it’s also a medical issue that can have serious consequences if not properly dealt with or prevented. Parasites pose a variety of health issues for our pets, who can be very susceptible to certain parasites depending on age, region, and other factors.
At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic, we emphasize the importance of preventing parasites. Through preventative measures, you can successfully protect your pet. Pets that are not protected often develop parasites, leading to serious problems for them and their owners.
Pain Management
Pets that are in pain are miserable. For this reason, we will do whatever we can to keep your pets comfortable.
We have many different choices when it comes to treating apets’ pain. There are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are very helpful with mild pain. We also prescribe steroids which can offer a lot of relief. We also have stronger pain medications if the non-steroidal medications are not enough. We also offer glucosamine in tablets and injections to help with arthritis.
Pharmacy
It is our goal to provide you with complete veterinary care in a professional and accessible atmosphere. That is why we offer a fully stocked pharmacy to fill your pets’ prescription needs.
Having an on-site pharmacy provides you with a more convenient way to get your pets’ medication. We hope that this will save you time and ultimately enhance your experience with us.
Puppy and Kitten Care
Getting a new puppy or kitten is very exciting. You have a lot to look forward to. The great companionship that a good pet can bring is very rewarding. However, puppies and kittens come with a lot of responsibility and work. Here at Auburn Valley Animal Clinic, we are here to help you with your new addition.
First, you should always bring your new puppy or kitten in for a full nose-to-tail examination to make sure that you have a healthy new animal. You also want to get him or her familiar with our veterinary hospital.
Vaccinations
At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic in Auburn, WA , we believe that one of the most important aspects of caring for your pet’s health is vaccinating him or her against possible diseases. There are a variety of diseases which affect our pets, and other animals, so proper vaccination is vital to protecting them from many types of illnesses.
It is important to consult with us about the unique risks of living in our region. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of protecting your pet with vaccinations, as well as, provide you with information on the required vaccinations for your pet.
Dental FAQs
How often should my dog or cat have a dental cleaning?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some pets develop significant dental disease by 2–3 years of age, while others maintain healthy teeth for much longer.
During your pet’s annual or semi-annual wellness exam, we’ll evaluate their oral health and let you know when a professional cleaning is recommended. Regular dental exams allow us to identify problems before they become painful or require extractions.
How can I tell if my pet has dental disease?
Many pets continue eating normally even when they have significant oral pain. Common signs include:
- Bad breath
- Yellow or brown tartar buildup
- Red or bleeding gums
- Dropping food while eating
- Chewing on one side of the mouth
- Pawing at the face
- Difficulty eating hard food
- Loose or missing teeth
- Swelling around the face or jaw
Unfortunately, many pets show no obvious signs until dental disease is advanced, which is why routine veterinary exams are so important.
Is bad breath normal in dogs and cats?
No. While many owners think “dog breath” is normal, persistent bad breath is usually the first sign of dental disease.
Bad breath is most commonly caused by bacteria accumulating beneath the gumline, where it can lead to painful infection and damage to the teeth and supporting bone.
What happens during a professional dental cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning is much more than polishing the visible teeth. At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic, a complete dental procedure includes:
- A full oral examination under anesthesia
- Dental radiographs (X-rays) to evaluate the roots and bone below the gumline
- Ultrasonic scaling above and below the gumline
- Polishing the teeth to slow future plaque buildup
- Evaluation for fractured, infected, or loose teeth
- Tooth extractions if necessary
Dental X-rays are especially important because up to 60% of a tooth lies beneath the gumline and cannot be evaluated during a visual exam alone.
Why does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
General anesthesia allows us to safely and thoroughly clean below the gumline, obtain dental X-rays, and evaluate every tooth without causing stress or discomfort. Attempting these procedures on an awake pet would be unsafe and incomplete.
At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic, your pet is carefully monitored throughout anesthesia by trained veterinary professionals using advanced monitoring equipment.
Are anesthetic-free dental cleanings a good option?
They can be—for the right patient.
Auburn Valley Animal Clinic offers non-anesthetic dental cleanings for carefully selected pets. These cleanings help remove tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth and may be appropriate for pets with minimal dental disease who are cooperative during the procedure.
However, they are not a replacement for a comprehensive anesthetic dental procedure. Non-anesthetic cleanings cannot clean beneath the gumline, obtain dental X-rays, diagnose painful disease below the surface, or treat infected teeth.
If we suspect periodontal disease or painful dental problems, we’ll recommend a full anesthetic dental cleaning instead.
Why are dental X-rays so important?
Many painful dental problems occur below the gumline and cannot be seen during a routine examination.
Dental X-rays allow us to identify:
- Tooth root abscesses
- Fractured tooth roots
- Bone loss
- Resorptive lesions in cats
- Retained tooth roots
- Hidden infections
Without dental radiographs, painful disease can easily be missed.
Can dental disease affect my pet’s overall health?
Yes. Dental disease doesn’t stay confined to the mouth. Chronic oral infection causes ongoing inflammation, and bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.
More importantly, untreated dental disease is painful and can significantly reduce your pet’s quality of life.
What can I do at home to keep my pet’s teeth healthy?
Daily tooth brushing remains the gold standard for preventing dental disease. Other helpful options include:
- Veterinary-approved dental chews
- Prescription dental diets
- Water additives recommended by your veterinarian
- Dental wipes or gels when brushing isn’t possible
No home-care product completely replaces professional dental cleanings, but consistent home care can significantly slow the progression of dental disease.
At what age should I start brushing my pet’s teeth?
The earlier, the better. Puppies and kittens can begin learning to accept tooth brushing as early as 8–12 weeks of age.
Starting young helps make brushing a normal part of your pet’s routine and greatly improves long-term dental health.
Do all pets eventually need tooth extractions?
Not necessarily. Many pets keep healthy teeth throughout their lives with good home care and regular professional dental cleanings.
When extractions are recommended, it’s because a tooth has become painful, infected, fractured, or no longer healthy enough to save.
How often should my pet have their teeth checked?
We recommend having your pet’s teeth evaluated during every wellness examination.
Since dental disease progresses gradually, regular exams allow us to catch problems early, often before your pet shows any signs of discomfort.
Does dry food clean my pet’s teeth?
Not usually. While many people believe kibble acts like a toothbrush, most pets simply crush or swallow it without much cleaning action.
Certain prescription dental diets are specially designed to reduce plaque and tartar, but regular dry food alone is generally not enough to prevent dental disease.
My pet still eats normally—could they still have dental pain?
Absolutely. Dogs and cats are remarkably good at hiding pain. Many pets with severe dental disease continue eating because it’s a basic survival instinct.
It’s common for owners to notice that their pet seems more energetic, playful, or happier after painful teeth are treated.
How common is dental disease in dogs and cats?
Dental disease is the most common medical condition we see in companion animals. By the age of three, the majority of dogs and cats have some degree of periodontal disease.
The good news is that regular veterinary care, professional cleanings, and consistent home dental care can dramatically improve your pet’s oral health and quality of life.
Microchipping FAQs
Should I microchip my dog or cat?
Yes. Microchipping is one of the safest and most effective ways to help a lost pet find their way home. A microchip provides your pet with a permanent form of identification that cannot fall off, be removed, or become unreadable like a collar or tag.
While collars and ID tags are still important, a microchip offers an extra layer of protection if your pet ever becomes lost.
Does a microchip have GPS or let me track my pet?
No. A microchip is not a GPS tracking device. It does not have a battery and cannot track your pet’s location.
Instead, each microchip contains a unique identification number. When a lost pet is brought to a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or rescue organization, they can scan the chip and access the registered owner’s contact information through the microchip registry.
Does microchipping hurt my pet?
Microchipping is quick, safe, and causes very little discomfort. The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is placed just under the skin between the shoulder blades using a sterile needle.
Most pets react similarly to receiving a routine vaccine. The procedure takes only a few seconds and does not require anesthesia.
Does my pet still need a collar and ID tag if they have a microchip?
Absolutely. The best protection is to use both. A visible ID tag allows someone who finds your pet to contact you immediately without visiting a veterinary clinic or shelter.
If the collar comes off or the tag becomes unreadable, the microchip serves as a permanent backup form of identification.
What happens after my pet is microchipped?
The most important step is registering the microchip and keeping your contact information up to date. A microchip is only useful if the registration information is accurate.
If you move, change your phone number, or transfer ownership of your pet, be sure to update the microchip registry.
At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic, we’re happy to answer questions about registration or scan your pet’s microchip during routine visits to ensure it’s functioning properly.
A microchip is a simple, affordable investment that can make all the difference if your pet is ever lost. Combined with a collar, ID tag, and current contact information, it greatly increases the chances of a happy reunion.
Surgery FAQs
Does my pet need to fast before surgery?
Yes. Most pets should have no food after midnight the night before surgery. An empty stomach helps reduce the risk of vomiting or aspiration while under anesthesia.
Water is generally okay until the morning of surgery unless we instruct you otherwise. Puppies, kittens, diabetic patients, and other pets with certain medical conditions may have different fasting instructions, so always follow the recommendations provided by our team.
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe, and patient safety is our top priority.
Before every anesthetic procedure, we perform a thorough physical examination and recommend pre-anesthetic blood work to evaluate organ function and identify any underlying concerns.
Throughout the procedure, a trained veterinary professional continuously monitors your pet’s heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and other vital signs so we can respond immediately to any changes.
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
Keeping your pet comfortable is one of our highest priorities.
We use a multimodal pain management approach, which means combining different medications before, during, and after surgery to provide effective pain relief while minimizing side effects.
Most pets are much more comfortable than owners expect and are often ready to rest comfortably at home the same day.
When can my pet eat after surgery?
Most pets can have a small meal the evening they return home.
Because anesthesia can occasionally cause mild nausea, we usually recommend offering only half of their normal meal initially. If they keep that down well, you can resume their regular feeding schedule the following day unless we provide different instructions.
How long will my pet need to rest after surgery?
Activity restriction is an important part of recovery.
Most surgical patients should avoid running, jumping, rough play, and off-leash activity for approximately 10–14 days. Leash walks for bathroom breaks are usually encouraged unless otherwise directed.
Your veterinarian will provide specific recommendations based on your pet’s procedure.
Should my pet wear an e-collar (cone)?
In most cases, yes. Even a few minutes of licking or chewing at an incision can lead to infection, swelling, or the incision opening.
Your pet should wear their e-collar whenever they are not being directly supervised until the incision has healed.
Alternatives such as recovery suits or inflatable collars may be appropriate for some patients. Our team can help you choose the best option.
What should my pet’s incision look like?
A normal incision should remain clean, dry, and only mildly swollen or bruised. Small amounts of redness or bruising can be normal during the first few days.
Contact us right away if you notice:
- Significant swelling
- Thick or foul-smelling discharge
- Persistent bleeding
- The incision opening
- Excessive redness or heat
- Your pet repeatedly licking or chewing the area
We recommend checking the incision once or twice daily during recovery.
When should I call the veterinarian after surgery?
Please contact us if you have any concerns about your pet’s recovery. We especially want to hear from you if your pet:
- Will not eat for more than 24 hours
- Has persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Appears excessively lethargic or difficult to wake
- Has trouble breathing
- Experiences uncontrolled pain despite medication
- Develops significant swelling or discharge at the incision
- Opens the incision or removes sutures
Our goal is to ensure your pet has a smooth, comfortable recovery, and we are always happy to answer questions after surgery.
Early communication allows us to address small concerns before they become larger problems.
Vaccination FAQs
Why does my pet need vaccines?
Vaccines help protect your pet from serious and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. They work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific viruses and bacteria before they can cause illness.
Vaccination not only protects your own pet, but also helps reduce the spread of disease within the pet community.
At Auburn Valley Animal Clinic, we tailor vaccine recommendations to your pet’s age, lifestyle, travel habits, and overall health rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Which vaccines does my dog or cat actually need?
Every pet is different. Some vaccines are considered core vaccines, meaning they are recommended for nearly all pets because they protect against common, serious diseases. Others are lifestyle vaccines, which are recommended based on your pet’s risk of exposure.
For dogs, core vaccines typically include:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
Lifestyle vaccines may include:
- Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
- Canine Influenza
- Lyme disease
For cats, core vaccines typically include:
- Rabies
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
Lifestyle vaccines may include:
- Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
During your pet’s annual exam, we’ll discuss which vaccines make the most sense based on their individual lifestyle.
Are vaccines safe?
Yes. Modern veterinary vaccines have an excellent safety record, and the vast majority of pets experience no significant side effects.
The most common reactions are mild and may include temporary soreness at the injection site, slight tiredness, or a mild decrease in appetite for 24–48 hours.
Serious allergic reactions are uncommon but can occur with any medication or vaccine. Signs include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or collapse.
If you notice any of these signs after your pet receives a vaccine, contact us or seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
How often does my pet need vaccines?
Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines because their immune systems are still developing and maternal antibodies gradually wear off.
After the initial series and first-year booster, many vaccines are given every one to three years depending on the specific vaccine, your pet’s age, and current vaccination guidelines.
We will review your pet’s vaccine history at every wellness visit and recommend a schedule that provides the best protection while avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.
Can my pet receive vaccines if they aren’t feeling well?
In most cases, we recommend postponing vaccines if your pet is sick, has a fever, or is recovering from an illness.
A healthy immune system responds more effectively to vaccination, and delaying until your pet has recovered helps ensure the best protection.
If your pet has a chronic medical condition, is taking medications, or has experienced a previous vaccine reaction, let us know. We can discuss whether adjustments to their vaccination schedule or additional precautions are appropriate.
Our goal is always to provide the safest and most effective preventive care for your pet.