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Dog

Cat

Illness / Injury & Sick

Not feeling like themselves? We're here to diagnose, treat, and help your pet feel better fast.

Sick Visits & Injury Care: Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most
When your pet isn’t acting like itself, whether it’s a sudden illness, a limp, or something just seems off—it’s important to get answers quickly. Our veterinary team is here to help assess, diagnose, and treat your pet when they’re not feeling their best.

We know how stressful it can be when your pet is sick or hurt. Our goal is to provide compassionate care and clear communication, so you’re never left wondering what’s next.

When to Schedule a Sick Visit

It’s always okay to call if you’re unsure. In general, we recommend booking a visit if your pet shows any of the following:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Limping or pain

  • Coughing or sneezing

  • Loss of appetite

  • Sudden weight loss

  • Excessive itching or shaking head

  • Eye or ear discharge

  • Trouble urinating or going to the bathroom

  • Lethargy or hiding

  • Open wounds, swelling, or visible injury

Even subtle behavior changes can be signs that something’s wrong—especially in cats or senior pets.

What to Expect During a Sick Visit

  • Thorough physical exam to assess the issue

  • Discussion of symptoms and any changes you’ve noticed

  • Diagnostics as needed, such as bloodwork, urinalysis, x-rays, or ultrasound

  • Treatment recommendations tailored to your pet’s condition

  • Clear explanation of options, costs, and home care instructions

In many cases, we can start treatment on the same day. If your pet needs further testing or specialist care, we’ll help coordinate that too.

Injury & Wound Care

Accidents happen. From minor scrapes to more serious trauma, we offer:

  • Wound cleaning, sutures, or bandaging

  • Pain management and anti-inflammatories

  • Digital x-rays for possible fractures or internal injuries

  • Monitoring for infection or swelling during follow-up visits

If your pet is bleeding, unable to stand, or in distress, please call us right away so we can prepare for urgent care.

No one knows your pet like you do. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t wait, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of it and guide your pet back to feeling like themselves.

🐾 Looking to keep your pet healthy and happy? Visit us—we’re here to support every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team.

Payment is due when services are rendered at All Creatures Pet Hospital. We accept all major credit cards and offer Care Credit for your convenience.

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) 947-4083 and schedule a heartworm-preventative appointment for your companion.

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.

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.

Like people, pets need dental care for overall health. Without it, bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum damage, and may harm organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Dr. Hankes recommends dental care starting at age one to help prevent disease, improve health, and avoid costly future treatments. Contact our team at All Creatures Pet Hospital to schedule your pet's dental appointment.

In many species, one animal year equals about seven human years. A seven-year-old dog missing the vet for three years is like a 49-year-old person skipping the doctor for 21 years. At All Creatures Pet Hospital, we recommend yearly exams and blood work unless your pet is sick or has a special condition. Caring for your pet early can reduce future medications and may extend their life. Call us at (205) 947-4083 to schedule your pet's yearly visit.