Useful Information
December Tips
- For those that celebrate at this time of year,
read these tips well.
For those that celebrate at other times of the
year, save these tips for future reference.
- Never give a pet as a gift. Choosing a faithful
companion is a personal matter, not one left
to others. Give a gift certificate instead.
- Two problems I see at this time of year are
Holiday Gut and Tinsel Gut. Don't feed your
pet table scraps. If anyone is going to suffer
from over-indulgence it should be the owner,
not the pet.
Cats love tinsel, so keep it out of reach. It can
cause serious damage to the feline intestinal
tract.
- December is a very busy month, with celebrating,
visiting and buying presents. Set aside time each
day to make sure your pet is doing well.
It is extremely upsetting to have to euthanize a
family member on Christmas Day for something that
could have been successfully treated days or
weeks earlier.
September Tip
- The kids are back in school. Do remember that
pets love to follow their little charges. So
make sure the pets are either in the house or
on a leash. It can be very upsetting for a child
to watch his\her pet hit by a school bus.
Summer Tip
- HEATSTROKE! Do not leave your pet in the car
during hot weather, even if the windows are
partially down. Also remember that older pets
and those with heart and lung problems are very
susceptable to the heat. Only let out in the
morning and late afternoon. Also provide lots of
shelter and water.
May Tip
- It is now May, which in Southern Ontario
means that mosquitoes are not far behind.
With mosquitoes comes the threat of heartworm.
So this is the month to get your dog tested
for heartworm and pick-up his once a month
preventative. Heartworm disease is easy to
prevent but difficult to treat.
March Tip
- Here in Southern Ontario, Spring maybe just
around the corner.With Spring comes unsafe
streams, rivers and lakes. Hypothermia and
drowning are just as big a risk to the family pet
as they are to humans.Keep your pets away for
open water and thin ice.
January Tips
- For those of us that live in areas experiencing
winter weather, remember that your pet can
suffer from frostbite.
Also watch the pads of the feet for irritation
from salt and ice.
Finally antifreeze is a big killer at this time
of year.Watch for any drainage from your vehicles.
If you suspect ingestion get your pet to a
veterinarian as soon as possible.
Of Interest
Be Prepared
- When moving into a new area, one of the first
things you should do is establish yourself and
your pet with a local veterinarian.
- Within days of acquiring a new pet, you should
see your veterinarian to ensure your new family
member is healthy.
- Contact your veterinarian to find out how
emergencies are handled.Are they referred
to an Emergency Clinic; does your veterinarian
handle his/her own emergencies or do the clinics
in the area share a rotating on-call system?
- In case of emergency ALWAYS CALL FIRST
to make arrangements regarding when or where
to meet.
- To eliminate confusion and prevent the loss
of valuable time in the case of an emergency,
be certain to clarify with the veterinarian to
whom you are speaking exactly where it is
you are to meet.
- REMAIN CALM. Your pet will sense your fear and
upset and will also become agitated. It is in
everyone's best interests for you to keep cool.
Courtesy
- All questions are important to your veterinarian
no matter how foolish you may think they are.
However there is a time and a place to ask them.
Out of hours is not the time. This time should be
reserved for emergencies only.
- If your pet has been sick for a while do not wait
until closing, after hours or the end of the week
to bring it to the attention of your veterinarian.
Not only will it upset your veterinarian but it is
unfair to your pet. Many clinics have reduced
availability of staff, testing and monitoring at
these times.
- Emergencies are very confusing and emotional times.
Please cancel any arrangements you might have
made with a veterinarian if your pet should pass
away or other arrangements have been made to have
your pet looked at. Out of hours most veterinarians
would have to drive to the clinic to meet you.
- Always determine the credit policy of the clinic
before making an appointment. Never arrive
for an appointment assuming you can write a
post-dated cheque or that you will be
extended credit.
- Write down any questions or concerns you might
have and bring them with you to your scheduled
appointment.
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