Useful Information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.