Pet Dental Month is February

by: Jennifer Oldfield

With February being Dental Health Month, it is a great time to review our past posts on dental health and care. Each week we will update this post with more information about the importance of dental care, what to do to improve your pet’s oral hygiene, etc.

February 1, 2022

Let’s begin this month with our dental quiz! How much do you know about oral health for your pet? Click the link below, answer the questions and find out instantly how you did. Then meet as back here next week for more info!

Dental Quiz

February 7, 2022

It’s week 2 and the tally is in from those who took the dental quiz – did
you do it? How did you fair? Here are the results from 248 respondents:

Out of a possible 14 points, the average was 9. Our first question – What
percentage of pets over age 3 have dental disease? – stumped more than half.
Only 44.8% got the answer correct. 80% of pets over age 3 have some level of
dental disease! That question and answer alone should hopefully make people
very aware of how important their pets oral care is.

We are super happy to report that 91.9% were aware that dental disease
causes pain. As bacteria builds up in the mouth eventually plaque, then tartar
forms on the teeth. Gums bleed and separate and the decay moves under the gums.
 All of this decay of the teeth make the mouth very sore!  Until a
dental surgery is performed, and the teeth can be cleaned above and below the
gums as well as removing any unhealthy teeth, the pain will not go away.
Untreated dental disease spreads throughout the body leading over time to heart
and kidney disease. (Which happily, 91.1% of respondents were aware of this).

The question that stumped people the most was ordering the progression of
dental disease.

__1__ Clean, healthy teethDDD_dog_gum_disease small

__2__ Plaque accumulation

__3__ Gum inflammation (gingivitis)

__4__ Tartar build-up

__5__ Gum separation (periodontitis)

The challenge for many was knowing where tartar build up fell into the mix wondering if it came before the gums became inflamed. Plaque accumulation and gingivitis can occur almost simultaneously, so if you couldn’t decide which of these two went first you are essentially correct either way. Then tartar build up will occur after gingivitis.

 

To see all the answers from the quiz and learn more check it out here.

https://albertnorthvetclinic.wordpress.com/?s=dental+quiz

 

February 14, 2022

It’s our 3rd week of dental month. A great time to review brushing and how teaching your pet to have their teeth brushed can help immensely in their overall hygiene, reducing the need for surgical cleanings and extractions, or at the very least increasing the time needed between these procedures.

A few years ago we put together this video on brushing your pet’s teeth. Registered Veterinary Technologist, Brianna, does a wonderful job of teaching you how to do the same with your pet in just 4 easy steps. Be it cat or dog, both can learn to like dental brushings!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/dtu-Qsvpqg8
 

February 22, 2022

 

It’s the 4th and final week to dental month!  Can you believe the month is almost over already?!?  We hope you have learned a lot so far.  For this final week we will be sharing a previous blog post we wrote and another video.   

First the blog post: Dental Health is So Very Important   This post talks about the general makeup of the teeth, the reason to not hand scale, and what brushing does and doesn’t do!

Next check out our video of a surgical dental procedure to see what is done in the process.

https://youtu.be/6p4ZTzNQK9M

All in all, I think we can agree it is important to care for our pet’s teeth.  The thought use to be that you didn’t need to, after all wolves don’t care for their teeth and chewing bones etc is sufficient.  The reality is wolves often have rotten and broken teeth.  Dental care is a great way to help ensure your pet stays healthy, isn’t in pain and discomfort and will help to lead to a long happy life!

 

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by anvcmarketing on February 1, 2022  •  Permalink
Posted in Cat Smart, Dental Care, Dog Smart, Health Care, Pet Smart

Posted by anvcmarketing on February 1, 2022

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January is Train your Dog Month

by: Jennifer Oldfield

January is designated as National Train your Dog Month, but what does that really mean? Training your dog will be different depending on your wants and needs for your pet’s behaviour. For one person it may be that your pet walks nicely on a leash, for another it may be that they don’t go totally berserk whenever the doorbell rings, and for another it may mean teaching your dog to do a whole bunch of fun things. Whatever it means to you, it’s never too late to start (however the sooner you begin, obviously the better, it is easier to teach a habit than to break one and replace it with another).

Where should you begin? How about with the most fundamental basic of them all – the bond you have with your dog. The stronger your bond, the easier it will be to train Fido. Dogs that are bonded with their owners are more likely to want to please them. Building a bond is all about spending quality time together. For example, does your dog love snuggling on the couch together? That time, is creating/building/nurturing the bond. Does your dog desperately need to throw all their love at you the moment you return home? (I have one like this!) Giving your dog those few minutes of focus just on them when you return, builds the bond. It tells them they are just as important to you, as they feel you are to them. Playing together, snuggling, even grooming, can all be ways to strengthen your bond with your dog.

Find your dog’s high value reward!

The next step isn’t about deciding what to teach your dog, but IS about finding what your dog feels is rewarding. Some dogs are STRONGLY motivated by food, others by a good game of tug, yet another may be motivated by your verbal praise and pets. Determine what it is that your dog is really willing to work for and then use that for your special training sessions. Keep in mind if you are using food, even their own regular kibble can be a treat for some! Also, be conscious of how many treats you are feeding as you may want to adjust their daily meals so they don’t gain weight in this process! A variety of low value (i.e. kibble) and high value (i.e. small pieces of hot dog) tend to work best. The size of the reward also need not be large – 1/4 of your pinky nail is actually plenty!

Now that we have build a bond and found our dog’s high value reward, we can begin training! As mentioned, what you train will be what is important to you or fun for you both. Simple quick training may include:

  • sit
  • down
  • off
  • wait
  • come
  • release (of a toy/tug etc.)
  • leave it

Next you could work on:

  • walk on a loose leash
  • waiting at the door or gate before going through
  • stay
  • not barking
  • appropriate greetings (ie sit instead of jumping up on someone)

And of course, have fun with it:

  • shake a paw (or both)
  • rollover
  • high five
  • jump up
  • sit pretty
  • retrieve

Some things may be easy to train on your own or with some help from a Google search, others you may want to check into a local or online training facility. There are so many fun things you can do with your dog beyond these basics too; agility, flyball, scenting, rally, treibball, higher level tricks, and more!

As an added tip (especially necessary in our cold winters!) on days when it is too cold to get out for some physical exercise, mental exercise can be just as, if not more, tiring. So take some time, do a little research, and have fun with it! Training will also help to strengthen that bond you have been working on building!

*Hotdog treat image taken from: Lucky’s Dehydrated and Delicious Training Treats, click the link to check out the recipe.

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by anvcmarketing on January 19, 2022  •  Permalink
Posted in Dog Smart, Pet Smart

Posted by anvcmarketing on January 19, 2022

https://albertnorthvetclinic.wordpress.com/2022/01/19/january-is-train-your-dog-month/

We are Back!

by: Jennifer Oldfield

It has been a LONG time since we have written any blog posts….TOO long! We moved to our new location a full year ago and it has been an incredible, albeit BUSY, journey! It is time to get back to some of our basics, some of what makes us, us. 😃 We are working hard to develop new posts and come back to you on a much more regular basis. Our goal with our blog has always been to do three key things:

  1. Bond our clients to our clinic
  2. Build knowledge in the pet world
  3. Entertain

One element we plan to work on is having a bi-weekly feature – perhaps “Throwback Thursday” where we can review a previous post we have done, let you know if there are any changes or updates and look back again on why those posts were important. We hope to post at least once a month with new content that meets our blog goals – primarily to build knowledge, possibly entertain you as you read, and, if you are in our local area of Regina, either introduce you to or bond you to our clinic.

We are looking forward to continuing to grow with you!

Image Courtesy of Bespoke Interior Design


Have an idea for a blog post, or a question you would like answered*? Email us at marketing@anvc.ca – perhaps we will use your idea (don’t worry, we will be sure to credit you for it!)

*Disclaimer: certain questions cannot be answered on a blog – if you are in need of medical advice for your pet, please contact your veterinarian.

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by anvcmarketing on December 1, 2021  •  Permalink
Posted in In the Clinic

Posted by anvcmarketing on December 1, 2021

https://albertnorthvetclinic.wordpress.com/2021/12/01/we-are-back/

Help! I need to give my cat medications!

by: Jennifer Oldfield

cat medsCartoons about medicating your cat, then needing to go to the hospital are funny…until you can relate!  My story isn’t one of injury, but rather I am the one who, after trying to medicate my cat, now either needs to

a) clean up all the spit out pieces of medication or

b) clean the liquid off my floor, walls, ceiling, and husband!

Then of course I need to call and request a refill <sigh> because I’m out too soon.

It can be very frustrating giving a cat medications and some ways and types of meds will work better for some than others.  Here at the clinic we have lots of tips and suggestions for how to handle and get the medication into your cat, and our team of veterinarians and technologists do their best to give help on this.  However, every cat is different and sometimes you need to find what will work for your particular cat.   Trial and error is often a key to this.

My cat, Pekoe, is a sweet girl, and as many girl cats are, she loves attention…on her terms!  One of those terms is NOT being held.  She hates restraint, of any kind!  She doesn’t want you to pick her up, hug her, essentially HOLD her in anyway.  Let her sit beside or on you for love and attention and she is in her element.   So when she recently became sick and I was told by the doctor that I would need to give her medication – a liquid – my shoulders sagged and I sadly replied, ok….   I mean the health of my pets is paramount and if medication is what she needs to be better, than medication it is.  It is important to note the dosing requirements: 1mL once daily for 5 days, then 1mL every 3 days until done.   On the inside as I prepare the first dose, I am thinking great… cats are smart, if the dose doesn’t go well, you won’t be able to try that method again.  They know and they won’t fall for it twice.

Dose 1 – My husband, whom Pekoe loves best, holds/restrains her while I attempt to syringe the medication into the side of her mouth.  Only maybe 1/3 of the medication is swallowed, the rest is on my couch and my husband.

Dose 2 – Home with just my younger children I mix the medication into some yogurt and put it on her feeding dish with nothing else.  She sniffs it and stares at me like I must be kidding.  So I roll a few pieces of her food around in it.  She eats the pieces with the least amount of yogurt on them and leaves the pieces that are mostly covered.  I take a spoon, scoop up the remaining yogurt and wipe it in and along her mouth so she has to clean it off.  (I consider this mildly successful as at least 3/4 of the medication is ingested this time).

Dose 3 – This is my eureka moment!  After using the spoon to get some of it with yogurt in her mouth last time, I think, how can I make this work using the spoon.  In the video below you will see the method that still worked, even on our final dose, dose 8.

I drew up the medication in the syringe and put it on the spoon, I then hold my cat’s scruff so she can’t back away (of course she doesn’t love this, but it is necessary, as it is the minimum restraint I can provide), I use the spoon to get her jaw open and put it just far enough into her mouth that I can dump the meds in, and essentially down her throat!  Pull out the spoon, let her go, and have a small moment of happy victory!  All the medication is in her, I restrained her as little as possible, and the whole process is over quickly, and the biggest added bonus – I could replicate this procedure over and over and still be successful!

Pekoe is doing well and has had her recheck exam – no more meds needed! <insert happy dance here!>

Note: We have had a small technical difficulty with our video, we hope to have it back up soon!

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by anvcmarketing on September 16, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Cat Smart, Health Care
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Posted by anvcmarketing on September 16, 2020

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Hot Cars = Melted Pets

by: Jennifer Oldfield

You know that feeling when you get in a hot car after it’s been sitting, shaded or not, baking in the sweltering sun all day? That sweaty, sticky clothing, seats stuck-to-the-back-of-your-thighs, tight in the chest, oh-when-will-the-a/c-kick-in feeling? Heck, my son and I had that feeling just the other day after only 30 mins of the vehicle sitting in the sun, and the outdoor temperature was only 22C!

Now, add in a heavy fur coat and the inability to sweat and that’s your dog (or cat) in a hot car.

Hot cars kill dogs. And not just dogs, any pet can die in a hot car.

Hot cars are great for pouching an egg, keeping your coffee warm, or perhaps even baking a pizza. They are NOT great for your pets.

Although you may believe parking in the shade, leaving the windows rolled down some, or the sunroof open – are sufficient methods to keep your vehicle cool enough, they are not. The only way your dog has to cool off is to pant. Did you know panting creates more heat?

Cats are common travel companions but if you are thinking of bringing Fluffy for a car ride, perhaps think again. Cats don’t pant to cool off. A panting cat is actually a very bad thing! If your cat is panting you should seek out veterinary assistance immediately.

So, what is your best bet? Leave your pets at home while you run errands.

If you are travelling or have no option but to have Fido or Fluffy with you, consider these alternatives:

  • If there is more than one person, have one stay in the car. This way that person can sense when the vehicle is getting too warm. This gives the option to get out with your pet, move to a shaded area where there is free flow of air and perhaps a cool spot to lay or they can safely crank the a/c.
  • Consider day boarding. There are many doggie-day cares that can take your pet and keep him safe while you get any necessary stops dealt with. There are also some cat boarding facilities too.

Did you know leaving the vehicle running with the a/c going, unattended, is an option you really should reconsider? It is possible for your vehicle to overheat if left in this state. The hot air being removed from the car moves into the engine, your vehicle may not have the capability to deal with this for any length of time when sitting idle. If your vehicle overheats…well, you can imagine what that consequence could lead to – the opposite of what you were intending.

*

Ultimately the point is to be very aware that even at temperatures that feel cool when standing outside (like 21C) it can still get much too warm inside your vehicle. Whenever possible in warm weather, leave your pet home. If that isn’t an option, consider alternatives. We want everyone to be safe and healthy!

If you have questions or concerns contact your veterinarian.

Information on hyperthermia and first aid treatment:

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951333

*Temperatures in Celsius added to image by ANVC

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by anvcmarketing on June 24, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Cat Smart, Dog Smart, Exotic Care, Health Care, Pet Smart

Posted by anvcmarketing on June 24, 2020

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Life for your Dog after COVID

by: Jennifer Oldfield

With COVID quarantine there has been an increase in new pets, and although it is awesome to have that companion while people have been isolated at home, we have to remember that eventually we won’t be at home all the time. Dogs are more likely to develop separation anxiety than other pets. Dogs enjoy companionship, they want to be with their people. So how can we start now to help our pet’s with the transition from being home 24/7 to being away for 8 hours+ each day?

Room Separation

If your dog is constantly by your side, begin by just having some room separation. Perhaps they are in the living room while you are in the kitchen. Give them a toy or treat to have (one that is ok for them unsupervised) and use a gate to keep them separated. Do this for short periods to start and build up the time you are separated.

If you have an open concept space and are able to make it so at first they can see you but can’t come to you that is great, but eventually you will want to change the room separation up so that they cannot see you or come to you.

Crate Training

There are some big benefits to teaching your pet to enjoy time in a crate.

  • First it gives them a space of their own. Dogs especially, like the “den” feeling of a crate, my own personal dogs will often go there to lay down with the door open, instead of on the dog bed in the living room. They too enjoy the separation sometimes.
  • Second it allows them to be safe while you aren’t home. If your dog has never been home unsupervised, you never know what they may get into or what they may destroy if they are having a little anxiety. Having them in a kennel (that they have been trained to feel comfortable in) means not worrying about what they are doing while you are away.
  • Third it makes traveling in a vehicle easier and safer for both you and your pet! Having your pet loose in the car can be dangerous in many ways; they could run across you or bump you while you are driving, in the event of an accident they can be thrown around (or worse – out of!) the vehicle, when you stop to get out – they could escape and either be hit by another car or run away.

The size of the crate should only be large enough that they can stand (not with head raised up) and turn around. If the crate is too big you may find that they use one side for a potty and the other side to lay down.

For details on how to crate train your pet see our blog: Crate Training

Once your dog has become accustom to the crate you can start with short periods where they spend a little time in their crate while you are home, then leave the house for short periods (even if it is just in the yard), and work on lengthening the amount of time you are away. Eventually you will want to get in the car and drive away too, even if at first it is just around the block.

Feeding them their meal or giving them a stuffed Kong when they are in the crate will give them something to keep them occupied instead of focusing on you.

Increase Game Play & Activity

Another great way to help your dog settle in the crate is to have a good play session, run, or long walk prior to. If they are tired they are likely to just rest while you are away.

Incorporate game play that stimulates your dog mentally as well. Mentally being tired is even better than physically; purchase games that hide treats, teach your dog some tricks, hide their favourite toy and get them to search for it. Even playing “hide and seek” with you is very mentally stimulating (go to a different room (or if outside, hide behind a tree) when they aren’t paying attention and then call them – big reward of treats or tug play when they find you).

Seek out a Trainer

If you are struggling with any part of training your pet to be independent, seek out the advice of a local trainer. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to enforce behaviours to occur long term. Lots of praise and reward for what your expectations are will help your pup learn quickly, happily, and help them retain that training.

Get Started Now

Begin separation training as soon as you can, so you have plenty of time to build up the amount of time you are away. A slow steady increase will bring positive results in the long term rather than being quick and hasty and having to deal with the consequences of that.

Other considerations

There are other options if you have a dog with separation anxiety:

  • Doggie Day Care – If your pup is good with other dogs, seek out a local day care where your pup can go when you aren’t home
  • Dog Walker – Hire someone to come midway through your time away to take your dog for a walk and give them some love and attention
  • Purchase a Camera & Treat Trainer – There are automated treat dispensers available that you can place so that the treat that is released goes into your pet’s kennel. Use a system that allows you to see and talk to your dog when you aren’t there, this will allow you to verbally praise and then reward, good settled behaviour.*

*Be aware that some dogs may find this more anxiety provoking if they can hear but can’t see or get to you. Each dog is different, so it will be best to find a system that works for you and them.

Additional Resources:

Kong toys & Recipes

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by anvcmarketing on May 28, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized
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Posted by anvcmarketing on May 28, 2020

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Change a Pet’s Life Day

by: Jennifer Oldfield

January 24th is Change a Pet’s Life Day! Created 10 years ago by a group of animal lovers who wanted to recognize the hard work that shelter staff and volunteers do, encourage adoption of shelter pets, and raise awareness about the challenges of animals in shelters. Over time this has extended to include those who work in rescue organizations.

So what can you do to help?

Volunteer

Volunteers are always needed at shelters and rescue organizations. Tasks can be everything to helping spread the word, to administrative duties, to helping with fundraising efforts, to cleaning, to helping with animal care.

Foster

Rescues especially are always in need of people to foster incoming pets. Occasionally shelters have this need too when they have pets that are too young to be adopted, mom’s with litters, or an influx of pets that they don’t have room for. Each organization will have different needs and requirements, so contacted one directly to find out if you are a good match!

Donate

All organizations are in need and although financial donations are certainly important that isn’t the only way you can donate. Rescues also need food, toys, leashes, collars, beds, dishes, crates, etc. All the things you use for your pet are useful to these groups! Here in Regina, SK we are fortunate to have an Outreach Program created by The Pack Project. This branch of the rescue organization collects and stores supplies that are donated and then disperses them to other organizations with in the province that are in need!

Adopt

Thinking of adding another pet to your life? Consider adoption from a shelter or rescue! There are always a variety of pets available and if you spend some time searching, you will find the right fit for your home!

Appreciate

The people that work and run the rescue organizations do these tasks because of what the work means. Most rescues are made up of volunteers who receive nothing but the satisfaction of a job well done. Consider showing them your appreciation – something as simply as a few kind words can mean the world or consider a donation of coffee and goodies the next time you see them working hard at an event!

The above are just a few ways that you can help to change a pet’s life – in fact, you probably already have! Be sure to give your own pet’s a little extra love today and tell a shelter worker or rescue volunteer how much you appreciate them!

Additional

Below is a list of Rescue Organizations that we work closely with, consider one of them if you are thinking of doing any of the above!

The Pack Project

Prairie Sky Dog Rescue

Northern Sky Greyhound Rescue

Lucky Paws Dog Rescue

Northern Hope Dog Rescue

Regina Cat Rescue

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by anvcmarketing on January 24, 2020  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by anvcmarketing on January 24, 2020

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Camping with your Canine Friend

by: Jennifer Oldfield

In our area camping is one of the most enjoyed outings over the summer months.  Families flock to all the beautiful parks in Saskatchewan to enjoy the outdoors while the weather is warm.   This is a family adventure that can certainly be enjoyed with your canine friend just consider the following when planning your next trip.

Ensure the Campground is Pet Friendly

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It would be very disappointing to load everything up, drive to the campground only to discover pets are not allowed.  All Saskatchewan Provincial parks allow pets, however there are some rules as to where they can go.  Be sure to read up ahead of time and be prepared to have to alter your plans to accommodate your pet.  For example pets aren’t allowed on the beaches and in public swim areas so you may have to source out a location where it will be ok to enjoy the sand and water away from the public.   If you are heading to a non-provincial park, check their rules and allowances ahead of time.

Have a Visit with your Veterinarian

ticks no background

Ensure your dog is cleared for strenuous hiking or swimming, if that is included in your vacation plans, by asking your veterinarian to perform a thorough physical exam.  We will check out your dog’s health and ensure he/she is current on vaccinations and preventative medications needed for camping.  Depending on where you are going these medications can including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.  Heartworm disease is especially a concern in the eastern provinces as well as all of the U.S.A, and tick-borne diseases are on the rise in these areas as well.  Plus, you don’t want your dog carrying any creepy-crawly hitchhikers home, or worse, into your sleeping bag!

In addition to preventative products, be sure to pack enough of your pet’s medications so you don’t run out.   Also consider microchipping your pet so he/she is permanently identified, just in case.  Already microchipped?  Perfect!  Be sure all your contact info is up-to-date with your microchip company.

Pack any Necessities

Sticky note

Making a list is a great way to ensure you don’t forget anything you need.  Pack the basics; food, water, bowls, collars, leashes, bedding, and poop bags. Dry kibble is easier than canned food, as you may need a can opener and a place to chill the unused portion.  Store all your pet’s food and treats in waterproof, airtight containers to reduce attracting wildlife and preventing spoiling.  Follow the leave-no-trace rule while camping with your pet, just as you do for yourself – don’t leave food out if your pet doesn’t eat it all immediately, remove and dispose of waste as soon as it touches the ground, and keep the campground as pristine as you found it.

Also consider the forecast for when you will be camping.  Is it suppose to be hot, rainy, or stormy?  Will your pet need a spray bottle to mist his/her belly and groin to help keep cool, or a special cooling mat or battery operated fan?  Will you need booties or a raincoat, or calming medications if there is a thunderstorm?

Stock up on Entertainment

dog-and-kong

Nobody likes a noisy neighbor, especially when trying to enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Your pet may become antsy while tethered at your campsite (be aware that in Sask Provincial Campsites your dog must be on a line no longer than 2 meters or 6.5 feet at all times, check the rules at other sites before going), so bring distractions, such as a kong toy you can fill with peanut butter and their food or treats, long-lasting chews, or food puzzles and some toys to play with.  Plenty of walks will also help tire your dog out so he/she can be more settled when needed during quiet times.

Don’t Forget a Pet First-Aid Kit

Ideally, you’ll already have a human pet first-aid kit packed and ready to go, but you will want to also have some pet-specific supplies.  We sell a comprehensive Pet First Aid Kit* that also includes a book with detailed information for you.  At the very least be sure to include any of your pet’s medications, tweezers, guaze, alcohol swabs, vet wrap and an antihistamine appropriate to your pet.   Also take a moment to look up an AAHA-accredited (if possible) veterinary hospital near where you are traveling, just in case the need arises.

20190627_180720

Consider Confinement Options

In addition to a properly fitted, non-loosening collar or harness and leash with up-to-date identification tags, pack a long tether and stake for when you are all hanging at the camp site together.  If your pet isn’t tethered they could be lured astray, or could take off after another animal or wildlife.  Confine your dog safely and securely in a crate when you can’t keep an active eye on them to protect him/her from roaming wildlife and to prevent injury or an escape.  An inquisitive pooch could rip a tent apart if they hear or smell something of intrigue.  Depending on your camping situation (tent vs trailer) it is often best to not leave them alone at the camp site.  Safety (heat, other animals, people, etc.) and noise could be a concern when you aren’t around.  Remember many pets listen well, are quiet and stay nearby at home, but that behaviour and training may fly out the window while camping.

Brush up on obedience

leash training

Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and bond with your canine companion, but ensure your preparations include you both. Where will your next adventure take you?

Unruly, energetic dogs who are not easy to handle at home can be an even greater challenge in a new, exciting environment, so train your pet to ensure his/her safety outdoors.  Find a local trainer or online resources to help with training for dogs in outdoor environments that include leash walking, a reliable recall, “leave it” command, and stay. Also consider searching for a variety of hiking games to play when on walks.

Additional Resource

Parasite Prevalence Maps

*Pet First Aid Kits can be purchased in clinic. Call 306-545-7211 to have one set aside for you.

Dog with Kong photo taken from: http://critterconsulting.com/info/?p=3299

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by anvcmarketing on July 24, 2019  •  Permalink
Posted in Dog Smart, In the Clinic
Tagged

Posted by anvcmarketing on July 24, 2019

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Being a Vet is Hard

by: Jennifer Oldfield

Doctors 2017I am writing this blog post in honour of the 7 fabulous vets I work with.  I have worked at ANVC for 14 years now and daily, their dedication to their profession amazes me.  I want people to consider all that goes in to a great veterinary team and dedicated, talented veterinarians.  It certainly isn’t all about the money – ask anyone who works in the field, you do this job for the love of animals, for your dedication to their health and well-being.

Let’s look at things from a general perspective – in order for a veterinary hospital to operate at its highest ability it needs a strong foundation.  First you need a location and equipment – state of the art to keep on top of all that changes in medicine.  You need supplies to deal with every situation, foods, medications, etc.    Second you need an amazing team – you need licensed registered veterinary technologists who are skilled and knowledgeable. You need customer service representatives who are friendly and talented when it comes to the people side, to ensure the human side of your patients are taken care of.  You need excellent kennel assistants with an eye for detail to keep everything clean and pristine, and you need a strong management team to lead and guide the crew.

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But before all of that, you need YEARS of education.  Vet school is 4 years, before that you need a minimum of 2 years pre-vet, most end up with a 4 year degree before moving on to vet school, 8 years of educational dedication…8 years of student debt.  Beyond the years of university there is required continuing education (both for veterinarians and for technologists) and there is often areas of strong interest and skill that veterinarians and techs wish to further develop, further gain knowledge in, further build their abilities.  Conferences, seminars, training, it all takes time and has a cost.

Now imagine if you will the view from the vet’s perspective.  You have patients that can’t talk, they can’t verbally tell you what is bothering them, where it hurts, how they feel.  Instead a veterinarian needs to be able to distinguish these things based on what the owners tell them and what clues (sometimes ever so subtle) they find during their physical exam.  Sometimes it is a small indicator, something undetected by the owner completely.  Sometimes it is knowing what to “feel” in the abdomen, in the neck, along the spine, the joints, etc.  Sometimes it is the movement, the subtle turn of a patient’s head as they come to the exact spot of discomfort.  Sometimes the problem is obvious and a solution and treatment plan easily created… sometimes it is not.  Now imagine the anguish a vet feels when they don’t have the answers, when they aren’t sure what is going on with their patient.  They spend countless hours consulting with the other veterinarians of their team, countless hours researching, seeking answers.  Imagine doing everything you can and having that not be enough…

Now imagine beyond even all that, imagine the highs and the lows associated with the joys and sorrows of veterinary medicine.  Many patients will have spent their entire lifetime at one clinic – there is the joy of meeting a puppy or kitten for the first time.  The joy of watching them grow.  Then, just like you are attached to your pet (they are family after all), the veterinarians too are attached to their patients, so as they age, or become sick, they feel the pain and anguish that comes with that.  Imagine having to do that final injection on a dear patient, consoling the family, feeling the hurt too and the heartache of losing someone dear then needing to compose yourself and move on to the next patient.  Imagine a day where there are 2 or 3 such situations for you.  Imagine the feelings of the entire team where an unfortunately all too common occurrence can be dealing with 5 such scenarios in a day.  Our hearts ache, we all feel the loss and sorrow, the hurt and the pain, but we don’t get the time to deal with that anguish and grief through our day, there are always more clients and more patients who need us.

Consider for a moment how important it is for you to find that right veterinary hospital for your pet and all that is important to you and consider how at ANVC we do all we can to be that team.  We work hard, we are dedicated, we take client feedback and work to change and adjust and implement different systems and policies to be the very best we can.  We put ourselves through AAHA inspections and follow the guidelines very closely to be the absolute best in our field.  Our mission statement is important to us – so important it is in giant letters on a wall in our clinic – our mission is to provide outstanding and compassionate care to our patients.  Our team dedicates every day to this and at the heart of it all – our veterinarians.

So consider them and all they go through and take a moment this holiday season to thank your vets and their team for their hard work, passion and dedication to this field.  A field that can be so rewarding and so heart-wrenching all in the same breath.

Christmas 2018

 

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by anvcmarketing on December 19, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in In the Clinic
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Posted by anvcmarketing on December 19, 2018

https://albertnorthvetclinic.wordpress.com/2018/12/19/being-a-vet-is-hard/

Animal Health Week

This year’s Animal Health Week theme is Vaccines Save Lives*!

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is reminding animal owners about these Five Reasons to Vaccinate:

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1) Vaccinations are safe and effective – they prevent many animal illnesses.  To learn specifics of what vaccines your pet requires, see our website.  Cats, dogs, and ferrets all require vaccinations.

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2) Vaccinations protect everyone – they prevent diseases that can be passed not only from animal to animal, but also from animal to human.  Not all diseases are zoonotic, but some are.  It’s important to vaccinate for things like Rabies to protect you and your pet.

3) Vaccinations are an important part of annual health exams.  We are always vaccination and your dog(3)working to educate on the importance of annual preventative health exams.  Having your pet seen annually can be especially helpful if your pet gets sick or as your pet ages.

4) Vaccinations are tailored to each animal based on its breed, age, overall health, and disease exposure risk.  You and your pet’s lifestyle are taken into account when our veterinarians work out a vaccination schedule for your pet.  Your pet’s level of exposure to certain elements and environments will help to determine the best protocol for your pet.

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5) Vaccinations can help avoid costly treatments for diseases that can be prevented.  Diseases like Parvovirus (parvo) in dogs and Panleukopenia (feline distemper) in cats are two prime examples of devastating illnesses for your pet, both of which are preventable with appropriate vaccinations.

 

Have questions about vaccinations and your pet?  Give your veterinarian a call.

*information taken in part from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Health Week information site

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Some additional information articles from CVMA:
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by anvcmarketing on October 2, 2018  •  Permalink
Posted in Cat Smart, Dog Smart, Health Care, Pet Smart

Posted by anvcmarketing on October 2, 2018

https://albertnorthvetclinic.wordpress.com/2018/10/02/animal-health-week/

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