Fast approaching...V-Day!

About one  month away, Valentines Day will be here soon enough. A few hazards to ensure your pet doesn't become a victim of toxic ingestion...

Flowers. All species of lily are potentially fatal to cats. If possible, specify no lilies if buying an arrangement for a household with cats. If not, sort through the flowers to remove any lilies. Symptoms of lily ingestion in cats can be stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Likewise, thorns on roses or other flowers can be dangerous for dogs or other pets. Biting, stepping on, or swallowing stems with thorns increases risk for a puncture, which can result in serious infections internally or externally.

Chocolate. Many people receive chocolate on Valentine's Day—Americans spend some $1 billion on chocolate for this holiday alone—but it's important to remember that chocolate is toxic to both cats and dog. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Darker chocolates contain caffeine-like stimulants that cause gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiac functions that can cause vomiting/diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures and elevated heart rate. However, any kind of chocolate—dark, milk, semi-sweet, and baker's chocolates—can cause adverse reactions. High fat in lighter chocolates can cause life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas, so make sure to keep the chocolate where pets can't reach it.

Along that note, what are you doing for your pet on this special holiday? How about giving them special cuddle time, baking dog treats in a heart, or giving them a new heart shaped tag with their name on it? There are lots and lots of ideas out there!

AVH's top 10 Christmas Gifts for your Pet

Just like Oprah's holiday special where she gives out ideas of her favorite Christmas gifts, we have compiled a list of our top ten favorite pet gifts you could give to your pet. Here they are....

10. A Backpack for your dog! Do you enjoy the outdoors more when you don't have to carry your pets water bottles, treats and bowls? Doggy backpacks are easy to put on, with multiple pockets where they can carry a mini first aid kit, collapsable water bowl, small canteen of water, and treats for your pet.  You can even add in freezer packs of ice into the backpack pockets during the warmer weather to help keep your pooch cool. Great for avid hikers or just wanting to take a stroll.

9. A new collar and leash. Tired of the old leash, they have so many funky kinds out there, it's easy to find something to suit your style.

8. Self warming pet bed. Beleive it or not they have self warming pet beds available. Great for the older pet that may have arthritis and achy joints or great for cats that love to curl up.

7. FroliCat Dart. This is an automatic laser toy for cats, how cool is that?

6. Seat Harness for car rides. Harnesses are easy to place on your pet, and clips into the seatbelt to keep them secure while driving.

5. Pet Fountain. Automatic drinking fountains with continous running water keeps it fresh and cool. Most fountains hold almost 1 L or water. Some cats prefer running water instead of  water in a bowl.

4. Automatic Pet Feeder. Fabulous idea! Great for cats and dogs especially if your pet is a wee bit on the chunky side. With some calorie reducing foods, using an automatic dispensing door, set the timer according to how many times you want the dispensing door to open and for how long and away you go. Ingenious!

3. Dental prophy. Can you imagine going all your life without going to the dentist? Pets cannot speak like we do, they can't tell us when they have a toothache or something is bothering them. Come on in and visit us with your pet for a complimentary dental quote.

2. Training. How about a training class? There is always room to learn a new trick or two. A great way for some social interaction for your pet as well.

1. Microchip. What if your pet becomes lost? Gets off a leash chasing a rabbit, or gets confused when outside and tries to find the wrong house to come home to? Microchipping is easy, affordable, and a quick procedure. Book your appointment by calling our office 705-733-1422.

The 12 days of Christmas is also the 12 hazards of Christmas....

Now that the holiday season is upon us, our pets are especially vulnerable to hazards sometimes we wouldn't even think were toxic or unsafe for them. Here is a quick list of what to watch out for put out by our friends at the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Clinic. They are:


1. Ethylene Glycol, this common toxin can cause renal failure with as small an amount as 4.2ml/kg in dogs and 1.5ml/kg in cats. Usually the first signs seens are lethargy, wobbliness, increased drinking and urination. If emergency treatment is not instituted this toxin is fatal.

2. Chocolate, seen mor efrequently during holidays, symptoms can be variable depending on the "purity" of the chocolate. Symptoms include increased thirst, vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate or arrythmia and can progress to seizures.

3. prescription drugs, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays ingestion of our human medications can become a hazard. Animals do not react the same way as people do our human medications. Conculting with your veterinarian or Poison Control hotline can be a life saver.

4. Poinsettia. Commonly thought to be the "toxin of the holidays", this plant rarely causes more than gastric upset.  Avoid having diarrhea and vomiting in your pet and keep them out of reach.

5. Mistletoe, a rare toxin but none the less "out there" mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fluid loss and even death has been reported.

6. Raisins/Grapes, because of the mechanism of toxicity is not knownm we do not know much about raisins so please be careful of this treat. It can often cause reanal failure and even death.

7. Macadamia nuts, like raisins the toxicty of this nut has not yet been identified but can cause vomiting, diarrhea and inability to use the hind limbs or stand.

8. Bulbs, amaryllis is a favorite around this time of year but also cause vomitting and diarrhea in both cats and dogs.

9. Road salt, rarely seen an an ingestion but road salt can cause significant discomfort on the pads of dogs. Combine this with a small crack or cut- ouch!

10. Hypothermia, beleive it or not this can happen even though they are built with fur coats.  Cats are prone to this.

11. Foreign bodies, Toys, ribbons, ornaments- is it any wonder why this is common around this time. Pet proofing is the only way to go to avoid an emergency trip to the vets.



12. Table scraps/Diet change, sure everyone enjoys a good turkey over the holidays, but allowing your pets  to ingest the bones or feeding left overs can result in a trip to the vets. Try to avoid changes in diet as much as possible.

Celebrate good times c'mon! National Vet Tech Week!

A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is essentially the "right hand man" for the veterinarian. Just like medical doctors work alongside with nurses, veterinarians count on RVT's to help them with a variety of procedures.
The type of work that you will do as a RVT varies depending on your experience, what type of setting you are working in and your specialties.  Despite the range of responsibilities, there are some general procedures that almost all vet techs will take care of during their careers. This list is by no means all of the duties or set in stone.

Common RVT Duties ( in no particular order):

lab analysis (blood, urine, fecal tests)
dental Care
preparation of samples
inducing and monitoring anesthesia
general nursing duties
radiography
client education
surgery preparation and assistance
patient restraint
wound care
office work
inventory

What RVT's don't do:

diagose patients
surgery
prescriptions

So as you can see the list is pretty lengthy. Anything the veterinarian needs help with  thats what the vet tech is there for. Many people confuse vet techs (RVT's) with vet assistants.  Vet assistants do not have RVT status, some have learned on the job or obtained certicates from online vet asistant programs.


Scooling and Training:

Certified veterinary technicians are individuals who have graduated from a two year vet tech accredited program. Veterinary technologists are students that have graduated from a three year program, where the third year is primarily conisiting of laboratory animals and research.  In most provinces graduates have also taken a passed a national registration board exam (VTNE). All provinces require technicians to pass this credentialing exam in order to obtain official licensure or certification. RVT's that have been out practicing in the field for a minimum of five years also hav ethe abilityy to upgrade their credentials by becoming certified in a veterinary technician specialty. There are many specialties available, Lisa one of our RVT's here  went through the task of becoming certified in small animal anesthesia. It took a few grueling years to complete but Lisa says "Although it was very challenging, it was one of the most rewarding moments inmy career." Here is a link to one of Lisa's interviews...

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/veterinarycareers/a/Life-As-A-Veterinary-Technician-Randon.htm

So if you are thinking of becoming an RVT, try volunteering at a local shelter, veterinary hospital or completeing a co op pplacement through school. If you truly like being with animals it can be a very rewarding career. October 14 - 20th, 2012 is deemed as National Vet Tech Week, so hug a tech today!

The Cost of Owning a Pet in 2012

It can be very rewarding owning a pet but it also creates financial responsibility as well.  The Ontario Veterinary Association created an approxiate cost of one's expense for the first year of owning a pet in 2012. This will help gain a better understanding  so that you are not caught offguard by the expenses incurred as a pet owner:

The fees shown are based on the OVMA's 2012 Suggested Fee Guide for Small Animal Procedures. As you also noticed no financial allowances like grooming was added in.  Food budgets were based on premium veterinary diet available only at a veterinary hospital.  A premium veterinary diet can save in the long run as it can help to prevent or manage a variety of health problems.

Fighting Fleas?

Tis the season for the fight against the dreaded flea.....
Types of commercial products available for flea control include flea collars, shampoos, sprays, powders and dips. These types of products are considered old, and don't seem to work as well.  Other, newer, products include oral and systemic spot on insecticides which tend to work much better.
In the past, topical insecticide sprays, powders and dips were the most popular. However, the effect was often temporary. Battling infestations requires attacking areas where the eggs, larvae, pupae and adults all congregate. Because some stages of a flea's life can persist for months, chemicals with residual action are needed and should be repeated periodically.
Treating animals and their living areas thoroughly and at the same time is vital; otherwise some fleas will survive and re-infect your pet. You may even need to treat your yard or kennel with an insecticide, if the infestation is severe enough.

The vacuum cleaner can be a real aid in removing flea eggs and immature forms. Give special attention to cracks and corners. At the end of vacuuming, either vacuum up some flea powder into your vacuum bag, or throw the bag out. Otherwise, the cleaner will only serve as an incubator, releasing more fleas into the environment as they hatch.

Treatment & Prevention

As one might expect, flea control through these methods is very time consuming, expensive and difficult. The good news is that currently, with the newer flea products on the market, flea control is much safer, more effective and environmentally friendly. Current flea control efforts center on oral and topical systemic treatments. These products not only treat existing flea problems, they also are very useful for prevention. In fact, prevention is the most effective and easiest method of flea control.

One group of products works to control fleas by interrupting the development fleas by killing flea larva and eggs. These drugs are called insect growth regulators (IGRs). These products do not kill adult fleas, but they dramatically decrease the flea population by arresting their development. One common oral product used is lufenuron (Program®). Lufenuron is given monthly, and is combined with heartworm protection in the product Sentinel®. 

Other products kill the actual flea (adulticides) and work quite rapidly. These include both spot-on and oral products. Spot-on products are usually applied on your pet's skin between the shoulders. The medication is absorbed into your pet's skin and distributed throughout the body. Fleas are killed rapidly on contact with the skin. Spot-on products include  imidacloprid (Advantage®), and selamectin (Revolution®).

A recently developed oral adulticide also given monthly is nitenpyram (Capstar®), that when given begins to kill fleas in 30 minutes.

All these products are safe, easy to use and, if used correctly, the most effective method of flea control. Additionally, some have the added benefit of efficacy against other parasites.

With all these choices it is best to consult your veterinarian as to the best flea control and prevention for your pet. The choice of flea control should depend on your pet's life-style and potential for exposure. Through faithful use of these systemic monthly flea products, the total flea burden on your pet and in the immediate environment can be dramatically reduced. Keeping your pet on monthly flea treatments especially in areas of high flea risk is an excellent preventive method of flea control. These products often eliminate the need for routine home insecticidal use, especially in the long run. Although it may still be prudent in heavy flea environments to treat the premises initially, the advent of these newer systemic flea products has dramatically simplified, and made flea control safer and more effective.

 

"Flea Dirt" found in amongst the hair

 

Well our pet fair organizing is well underway.  We have been very busy scheduling our demonstrations, vendors and more. Enjoy our delicios charity BBQ with jumbo hot dogs and backbacon sandwiches.

This year we plan on having facepainting and a  bouncy castle with slide for the kids. A "Wet the Vet" dunk tank, you'll have a chance to buy 3 balls and try to dunk our veterinarians! The Chay 93.1Fm fun team will be here handing out prizes, but get ready to enter our contests to win great prizes!

1. Best trick - start practicing
2. Best Dressed Pet
3. Happiest wag

Contests will be judged by our "local celebrity " judging panel. We are very excited!

This year we also will be hosting the Jungle Cat World. You will have an opportunity to learn about the amazing animals. The staff will educate on endangered species and how learning about these creatures actually help preserve them! A wonderful interactive safari experience!

We also have a 16 G ipad WiFi +3G that we will be raffling off. Tickets are available at our check out counter(located in our hospital), come on in! Tickets are 2$ each or 3 for 5$. The ipad winner will be announced the day of the pet fair (You don't have to attend the pet fair to win the ipad), but we  hope to see you there!     


Held at Allandale Veterinary Hospital
66 Caplan Ave Barrie
Sunday August 19th, 2012
12- 4 pm


Bring your furry friends!