The holiday season is fast approaching, and year after year I see a similar pattern in emergencies that occur during this time. In Part 1, I will address concerns that are less common than the usual vomiting and diarrhea that accompanies dietary indiscretion.
Lumps and bumps
Lumps and bumps are a common finding, especially in our older pets. The majority of lumps are harmless, but even these need to monitored on a regular basis.
Ear infections
Ear infections (otitis externa) are a common occurrence in our pets and can cause scratching, rubbing, and head shaking. Some pet owners will notice a dirty ear that needs to be cleaned all the time. A normal, healthy ear needs no intervention, so a build up of wax means something is wrong.
Where does your pet sleep?
As part of my history gathering process during office visits, I like to find out where your pet habitually sleeps. It’s no surprise that many of my clients have their pets sleep with them on the bed. That’s where most of mine end up too. Is this a problem? Not at all. It is just a preference. But there … Read More
Itchy pets
This is the time of year when I see a lot of itchy pets, dogs in particular. There are a number of environmental factors in late summer and fall that affect the skin and cause itching.
My 30th year anniversary
As our class of OVC ’84 prepares for its 30th reunion, my thoughts have turned to the evolution of veterinary practice from my perspective as a small animal practitioner. From the start, we were ground breakers. I was a member of the Ontario Veterinary College graduating class of 1984. We were one of the first groups to graduate more females … Read More
Keeping your pet fit
Fitness is something we take for granted in our pets. Most young pets are more active than their owners, but older pets can lose their enthusiasm for play and become more sedate. If the food amount stays the same, the end result is weight gain. Over feeding contributes to weight gain, but so does under exercising.
Treats or trouble?
Treat (noun): an event or item that is out of the ordinary and gives great pleasure. Treats are an everyday part of interacting with your pet. They can include play time, affection and special toys, but most often we associate treats with a food item.
Veterinary diets – something to chew on
As your pet’s health care provider, an integral part of what I do involves dietary counselling. After examining your pet, I will select a veterinary prescription diet that is ideally suited for your pet’s nutritional needs. We call our diets prescription foods because they are selected by a doctor to treat or prevent medical conditions. This makes them different … Read More
Focus on parasites
With the arrival of spring, it is time to turn our attention to parasite detection and prevention. After a long winter, more than just the crocuses are waking up.