Veterinary Services
Caring Vets, Happy Pets
01 – Vaccinations
Vaccinations are extremely important for pets, just as they are for humans. Vaccines help to protect animals from potentially deadly and highly contagious diseases, such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia.
There are several reasons why vaccinations are important for pets:
Protection from diseases:
Vaccines help to prevent diseases that can cause serious illness, pain, and even death in pets.
Prevention of spreading disease:
Vaccinated pets are less likely to spread diseases to other animals, which can help to prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Required by law: In many jurisdictions:
Certain vaccinations are required by law. For example, rabies vaccinations are mandatory in many provinces and municipalities in Canada aw well while travelling to US and abroad.
Cost-effective:
Vaccinations are a cost-effective way to protect pets from potentially serious diseases, as the cost of treatment for a sick pet can be much higher than the cost of vaccination.
Prevention of zoonotic diseases:
Some diseases that can affect pets can also be transmitted to humans, known as zoonotic diseases. Vaccinations can help prevent the spread of these diseases from pets to humans.
Overall, vaccinations are an essential part of responsible pet ownership, and can help ensure the health and well-being of both pets and their owners. It is important to follow the recommended vaccination schedule for your pet and to keep up-to-date with booster shots to maintain immunity.
02 – Wellness Checkups
Regular wellness checkups are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of pets. Here are some reasons why wellness checkups are important for pets:
Early detection of health issues:
During a wellness checkup, a veterinarian will examine your pet for signs of illness, disease, or injury. Early detection of health issues can lead to better treatment outcomes and a faster recovery.
Prevention of diseases:
A veterinarian can provide preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental care, to help prevent diseases from occurring in your pet.
Maintenance of good health:
Regular checkups can help maintain your pet’s overall health and well-being. A veterinarian can provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and other aspects of pet care to help keep your pet healthy and happy.
Detection of behavioural issues:
A veterinarian can also assess your pet’s behaviour and provide advice on training and behavioural issues.
Fulfillment of legal requirements:
Some pet owners are required by law to have their pets undergo regular wellness checkups. For example, in some areas, a health certificate from a veterinarian is required before a pet can travel or participate in certain activities.
In summary, wellness checkups are important for pets to maintain good health, prevent diseases, detect health issues early, and fulfill legal requirements. It is recommended that pets undergo wellness checkups at least once a year, although the frequency of visits may vary depending on the pet’s age and health status
03 – Dietary Management
Obesity is a common problem in both cats and dogs, and it can lead to a variety of health problems if left untreated. Here’s some information about obesity in cats and dogs:
Cats:
- Obesity in cats is typically defined as weighing 20% or more above their ideal body weight.
- Some of the causes of obesity in cats include overfeeding, a sedentary lifestyle, and feeding high-calorie foods.
- Obesity in cats can lead to health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and urinary tract issues.
- Treatment for obesity in cats typically involves a combination of reducing caloric intake, increasing exercise, and working with a veterinarian to monitor the cat’s progress.
Dogs:
- Obesity in dogs is typically defined as weighing 10% or more above their ideal body weight.
- Some of the causes of obesity in dogs include overfeeding, a sedentary lifestyle, and feeding high-calorie foods.
- Obesity in dogs can lead to health problems such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease.
- Treatment for obesity in dogs typically involves a combination of reducing caloric intake, increasing exercise, and working with a veterinarian to monitor the dog’s progress.
Prevention is key when it comes to obesity in pets. This can be achieved by feeding a balanced diet, limiting treats, and ensuring that pets get plenty of exercise. If your pet is already overweight or obese, it’s important to work with a veterinarian to develop a safe and effective weight loss plan.
04 – Tick and Flea Prevention
Tick and flea prevention is important for the health and comfort of pets. Here are some tips for preventing ticks and fleas on pets:
Use flea and tick preventatives:
There are many products available to prevent ticks and fleas on pets, including topical treatments, oral medications, and collars. These products are typically available through us and we encourage you to ask us about it especially if your pet companion likes to venture outside. It’s important to follow the product instructions carefully and use the appropriate product for your pet’s size and weight.
Keep your pet’s environment clean:
Regularly vacuuming carpets, washing pet bedding, and keeping the yard free of debris can help prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your pet’s environment.
Check your pet regularly:
Regularly check your pet for ticks and fleas, especially after spending time outdoors in areas where these pests are common. Use a fine-toothed comb to check for fleas, and carefully remove any ticks with tweezers.
Keep your pet away from wild animals:
Wild animals such as rodents and deer can carry fleas and ticks, so it’s important to keep your pet away from these animals to prevent infestations.
Maintain good hygiene:
Regular grooming, including bathing and brushing your pet’s coat, can help prevent flea and tick infestations.
In summary, preventing ticks and fleas on pets requires a combination of preventative measures, including the use of preventatives, keeping the environment clean, checking your pet regularly, avoiding contact with wild animals, and maintaining good hygiene. By following these tips, you can help keep your pet healthy and comfortable.
05 – Diagnostic Imaging
Diagnostic imaging is an important tool in veterinary medicine for diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries in pets. Here are some common types of diagnostic imaging used in veterinary practice:
X-rays:
X-rays are used to image bones and other dense structures in the body. They are often used to diagnose fractures, joint disease, and respiratory problems.
Ultrasound:
Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissue structures, such as organs and blood vessels. It is often used to diagnose conditions such as abdominal or cardiac disease.
Endoscopy:
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows veterinarians to look inside a pet’s body using a thin, flexible instrument called an endoscope. Endoscopy can be used to visualize the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and other internal organs.
CT Scan:
A CT scan (computed tomography) uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans are often used to diagnose complex internal diseases, including tumors, organ disease, and spinal cord problems.
MRI::
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissue structures. MRIs are often used to diagnose neurological disorders and musculoskeletal injuries.
In summary, preventing ticks and fleas on pets requires a combination of preventative measures, including the use of preventatives, keeping the environment clean, checking your pet regularly, avoiding contact with wild animals, and maintaining good hygiene. By following these tips, you can help keep your pet healthy and comfortable.
06 – Emergency Care and Triaging
Pet emergency care and triaging are critical components of veterinary medicine, and it’s important for pet owners to be prepared in case of an emergency. Here’s some information about pet emergency care and triaging:
Signs of an emergency:
Some common signs of an emergency in pets include difficulty breathing, collapse or weakness, severe vomiting or diarrhea, seizures, bleeding, and trauma.
Immediate steps to take:
If you suspect your pet is experiencing an emergency, the first step is to stay calm and assess the situation. If your pet is unresponsive, not breathing, or bleeding heavily, it’s important to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. If you can safely transport your pet, it’s best to call the veterinary clinic in advance to let them know you are coming.
Triaging::
When you arrive at the veterinary clinic, the veterinarian will perform a triage assessment to determine the severity of your pet’s condition and prioritize treatment. Pets with life-threatening conditions will be treated first.
Emergency care:
Depending on your pet’s condition, emergency care may include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, medication, diagnostic testing, surgery, or hospitalization. The veterinarian will keep you updated on your pet’s condition and treatment plan.
It’s important to have a plan in place for pet emergencies, including having the phone number and address of a nearby emergency veterinary clinic on hand. It’s also a good idea to have a pet first aid kit and to be familiar with basic first aid techniques. With prompt attention and appropriate care, many pet emergencies can be successfully treated.
07 – Spay and Neuter Service
Spay and neuter services refer to surgical procedures that remove the reproductive organs of animals, typically cats and dogs. Spaying involves the removal of the ovaries and uterus of female animals, while neutering involves the removal of the testicles of male animals. These procedures are usually performed to prevent animals from reproducing and to prevent certain health issues, such as cancer and behavioral problems.
Spay and neuter services are available from Edmonton Spay and Neuter clinic We offer low-cost veterinary spay and neuter services to help pet owners to have their animals sterilized, which can help reduce the number of unwanted animals and reduce the strain on animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Spaying and neutering are considered safe procedures and are usually performed under general anesthesia. While there may be some discomfort and recovery time associated with the surgery, most animals recover quickly and without complications. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of spaying and neutering with a veterinarian and to carefully consider the decision to have a pet sterilized.
08 – Veterinary Consultations
Veterinary consultations are appointments with a veterinarian to discuss the health and well-being of an animal. These consultations are typically conducted in a veterinary clinic or hospital and may be scheduled for routine check-ups, illness or injury exams, and preventative care, among other reasons.
During a veterinary consultation, the veterinarian will usually ask about the animal’s medical history, including any previous health issues, medications, and vaccinations. They will also perform a physical exam, which may include taking the animal’s temperature, checking their heart rate and breathing, and looking for signs of illness or injury.
Based on the information gathered during the consultation, the veterinarian may recommend further testing, such as bloodwork or imaging, or prescribe medications or treatments to address any health issues or concerns. They may also provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and other aspects of animal care to help keep the animal healthy and happy.
It is important to schedule regular veterinary consultations for pets, even if they appear to be healthy, to detect and address any health issues before they become more serious. Additionally, if an animal is showing signs of illness or injury, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible to ensure prompt treatment and recovery.
