Why should I spay my female dog or cat?

A female dog’s heat period results in about 2-3 weeks of bleeding. For dogs kept indoors, this can be very messy and smelly. This heat period occurs about once every 6 months. Spaying your female dog early can limit health risks associated with intact females like Pyometra (infection of the Uterus) and Breast Cancer (more common among intact females).

Why Should I neuter my Male dog/cat?

Intact males are very attracted to females in heat. Male dogs are generally more aggressive and more likely to fight with other males, increasing the likelihood of injuries. Neutering can relieve future problems like enlargement of the prostate which can cause difficulty urinating and defecating.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

We recommend that females be spayed before their first heat at 6 months of age. Males can be neutered any time after 6 months of age.

Why is a pre-surgical and exam and bloodwork before a surgery required?

It is very important that your animal is given a pre-surgical exam by a Doctor. Before your animal goes into surgery we need to be sure that your animal is healthy, that all of your questions are answered and that all surgery processes are confirmed and booked accordingly. We take great pride in developing an individualized plan for each patient, created by the doctor and discussed with the surgery team in advance of their surgery.

Answering all of these questions and confirming the patient’s health leads to more successful surgeries without complications. It is important that all these factors and variables are checked beforehand and not on the day of surgery. Our surgeries are performed in the morning and the process is very regimented and strict so that we provide the best possible care for our patients. .

Why have oral examinations annually?

Periodontal gum disease is one of the most common conditions seen by Veterinarians today. The problem begins when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up on your pet’s teeth. Plaque harbours bacteria, which can infect gum tissue and roots of teeth resulting in disease and tooth loss. Recent studies have documented that certain heart, liver and kidney diseases may be associated with this bacteria. The first step is promoting oral health is to contact your Veterinarian for an oral examination. It may be necessary to have your pets teeth cleaned. Like people, animals need this professional attention on a routine basis. This cleaning will require your pet to be put under anaesthesia.

Tooth brushing is considered the most effective method of removing plaque. It is important to use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for pets. Pet toothpastes have flavours that appeal to pets and need not be rinsed.

What should I feed my Kitten/Puppy?

Optimal health requires that certain nutrients be present in precise balances and amounts tailored to the activity level and needs of each life stage.

We recommend feeding your new pet a premium pet food such as Royal Canin or Purina which chooses the highest quality ingredients in formulas that taste good to your pet. The food should be specially formulated for kitten/puppies. Food formulated for kittens should be fed until your kitten is about 12 months of age. Puppies should eat puppy formulated food until the ages of 4-12 months (varies depending on the Puppy’s growth and development).

We also provide Food Therapy consults with Dr. Meister if you are interested in preparing your own food and would like a food designed with your pet and specific health condition in mind.

Can I feed table-scraps?

Table foods are not recommended. Because table scraps can be tasty for dogs they will often begin to hold out for these and may not eat their dog food. Often table scraps can upset stomachs. Do not feel guilty if your dog is happy to eat one food day after day, week after week. Although there are many foods that are healthy for dogs there are also many that we use in every day cooking that can be very harmful such an example would be onions.

Do you have a monthly payment plan?

Yes, we do offer a monthly payment plan through Paybright. Paybright offers our customers the option of financing the full amount or a portion of the costs.

Do you recommend getting Pet Insurance for my pet?

Absolutely, we never plan on their pet getting sick or having an accident, with insurance you don’t have to worry about being faced with unexpected medical bills. With pet health insurance you can ensure that your pet will receive the required medical attention needed. A pet health insurance policy will assist you during unexpected situations by sharing in the cost of veterinary cost for your pet.

Pet insurance allows you to provide your pet with the best possible care. The best time to insure your pet is before they develop any health problems. We also now have direct billing with Trupanion, so we can submit the claim for you and you will have an answer back within minutes of submission!

What is French Heartworm Disease? How can I be sure my dog doesn't contract French Heartworm Disease?

French Heartworm or Lungworm, is caused by a parasitic nematode (roundworm or lungworm), Angiostrongylus vasorum. The roundworm infects dogs and other canine species, such as foxes, and causes canine angiostrongylosis.

Dogs of all ages and breeds can become infected with French Heartworm / Lungworm. However, younger dogs seem to be more prone to picking up the parasite. Finding Angiostrongylus vasorum in a dog should always be treated as soon as possible, as it is an extremely dangerous disease. Left untreated, the infection can be fatal to dogs. However if diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully.

The lungworm parasite is carried by slugs and snails and infects a dog directly through contact. Dogs can become infected when they eat these common garden pests or come in contact with the slime trails these creatures leave in puddles, on grass, on the ground and on objects, such as outdoor water bowls and toys exposed to the outdoors.

Dogs cannot infect each other directly, as the parasite is only infective after first developing inside a slug or snail. The disease is also not transmitted to humans.