What forms of payment do you accept and can I make payments?
We accept cash, debit, Visa and Mastercard. Unfortunately, we cannot offer payment plans.
What is a physical examination and what does it involve?
The physical examination is an opportunity for your veterinarian to examine the puppy and speak to you, the owner. The puppy/kitten will be examined much like you are when you go to your doctor. The veterinarian will examine your pet to determine his or her health including looking at the teeth, checking lymph nodes, listening to the heart and feeling the abdomen (stomach). He will also speak to you about house training, feeding habits, upcoming vaccinations and spay/neuter. There is a lot of information to be exchanged so come prepared with any questions you might have.
How can I get my pet's prescription refilled?
If your pet is on long-term medication there may be the need to have the prescription refilled at regular intervals. Your pet's medical condition will require periodic monitoring and/or re-testing and we will need time to book those appointments so try not to run out of medication completely before re-ordering. Once the testing is up-to-date you can call in refills to us - but please give at least 24 hours notice (more if special order).
Does my new puppy or kitten need special food?
When choosing a food for your pet there are many things to consider and age definitely one of them! the nutrient requirements of a young, growing animal are not the same as an older, mature animal. Small breed dogs (those that will remain under 30 lbs) have different needs than giant breed dogs (those over 100 lbs at maturity). There are many reputable pet food companies offering a wide variety of options and we would be happy to discuss the choices with you.
What is involved in de-clawing my cat?
When deciding whether or not to declaw your cat remember to take the cat's personality into account. Not all cats use their claws destructively so don't assume all need to be declawed. Once declawed, the cat should not be allowed outside as it now has limited defense against dogs and other predators.
Can I give my dog aspirin?
Although aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can be used in dogs as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever we do not recommend it for long term use. There are much safer medications made specifically for dogs which are less likely to cause stomach ulcers and other serious side-effects. Aspirin and over-the-counter pain relievers should never be used in cats.
Why is chocolate bad for dogs?
Chocolate toxicity as a well known problem with dogs and cats. The active ingredients which cause the most problems are theobromine and caffiene. As the amount of toxin varies with the type of chocolate and amount ingested, signs can mild to lethal. The clinical signs of chocolate toxicity include (but are not limited to) vomiting, diarrhea, tremours, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias and possibly death. It is important to keep candies and cookies containing chocolate away from your pets, but if they do consume some, go immediately to your veterinarian as early treatment can increase chances of a successful recovery.
Do you board dogs overnight?
We only offer overnight boarding for pets with special medication needs. There are a number of reputable boarding facilities in this area and we would be happy to recommend one or more to you. We also suggest asking friends and neighbours where they have taken their pets and if they were happy.