All pets require routine care to keep them safe and healthy.  We all want our furry friends to live long lives with us, and to prevent them from becoming sick or injured.  Please always check with your Veterinarian about any concerns or conditions your pet may have.

Medical Care...

Routine medical care is always recommended.  Scheduling regular visits with your vet clinic can help prevent or diagnose any illness or diseases in your pets.  Some diseases may not show symptoms, or be evident right away, so having your pet checked out on a regular basis can help to determine if there are any medical issues that need attention.  CVMA Canadian Veterinary Medical Association recommends annual physical exams for your dog or cat.  For your senior pets, semi-annual physical exams are suggested.  Some pets that have specific medical conditions or special needs may require checkups more often.  These exams will provide testing and vaccinations that are needed to protect your pets for their entire lives.

​CORE VACCINATIONS are given to protect your pets against common and widespread diseases​

Core Vaccinations for Dogs:

• CANINE DISTEMPER- This disease can cause respiratory, or digestive issues or can affect the nervous system.  This can be fatal for unvaccinated dogs.
• INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS- This disease can cause liver failure, eye damage, and respiratory disease.  This can be fatal for unvaccinated dogs.
• CANINE PARVOVIRUS- This disease is very serious and widespread.  It is very resistant in the environment so it can be carried on shoes or other items, and can be transferred easily.  All dogs are susceptible including indoor dogs.  This disease can be fatal.
• RABIES- All mammals are at risk of rabies.  All pets, even indoor only pets should be vaccinated against Rabies.  This disease is almost always fatal for unvaccinated dogs. 

Core Vaccinations for Cats:

• FELINE PANLEUKOPENIA- Known as Cat Distemper, this disease affects the gastrointestinal, immune and nervous systems.  This can be fatal for unvaccinated cats.
• FELINE VIRAL RHINOTRACHEITIS AND CALICIVIRUS-This disease causes upper respiratory and pulmonary infections.  It is very contagious and can be fatal for unvaccinated cats.
• RABIES- All mammals are at risk of rabies.  All pets, even indoor only pets should be vaccinated against rabies.  This disease is almost always fatal for unvaccinated cats.

All vaccine protocols will be determined by your Veterinarian based on your pets needs and lifestyle.  This includes CORE and NON-CORE vaccinations.  A series of vaccinations are given to young puppies and kittens, every 3-4 weeks and should be completed by 6 months of age for dogs, 4-5 months of age for cats.  Boosters are given 1 year later and should be updated as recommended by your Vet. 
Some routine testing and prevention may also be included in these protocols.  Such as Heartworm and Lyme Disease in dogs, or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia in cats.  Any questions or concerns about these issues should always be addressed by a Veterinarian.  

Grooming...

Practicing regular grooming with your pets is beneficial to not only them, but also for owners.   It helps their overall appearance, can help prevent disease, and support their well-being.  It is also a wonderful way for you to bond with your furry friend! Basic grooming can be maintained at home for your dog or cat, or visiting a professional groomer is another option for those pets that require more attention and care.

• BATHING- bathing should be done on an as needed basis. Only use shampoos specially formulated for dogs and cats, as using human shampoo can be very irritating and even damaging to their skin and coat.  Bathing too often can also dry out their skin as they have much more sensitive skin than we do. Consult your veterinarian or groomer for a proper frequency or appropriate shampoo for your furry friend.
• BRUSHING/COMBING- Always brush your pets hair in the direction it grows.  Use a slicker brush or comb to go through their entire coat from head to tail.  Check for abnormalities like fleas, growths, hot spots or mats. Mats should not be cut out with scissors as you may cut the skin beneath, gently break up the mat with a comb or give your local groomer a call. Any issues found should be directed to a veterinarian. 
• EARS- not all pets require regular ear cleaning.  Although, their ears should be routinely checked for debris, irritation, or wax build up.  Take proper care when cleaning their ears, focusing on only the area you can see and only using products recommended by a vet or groomer.  If debris is deep into the ear canal, it should be addressed by a veterinarian.  Using improper tools or reaching too far into the ear can cause damage to the ear canal or ear drum. 
• NAILS-pets nails should always be kept trim and clean.  If nails are left to grow too long, it can cause discomfort and pain or result in long term issues for your pets. Take special care if trimming nails at home to be sure not to cut them too short.  Your veterinarian or groomer can do regular nail trims, or demonstrate the correct techniques for you
• TEETH- keeping your pets teeth and gums healthy, is a big part of their overall health.  Damaged teeth or gums can cause infection, discomfort and pain.  Most cats and dogs benefit from dental chews or toys that promote teeth cleaning.  Some require, and even enjoy having their teeth brushed.  Keep in mind, brushing their teeth at home should always be done with the correct tools and techniques, check with your vet for recommendations on what to use.  Always check your pets mouth to ensure their teeth are clean and gums are healthy.  Any concerns should be brought to a veterinarian to be checked and treated.  They also offer dental cleanings or tooth brushing at the clinics as well for pets that may need them. 

Exercise & Enrichment...

Our furry friends, just like us, get bored.  It is also important that they get some kind of exercise on a regular basis.  This doesn't mean you need to walk your dog, (or your cat) every single day.  Sometimes life happens and we are not always able to go out for that big run, or play for hours at the dog park.  And that's ok! Your pets not only need to work out their body, but also their brain.  For both cats and dogs there are several ways to exercise them and also have fun doing it!

For the dogs:

• HIDE & SEEK - While your dog is outside doing his business, hide some treats around the house. Allow him to come inside and go searching for them! You can also have someone hide in another room and let your doggie sniff them out and find them.  This type of exercise allows them to use their nose, which dogs love! If hiding in another room, call their name, and reward them when they find you.  Exercise and training in one!
• GO FETCH! - Well this is a classic that most dogs love.  Toss a tennis ball or frisbee around the back yard.  Smaller dogs, you can toss a ball down a long hallway and still get the same benefits.  Play for a short amount of time, or until your arm is tired!
• FUN FEEDING - Use an interactive feeder, such as a food puzzle as opposed to a regular food bowl.  This makes your dogs brain work for his food, which provides mental stimulation.  You can do this at meal time, or any time with some delicious treats.  You can also use rubber Kongs, or simply toss the kibble out in the grass and let them sniff out every last piece, and they will!
• TRAINING - Getting back to basics can be very rewarding for your dog.  Get some yummy treats and ask for a sit, down, stand. Alternate, and add fun moves like shake a paw, spins, or a touch.  Shake things up and switch up the order to keep their brains guessing.  Remember to reward them for the good work!

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