Myth: Corn is a poorly digested “filler” that causes allergies. Corn is an excellent source of many nutrients. • “Fillers” may be defined as feed ingredients with little or no nutritional value. Based on this description, corn is certainly not a filler. • Corn provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein and essential fatty acids in the diets of dogs and cats. • Corn is a good source of linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid required by both dogs and cats and also contains abundant amounts of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene. Myth: Wheat commonly cause allergies in dogs and cats Wheat is a valuable pet food ingredient. • Wheat is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates for energy, as well as a source of protein. • Food allergies constitute only a small percentage of allergy problems in pets. While the exact incidence is unknown, it is estimated that only 10% of allergic skin conditions are caused by food. • Flea bites and environmental allergens, such as pollens, mold and dust mites, are more common triggers of allergic symptoms than food. Myth: Pet foods should be grain-free Grains supply energy. • Most cells in the body use carbohydrates as a primary source of energy. • The nervous system (i.e., brain and nerves) requires the carbohydrate glucose to support normal functions. • If carbohydrates, such as those from grains, aren’t available, dietary protein is diverted away from its most important function — protein synthesis —to make glucose. If carbohydrates are available, dietary protein is used to build and maintain muscle and tissue. Myth: A raw food diet is the most natural and, therefore, the best diet for cats and dogs. Raw diets may contain bacteria. • Raw meat and poultry may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as salmonella. • Feeding raw meat to pets can expose them to bacteria, parasites and protozoa. Preparing and feeding a raw diet can also expose your family to harmful organisms. Please download a copy of the file below for more information and pet food myths and facts!
Candies, gums, mints, baked goods and chocolate containing the "sugar free" sweetener xylitol are especially poisonous, causing rapid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure in dogs and possibly other species (ferrets).
Chocolate is toxic to pets. Granted, a 50 pound dog would have to eat about 50 ounces of milk chocolate (but only 5 ounces of baking chocolate) for a toxic dose, but much smaller amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Signs of chocolate toxicity include tremors, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and in severe cases, seizures and death. If you suspect that your pet has eaten chocolate, consult your veterinarian. Other candies, such as lollipops and those with plastic components, pose a danger if ingested. Lollipop sticks and plastic parts can cause intestinal obstruction and potentially rupture the intestines, which is a life-threatening emergency. September is Pet Health Insurance Month! Come visit us at the clinic to find out more!
After a lot of hard work our friends over at the Springbank Pet Resort have launched their new website. Take a tour over there to check out the new layout, and even find a wonderful place to drop off your pet on your trip away.
www.springbankpetresort.ca Dr. Debra Primovic
CHECK LIST Here is a checklist of 10 important steps to consider before boarding your dog. Consideration of each of these items will help you and your dog to have a good boarding experience. 1. Interview - Interview the kennel on the phone. Find out how long they have been in business and ask for references. Use those references. Make a surprise visit or tour the facility before you schedule the boarding. Notice the place is clean, smells, check out where the dogs are boarded, where they are walked and if they seem….happy. Do any dogs have messes in their cages? 2. Look for Recommendations - Talk to a few kennels before you decide where to take your pet. Also, ask your friends or neighbors where they have boarded their pet and what their experiences have been. Recommendations go along way. Don’t go for the cheapest place. Go for the best place. 3. Determine Kennel Requirements - Does your pet need any special vaccines for this kennel? If so, what and when? Do they need a copy of the vaccine record? Can you supply your own food and treats? Can you leave any toys or his favorite blanket? Can you leave your pets leash, collar or harness? 4. Check out Kennel Staff - Find out about the consistency with the staff – is it the same person seeing your dog everyday or someone new? It is someone who knows about pets or a high school student shoveling food into the cages? Does the staff appear competent and do they look like they enjoy working with the dogs? 5. What is the Dog’s Schedule? - How often do they go out? Where are they walked? For how long? Is that enough to make your pet happy? Will you dog interact with other dogs? Is that what you want? 6. Feeding Instructions - Consider taking your dogs own food and request that they kennel only feed his food. Many pets are fed other foods and treats and can develop gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and or diarrhea. Your pet is already in a new environment which is most likely a bit stressful; so don’t change anything you don’t have to. 7. Contact Information - Ensure that the kennel has your numbers where you can be reached in the case of an emergency. Include your cell phone and any emergency contacts. Plan for the unexpected. 8. Emergency Instructions - Just in case of an emergency, leave instructions on how to proceed. During emergency hours, the kennel may use a certain veterinarian or emergency hospital. During the day, if you want your pet to go to your regular veterinarian – leave your vets name and phone number. Leave instructions on what you do and don’t want and a contact number or credit card number for emergency medical care. If you are not available by phone, make sure they have the authorization to make charges if care is required. You don’t want your pet “waiting” for medical care because of lack of credit card authorization. 9. Medical History - Obtain a copy of your pets pertinent medical record from your vet and give a copy to the kennel. Ideally, this record should include any medications, diagnosed conditions and problems . Include any behavioral quirks e.g. aggressive to other dogs or if he hates cats. Leave information about his tag and microchip numbers. 10. Leave Special Instructions - Make sure you clearly indicate any special instructions. For example, if you pet requires medications, ensure the name of the medication, dose (both in mg and number of pills, and frequency are clearly indicated. Also communicate any special foods or dietary restrictions. Keep the instructions simple with a contact number to call in the case of questions. We now offer laser surgery. Laser offers less pain, bleeding and swelling for your pet during surgery.
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