With the Christmas season fast approaching, we wanted to remind everyone of common household toxins that pets can be exposed to over the holidays.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in an increasing number of products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It causes…
We are all so proud and happy for Lane to be selected as one of the Finalists in PetPlan’s North America Wide Veterinary Awards as Receptionist of the Year 2019!
This prestigious award recognizes Veterinary Receptionists who provide an outstanding client experience to pet parents and he…
Trimming a pets nails is a very important part of routine grooming care but can often be overlooked. Nails continue to grow throughout the pets life and require trimming or filing. Trimming is often needed every 4-8 weeks in most pets.
It is always easiest to start when the pet is young t…
If you've brought your cat or dog in to be spayed or neutered at the Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital, you've heard us ask whether or not you would like to have him or her tattooed at no additional charge while under anesthetic. Regardless of your answer, you may have more questions about why we tattoo o…
A few months ago, we told you about Comfortis, a new oral flea treatment for cats and dogs. Many of our clients (and staff) have tried Comfortis and have been pleased with the ease of administration and results. We are pleased to announce that we are now carrying a new oral parasite treatment calle…
By Dr. Jill Harrison
Weight management is a constant topic of discussion and thought in society, but the topic is seldom expanded to include our household critters. Canine obesity can lead to dramatic changes in various body systems such as bone and joint health, heart and lung function, immu…
We all know that having our female pets spayed prevents unwanted pregnancies and inhibits heat cycles, which can be difficult for both pet and owner. However, there are several other, more serious medical conditions that spaying can also help prevent. Unfortunately, we have seen a few cases of p…
By Dr. Jill Harrison
It’s all Fun and Games until you end up at Emergency
The holidays are a time of generosity and giving, but there are a few things you should avoid sharing with your pet this season. Some of the most commonly encountered holiday dangers are festive houseplants such as ho…
Euthanasia - it's a word that no one likes to hear or say, but it is a word that comes up on a daily basis at a veterinary hospital. Nor is it a fun topic to write about, but we have had several of our clients suggest that they would appreciate an article about end of life decisions and procedures.
Of course, all responsible dog owners know NOT TO LEAVE THEIR DOG(S) IN THE CAR IN THE SUMMER. Without fail, though this fact is hammered into us every year once the temperatures start to heat up. Unfortunately, these warnings are often prompted by yet another tragic tale of someone who did not heed…
Another holiday season is upon us, complete with friends, family, food and festivities. As they are part of our families, most of us naturally want to include our pets in the fun, but, as we mentioned near Halloween and Christmas, holidays can be hazardous to our four legged friends. Keep your pet s…
Are you thinking of welcoming a new dog to your family? Here's some insight from Dr. Brett Hayward on what you should be thinking about and what to look for in a new canine pal.
The Usual Stuff
There are plenty of articles that go through the mental mechanics of finding a puppy that will grow to …
Happy New Year to you and yours from all of us at the Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital. With the joy (and sometimes stress that comes along with it) of the holidays now securely behind us, many people now look toward making a “fresh start” to the New Year, which also involves making New Year’s resolution…
It seems like it was just a short while ago that we were warning you about the potential dangers of Halloween, and now another holiday season, fraught with potential dangers for our four-legged family members, is upon us. Naturally, it’s not all doom and gloom – Christmas is about joyful times with …
One of the downsides to living in one of the most temperate climates in North America is that fleas can (and sometimes do) live year round. This means that, while we don’t have to worry about our pets getting potentially fatal heartworm, we do have to worry about those tenacious, annoying, itchy scr…
Halloween is a time of tricks and treats for kids of all ages. Many of us get so caught up in the festivities that we get our dogs involved by dressing them up (like Snow White in the photo), or, conversely, forgetting that this time of year can be particularly stressful and dangerous for our four-l…
Inside a dog’s ear canal is a place where you can’t see without a scope, and so there can be some mysteries about it when it gets sore, and this creates anxieties for dog owners. The dog will usually tell us that there is an ear problem by shaking his head, scratching at the affected ear, lowering t…
As some of you may already know, our good doctor, Brett Hayward, was featured on the cover of the May/June issue of Island Farm and Garden magazine. His co-model is Shorty the border collie, who is belongs to Daria, the owner of Dog n' Suds daycare and grooming salon.
Inside the issue is an article…
If you've ever searched online for information on your pet's health issues, you've likely learned that it can often cause, rather than soothe, anxieties. While the Internet can be an excellent way get an immediate answer to a simple question, it is not always the best place to look for information r…
Please contact us at 250-758-3985 if you have questions or would like to book an appointment.
New clients are always welcome
