Pet Care Info

Routine Exams

To keep your pet healthy and free of disease we recommend regular examinations. Kittens and puppies should start their examinations when you first acquire them to ensure that any congenital problems are addressed early on. This allows us to help you start your new relationship with the latest information on feeding, flea control, diets, housetraining, management and prevention of behavioural problems. Adult dogs and cats (greater than 1 year of age should receive annual physical exams and senior pets should receive semi-annual physical examinations. Senior pets age rapidly and it is important to address concerns early because many aging problems can be very easily addressed. Diets, neutriceuticals and natural products are used by our doctors to keep patients feeling the best they can.

All our routine vaccinations start with a full physical exam. This most important step starts with the nose and ends with the tail; ears, skins, heart, lungs, gastro-intestinal system, urinary system and musculo-skeletal are all examined by our doctors during an examination. A full physical would not be possible without a full specific history from you, our client. We heavily rely on your input on how your pet is doing. We believe you are the best person to be able to pick up symptoms early and that your relationship with your pet is of utmost importance.

Stress and disease are linked so we include a behavioural history with our physical examinations. Most importantly, we work on making sure yours pets' experience at our clinic is as pleasant as possible for both of you. You will notice that everyone at our clinic is always ready with a healthy treat so that we can try to teach our patients that we are here to help.

Based on the findings on a physical, the doctors will advise you on the most effective ways to help your pet. Vaccine protocols, parasite programs, weight and nutrition programs and behavioural advice will be individually tailored to the needs of your pet. We also offer such additional services as blood collection, pedicures, and ear cleaning however we may need to schedule additional visits and time if we cannot address all your concerns.

The physical examination is one of our best screening and diagnostic tools used to assess the health of your pet. Our paramount concerns are disease prevention, maintaining quality of life, strengthening the human-animal bond and ensuring the physical and emotional well-being in our patients. We feel it is our privilege to help you help your special family members.

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Vaccinations

Protecting your best friend: Your pet's mother gave immunity from disease for the first few weeks of existence by providing disease-fighting antibodies in her milk. After that period, it's up to you, with the help and advice from your veterinarian, to provide that protection through vaccination!

How do vaccines work?: Vaccines contain small quantities of altered or "killed" viruses, bacteria or other disease-causing organisms. When administered, they stimulate your dog or cat's immune system to produce disease-fighting cells and proteins - or antibodies - to help protect your dog against disease.

How effective is vaccination?: Like any drug treatment or surgical procedure, vaccinations cannot be 100% guaranteed. However, used in conjunction with proper nutrition and acceptable sanitary conditions, vaccination is clearly your pet's best defense against disease.

We tailor vaccination protocols to individual need based on risk. We have decreased our vaccination frequencies based on the latest duration of immunity studies. We only vaccinate for those diseases that remain prevalent.

We follow the lowest frequency possible for vaccination.

Our vaccination schedules are as follows:

Other vaccinations may be recommended, based on your veterinarian's evaluation of the risks posed by such factors as your pet's particular heredity, environment and lifestyle. Remember that proper communication and education are your most effective tools in preventing disease in your pet...be sure to talk to your veterinarian today for more information!

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Surgeries

We are pleased to offer select surgeries at Oak Bay Pet Clinic. In addition to full dentistry, we are able to perform cat neuters, lumpectomies, laceration repair, abscess repair and all laboratory needs, such as blood and urine analysis, all on site. Full general anesthesia and monitoring is available. The latest equipment and anesthesia techniques are utilized. We also use Central Veterinary laboratories in Langley, as well as Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital for our further laboratory needs.

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Dental Care

Dental care for your pets is as critical as it is for humans. Many people believe that if their pets are fed hard kibble that this will alleviate the need for a dental care program. This is entirely untrue. Just as in humans, your pet's teeth need to be brushed regularly and cleaned by a professional when necessary to remove the tartar build-up above the gum line.

Plaque: Food particles and bacteria collect along the gum line forming plaque. Routine home care with brushing and a good diet can remove this plaque.

Tartar: Minerals in the saliva combine with the plaque and form tartar (calculus), which adheres strongly to the teeth. The tartar is irritating to the gums and causes them to become red and inflamed (gingivitis). At this point, bad breath is a good indicator that your pet needs attention.

Periodontal disease: Tartar begins to build up below the gum line and forms 'pockets' or gaps between the gums and the teeth which encourages bacteria growth. This damage is irreversible. It can be very painful and can lead to loose teeth, abscesses, bone loss or infection. There is potential for this increase in bacteria to enter the bloodstream where it affects the heart valves, liver and kidneys. If treated, periodontal disease can be slowed or stopped.

At the Oak Bay Pet Clinic, we are pleased to offer a full range of dental-related procedures and extraction surgery on site. The doctors can assess your pet's particular dental needs and explain the procedure to you in full. Remember that your pet will be anaesthetized for all dental work, so a full day is needed for such a procedure and pre-operative fasting guidelines will need to be adhered to.

During the physical exam, we will assess your pet's dental health and their needs. A detailed estimate will be generated at that time for any dental procedures that may be needed. We try to utilize diets as much as possible to prevent plaque and tartar build-up.

Dentistry is performed Tuesdays and Thursdays, however can be arranged by special appointment any day of the week. Drop off times are individually arranged so that your pet does not sit in a kennel for too long prior to their dental work. Antibiotics are started two days before to ensure that the bloodstream is prepared for any additional bacteria that enters the blood during the procedure. All our dentistry procedures are performed while your pet is on intravenous fluids. This emphasizes safety, hydration and speeds recovery time. These fluids are continued until your pet is ready to go home. If any extractions are performed, pain control is started immediately. Anti-inflammatory medications are continued at home to ensure that your pet remains comfortable following the procedure.

We understand that any general anaesthetic brings concern to many of our clients. We are pleased to report that we use the newest and safest of anaesthetic agents. All our patients are monitored at all times during anaesthesia and we pride ourselves on our anaesthetic technique. Anaesthetic emergencies are thus extremely rare. For peace of mind, all our clients are called with an update once their pet wakes up.

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Flea Prevention

Fleas can prove to be both a nuisance and a severe health risk for your dogs and cats that can also dramatically affect quality of life. Being itchy can pre-dispose to other health and behaviour problems. Here in Victoria, we are lucky enough to enjoy the mildest of climates, but with that come fleas all year-round. Fleas carry tapeworm and other diseases. Flea control can be simple if you follow a few basic steps.

Remember that the adult fleas you find on your pet are only a portion of what you must deal with in order to clear the entire flea infestation from your pet and house. The adults represent approximately 5% of the total infestation in your home. Roughly ten times that or 50% of the total population are the microscopic eggs that are present all over your home right now. Fleas drop their eggs, which then develop into a larval stage and a pupae stage. Once the eggs have developed into pupae, they can lay dormant for over a year. At any time, under the correct conditions of humidity and animal movement, the pupae develop into adult fleas. Once this happens, the whole cycle starts over again.

We recommend year-round flea control. The two main products we recommend for both dogs and cats are Program and Advantage. Each work differently and can be combined together for maximum effectiveness.

Program (Lufenuron) is a once monthly oral medication for both dogs and cats that interrupts the flea cycle at the egg and larval stage. It is very safe. Program is classified as an insect development-inhibitor and is not an insecticide. It prevents the flea eggs from hatching when the adult fleas bite your pet. It comes in either a liquid or six-month injectable form for cats and in a chewable tablet for dogs. It should be noted that Program does not kill adult fleas. If animals already have an infestation, an adulticide, such as Advantage, will need to be started.

Advantage (Imidacloprid) is a topical insecticide that kills adult fleas on contact. It is safely applied monthly on the surface of the skin. It is absorbed quickly into the fat layer of the skin but does not travel to the blood stream. It spreads along the fat layer under the skin and lasts for the entire month to kill fleas as they bite. Advantage does not sit on the surface of the skin and is safe for the entire family.

Please be aware that in multi-pet households we often need to combine both products because of the nature of the flea cycle.

It is important that all pets in the house be treated even if they do not appear to have fleas. With the new products available for flea control – the once difficult to control flea is now very easy to deal with!

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Worm Control

Parasite control is of paramount importance to you and your pet. Many intestinal parasites such as roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm can be transmitted to you from your pet. It is important to institute a regular preventative program because many affected pets do not necessarily show observable symptoms. Intestinal parasites can affect growth, immuno-suppress the body, and pre-dispose to other diseases. Puppies and kittens are a major source of infection and have a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites. We recommend starting a de-worming program for all puppies and kittens with the initial vaccinations. Adult dog and cat de-worming schedules are determined based on individual risk and exposure at the annual physical examination.

The risk and prevalence of some parasites can also increase when you travel. Heartworm prevention may need to be initiated based on the areas you intend to visit. Heartworm testing prior to medication may need to be performed if you have already traveled to "heartworm areas" in the past. Currently in Canada, we recommend heartworm prevention for travel all into the BC Interior, the Prairies and all of Eastern Canada.

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Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Pet over-population is a very real problem

As animal lovers, we owe it to the pet population to prevent the rise of neglected and abandoned pets. Our shelters are full at any given time and there are not enough good homes for all the surplus animals. Many are euthanized awaiting their forever homes.

One spayed or neutered animal prevents the production of hundreds of individuals. Every time you allow your pet to reproduce, you are potentially taking away a home from an individual in a shelter who is waiting, and hoping.

Many families would like their children to experience the miracle of life. A much more valuable lesson would be to teach our kids how they can help hundreds of animals by preventing more from entering the planet. Visiting a local shelter with your family can teach empathy and regard for all life forms. Volunteering at a shelter can also helps kids to learn about animals without necessarily needing to have one as a pet.

At the Oak Bay Pet Clinic, we support shelters and responsible breeders. Any time you decide to bring an animal into your life, we suggest you visit the SPCA.

In addition to the ethical reasons for spaying and neutering, there are also many health benefits.

Spaying prevents many problems in female dogs and cats. Besides pregnancy and false pregnancy, breast tumors are often seen in non-spayed females. The potential for breast tumors increases with age in the non-spayed female.

Infections of the uterus (called "pyometra") are increasingly common in older non-spayed females, and these infections are life threatening. The potential for uterine infection is completely eliminated by spaying. The threat of uterine and ovarian cancer is also prevalent in older un-spayed female dogs and cats. By spaying or neutering your pet, you also eliminate the dangers of mastitis, ovarian cysts, miscarriage, the complications of delivery and injuries related to breeding.

You should spay female puppies before their first heat cycle, at around 6 months of age. Male neutering should also be done at 6 months of age just before they reach sexual maturity. Older animals can undergo the surgery provided they are in good health and current on their vaccinations. Your pet must have a comprehensive physical exam before surgery and you will be given the option of blood tests to evaluate their organ function to ensure good health.

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Grooming Tips

At the Oak Bay Pet Clinic, we are pleased to offer several routine grooming services, such as pedicures and de-matting. There are, however, key elements that you can do on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to facilitate the overall wellness of your dog or cat.

Brushing: Grooming your long, short or wirehair pet need not be a battle if you regularly brush and handle your pet. The key is to develop a gentle and fun routine where your pet feels safe and relaxed. Often grooming at a salon can prove to be a very stressful experience on the pet since you often must leave them behind with a stranger to brush and groom him/her. This can thus enhance the traumatic and often negative association that he/she holds about the experience. A better alternative is to work with your pet regularly to develop a relationship of trust when it comes to pulling out those grooming tools!

Bathing: Bathing your pet is important, but remember to use only a veterinary-approved shampoo on his/her coat. Human shampoo is much too harsh and drying on the fur and skin of an animal. Shampoo as necessary; dogs that play rigorously outdoors or swim in salt water will invariably need more frequent bathing than indoor pets. Bathing your pet too frequently can also cause unwanted drying of the skin, so be sure to check with your vet about your routine. Usually monthly bathing is the maximum frequency for a cat or dog, but some skin conditions may benefit from weekly or bi-weekly use of an approved medicated shampoo.

Ear Cleaning: It is important to keep both the ear canal and margins clear of debris and build-up by regularly using a veterinary-approved ear cleaning solution. Just as in humans, the rate of build up can vary, and this build up can cause ear infections and discomfort. The ear canal is a very sensitive area and must therefore be cleaned very carefully using cotton tipped swabs. Be sure to ask a technician for advice on the best way to care for your pet's ears. Every breed of animal and his or her individual skin type will dictate the frequency of ear cleaning required. Please ask us about your pet's grooming needs during the annual physical exam!

Pedicures: Clipping the toe nails can be difficult, but the best way to avoid the battles is to get your pet used to having his/her paws handled and touched from a very young age. This is yet another area where persistence and trust will pay off. If you clip too much off the nail you will not only hurt your pet but this will make the experience even more difficult for the next time. It is important to use good, sharp nail clippers and to get advice on the best way to hold your dog or cat while clipping the nails.

Healthy Diet: A healthy and balanced diet, just as in people, is a crucial area in your pet's wellbeing. The food that you and your vet choose to feed must address the individual needs of your pet and hence there are a wide variety of healthy options available to you. Remember that a good quality food will promote overall health and wellness, strong and clean teeth, a healthy immune system, a shiny and vibrant coat and can alleviate a multitude of illnesses as time goes on. Talk to the knowledgeable staff at the Oak Bay Pet Clinic today about the food that is right for your special pet.

We are pleased to promote Medi-Cal and Royal Canin Veterinary diets at the clinic. These diets are specially formulated by veterinarians and undergo rigorous testing. Quality assurance tests are performed regularly and the latest research is used to ensure that you are feeding the best quality balanced nutrition.

These diets are also fortified with antioxidants and utilize natural ingredients to provide nutrition, easy digestibility and promote overall health and wellness.

We are aware that there is a lot of information being circulated regarding pet diets. Much of this information is not grounded in Science and is often very misleading if not completely false. Many "fad diets" exist relating to pet diets and getting inaccurate information can be dangerous to your pet's health. Please ask us for details relating to choosing the right diet, ingredient-reading, and natural diets such as the "raw food diet". Being a well-educated pet owner is the first important step to overall health of your animal.

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For more information, please talk to us today!