Halloween Costume Contest

Royal City Animal Hospital will be holding a
Halloween Pet Costume Photo contest. 

How to enter: 

Join our Facebook page and submit a photo of your pet dressed in a Halloween Costume,
 and you will automatically be entered in the contest. 

The photo that gets the most "Likes" will be the winner.
It is as simple as that. 

The prize is a gift bag of pet related items - books, poop bags, treats, etc. 

Submit your entry today. 

Happy Anniversary

Royal City Animal Hospital is happy to announce that this blog has been in production for 1 year.

Our goal is to provide our Guelph area clients (and our readers from all over the world) with information that helps them become the owners their pets need them to be. We enjoy sharing  stories that will educate, inform, and entertain our readers to help them be the best pet owners they can be.

We strongly believe an informed pet owner is a good pet owner, and that knowledge is power.

To quote Oprah Winfrey:

  "When you know better, you do better"

http://royalcityanimalhospital.com/

Let us know what you think. Share your comments, opinions, and feedback. Tell us what you want to know more about and help us serve you better. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr.

Parasite Profile: Roundworm

What is Roundworm?

Roundworms are parasites that live freely in the intestine, feeding off of partially digested intestinal contents. Their name is derived from their tubular or "round" shape. 

How did my pet get Roundworm?

Infected dogs shed the microscopic roundworm eggs in their feces. Other dogs may become infected by sniffing or licking infected feces. Roundworm eggs can also be spread by other animals such as raccoons, rodents, earthworms, roaches, and birds.

Roundworm Lifecylce

What are the symptoms of Roundworm?

Roundworms live in the intestines of infected animals, depriving them of nutrients. A heavy infestation of roundworms can block the intestinal tract. Signs of roundworm infection in dogs include: weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, malnutrition, and weakness. Infected puppies may have swollen abdomens, the "pot-bellied pup" look that only sounds cute, but is anything but.

How is Roundworm diagnosed?

In puppies, clinical signs such as stunted growth, potbelly, and recurrent diarrhea are a good indication of roundworm infection. Definitive diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of the dog's feces. Roundworms may also be visible in the pet's feces and resemble cooked spaghetti.

http://roundwormpictures.com/Picture-Roundworm.php

How is ROUNDWORM treated?

Your veterinarian has several treatment options for Roundworm that are very effective and safe for treating roundworm.  A frequent de-worming protocol will be recommended by your veterinarian for treating puppies and kittens to ensure treatment is effective. 

Can my dog or cat give ROUNDWORM to me or my family?

YES.

If your dog or cat is diagnosed with Roundworm, good personal handhygiene, and environmental disinfection are very important to prevent the spread to humans. Immediately pick up and dispose of all fecal matter that your pet produces to help limit potential reinfection, or the spread to other pets. Any surfaces that can be safely treated with bleach, should be disinfected with a diluted bleach solution (approximately 1/4 cup bleach to 1 litre water), Lysol and other common household disinfectants may also be effective. 

If you have any questions about Roundworm or other intestinal parasites, please contact us at Royal City Animal Hospital at 519-763-4992 for more information. 

Arthritis in Cats

Does your cat have arthritis?

Did you know that it is estimated that 92 % of cats over the age of 12 have osteoarthritis, and that 100% of cats over the age of 15  have osteoarthritis?

Cats are very good at hiding their pain, so how can you tell if your cat has arthritis? 

The following list are some signs that your cat may have arthritis:

• Inappropriate urination - litter box concerns
• Limping/lameness    
• Lack of interest in jumping up 
• Avoiding Stairs     
• Retracting from touch     
• Grouchiness   
• Change in normal Behaviour
• Weight loss  
• Constipation    
• Vocalization  
• Excessive Grooming
• Lack of Grooming   

If you think your cat may be suffering from arthritis, please contact your Veterinarian for more information and a better assessment. There are many treatment options available for your cat to help them deal with the arthritis, and relieve their pain. There are diets specifically formulated to help reduce the clinical signs of arthritis, and decrease inflammation. There are Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatories drugs(NSAIDS) that your veterinarian might prescribe to help relieve pain and inflammation. There are supplements that can be given (containing Green Lipped Mussel Powder) which also helps reduce the signs of arthritis. As well as other modalities which alone or in conjunction with other treatment options can help your cat feel great and act younger. Before starting any of these treatment options, be sure to consult your veterinarian to work out a treatment plan is the best for your cat's needs.

Don't Leave your Dog in the Car

HOT CARS CAN KILL DOGS

With the warm weather we see far too many examples of poor judgement from some pet owners.

We have heard many stories this summer already of dogs being left in the car while their owners are running errands. This is never a good idea. Do not leave your dog (or cat or child) in the car in the summer for any length of time, not even a 'minute or two'. Many pets die each year as a result of being left in  parked cars during warm weather.

http://www.guelphmercury.com/news/local/article/748448--guelph-police-rescue-15-dogs-from-ovens-on-wheels

Temperatures inside a parked car, even with the  windows open and in the shade, can rapidly reach very

dangerous levels, even on a relatively mild summer day.

A dog’s normal body temperature is about 39º C (102º F). Because of a limited ability to sweat, even a short time in  a hot environment can be life threatening.

Hot Cars Kill Dogs

Leave them Home - where it is cool. 

Call Your Local Humane Society or Police Department if you see a dog locked in a car. 

Microchip your Pet

We have brought this up before, but it bears repeating:

 Have your Pet Microchipped.

Over the past few months, we have seen many signs posted around Guelph, social media sites created, mass emails, and received phone calls where concerned pet owners are looking for a lost dog or cat. Although we share in their pain of losing their beloved family pet, one common thread seems to run through these stories more often than not. The pet was not microchipped.

At Royal City Animal Hospital - we always recommend microchipping for your pets. Microchips are very small - not much bigger than a grain of rice.They are implanted under the skin in your dog or cat. It is a painless procedure - similar to getting a vaccination. Microchipping is the only truly effective way to permanently identify your pet. Tattoos not only are difficult to read, but they also have no central database for which to identify pets. Collars and tags can break off or be taken off.

Actual size of a microchip

Microchips cannot be removed, and every veterinary clinic, humane society or animal shelter in North America has a scanner by which to check for a microchip. If your pet goes missing or is lost, and someone brings them to a shelter or Veterinary clinic - they will be scanned for the presence of a microchip and the company that has manufactured the chip will be contacted who in turn will contact you, the owner. Every year, thousands of animals are lost, or euthanized at shelters because their owner's could not be found. This is heartbreaking to everyone and can be avoided if the animal is microchipped.

Getting a microchip for your pet is a one time cost - there are no membership fess and there are no additional costs when you update your contact information in the database. When your pet has a microchip, make sure you inform the company that has your pets unique number on file of any changes in ownership, address, or other contact information. If your contact information is kept current in the database - the better your chances of getting your dog or cat back will be. If you do not remember who to call - have your veterinarian scan your pet, and they will give you the number of the company that has your pet on file.

Scanning for a Microchip

Microchips save lives - and reunite families.

Dog Breed Profiles

We know you are excited about getting a dog, but before you do there are a lot of things to consider. At Royal City Animal Hospital, we believe knowledge is power. An informed pet owner is a great pet owner!

Some of the Many Breeds of dogs

We will be posting selected breed profiles from time-to-time in order to share what you need to know about that particular breed before you (or your friends) purchase the dog. We want you to be aware of temperament, exercise requirements, breed predisposition to diseases or medical problems, grooming requirements, and much more.

Teya- Dr Drewry's Purebred Golden Retriever

Our goal is to make sure that you are getting a dog that is right for you and your family. Far too often we see people who get dogs that they are unable to care for or deal with because they did not take these factors into consideration.

Cooper  - Greg's perfect match came through the GHS

Come back often and check out the breeds we will be profiling. We will start with common breeds and then work in a few less common ones. Don’t forget: there are many wonderful mixed breed dogs that are at the Guelph Humane Society all the time. Who knows, you may find your perfect dog match there.
Please come and talk to your veterinary team at Royal City Animal Hospital BEFORE you get your dog or puppy, to get more information on what is involved in owning this type of dog - costs, medical requirements, breed specific issues, and much more. We are always happy to help. Call 519 763-4992 to set up an appointment with Lisa or Greg, our Veterinary Technicians.  We hope this information will be useful to you and your family.

Are you Looking for a Dog Groomer in Guelph?

Pam Wilson -groom in progress

At Royal City Grooming Centre in Guelph, we have always prided ourselves on providing top quality grooming services to all of our clients - existing and new. If you are looking for a dog groomer in Guelph, with many years of professional experience, try us.



We offer full service grooming to all breeds of dog, as well as other services such as face and feet trims, nail trims, skunk baths, as well as 'do it yourself' grooming.

Jenny Treutlein shows off her handy work

Although Pam is here 5 days a week  and Jenny is here 2 days a week to meet your grooming needs; we find we are asking our clients to wait too long to get their pets in for their grooming. As of June 11th, 2012 Jenny will be increasing her time here to 3 days a week. We hope this will enable you to get your dog (or cat) in sooner and allow for more availability for those 'emergency' grooms.

 Pam and Jenny always welcome walk in nail trims as well.

Call today to book your grooming appointment for your dog:

 519-763-4992

Parasite Profile: GIARDIA

Over the past few months, we at Royal City Animal Hospital have seen many pets in Guelph who have been infected with an intestinal parasite called Giardia. Some of these cases have been detected through routine fecal testing as done as part of the pets annual health examination. Other cases have come to us presenting with a complaint of diarrhea in the dog or cat. 


What is Giardia?

Giardia is a single celled parasitic organism (protozoan) that affects the gastro-intestinal tract of animals and people. It is not a worm, bacteria, or virus.

Giardiasis is the name of the diarrheal disease caused by this parasite.

Canada Geese in Guelph's Speed River

How did my pet get Giardia?

A dog or cat can become infected with Giardia when it swallows the cyst stage of the parasites through any of the following ways: 

Contaminated water such as ponds, puddles, standing water, and streams are the most common sources of Giardia infection. 

Geese, beavers, deer, cattle, and other wildlife are also carriers of this parasite and pass the cysts off into their stools

Giardiasis is also a common occurrence in environments that are densely populated such as kennels, pet stores, animal shelters, and puppy mills.

Giardia LifeCycle 

What are the Symptoms of Giardiasis?

Giardia infection can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, such as 

• Diarrhea
• Stomach or abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flatulence (Gas)
• Greasy stool that can float
• Dehydration 
• These symptoms may also lead to weight loss

How is Giardia Diagnosed?

Giardia is diagnosed through routine fecal testing as done through your veterinary clinic. Giardia is a microscopic organism so will not be detected with the naked eye. Routine fecal testing may fail to detect tiny cysts which are shed inconsistently in the feces. If your veterinarian suspects Giardia to be the causative agent of your pet’s diarrhea, a specific test which tests for the presence of the Giardia antigen (cell protein) may be requested to help detect the presence of Giardia.

How Is Giardia Treated?

Your veterinarian has several treatment options for Giardia, and the prognosis is very good in most cases. 

Can My Dog or Cat Give Giardia to me or my family?

YES.

If your dog or cat is diagnosed with Giardia, good personal hand hygiene and environmental disinfection are very important to prevent the spread to humans. Immediately pick up and dispose of all fecal matter that your pet produces to help limit potential reinfection, or the spread to other pets. Any surfaces that can be safely treated with bleach, should be disinfected with a diluted bleach solution (approximately 1/4 cup bleach to 1 litre water), Lysol and other common household disinfectants may also be effective. 

Wipe your dog's or cat's hind end after a bowel movement to ensure any cysts that are shed do not get to stick to the fur. 

If you have any questions about Giardia or other intestinal parasites, please contact us at 519-763-4992 for more information. 

More than Just a Heartworm Test.

TICK - TALK

Ticks

Did you know that when you bring your dog to Royal City Animal Hospital in Guelph for their Heartworm test, your dog is now tested for 3 important tick-borne diseases in addition to Heartworm each spring?
These diseases are Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis.

As the climate continues to change, the prevalence of many vector-borne diseases is rapidly increasing throughout Canada, not only in pets and wildlife, but in people as well. In 2011 the prevalence of positive tests have increased greatly with 49 dogs in Guelph testing positive for Lyme Disease.
Migratory birds and songbirds are helping to spread Lyme disease into areas further north than ever before.


Symptoms of lyme disease can range from mild joint stiffness to severe kidney disease and bleeding disorders.. Animals can  carry a low grade infection for years before they become ill. It is this sub-clinical stage that makes yearly screening so important.

Treatment is simple and effective as long as we catch it early. Speak with your veterinarian or Veterinary Technician today to learn more about Heartworm, Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Engorged Tick 

Many species of ticks

Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other species of mammals, including wolves, foxes, ferrets, sea lions and (in rare instances) humans. Dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection.

Despite increased awareness and yearly testing, heartworm infection rates remain unchanged over the past 10 years. 

This video explains how Heartworm disease is transmitted to your dog by mosquitoes. 

Have you had your Dog tested for Heartworm Disease yet this season? Call us today to book an appointment and we can discuss testing, prevention, and treatment or other parasites. 

Sit....Stay....Wait

Are you looking for a Dog Trainer in the Guelph area?

At Royal City Animal Hospital, we always emphasize the importance of professional dog training to our clients.
There are several very qualified and reputable dog trainers within the city of Guelph and surrounding areas, but today we are spotlighting Jason Shute.

His biography as copied directly from his website: 

Jason is a certified master dog trainer and dog behaviorist based in Guelph, Ontario and has trained dogs internationally including a recent contract in Cebu, Philippines. He has attended dog psychology seminars with Cesar Millan and Stanley Coren, apprenticed with master dog trainer Dave McMahon in Niagara Falls and is a registered trainer with the International Association of Canine Professionals, and theCanadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers. He has also attended k9 detection seminars with ATS K9 services, Search and Rescue Ontario, and FireK9, and arson detection unit based in California. Jason won the gold award for "Best Dog Trainer" by Guelph Tribune's Readers Choice Awards 2011.

Check out this video of Jason showing off a dog that knows how to do an out of sight "Down-Stay".
More videos can be seen on his YouTube channel.

Reunited....and it feels so good

Micro-chipping saves lives.....and reunites families

After months of missing their lovely cat "Priscilla", a very happy reunion took place here at Royal City Animal Hospital.

A family in Rockwood, Ontario found her hanging around their house, and had been feeding her and caring for her as a 'neighbourhood stray' hoping she would find her way home. After weeks of caring for her, they brought her to our clinic so we could scan her to see if she is micro-chipped. The scan was successful.

Priscilla's family live in Ariss, Ontario and somehow she escaped on them. How she made it from her home in Ariss to Rockwood, we will never know, but because she was micro-chipped, we were able to contact the microchip company and find her owner. A couple of phone calls was all it took to find the owner and inform them that their beloved cat was found, and safe.

If her owner's had not had the wisdom to microchip her, this reunion would never have taken place and who knows what kind of life Priscilla would have had.

From Ariss to Rockwood is a long walk

Nikki's Day at the Dentist

Have you ever wanted to know exactly what is involved in a dental cleaning for your pet?
This video takes you through the process of a complete dental cleaning and dental surgery - step by step.

If you have any questions about your pet's oral health care, contact your veterinary team for a complete assessment. They will be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.

Your pet will thank you for it.

Pet Care University -Science of Nutrition

Come join us at Royal City Animal Hospital on Saturday March 24th for our next class in our "Pet Care University" series.

"The Science of Nutrition"

Our guest speaker is Heather Lowe, AHT, MBA.
Some of the topics she will be covering include: 

• What is the difference between grocery store, pet store and Veterinary exclusive diets?
• Quality of ingredients, Nutrients vs. ingredients.
• If I can't compare food based on the label, how do I decide what is best for my pet?
• The Cost of pet food:  Cost per bag vs. Cost per Day feeding
• Raw food diets - are they good for your pet?
• Organic, holistic, and all natural diets: are they better or safer to feed your pet or just buzzwords?
• Should the first ingredient in the diet be meat?
• I have heard I should stay away from foods with corn....is this true?
• My Dog or Cat is a 'fussy eater' - he doesn't like anything else.
• What about people food - my dog loves eating my left overs
• I heard dry food is good for their teeth - so I don't feed canned. Is this true?
• Bones - are they good for my dog's teeth?
• What kind of Treats are good for my pet?
• How much is too much? - obesity prevention and treatment

If you have any other questions about pet nutrition, please bring them along with you.

Your veterinarian is always the best source for information on Your pet's Specific nutritional requirements.


Class is free to all who attend, however space is limited so please register to reserve your seat.


519-763-4992    rcahclients@rogers.com

Guelph Trails and Parks

Going for a long hike with your dog is an excellent way for both you and your dog to get exercise.

Just a few friends enjoying Starkey Hill

 People regularly ask us where in Guelph they can take their dogs for a nice hike. Guelph is such a beautiful city with many parks and trails to enjoy, and we don't always know all the good spots to go. Here is a blog where the author has taken the time to not only identify many of the great trails and parks, but also map them out for you, and post photographs showing the beauty and splendor of each. 

http://guelphtrails.blogspot.com/

The City of Guelph also has a listing of all of the leash free zones you and your dog can enjoy in one of the city's many beautiful parks. 

Always be mindful of other users of these recreational areas by picking up after your dog, keep your dog under control, and avoid conflicts with other people and dogs.