#Veterinary #SocialMedia

Many of you have asked us where Greg, one of our Veterinary Technicians, has gone.

Although he no longer works full time at Royal City Animal Hospital, he does make an appearance once in a while to help out on busy days, to cover vacations, or illnesses.
He is always here in spirit, behind the scenes doing what he loves most: sharing quality PetCare information with our clients and visitors.

For years, Greg has been managing all of our Veterinary Social Media Activity. He writes the articles you  have been reading about vaccinations, microchipping, spay & neutering, animal behaviour, Pet nutrition, and health care for your pet.

He continues to do this for us so that we can continue to focus on quality care, and feel comfortable in the knowledge that the information that our clients read is current, accurate, and entertaining.
Be sure to stay connected with us (and him) through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and of course - this Blog.

He has started his own social media marketing business - helping other small businesses to stay connected with their customers, and attract new business.

GSB Social Media Management
phone: 519.546.2240
email: me@gregbellefontaine.com

Social Media For Veterinarians:  educate, entertain, and engage. 

10 Most Common #Toxins for #Dogs

Do you know what items can be toxic to your dog?
At Royal City Animal Hospital, we want your dog to stay healthy and happy, and one way to do that is to provide you with information on potential problems that could be lurking in your home.

Dogs can get into all kinds of things, and knowing what can harm them will help keep them safe.
Poison Prevention is key.

courtesy of Dogintonpost.com

The top 10 Toxins for dogs are:  Chocolate, Mouse and Rat Poisons, Vitamins and Minerals, Human Pain Relievers, Heart Medication, Cold and Allergy Medicines, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Xylitol, and Antidepressants. There are many, many other common items that can be dangerous to pets. For a Full List of toxic items, and Plants - be sure to check out the following websites.

Pet Poison Helpline
ASPCA Poison Prevention.

If your Pet has ingested any toxic item - please consult your veterinarian immediately. Bring the packaging of the item with you when you take your pet to the vet.

GSB Social Media Management

The Importance of Pet Insurance

We are all familiar with insurance, whether it is for our home, our vehicle, or our family’s health but what about our pets? 

Pet insurance has been around for years, but has been steadily gaining popularity due to the increasing economic challenges we have all faced.  Pet insurance helps cover the unplanned veterinary costs that come up, and always seem to occur at the worst of times. It is most helpful for the pet parent whose Labrador decided to swallow his rope toy and now requires an emergency surgery, the family whose Pomeranian puppy jumped off the couch and  broke her leg in 3 places, or the retired couple whose healthy senior cat stops eating and develops hepatic lipidosis ( also known as fatty liver).  It is impossible to predict when our pets will need non routine veterinary care, and having pet insurance provides the peace of mind that you can afford the treatments needed to heal your four legged friend. There are a variety of options available: most plans cover accidents and illnesses, but policies are available that cover routine care as well.  The best thing you can do is be informed: do research, compare your options, and ask questions.

Here at Royal City Animal Hospital, we are pleased to offer a 6 week trial of free pet insurance from PetSecure for all cats and dogs between 8 weeks and 4 years of age at the time of examination. 

If you would like more information, please contact our hospital! 

Angela N.

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.

A Veterinarian's Confession

 Giving advice to clients on how to watch for dental pain is one thing but having it happen in your own home is another. I too fell victim to the common myth that if an animal is still eating, they aren't in any pain.

A few months ago, my wife had mentioned to me that our dog's mouth smelled bad and wanted me to have a look. I knew that he had a small amount of dental tartar but I was shocked to find out that he had completely fractured his largest tooth in half and it was starting to rot!! I felt awful! How could a veterinarian have missed something so obvious and so painful on his own dog? Where and how could he have possibly done this under my watchful (or so I thought) eye?

I will sadly admit that I didn't think anything was wrong because he was still eating and acting normally. Once I made the diagnosis I began to watch him carefully and noted that he was in fact chewing to one side of his mouth and didn't seem to be playing with his toys as much.

After 3 hours of surgery to carefully remove the broken and infected tooth, I noticed a huge difference in his overall attitude. He began to play with toys much more and seemed to have this unusual spurt of energy I haven't seen since he was a puppy. As upsetting as this was to me, I learned a big lesson in how well animals can hide their pain.....even to a veterinarian in his own home!

Dr. Jonathan Uyede



Bronson - showing off his tough guy mohawk!



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.

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. 

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