A four-legged bundle of fur has just made its way into your life? We recommend that you immediately make an appointment with your veterinarian. Whether your dog is a very young puppy or an adult, it is important to ensure that he/she is in good health. Don’t forget that certain diseases are transmittable to humans. When you visit us, we will give you all kinds of useful information and we will answer all your questions.

We recommend you enrol in an obedience class, especially if this is your first dog, so you can find out about the different temperaments depending on the breed of dog you have. A well educated dog will be a better companion for you while your positive attention to your pet will benefit him/her.

TO FIND OUT MORE… Read the technical file Does Your Dog Bak Too Much!

General Health Examination [top]

We believe that preventative medicine is the best way to maintain your dog in good health for as long as possible. We recommend a general health examination once a year.

Your dog cannot talk so he cannot tell you when he is not feeling well. Our experience shows that the animal is often ill for a certain time before his master notices. The veterinarian will examine his fur, eyes, skin and ears; he will feel his abdomen and use a stethoscope to listen for the smallest sign of illnesses. He/she will question you to find out if there have been changes in your dog’s habits. Does he drink more? Is he vomiting? And yet more questions…

You will also meet with an Animal Health Technician who will answer all your questions concerning the maintenance of your animal: cutting claws, cleaning ears, taking care of teeth, diet, behaviour, etc.

Vaccination [top]

Vaccinating your animal is important. It is the only secure way to make him produce antibodies to defend himself against potentially dangerous diseases during his and your life (rabies for example). We routinely vaccinate against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and rabies. Other vaccinations are not given routinely but are highly recommended depending on where your dog goes in his wanderings and his life habits. These vaccinations include bordetella and Lyme disease. Since 2000, a new vaccine against leptospirosis is highly recommended since this disease can also be transmitted to humans.

A puppy should start his regular vaccination program when he is between 6 and 8 weeks old, followed by a recall every 3 to 4 weeks until he is between 14 and 16 weeks old, depending on the types of vaccines he is getting. Subsequently, during annual health examinations, we will give him all the necessary vaccines according to his needs.

Parasitical Control [top]

It is important to have your puppy’s stools analyzed during his first visit, even if he was previously dewormed. There is a wide variety of parasites, all of which are not affected by conventional deworming agents. We recommend various stool analysis during your animal’s first few months – at 8 weeks, at 16 weeks and when his stools are soft, liquid, contain blood and/or when he is vomiting. In the adult dog, stool analysis must be done annually.

Deworming your animal against roundworms and hookworms, even if the stool analysis is negative, is recommended. The latest scientific studies indicate that numerous analysis may be falsely negative depending on the degree of infestation in the dog and the stage at which the parasites are laying eggs. Taking into consideration the larval migration to humans, mainly children, and the contamination of the environment, specialists recommend deworming your dog every two weeks until the age of three months then once a month until the age of six  months. For adult dogs, deworming is recommended four times a year.

TO FIND OUR MORE… Read the article Pick-Up Please!

I want to register to the workshop: Parasites, Fleas and Other Beasties, Better Safe Than Sorry!

Sterilization [top]

Sterilization is recommended for all non-reproductive dogs. It is important to prevent behavioural and health problems. Sterilization must be demystified. First, it is false that a bitch must have been in heat at least once or have had one litter before she can be sterilized. It is proven that sterilization before the bitch first comes in heat diminishes the risk of mammary cancer (equivalent to breast cancer in women!) as well as the risk of uterus infections (pyrometer). After sterilization, a good diet (with 25% less calories) and exercise can prevent eventual weight gain often wrongly associated as a direct consequence of sterilization.

Why should I have my bitch sterilized after she first comes in heat?
Statistics indicate that if the bitch is sterilized after she first comes in heat, the risk of mammary tumors is almost nil. Apparently, of all bitches with mammary tumors, 8% were in heat once before sterilization, 26% were in heat twice and 65% were in heat three or more times

Why should I have my dog castrated?
The risks of testicular tumors and prostate hyperplasia will be greatly reduced. Sexual impulses having been eliminated, seeking a mate and running away when a bitch is in heat somewhere nearby are diminished.

Nutrition [top]

At all times, make sure that fresh water is available to your dog.
Your dog should not have access to his food at all times. We recommend regular and separate meals; this will help his digestion and your dog will defecate regularly (making this aspect of training much easier). Meal frequency can vary depending on each individual dog – discuss it with your veterinarian at your next visit.

Bones should be banned! Bones can be crushed and small pointed ends could pierce the stomach or intestines or even remain lodged in the rectum. Food scraps in reasonable amounts (less than 10% of his daily food quantity) will not hinder a balanced diet but watch out for high-calorie foods. Dog biscuits are treats that you can give to your dog in reasonable quantities. Watch out for obesity…more and more domestic animals suffer from this!

Your dog will not eat the same food all its life. We have a complete selection of foods adapted to the age and physical condition of your animal. For example, large breed puppies need the correct type of food when they begin adolescence to make sure they do not grow too fast or suffer from obesity and to diminish the risks of hip dysplasia. Older dogs need diets with less fat and proteins while retaining high quality proteins. Arthritic dogs need diets specially formulated for joint health, etc. We are confident that we can find the correct diet for each dog!

We recommend you buy the food we sell at the Clinic. Generally, it is of the best quality for about the same price…we have compared prices. One of our workshops deals with this subject and you can register to this workshop at all times. If you do not have time to attend such a workshop, one of our technicians will be happy to answer your questions when next you visit our Clinic … you can even make an appointment to specifically talk about your dog’s diet. This service is free!

TO FIND OUR MORE:
Read the technical files Hip Dysplasia, Weight Loss and Exercise for our Pets
Read the article A Little Heavy Word!

Controlling Fleas [top]

Fleas can cause skin problems and can be carriers of diseases and intestinal parasites. It is important to prevent infestation during high-risk periods, i.e. from June to November, or if you travel to warm countries with your dog outside this period.  In the case of home infestations, we will concentrate on discussing possible treatments. Very easy to use and efficient products are now easily available and can simplify our lives by preventing and/or treating the problem. Talk about it with your veterinarian.

I want to register to the workshop: Parasites, Fleas and Other Beasties, Better Safe Than Sorry!

Heartworms or Dirofilaria [top]

This condition exists in Québec even though it is not as widespread as it is in Florida or other warm climates. It is therefore important to take preventative measures. The respiratory, cardiac and circulatory systems of an infected dog will often have irreversible lesions which can be fatal, even when treated. Prevention is simple and takes place between June and November, following a screening test. If you travel, find out what risks your dog will be exposed to in the areas you plan to visit. In Florida, for example, prevention is necessary all year round!

I want to register to the workshop: Parasites, Fleas and Other Beasties, Better Safe Than Sorry!
TO FIND OUR MORE…Read the article With Summer Comes Heartworm Season

Dental Hygiene [top]

Your dog will have permanent teeth at about six months of age. Meanwhile, arm yourself with patience and give him lots of teething toys along with various forms and textures.

To keep your dog’s teeth healthy, brushing 3 times a week is ideal and must be started when he is very young to facilitate his acceptance of this level of handling. Toothpaste designed for animals should be used since your dog will swallow it. Dental diets, specially designed to reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar, are available from the Clinic.

During the annual general examination, the veterinarian will examine your dog’s teeth and make recommendations. When necessary, the veterinarian will recommend tartar removal and teeth polishing for your pet. These procedures will always be done under general anesthesia and allows us to extract teeth, if necessary, while doing a more in-depth examination of your animal’s mouth.

I want to register to the workshop: Dental Care... for a Brighter Smile!

Bath [top]

Lots of advice is available concerning bathing frequency and the types of shampoos to use… Ours are: as often as the dog needs it…at least twice a year and at the most once a week…as long as you use a non-detergent, hypoallergenic shampoo and rinse well.

Claws [top]

Nail Clipping must be done once a month or more often depending on your dog’s needs. Handling his paws very often when he is still very young will help him accept the procedure and encourage his cooperation. The technique and instrument used are also important factors to avoid injuring your dog, which could in turn make future handling even more difficult! Ideally, ask your Technician to give you a good demonstration and discuss what instrument he/she thinks is the best to use for your dog. If you are not comfortable with this procedure, we will be happy to do it for you at our Clinic.

I want to register to the workshop: Cutting Claws and Cleaning Ears, it's Dead Easy!

Ear Care [top]

Dogs with long hanging ears require specific and regular care to avoid serious ear infections. It is very important to clean and dry the ears well at least twice a week as well as each time your animal has had water in his ears: after a bath, after swimming, after playing in water or with a water hose or after playing in the snow. Use a quality product which cleans, dries and dissolves wax at the same time. Ears which have hairs in the canal need to be plucked regularly. All this sounds very complicated but in reality it only takes minutes. We have designed a workshop to explain what to do and what products you should use. Register now!

I want to register to the workshop: Cutting Claws and Cleaning Ears, it's Dead Easy!

The Golden Years (7 years and up) [top]

According to comparison charts, when a dog reaches the age of 7 years, it is the equivalent of a human between 44 and 50 years old (depending on the size of the dog – a smaller dog will be “younger” than a bigger dog). Your dog is half way through his life. At this age, he becomes susceptible to developing certain diseases such as diabetes, kidney infections, cardiac problems, cancer… From age 7 on, we recommend a complete health profile of your dog on a regular basis. Discuss this with your veterinarian.

TO FIND OUT MORE… Read the article Geriatric Tests Help Maintain my Animal's Health!

Your Dog has Reached the End of his Life [top]

Perhaps you just adopted a puppy and are not ready to think about the end of his life? You have lots of time! If bad luck hits and your friend is ill, or he is getting on in years and his departure is beginning to worry you…do not hesitate to talk with us. We are at your disposal to give you all the information you will need to make a serene decision…You can count on us to help you. Many members of our staff have had to face this painful decision for their own animals so they can understand how you feel.

TO FIND OUT MORE… Read the technical files Normal Parturition in the Bitch; Normal Oestrus in the Bitch.

Read the articles Allergies and our Pets; Heat Stroke

Description of Diseases for Which Vaccines Exist [top]

Distemper : A virus which affects many systems and which can be fatal or cause irreversible lesions. Symptoms include: weakness, fever, coughing, vomiting or discharge from the nose and eyes

Infectious hepatitis: The virus mainly attacks the liver and can cause a mild or severe infection.

Parvovirus: A virus which causes severe gastroenteritis, often fatal in young puppies. This virus is highly contagious and very resistant to the environment.

Coronavirus : This virus attacks the digestive system and causes vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. The vaccine is used in kennels and in breeding facilities but not routinely given to house pets.

Parainfluenza : One of the causes of kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis. Symptoms are a dry hacking cough, a runny nose, runny eyes and sneezings.

Rabies: The rabies virus affects the nervous system and is fatal to the animal.  Since humans are also vulnerable to this virus, it is even more important to vaccinate your animal.

Bordetella : One of the causes of kennel cough, this disease is highly contagious and is diagnosed by a dry hacking cough, a runny nose, runny eyes and sneezing.

Lyme Disease: a disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdoferi, which is transmitted to dogs and to humans when bitten by a specific tick. Lyme disease can occur at various degrees of seriousness.
TO FIND OUR MORE... Read the technical file Lyme Disease

Leptospirosis: A disease caused by a bacteria transmitted to dogs in contact with the urine from wild animals and which causes kidney or liver insufficiencies.

How Old is your Dog in Human Years? [top]

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