It’s that time of year again.  Yes those pesky mosquitoes, fleas and ticks are back.

Our Vets in Sudbury at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital want to share some valuable information regarding mosquitoes, fleas and ticks and how they can affect your pet’s health.  Mosquitoes can be more than just bothersome as they can be carriers of heartworm disease which is fatal if left untreated.  Heartworm disease is exactly that, a worm that migrates and grows in the heart.  These pests can migrate through the bloodstream and over populate your furry friend’s heart.  Our Vets in Sudbury know that treatment is not always 100% effective and therefore prevention plays a key role!!

Fleas are menacing external parasites that feed on your pet’s blood, cause skin irritation, redness, hair loss, anemia and other symptoms.  They can be seen as the vampires of the parasite world.  Our Vets in Sudbury state that fleas can also be the culprit in giving your four legged family members tapeworms. These intestinal parasites can cause an increase in appetite and bloated stomach.  Your furry friend will be eating for two!! Tapeworms may look like rice in your pet’s feces as they shed segments from the adult worm.  Here’s the scariest part, they can infect humans!!  Also, one female flea can lead to an entire flea circus, producing 2000 fleas in just 4 months.  Don’t forget that every pet and every room will be infested including your living room, bedroom and even your child’s room.  In addition to treating each and every pet in the house your residence may need to be treated as well.  Our Vets in Sudbury know that anyone who has had to deal with a flea infestation will agree that prevention is less expensive and far less stressful than treatment.  Knowing those tiny critters have invaded your home will keep anyone up scratching all night long!!!

There are four species of ticks that are known in Ontario.  The Brown Dog Tick is most wipe spread tick in Canada and can transmit Ehrlichiosis.  The most common signs of Ehrlichiosis are; loss of appetite, depression, fever, painful joints, bloody nose and pale gums.  This disease can progress to permanent blindness, autoimmune diseases, blood clotting issues and even death.  The Deer Tick is the next most common tick in Canada and these critters can be found in Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces. The Deer Tick can be carriers of Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis.  Most common signs of Lyme disease are; lameness, fever, swollen joints, kidney failure, anorexia.  The disease can progress to damaged joints and fatal kidney disease.  Anaplamosis shows signs of; lack of energy, high fever, swollen & painful joints, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.  This disease can progress to low platelet number (blood clotting factor), chronic joint pain and neurological signs.  The Lone Star Tick is a carrier of Ehrlichiosis but has only been found in small populations in the Quebec/St. Lawrence areas.  The Dog Tick and Wood Tick are the two least populated.  The Dog Tick can be found in Canada from Saskatchewan to the Maritime Provinces and are carriers of fatal blood parasites to cats.  The Wood tick can be found in central British Columbia through southern Alberta and into southwestern Saskatchewan and are carriers are Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Our Vets in Sudbury say that these diseases are very difficult to treat and that’s why prevention is a priority.  Paired with prevention, your furry family member should have an annual heartworm and tick test done by our Vets in Sudbury at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital.  This involves drawing a small blood sample to test for heartworm disease and tick borne diseases.  Knowing your furry family member is in tip top shape will allow you both to have a more enjoyable summer!!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Our Sudbury Vets at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital.  The entire staff at The Barrydowne Animal Hospital wishes everyone a paw-sitively purrr-fect summer season!!

Spring has sprung! The birds are singing. The snow is melting and everyone’s yard is a quagmire of mud.  White carpets beware!! It seems that every time our four legged family members are let outside they bring all that mud back indoors with them.  Consequently, this time of year grooming and bathing become issues in the forefront of our households.

Our Sudbury Animal Hospital realizes that many questions may arise regarding grooming our pets:  What is the first step in grooming?  How often should I be bathing my pet?  What products should I be using?  Do I need to wipe out his ears?  What about trimming the nails?  And what if I find a problem with the skin?   We at Barrydowne Animal Hospital in Sudbury will clear up all these questions and put your mind at ease.

The first step in grooming is regular brushing.  Depending on your pet’s coat, this may be a daily requirement or only occasional brushing may be necessary.  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital says that by starting at an early age, this grooming ritual can become an important bonding experience between you and your furry family member.  Brushing helps to remove loose hair, mats and tangles as well as all the mud, sand and debris your pet may have carried in on their coats.  The process of brushing also helps spread the naturally occurring oils throughout the coat and stimulates blood flow to the skin, giving our furry friends that healthy shine we all like to see.  Even pets enjoy good hair days!!

Dogs that shed generally require only periodic bathing.  A bath is in order when the coat is obviously dirty which is often the case in the springtime.  But if you are struck by an overwhelming dog-like odour when your pet enters the room, a bath should be strongly considered.  During shedding season, bathing can also help remove all those loose hairs that would otherwise find their way onto your clothes and furniture. We all know what happens to our favorite black clothes when we’ve been around a shedding dog!!  Whenever possible, our Sudbury Animal Hospital suggests bathing your four legged friend with warm water. Although we may have the tendency to use the convenience of the garden hose in the summer, image how you would feel having an ice cold shower!!  Use only animal approved shampoos and conditioners when bathing your pets.  Never use human products to wash your furry friend as they may cause adverse side effects.  Dogs that do not shed and whose coats grow continuously may need regular bathing and haircuts. This may entail a spa day for your dog.  Your friendly veterinary staff at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital can recommend quality grooming facilities available in our area. Even four legged family members deserve a day of pampering every once in a while.

While you have your pet in the tub it may be a good time to clean the ears as long as your veterinarian has prescribed an ear cleaner and has instructed you on the correct ear cleaning procedure.  If, during the bathing adventure, you notice that your pet’s ears are red or have unidentifiable debris inside the ear canal, it is advised to contact our Sudbury Animal Hospital for further instruction.

Take this time to have a look at your dog’s nails.  We want to keep these at a reasonable length.  Your veterinarian can show you the proper procedure when it comes to nail trimming.  The trick is to start slow and make it a positive experience for both you and your pet.  Develop a regular schedule for nail trimming and over time your pet will become cooperative and the process will go smoothly for both of you.

Regular inspection of your dog’s coat provides an opportunity to detect if there may be any lumps and bumps or dry, flaky skin or hair loss.  The general overall appearance of your dog’s coat may be an indicator of underlying health problems.  If you have noticed anything out of the ordinary contact our Sudbury Animal Hospital, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital as further medical treatment may be required.

Keeping your furry family member healthy and happy is our number one goal at The Barrydowne Animal Hospital in Sudbury.  Just as we require regular maintenance to our skin, hair and nails, so do our four legged friends.  By incorporating grooming into your schedule you can keep better track of your dog’s health and find any abnormalities in a timely fashion.  It is also an excellent way to spend quality time with your pet.  The bond between pet and pet parent is very unique and provides a healthier lifestyle for all!! If you have any questions please contact our Sudbury Animal Hospital, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital  Together we can make sure that your furry friend looks and feels paw-sitively purr-fect!!!

WARNING – If you are reading this blog article while eating, STOP RIGHT NOW or proceed with caution!!! 

Have you ever wondered why your furry companion has started to drag their hind end on the ground??  This is not some new dance craze affecting our four legged friends.  Often, this is a sign that your pet is having an issue with their anal sacs.  They will frequently start to lick or bite under their tail as well.  

Every dog and cat has 2 anal sacs that sit at approximately the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock position around the anus. You may not be aware of their existence until the day you smell a very unusual odor from the hind end! They are in essence scent glands.  

Our Sudbury Vets commonly hear the statement, “I think my dog has worms because its anal area is itchy.” In most cases they have full anal sacs, anal sac impaction, an inflamed anal sac or abscess. 

These sacs normally secrete a typically brown watery substance. This liquid is usually excreted during a bowel movement. If this liquid becomes pasty it will not easily pass through the ducts that connect the anal sacs to the outside. Grossed out yet??  Keep reading it gets better!! As a result, if the ducts become blocked and the liquid that is continued to be produced does not have an exit point, then the gland can rupture forming an abscess. This is not pleasant for either pet or pet parent. Our Sudbury Vets state that at that point, you will see an ulcer that may be oozing blood or creamy material on either the right or the left of the anus.

 Why do some dogs have more issues with anal sacs than others? Good question. The answer is Our Sudbury Vets really don’t know.  Two possibilities are a food allergy that lead to inflammation of the glands or smaller/soft stool that do not promote emptying of the sacs. You may not realize this but bowel function is often a common topic for Our Sudbury Vets as it can be an indicator of your furry friend’s health.

 Some dogs need to have their anal sacs periodically expressed to prevent discomfort, impactions and abscesses.  For some dogs this may need to be done every few months while some dogs will never need to have these sacs expressed. If you think that your furry friend is having issues with their anal sacs please contact Our Sudbury Vets as it is best if the procedure is done by a professional. 

If inflammation or abscess occurs your dog will need to be evaluated by Our Vets at The Barrydowne Animal Hospital.  Often antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anal gland flushing or surgery may be advised.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call Our Sudbury Vets at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital No butts about it, our primary goal is to keep your furry friend healthy and happy throughout their lifetime!!

At the Barrydowne Animal Hospital in Sudbury we want your experience at our clinic to be paws-itive for both pet and pet parent.  We know that with our feline family members this is not always the case!!  Some kitties will develop a Jekyll and Hyde complex when they need to be brought to the veterinarian.  They are sweet as pie at home but when brought to the vet they can turn into Tasmanian devils!!  Many pet parents do not bring their feline friends to the veterinarian because they feel the experience is too stressful for the cat and overwhelming for both of you.  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital has some suggestions to make the visit easier for everyone involved.  Also, our team will do whatever possible to make sure that you are both as comfortable as possible!!

We do have some suggestions that may make a visit to the veterinarian less traumatic for both of you:

1. Bring your cat carrier out a few days prior to the appointment so your feline friend will become accustomed to seeing it.  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital knows that many cats will “disappear” as soon as they see their carrier!!  Let them explore the carrier at their own pace and offer treats during this non-stressful introductory period.  You can also include a favorite toy to make the trip more comfortable for your kitty.  Carriers are a necessary evil as they protect both you and your feline friend in the car.  Please make sure your carrier is secure to avoid any injury during travel.
2. Let us know that this is a traumatic experience for both of you so we can plan ahead by having a quiet room ready upon your arrival so your feline friend does not have to wait in the lobby with other animals
3. Try making stops at the vet, just for a visit, so your cat becomes more familiar with the clinic and the staff.  We welcome visits and will make sure to praise your kitty for being brave enough to come in to say hello!!
4. There are pheromone sprays that have a calming effect so maybe a little spray on the carrier would help to settle nerves.  These pheromone sprays can be applied to bedding in the carrier to create a state of calm. They can be your “secret weapon” when making a trip to the veterinarian.
5. If car rides are the issue, try taking short trips around the neighborhood to make your kitty more comfortable in the car.  Always reward your feline friend with encouragement and praise after a ride in the car.  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital wants you to take note of the temperature inside and outside of the car as a drastic change in temperature can contribute to anxiety.  If your feline friend is meowing during the ride, try to talk calmly and reassuringly to try to settle frazzled nerves.   Please never leave your pet in vehicle unattended!!

At Our Sudbury Animal Hospital, The Barrydowne Animal hospital, we realize that it is not always an easy task to bring your feline family member in for regular visits but .  It may be a slow process

If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to call Our Sudbury Animal Hospital, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital at 705-566-4243.  You can also visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital  for tons of information regarding your furry family member.  Together we can create a paws-itive purr-ception for your feline friend when it comes time to visit the veterinarian!!

Our Sudbury Animal Hospital, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital, knows that many people choose to keep their feline family members indoors BUT did you know that they can still be exposed to harmful viruses??  There is a common myth that indoor cats do not need vaccinations but this is in fact, only a myth.  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital would like to “let the cat out of the bag” and provide some insight on the benefits of having your feline friend vaccinated, even if they stay indoors.  Let’s begin with some info on the viruses that we are vaccinating against:

1. Feline Panleukopenia – This virus is highly contagious and often fatal.  It is very resistant and can survive in things such as carpets and furniture.  Our vets at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital in Sudbury want you to know that this virus is caused by a parvovirus that is similar to parvovirus seen in dogs.
2. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis – This virus is also very highly contagious and is caused by the feline herpes virus.  We want you to know that this is one of the most severe upper respiratory infections and can create lifelong issues.  It is more common in kittens and unvaccinated older cats.
3. Feline Calicivirus – Again this virus is highly contagious and most common in kittens.  This virus can cause ulcers in the mouth, eyes, and nose.  It can also lead to long-term health issues.
4. Feline Leukemia Virus – Our Sudbury Animal Hospital wants you to know that this virus is often fatal to your feline friend and may take months or even years before showing symptoms.
5. Rabies – We all know that Rabies is no way for a friend to die but did you realize that humans can become infected as well?  This vaccine is required by law as it is nearly 100% fatal to both pets and pet parents.

Now that you know what we are vaccinating against, let’s discuss why Our Sudbury Animal Hospital feels that it is vital for your indoor feline friend to be properly vaccinated.  There are many different situations that may put your kitty at risk of exposure.

Many of these viruses are airborne and resistant to several disinfectants.  Therefore, your new home may be harboring these viruses even if you thoroughly clean before moving.  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital wants you to know that if there was an infected cat living in the home before you moved in; there could a risk of exposure to your cat.  Definitely not the housewarming gift you want!! Also, if your cat goes to the groomers or visits the pet store they run the risk of exposure through contaminated equipment or close contact with other infected animals.  All it takes is one infected cat to ruin the party!

If you have a multi-cat household or bring a new cat into your household (planned or unplanned) that has a virus, there is a strong chance of passing the virus along to healthy cats.  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital states that cats that share toys, food, water bowls, litter boxes, crates, brushes, blankets etc run a high risk of passing these viruses if one cat is infected.

Many indoor cats love sitting in a screened window or porch to catch some rays and catch a glimpse of what is happening around the neighborhood.  Cats are very curious by nature!!  Our Sudbury Animal Hospital states that if there is an infected cat in the vicinity, your furry friend could potentially be exposed!!

Hunting is a favorite activity for any cat, even the indoor cat!! Our Sudbury Animal Hospital knows that our feline friends are genetically predisposed to be keen hunters.  If, by chance, a bat or small mammal sneaks into your home, your cat will most likely become like a stealth predator and will seek and destroy the enemy!!   If this intruder does have a virus, your cat runs a high risk for exposure.

The goal at Our Sudbury Animal Hospital is to keep your feline family member happy and healthy throughout their lifetime.  Annual vaccinations are a great way to discuss any issues or changes that you have noticed with your feline friend.  We all know that cats can be difficult to bring in to the veterinarian and many pet parents decide against vaccinations for this reason.  We often hear that the cat becomes “too stressed” or is “too difficult.”   Well, at The Barrydowne Animal Hospital we are up for the challenge!!  Please stay tuned for our next blog article for some helpful suggestions and tips to make the trip to Our Sudbury Animal Hospital more pleasant for both you and your feline family member!!

For more information don’t hesitate to call us at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital.com

Regular visits to the dentist are a vital part of a healthy human lifestyle, but did you realize that your furry family members need dental care too?!  Our Sudbury Vet Clinic, the Barrydowne Animal Hospital, encourages you to take a look inside your four legged friend’s mouth.  Is there an odor, does it cause you to hold your breath??  Are the gums light pink and healthy, or are they irritated and flaming red??  Are the teeth clean and pearly white, or are they plagued by plaque or tartar??  Are the teeth worn or broken??  The staff at Our Sudbury Vet Clinic is trained to properly correct these dental issues.

Did you know that over 85% of our furry friends over the age of 2 years have some form of periodontal disease?? That is a staggering number and if left untreated, dental disease can lead to other complications involving the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.  Since February is Dental Health Month, this is the perfect opportunity for you to bring in your furry friend for a dental evaluation to Our Sudbury Vet Clinic.  Once we have had a look inside, we can help to devise a plan for you to care for your pet’s teeth to keep you both smiling!

Most of us will have a dental exam and cleaning once every 6 to 9 months.   Why not consider dental care for your furry family member?? To properly assess and fully clean your pet’s mouth, Our Sudbury Vet Clinic will have to place him or her under a general anesthesia.  With the introduction of new and safer anesthetic agents, this is not a major concern for most of our furry family members.  It allows us to explore around every individual tooth in the mouth, and identify any problem areas if they exist.  Radiographs may be taken, and results are immediately available to us in digital format.  If any issues are detected, you may be given the option of same day treatment. Otherwise, the teeth are fully cleaned and polished – just like at your regular dentist!  Wow!  Your furry friend will be picture perfect with their pearly whites.

In order to maintain your furry friend’s oral health, there are a number of options advised by the staff members at Our Sudbury Vet Clinic.  Brushing teeth, feeding an oral care diet,  using an oral care water supplement, and using toys and treats that promote dental health all help to maintain a clean, healthy mouth.

We all should, ideally, brush our pet’s teeth every day.  A soft tooth brush should be used in gentle circular motions over each section of the mouth.  Cats and dogs do not spit and will ingest the toothpaste that you use.   Our Sudbury Vet Clinic, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital, says that it is imperative to brush using an enzymatic pet toothpaste that does NOT contain detergents, whiteners nor fluoride, thereby being safe to swallow.  Start brushing right away so it becomes a part of your furry friends’ daily routine.

There are several oral care diets available in the pet food market.  Quality products that have been tested and proven to control plaque and tartar contain the seal of approval from the Veterinary Oral Health Council® (VOHC® Accepted) on the bag.  Our Sudbury Vet Clinic, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital, can recommend an oral care diet for your furry friend.  There are foods designed for both adult and senior pets to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, while also being low in calories.  What a great way to keep your furry family member healthy throughout their lifetime!

Our Sudbury Vet Clinic wants you to know that along with oral care diets there are also water supplements for both cats and dogs that have been tested and are proven to control the oral bacteria that lead to periodontal disease.  Look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council® Seal of Acceptance for Plaque Control on the market today.  Safe and effective for all life stages, this is truly one of the simplest forms of oral care available today!  Fill up the water bowl and walk away!

Does your furry friend like to play and chew?  This is healthy as long as calories are controlled and large pieces are not ingested that could cause an obstruction of the gut.  Rawhide chews and dental toys help to clean the teeth and strengthen the jaw.  Rope toys can help clean the front teeth.  Our Sudbury Vet Clinic advises you NOT to feed real bones.  Real bones can fracture teeth, as well as causing gastrointestinal irritation or blockage.  NO REAL BONES PLEASE!!

This February, during Dental Health Month, Our Sudbury Vet Clinic, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital, encourages you to be proactive regarding the oral health of your furry family member.  Take a peek into your pet’s mouth, and if what you see or smell is concerning, book an appointment to have him/her examined.  Consider booking a comprehensive oral health assessment.  Start a regular daily tooth brushing regime!  Think about incorporating an oral health diet, water supplement or chew toys into your furry friend’s life.  By taking care of oral health, your precious pet will be more comfortable in the long term, improving your family’s overall health and well-being.   Together we can take a bite out of dental disease!!

At The Barrydowne Animal Hospital we understand that our furry friends are a valued member of our families so we have put together a special offer to keep your pet smiling.  If you book your dental procedure before the end of February and it is completed by June 1^st you will receive a 10% discount off the oral health assessment and treatment.  Plus if you complete the procedure before March 30^th  we will send you home with a free bag of oral health food.

If you have any questions please contact Our Sudbury Vet Clinic, The Barrydowne Animal Hospital at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital

Do you have a Swiss bank account, full of an undisclosed amount of money, ready for when your furry family member has an accident or illness? At The Barrydowne Animal Hospital, our Vets in Sudbury know this is a very unlikely scenario.   Most pet parents do not think about their dog or cat getting sick or suffering an accident, mostly because it is too difficult to imagine it, or because you don’t have extra money saved if it does happen.  It will break your heart to have to decide whether next week’s groceries or your pets’ health is more important to you. But alas, sometimes as pet parents we are forced with difficult decisions! What if you had pet insurance??

As a society, we insure almost everything, from ourselves, our family members, our cars, houses, and many other things.  So why do we not consider pet insurance for our furry family members? Our Vets in Sudbury realize that there is little education for pet parents regarding insurance for their furry friends.  There are a variety of companies that offer pet insurance for dogs and cats so at these critical times of illness or unexpected veterinary medical bills you don’t have to over extend your bank account.

Our Vets in Sudbury encourage you to click on the following link to find out more about some of these companies.

http://barrydowneanimalhospital.com/client-only/pet-insurance/

Now that you’re thinking about pet insurance, Our Vets in Sudbury want you to know that there are some things to consider before deciding which company will best suit your needs:

- most or all companies will not cover pre-existing health conditions. So ideally you should
sign up with a policy as soon as you bring a new pet into your family

- how much coverage do you want/need? Pet insurance can be exclusive to accidents or
illness or can be broad and cover everything from vaccines to spaying/neutering.

- how much can you budget a month for pet insurance? The more coverage you would like
usually means a larger monthly premium

- How old is your pet? The longer you wait to start pet insurance the higher the premium
will be. Therefore you want to start it as a puppy, not as a senior

- Does your cat go outside? If they do, you may want more coverage

- Does the company you sign up with have many exclusions? For example, do they cover hip
dysplasia in large breed dogs, or certain breed specific conditions?

- What are their limits, if any, per year, per incident, lifetime, etc.

- How quickly are claims processed and paid?

- Do premiums increase as your pet gets older?

- Does the company have a good reputation?

Our Sudbury Vets want you to know that just like any insurance company you need to do your research and be sure you understand what your policy includes, and understand what you’re paying for. If you can call the company directly and speak to their representatives you may have a better understanding as to what is provided, and may help you with your choice.  Our Sudbury Vets know that the human-animal bond plays a role in a healthier lifestyle for both furry family members and their pet parents and enrolling in pet insurance can help to put your mind at ease!!
For more information please contact us at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital.

Our Sudbury Vets know that we are now living in the electronic age so The Barrydowne Animal Hospital has decided to upgrade our Rabies tags to keep up with the times!!  We are excited to inform you that our new and innovative Rabies tags will now include a quick response code that can be scanned by any smart phone.

What does this mean to you and your furry family member??

Our Sudbury Vets know that our pets are valued members of our family and we want to make sure that you know where they are at all times.  If for some reason your furry friend becomes lost or separated from you, this new tag goes further than before to make sure you are reunited ASAP!!  Registering you pet is as simple as going to http://www.soslostpets.com/ and inputting your pet’s information.  OurSudbury vets want you to know that the front of the tag will still have all of the traditional information BUT with this new system, you can do so much more.  You can input vital information such as any health issues or medications your furry friend may require and how you would like to be contacted to be reunited.  You can put a direct link to your phone number, email address or your veterinarian as some of the ways to be contacted in case you and your pet become separated.  It’s as simple as scanning the quick response code with a smart phone!! These tags are transforming the way we share information about our pets and they use the power of the internet to work for you and your furry friend.  We know we cannot diminish the anxiety and worry that is caused by being separated from your pet but Our Sudbury Vets feel that this new system will assist tremendously in being reunited quicker than ever before.

For more information please don’t hesitate to call Our Sudbury Vets at the BarrydowneAnimalHospitalat 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital. 

Together we can keep our furry family members safe and happy throughout their lifetime!!

Tis the season, it’s time to be jolly,
String the lights and hang the holly.
During the festivities please take care,
Some valuable information we would like to share.
To keep your furry friend from having Christmas blues,
Please read our blog for the latest news.

 The holiday season is upon us!!  Our Sudbury Vets at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital are full of excitement for the season.  Many of us get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and decorating and may overlook some common holiday hazards for our four legged family members.  Our Sudbury Vets have compiled a list of 10 Holiday Toxins to keep in mind in order to keep your furry friend happy and healthy throughout the season:

 1)  Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) – This product is widely used during this time of year and is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats.  A small amount can be fatal and symptoms to look for are lethargy, increased drinking and urination and wobbling like they are drunk.  FYI many snow globes contain antifreeze so make sure to keep them safely out of reach.

 2)  Chocolate – oooh so yummy for humans but a definite no-no for your pets.  Our Sudbury Vets wants you to know that symptoms will depend on the purity of the chocolate.  The darker the chocolate the more toxic effects for your furry friend.  Look for excessive thirst, vomiting and restlessness.  There can also be an increase in heart rate or arrhythmia than can evolve into seizures and even death.  We suggest keeping these tasty treats out of reach!!  If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, please call your veterinarian immediately.

 3)  Mistletoe/Holly/Lilies – These festive decorations add to the spirit of the season but are toxic to our pets.  Mistletoe can cause diarrhea, vomiting, heart arrhythmias, fluid loss and even death.  Our Sudbury Vets wants you to know that Holly can cause severe stomach upset due to the spiny leaves and toxic substances.  It can also cause drooling and lip smacking and head shaking due to the spiny leaves.  Lilies are highly toxic to cats and a few bites can cause kidney failure so avoid these in all your holiday bouquets.

 4)  Holiday Ornaments/Foreign Bodies – Our Sudbury Vets suggest to pet proof your home during this time of year.  Cats love shiny objects so toss the tinsel!!  It is not toxic if ingested but it can become lodged internally and need to be surgically removed.  String, yarn, ribbons and hooks can also become stuck and cause problems.  Liquid Potpourri can add a wonderful aroma but can prove to be problematic for your furry friends.  A few small licks can cause chemical burns in the mouth as well as fever and difficulty breathing.  Light bulbs can cause electric shock if chewed and bubble lights contain a toxin that can cause depression and irritation to the eyes and stomach.

 5)  Poinsettia/Japanese Yew – Poinsettias definitely have a bad reputation with our furry friends but are only mildly toxic.  They can cause stomach upset so Our Sudbury Vets suggest keeping all ornamental plants safely out of reach so your pet won’t be tempted to have a taste test!!  Japanese Yew is becoming more popular in holiday decorations and all parts of this plant are very toxic.  If ingested, it can cause dilated pupils, dizziness, abnormal heart rate, coma and possibly death.

 6)  Raisins/Grapes/Currants -   Our Sudbury Vets want your pets to steer clear of these treats as they can cause kidney failure.  Furthermore, the toxicity levels are not clearly known therefore it is not known how much is too much. 

 7)  Macadamia Nuts – The actual toxin in these nuts has not been identified but if eaten they can cause depression, vomiting, incoordination, and the inability to use hind legs or stand.  Our Sudbury Vets suggest keeping all nuts tucked away from your furry friends.

 8)  Alcohol – We all know not to give our furry family members alcoholic beverages but Our Sudbury Vets want you to know that alcohol can be found in many places!!  Holiday treats such as rum based cakes and uncooked dough that contains yeast can cause alcohol poisoning.  The yeast will expand and rise in the stomach and can cause bloating that can lead to a twisted stomach.  Symptoms include vomiting, gagging, bloating, elevated heart rate, weakness and collapse.  Ingesting alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar and blood pressure and body temperature.  Animals that are intoxicated can experience respiratory failure and seizures.

 9)  Table Scraps/Bones – Our Sudbury Vets state that any change in your furry friends’ diet can cause stomach upset.  Fatty meat scraps can lead to Inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis, and can cause stomach upset, vomiting and bloody diarrhea.  This can put a damper on any holiday festivities so stay strong even when they give you “the look” as avoiding table scraps and bones will ensure a happy holiday for all.  Please make sure your pet has access to fresh cold water at all times.

 10) Road Salt/Hypothermia – While road salt is rarely ingested, it can cause pain and discomfort to the pads on our furry friends’ paws.  Just imagine if your pet had a cut on the bottom of their paw and were forced to walk through salt!! Ouch!!  Our Sudbury Vets suggest using a pet friendly product to keep your driveway slip-free.  Even our furry friends can be susceptible to hypothermia so please take care to ensure your pets do not spend too much time outside during cold temperatures.  Remember, if it too cold outside for you, it is too cold for your pet!!

 Avoiding these Holiday Hazards will help to keep all of Santa’s four legged helpers healthy and happy, which is our first concern.  The holidays are a busy season and your pets can sense all of the hustle and bustle.  If you are having company, please remember that unknown visitors can cause stress for your pet, and providing them with a quiet and secure area may help them to settle.  Our Sudbury Vets and the entire staff at the Barrydowne Animal Hospital wish you a paw-sitively purr-fect holiday season.  If you have any questions please call us at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital.  Happy Howl-idays!!

The holiday season is quickly approaching!!  Many people spend a portion of their holidays travelling to see friends and loved ones. Are you planning on a vacation and want to include your furry family member in the festivities but unsure how to go about it?  Our Sudbury Vets at The Barrydowne Animal Hospital have some helpful tips for you.

Firstly, ensure your pet is healthy and able to participate in your planned activities.  If you are unsure whether or not your pet is up to speed, a visit to our Sudbury Vets for a complete nose-to-tail health exam can put your mind at ease.  We can also counsel you in considering important information before travelling with your four legged companion. Factors such as the age of your pet, the obedience level of your pet and whether or not your pet’s noise making (even if they are overcome with excitement) will disrupt your fellow vacationers all need to be taken into account.

Once our Sudbury Vets have given your furry friend a clean bill of health, it is important that you make certain you have thoroughly researched your destination before confirming your plans.  Make sure that you are aware of pet policies before you arrive to make certain that these policies co-inside with your expectations.  Things to take into account are quarantine requirements, pet lodging policies, and health and safety risks associated with your vacation paradise.  Running into unexpected roadblocks can create a detour in any travel plans!! We can supply you with information on risks and preventions of various contractible diseases that may pose a threat to your furry family member. If your pet is on prescription medication, speak to our Sudbury Vets prior to travelling to ensure that you will not run out of medications for your pet while on vacation.

Our Sudbury Vets can provide the necessary vaccinations and documentation for your pets to travel abroad. Just as their human companions, our furry friends need proper immunizations to ensure that they have a safe and happy holiday as well.  There is always the possibility that your pet may become disoriented in an unfamiliar location and will have to be retrieved from the local shelter. Could you imagine your pet becoming lost in a strange place?? Microchipping is an effective and permanent way to identify your pet and can be instrumental in reuniting you and your four legged family member.

Some pets experience motion sickness when travelling by car which can make for a very unpleasant ride for everyone.  Our Sudbury Vets suggest gradually acclimatizing your pet to car travel.  Start with short trips such as a ride around the block.  Increase to longer trips with a rewarding ending for your pet such as a visit to the dog park, a trip to the beach or a hike in the woods.  If you pet never seems to become accustomed to car travel, we may be able to recommend a product especially formulated for your pet that will help make the trip pleasurable for all.

To keep everyone healthy and happy, our Sudbury Vets advise never travelling with your pet loose in the vehicle.  This may distract the driver with catastrophic results to both owner and pet alike.  An approved pet carrier or pet car seat firmly secured in the rear seat is recommended for use.  Our Sudbury Vets caution to never let your pet put his head out of the window. This may result in harm to both your pet’s ears and eyes due to flying debris.  Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle.  The temperatures within a vehicle can rise to an unbearable temperature resulting in heat stroke and maybe even result in death. When travelling with your pet always make frequent stops allowing your pet to stretch, get a drink and relieve himself.

Consulting with our Sudbury Vets at The Barrydowne Animal Hospital before completing your travel arrangements can make your vacation enjoyable and memorable for every member of your family. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at 705-566-4243 or visit our website at www.barrydowneanimalhospital.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarrydowneAnimalHospital.  Have a pawsitively safe and happy holiday season from The Barrydowne Animal Hospital!!