Care Instruction Sheets

Why Pet Insurance?

Pet insurance can give you peace of mind in the event your pet is ill or has an accident. It can also help reduce the financial stress of providing necessary medical attention to your pet in the even of an emergency. As with our own health care, providing proper veterinary care in the even of an accident or serious illness can be costly.

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Spay and Neuter Surgery Recovery Instructions for Cats and Dogs

Thank you for spaying /neutering your pet! Although it is a common procedure recommended for all animals, please remember that your pet has gone through surgery and will need proper care to recover, including a clean, warm and dry place indoors. A little extra TLC during the first days at home will help keep your pet comfortable and speed up his/her recovery.

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Quality of Life Questions

The decision whether to pursue additional treatment or consider euthanasia can be one of the most difficult decisions facing pet owners. Our emotions can sometimes “cloud” our judgment making it difficult to make the best decision for our valued animal companions. This handout is designed to help you consider the quality of life of your pet and to help make you aware of options that exist if it is not the right time for euthanasia. Answer each question with a yes or no.

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Vaccinations for Your Dog

Here is some information outling the Rabies, Canine Distemper, Parvo, Infectious Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Bordetella vaccines.

Rabies

Vaccinations For Your Cat

Here is some information outling the Rabies, Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Leukemia vaccines.

Rabies

The Importance of Spaying and Neutering

Throughout Canada too many dogs and cats are euthanized (put down) because homes cannot be found for them. Pet overpopulation is a a serious problem. Pet owners must take responsibility for their companion animals by having them spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering are safe surgical operations that prevent animals from reproducing.

The Cost of Pet Care

Not long ago, medical treatments such as joint replacement, chemotherapy, root canals and MRI were reserved for human patients. Fortunately for our pets, that is no longer the case. Today, advanced diagnostic tools and treatments are available for our animal companions.

Obedience Training

Proper training can usually prevent such behavioral problems as jumping, biting or excessive barking. Training can begin as early as eight to 12 weeks. Training should be a fun and positive experience for both you and your puppy. A puppy should learn to wear a collar, walk on a leash and come when called. Puppies should also learn not to jump on people.

A halter collar (a collar that goes over the pup’s head and muzzle) may be of assistance when training. These collars give you greater control and assist in the training of your puppy.

Basic Grooming

Grooming is important to your dogs health and happiness. Different breeds will have different grooming requirements however every pet owner should be able to do basic grooming at home. Regular grooming can help prevent skin disease, overgrown and broken nails and ear infections.

Resources for New Puppy Owners

Websites

West Kootenay Animal Hospital

Our clinic website. Learn more about the doctors and staff, access our handouts and resources,

check out the pet of the month, take a tour of the hospital and post a memorial about your pet.

www.wkanimalhospital.com

Canine Inherited Disorders Database

A great resource on the incidence of genetic diseases in different breeds.