Archive for the ‘Vet’s Corner’ Category

Thanks to everyone who sent in their questions (keep them coming). The most asked Vet-related question for the month of July 2009 was:

“Why should I have my dog vaccinated against rabies?” and McKenzie Veterinary Services Vet Technician, Nicolle Lejeune, has kindly provided us with the following very thorough and helpful answer (thanks Nicolle!)

“The primary reason to have your pets vaccinated for rabies is to prevent the transmission of the disease to you or your pets.

Rabies is a deadly disease  caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. The virus is secreted in saliva and is usually transmitted to people and animals by a bite from an infected animal. Rabies is transferred when a rabid animal comes into contact with an open cut on the skin, eyes, nose or mouth of an animal or person.

Any animal that is suspected as a carrier of rabies will be quarantined for no less than 10 days after the bite or euthanized.

If a pet has been bitten by a carrier of rabies (typically bats or sometimes racoons) and is vaccinated, the transmission of rabies is less likely and symptoms of the disease are unlikely to appear.

If an unvaccinated pet is bitten by a rabid animal and is infected, the disease is almost always fatal.

Is it also important to place the rabies identification tag (good for 3 years) on collars of any pet that goes outdoors. If your pet is picked up by local by-law officials and is suspected of having rabies, the tag will prevent your animal from being euthanized or quarantined at your cost.

Also, if you are traveling to other countries including the US, your pet will NOT be permitted to enter the county without being vaccinated and having the proper documentation.” – Nicolle Lejeune, Vet Tech

The above are all very good reasons for making sure that YOUR best friends are always up to date with the rabies vaccinations. Check your rabies tags and make sure your pet gets regular boosters every three years.

© DogAboutTown.ca – 2009 – All rights reserved.

It’s not just that they look cool and make us humans laugh, they actually fulfill a very useful purpose, because dogs get cataracts, too and we all know that sun exposure can be a contributing factor to failing sight in old age.

Doggles™ protect the eyes from dirt, dust, wind, grass seeds, trauma, glare and sun sensitivity all while providing UVA and UVB protection. And the best part is that you can drink from a sprinkler without getting water in your eyes!

Boris has been wearing his signature yellow Doggles™ for over three years and besides giving out loud belly laughs to countless humans, the number one question we’ve been asked hundreds of times is “how does he keep them on?” Usually we just say “staples” or “crazy glue” and then after it sinks in that we’re kidding, we show the interested human the simple, yet ingenious system for keeping them on.

Where can you buy Doggles™ in Victoria? There are quite a number of pet stores that carry them, including High End Dog, Pet’s Choice, and Island Pet Source.

Boris is really excited because he’s been looking for a new red pair for ages and he found them today at Island Pet Source who look like they’ve cornered the Doggles™ market as they just received a huge new shipment with great selection that’s going fast. Not only are the Doggles™ much more reasonably priced at Island Pet Source than at other stores who usually only get a few in as novelty items, if you’re a DogAboutTown.ca member, you also receive 15% off!

If you want to get some Doggles™ for your best friend, tell ‘em Boris sent you!

Thanks to Doggles™ we suspect that Boris will have great eyes well into old age.

[DogAboutTown.ca - © 2009 - All rights reserved.]

When McKenzie Veterinary Services recently merged with North Douglas Veterinary Clinic last June, the sounds of construction and renovation began and will soon result in an expansion of retail space along with the addition of three versatile new exam rooms, new technological advances and an increase in staff size that will allow McKenzie Vet Services to continue to meet the ever increasing needs of their patients.

At last count the total staff at McKenzie Vet Services consists of … Read the rest of this entry »

We’re very happy to announce that McKenzie Vet Services/Pacific Mobile Veterinary Clinic will become a “voice of authority” for the Vet’s Corner.

Please send us your #1 Vet question because we’re gathering a collection of questions from the public so that each month your #1 question will be answered by a qualified staff member at McKenzie Vet Services.

[DogAboutTown.ca - © 2009 - All rights reserved.]