General

When the first antibiotic was discovered in the mid-twentieth century, it created a medical revolution in human and animal health care. Suddenly, once life-threatening diseases were curable. Over the years, antibiotics have become invaluable tools in veterinary care, safeguarding the health of our furry companions. However, it’s crucial for pet owners to understand the adverse effects of antibiotics and the potential for the development of antibiotic resistance. If we don’t recognize this, we could find ourselves set back in time, and less able to fight bacterial infections.

What exactly are antibiotics?

Antibiotics (French link: https://cahi-icsa.ca/fr/antibiotics ) are medicines designed to fight bacterial infections. They work in different ways, including directly killing bacteria (bactericidal) or slowing their ability to reproduce (bacteriostatic).

Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections or other disease not caused by bacteria. Most bacterial infections do not need antibiotics to resolve them. It’s important not to use antibiotics when they are not needed (known as antibiotic overuse) to avoid potential side effects and reduce the development of antibiotic resistance.

Can antibiotics cause harm?

Adverse effects of antibiotics can include vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, yeast infections, and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. There is ongoing research into the negative impact of antibiotics on the microbiome – the normal collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, that live in and on an animal and support health. Using antibiotics can also contribute to antibiotic resistance (French: https://www.woah.org/fr/ce-que-nous-faisons/initiatives-mondiales/resistance-aux-antimicrobiens/ ), something the World Health Organization describes as one of the top global public health threats.

Antibiotics should only be used when the potential for benefit outweighs the risk of adverse effects or antibiotic resistance. This risk is best judged by your veterinarian, so never use an antibiotic for your pet without discussing it with them. Even seemingly harmless, over-the-counter medications like triple antibiotic ointments can have negative consequences.

What does misuse of antibiotics mean?

Misuse of antibiotics includes giving your pet the wrong antibiotic, the wrong dose, or using the antibiotic for an inappropriate amount of time. To ensure we don’t misuse antibiotics in our patients, it’s important to perform bacterial cultures to identify bacteria and determine which antibiotic they may be most susceptible to. At Vet Mobile Plus, we keep up-to-date on the latest antibiotic recommendations for bacterial infections your pet might experience using information from organizations like the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Disease.

Why should I be concerned about resistance?

Perhaps the most significant concern around antibiotic use is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (French: https://cahi-icsa.ca/fr/antimicrobial-resistance), rendering some antibiotics less effective or entirely ineffective. Any use of antibiotics can contribute to the development of resistant strains, as bacteria evolve to overcome the effects of the antibiotic. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics compounds this problem further. Resistance not only jeopardizes the health of individual pets, but also poses a global public health threat.

Is it possible to avoid antibiotic use?

Many bacterial infections are secondary to an underlying condition like allergies, or anatomical abnormalities like a recessed vulva or deep nasal folds that provide breeding grounds for bacteria. Other bacterial infections may be caused by environmental conditions like plastic water bowls that harbour bacteria no matter how well they are cleaned. By treating underlying conditions, and ensuring good hygiene and environmental cleanliness, including air quality, we can prevent many bacterial infections, avoiding the need for antibiotics (French: https://www.who.int/fr/news/item/07-11-2017-stop-using-antibiotics-in-healthy-animals-to-prevent-the-spread-of-antibiotic-resistance).

Antibiotic use is a delicate balancing act

Antibiotics are a cornerstone of modern veterinary medicine, providing critical support in treating bacterial infections in our pets. Our veterinary teams will discuss when it is best to use them and side effects to look out for. It is important you closely follow the directions for antibiotic administration, so your pet can achieve the best outcome with these medications. Let us know if you are not seeing improvement or if your pet experiences any side effects.

By working together, the veterinary team at Vet Mobile Plus can continue to prioritize the well-being of you and your pet.

If something unexpected happens to your pet, are you prepared to pay for the cost of veterinary services out of pocket? If you don’t have money set aside in an emergency pet care fund (or even if you do), you might want to consider pet insurance.

At Vet Mobile Plus, we don’t want financial concerns to prevent you from providing your pet with needed veterinary care.

Having a pet insurance plan may even save you money in the long run!

Why We Like Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can give you peace of mind. You shouldn’t have to decide between your pet and your pocketbook. When you have pet insurance, even if your pet needs emergency care or a special procedure, you’ll worry less about the cost getting in the way of your pet receiving proper care.

It’s easier than saving for emergencies. Even the most proactive pet owners can’t always plan for pet care costs. Having a pet health insurance plan means you don’t need to have thousands sitting in a savings account, just in case.

How Pet Insurance Works

You typically pay a monthly premium as well as a co-pay for each service or event, such as:

• Accidents
• Illnesses
• Hospitalizations
• Emergency care
• Sick visits
• Surgeries
• Specialist visits
• Diagnostic tests
• Prescription medications

Some plans require an additional premium for certain services/events to be covered, and most plans have a deductible. You may be able to submit the expense through your veterinarian or you may have to pay the bill upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement.  If all these insurance terms seem confusing, you can review their definitions here.

Other services and conditions that some plans are less likely to cover without an additional rider include:

• Dental diseases and surgeries
• Cancer
• Chronic diseases and conditions
• Genetic (hereditary) conditions
• Prescription pet foods
• Spay/neuter procedures
• Alternative, complementary, or holistic therapies
• Rehabilitation
• Grooming
• Training/behavioural therapy
• Mobility aids
• Cosmetic procedures

Some plans don’t cover certain genetic conditions based on a pet’s breed. Insurance plans also don’t tend to cover diseases or conditions that are congenital (ones that a pet was born with) or otherwise pre-existing (that the pet has already developed). But some types of pet insurance may cover pre-existing conditions that can be cured.

Coverage can vary widely from one plan to the next, so it’s important to carefully review the plans you’re considering before making a choice.

Your pet’s age, breed, current health condition, and lifestyle may all influence what pet health insurance plan is best for you.

How to Pick a Pet Insurance Plan

You’ll want to get answers about these pet insurance policies before choosing a plan:

• Veterinary hospital: Can you continue to visit Vet Mobile Plus?
• Emergency/specialty care: Can you use any emergency clinic or any specialist?
• Cost: How much is the monthly premium? Are exam fees included?
• Coverage: Which services, events, and conditions/diseases are covered?
• Exclusions: Which services, events, and conditions/diseases aren’t covered?
• Deductible(s): What amount do you have to pay out before reimbursement kicks in? How often do you have to meet this deductible (for instance, annually, per lifetime, or per condition or event)?
• Reimbursement policy: Do you get a set amount of money back regardless of how much the veterinary hospital charges?
• Maximum coverage amounts: Is there a per lifetime or predetermined amount of coverage based on a set fee schedule?

Want Help Choosing a Pet Insurance Plan?

Selecting an insurance plan for your pet can be overwhelming. But it’s important, and we’re here to help. To start comparing plans, check out consumersadvocate.org. We can also give you advice on which plans are best for your individual pet and financial circumstances. Give us a call if you have questions. We’re happy to give you a recommendation—feel free to ask us for one!

At Vet Mobile Plus, when it comes to your pet’s veterinary care, we want to be sure you’re covered.

Spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your pet’s health. At Vet Mobile Plus, we will discuss our specific recommendations for your pet. In general, we recommend spaying or neutering all pets who won’t be bred, but we appreciate that it can be a big decision for a pet owner.

Here are some things you should know about spaying and neutering that might help make the decision a bit easier.
The difference between spay and neuter

Spaying involves removing the uterus and ovaries of a female pet. Neutering involves removing a male pet’s testicles. In both cases, the purpose of these procedures is to sterilize pets so they can no longer reproduce.

Benefits of spaying and neutering

The biggest advantage to spaying/neutering your pet is that it reduces the risk of many health and behavioural issues.

Spaying will stop females from going into heat, having discharge, suffering from hormonal fluctuations that can cause medical and behavioural problems, and becoming pregnant. As a result, they avoid associated health complications, some of which can be life-threatening.

Neutering may help prevent aggression and reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviours such as fighting, mounting, marking (spraying urine), and escape attempts to find mates.

Risks of not spaying/neutering your pet

Dogs and cats that aren’t spayed or neutered are at higher risk for certain cancers. Removal of reproductive organs eliminates the risk of ovarian or testicular cancer, and dramatically lowers the risk of breast (mammary gland), and uterine cancer.

Intact (not spayed) female dogs and cats can also get pyometra, a life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus. The procedure eliminates the chance of developing this potentially deadly condition.

Latest research on spaying/neutering

The veterinarians at Vet Mobile Plus stay aware of the latest research and are cautious about drawing broad conclusions that might oversimplify the considerations surrounding spay/neuter practices. This is why our recommendations are tailored for your specific pet.

If you’ve read this far and decided to spay/neuter your pet, here’s what to expect:

• Before your cat or dog’s surgery appointment, we’ll tell you what time to start withholding food and water and any other pre-operative preparations.
• Your pet will be assessed by the veterinarian the morning of their surgery, and if all is well, they will be given an injection that includes a light sedative (to help them relax) and pain medication.
• Once relaxed, they will be anesthetized. We closely monitor all pets during their procedure to make sure their heart rate and breathing remain normal, and they stay safe and comfortable.
• Neutering (removal of the testicles) is usually a quick procedure. Spaying takes a bit longer since it’s a more complicated abdominal surgery requiring removal of the uterus and ovaries (both of which are internal organs).
• Once your pet’s procedure is complete, our veterinary team closely monitors them as they awaken from the anesthesia, to ensure they are safe and comfortable. We send most pets home the same day as their surgery, along with pain medication and clear instructions on how best to care for them as they recover.

Your pet’s first night at home following surgery

Besides keeping a close eye on your pet that first evening and night, here are some tips to help avoid complications and ensure a smooth recovery:

• If your vet has recommended an Elizabethan collar (or other device designed to prevent your pet from bothering their incision), make sure it stays on. If you must remove the collar so your pet can eat, watch them the entire time to make sure they do not lick or chew the incision area.
• Limit your pet’s activity as recommended. Some pets (especially female pets and older pets) may need to have their activity restricted for longer. Movement causes friction along the incision, which can slow the healing process and cause fluid swelling, or worse, breakdown (dehiscence) of the incision.
• Keep your pet from rubbing the incision against furniture, the floor, or other surfaces.
• Consider switching to a padded or inflatable collar if your pet is having trouble adapting to the Elizabethan collar (E-collar). Be aware that some pets, such as Dachshunds and other pets with long bodies, can physically get around these alternative recovery collars and reach their incisions. Some dogs or cats may also outsmart or chew through soft collars.

Debunking myths about spaying/neutering

While we’re at it, let’s clear up a few myths about spaying and neutering:

• Spaying/neutering does not make pets fat. A pet’s metabolism may slow a bit after the procedure, but you can adjust for this by continuing to watch your pet’s food intake, cutting calories if needed, and making sure your pet gets enough exercise.
• Neutering does not make male dogs less masculine.
• Spaying or neutering will not change your pet’s natural instincts, intelligence, playfulness, or personality.

Spaying/neutering benefits you, your pet, and your community

Spaying or neutering benefits you and your pet by reducing your pet’s risk of certain diseases, reducing the risk of other health complications, and reducing undesirable behaviours. Your dog or cat will not only have a healthier life after the procedure, but they may even live longer!

Another benefit of spaying/neutering is preventing unwanted pets. We have stray pets and community cats in Montreal, so we urge you to do your part by making sure your pet won’t contribute to the homeless pet population.

Schedule an appointment with us today for your pet’s spay or neuter!

A common thing we hear in the clinic is “my pet is getting old.” Often, as pets age, they get less active, and we assume it’s because they are getting old – but it’s not always due to age alone. Like people, dogs and cats commonly develop arthritis, which can make movement painful and lead to decreased activity. This happens gradually over time, so the signs of arthritis are often subtle yet progressive.

So, what exactly is osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, impairs a pet’s ability to move easily and lowers a pet’s quality of life.

OA can’t be cured, but the disease can be slowed, especially if caught early.

How many pets get OA

OA affects up to 35% of all dogs and 80% of dogs over 8 years old. And size doesn’t matter: larger dogs may be more prone to getting OA, but any size dog can develop the disease.

Arthritis is also common in cats. Studies have shown 61% of cats over 6 years of age and 90% of cats over 12 years of age suffer from the disease—often in silence. As all cat owners know, cats are really good at hiding signs of disease!

Isn’t it just old pets who get OA?

We often think of arthritis as a disease that develops as pets age, but that’s not always the case. In fact, cats and dogs of almost any age can develop OA.

Take note: OA may become more noticeable in pets as they get older.

What causes OA?

OA can be caused by wear and tear on the joints, but in dogs, it’s more often the result of developmental joint disease or injuries. Lifestyle factors, such as weight, can also play a role in the development of OA.

In cats, the cause of OA is less clear, but the disease causes the same pain and inflammation as it does in dogs.

How do I know if my pet has OA?

You can watch for any potential behaviour or physical changes associated with OA. If your pet is older, don’t assume that any changes are only due to your pet’s age.

Signs of OA-associated pain in dogs and cats include changes in mobility, activity, or sociability. These changes may be subtle.

Osteoarthritis is a painful, progressive disease. The earlier we catch it, the more we can do to help your pet—and even potentially slow down the disease.

In dogs, signs of arthritis include:

• Slow to sit down or stand up
• Limping
• Favouring a leg
• Lagging on walks
• Slow to get up from a seated or lying position
• Trouble jumping onto/off the sofa/bed or into/out of the car
• Hesitant to go up or down stairs
• Sleeping more
• Eating less
• Hiding or avoiding contact with other pets or family members
• Irritability, especially when handled or approached
• Chewing, licking, or biting painful areas
• Lack of interest in playing
• Slowing down on walks

In cats, signs of arthritis include:

• Making small jumps instead of a big leap to get up onto a table or countertop
• Reluctance to jump from heights
• Difficulty getting into or out of the litter box
• Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
• Trouble with or lack of grooming
• Hesitant to go up or down stairs
• Awkward movements (less graceful than normal)
• Hiding or avoiding contact with other pets or family members
• Changes in mood or tolerance of being handled (irritability)
• Sleeping more
• Eating less
• Lack of interest in playing
• Muscle loss (atrophy) in the hind limbs

You can use these checklists to help spot OA pain in your dog or cat—and please share the results with us!

• Canine OA checklist
• Feline OA checklist

Can I help prevent my pet from getting arthritis?

There are some steps you can take to help reduce the development of arthritis or help pets that already have it:

• Keep your pet at a healthy weight or, if needed, help them lose weight.Losing as little as 6% of their body weight can significantly reduce pain in overweight pets.
• Track your pet’s body condition score (BCS). We can help you using these BCS scales for dogs and cats.
• Make sure your pet gets enough low-impact exercise, such as walking.
• Feed your pet a set portion of food divided in meals through the day (avoid free feeding).
• Ask us how much to feed your dog or cat each day. The amount can differ significantly, depending on your individual pet and which food you are feeding.
• Ask us whether your pet could benefit from a special veterinary diet or supplement. We can recommend foods that will keep your pet feeling full while they are losing weight and provides joint support supplementation.

How else can I help my arthritic pets?

Although OA can’t be cured, your pet doesn’t have to live with the pain from arthritis. We have many options to help pets with OA.

Keep in mind that younger pets and those with early OA may not show obvious signs of the disease, such as limping. The sooner we detect the disease, the more we can do to help your cat or dog with OA.

When you come into Vet Mobile Plus for your pet’s arthritis screening, your veterinarian will perform an OA exam on your dog or cat. If your pet has arthritis, we’ll work with you to determine the best OA management plan for you and your pet.

Make an appointment today  for your pet’s OA screening exam at our animal hospital in Montreal, QC. And don’t hesitate to contact us at 514-995-0912 if you have any questions or concerns about your pet.

Have you ever wondered why we ask you to bring your pet for a wellness exam at least once a year? It’s not just because we enjoy seeing you and your adorable pet (although that’s certainly a bonus). We ask you to schedule an annual wellness exam for many different reasons.

The Early Years

Puppies and kittens should be seen frequently during their first year of life. The main reason for these visits is to ensure they get immunized against many serious diseases. Our veterinary team will discuss what vaccinations are recommended for your pet. Core vaccines are designed to prevent diseases that are common in the environment, have a potential risk to humans, are required by law, or cause severe disease.

For example, the Leptospirosis vaccine is considered a core vaccine. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through urine, making any wet area an exposure risk. This disease can cause severe kidney disease and death and has been found in increasing numbers in the Montreal area. Because of this increased risk, our patients need protection. In regions where cases are rare, the Leptospirosis vaccine is non-core.

Non-core vaccinations are recommended based on your pet’s risk of exposure.

Core puppy vaccinations:

• Distemper
• Hepatitis
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis
• Rabies

Lifestyle dependent (non-core) vaccinations:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
• Influenza
• Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease)

Core kitten vaccinations:

• Panleukopenia (feline distemper)
• Rhinotracheitis
• Calicivirus
• Feline leukemia
• Rabies

For indoor cats, feline leukemia vaccination is considered non-core and our veterinarian will discuss whether your cat needs the vaccine.

Starting between 6 and 8 weeks of age, an initial series of vaccinations is given every 2 to 4 weeks until your pet is about 16 to 20 weeks of age.

Aside from vaccinations, it’s also important for us to examine young pets several times during that first year to make sure their heart and other organs are healthy, they’re gaining weight and muscle as expected, and their teeth and bones are developing normally.

And we can’t forget about the worms! Your veterinarian will recommend a deworming schedule to clear your pet of common intestinal parasites, as well as flea and tick control and preventive heartworm disease measures.

The Adult Years

As pets move into their adult years, we want to see them at least once a year for a regular checkup. During these visits, we’ll give your pet required vaccine boosters, check blood work, and make sure your pet remains free of parasites. Annual wellness exams also give us the chance to catch any potential diseases or conditions as early as possible when they’re often easier to treat or manage.

The Senior Years

Once pets start to move into their senior years (between 6 and 8 years of age for most pets, but sometimes a bit younger for larger breeds), we usually like to see them twice a year. Remember that pets age far faster than we do!

Semi-annual wellness exams may help give you more quality time with your pet. These visits help us detect any potential diseases or conditions, like arthritis or cognitive dysfunction (similar to Alzheimer’s in people), that become more common as pets age. The earlier we can catch such issues, the better.

Cats Deserve Special Attention

Cats are very good at hiding signs of disease, so bringing them in for an exam at least once a year is crucial to their continued good health.

Although keeping cats inside helps to keep them safe from certain dangers, like getting hit by a car or attacked by another animal, even indoor-only cats remain at risk for internal and external parasites, infectious diseases, cancers, arthritis, eye issues, and more. All cats benefit from regular veterinary attention.

Pets with Chronic Conditions also Need Special Attention 

Dogs and cats who have a chronic disease or are on regular medications often need more frequent vet visits. These visits let us check blood work and monitor your pet’s condition or disease, allowing your veterinarian to make crucial medication or other adjustments as needed.

What’s in a wellness exam for you?

Besides playing a crucial role in helping to keep your pet healthy throughout life, regular wellness exams also give you the opportunity to talk with us about any questions you might have. These visits are also the perfect time to discuss anything you’ve noticed that seems different with your pet, like a behavior that’s new or a lump you hadn’t noticed before.

Of course, if you have any concerns, there’s no need to wait for your pet’s regular exam. Don’t hesitate to call us right away. We’re here for you and your pet!

This February, celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month with Mobile Plus Vet Clinic by learning how to take care of your pet’s teeth. Dental care plays an important role in your pet’s overall health, which is why we make dental care a priority.

By age 3, most dogs and cats have some form of periodontal disease (also called gum or dental disease). With periodontal disease may come other potential health problems—and not just in a pet’s mouth. Besides gum recession, infection, pain, and tooth loss, periodontal disease can cause changes in the heart, kidneys, and liver.

What is periodontal disease?

Plaque forms on teeth constantly (pets and humans alike). When it’s not removed regularly, through brushing, it changes into hardened tartar within about 24 hours. Plaque continues to form on top of the tartar.

Tartar can’t be brushed away. It must be removed during a professional dental cleaning.

If these layers of bacteria-laden tartar aren’t removed, both above and below the gumline by a veterinary cleaning, your pet will end up with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), which will progress to deeper infiltration of oral bacteria which damage the support structures of the tooth, eventually causing tooth loss (advanced periodontal disease).

When pets don’t receive regular dental care, they may need more than just a cleaning. Dental extractions may be required to remove teeth affected by significant periodontal disease to make a pet’s mouth healthy and comfortable again.

What are signs of dental problems in pets?

We will assess your pet’s oral health during an examination; however, changes can occur between visits.

Contact us if you notice:

• Bad breath
• Brown or yellow teeth
• Red gums (gingivitis)
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Broken or loose teeth
• Reluctance to eat or chew or preference for soft food
• Dropping food from the mouth
• Chewing abnormally
• Excessive drooling
• Pawing at the mouth or face
• Sneezing

Bad breath in pets isn’t normal. It’s almost always a sign of oral health issues.

How can you help keep your pet’s mouth healthy?

Bring your pet in for a dental exam

Bringing your pet in for regular veterinary dental health exams and cleanings (as recommended) is the first step to achieving better dental health for your dog or cat.

We can only assess about 40% of a dog or cat’s teeth by just looking at them, so for every dental procedure, we use state-of-the-art digital X-rays to show us what might be lurking unseen, such as painful root disease, tooth resorption, or the extent of a cracked tooth. That way, we can be sure we’re giving your pet all the treatment they need.

Our team also takes plenty of precautions to ensure that dental procedures are as safe as possible for our patients:

• We perform preanesthetic bloodwork before a dental cleaning or surgery to ensure that pets are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and we tailor anesthesia medications to individual pets, as needed.
• We actively monitor pets during and after dental procedures to make sure their vital signs stay within normal ranges, similar to protocols used when people undergo anesthesia.

During a dental cleaning, our specially trained, registered veterinary technician will remove built-up plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, then polish your pet’s teeth to smooth the surface, which can help slow future tartar buildup.

If your pet needs any additional dental care, such as extractions, we will make sure you understand what needs to be done and why.

Make home care a priority

You play an essential role in your pet’s dental health. Brushing your pet’s teeth is the cornerstone of dental care and one of the most important steps you can take to help slow dental disease. We’d be happy to give you tips to help get you started!

Never use human toothpaste in pets. It contains ingredients that can make your pet sick.

Although daily brushing is ideal, we understand that it may not always be practical. Fortunately, many dental products can help control plaque and tartar buildup in your pet:

• Dental diets and chews
• Dental toys
• Oral rinses and sprays
• Drinking water additives
• Dental sealants (which must first be applied after a professional dental cleaning and then reapplied at home)

Ask us which products we recommend for your pet. You should also look for products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) Seal of Acceptance.

By being proactive about dental care, you can help protect your pet’s overall health.

Have you scheduled your pet’s dental exam?

We recommend that pets visit us at least once a year for an annual check up and dental evaluation. We’ll examine your pet’s teeth and gums and tell you what we recommend for your pet’s oral health.

If your pet is showing signs of dental trouble, however, don’t wait for your pet’s annual exam. Call us or make an appointment with Vet Mobile Plus today!

Did you know that more than half of pets in Canada are overweight or obese? This is up from just over 30% in 2013! That’s not good news, because extra pounds can cause all kinds of health issues for our pets.

If your pet is carrying extra weight, we can work with you to create a personalized weight maintenance plan and help get your pet back in shape.
How do I know if my pet is at a healthy weight?

Each pet has an ideal weight range that is based on individual factors like breed and gender. That said, ideal weight varies, even among similarly sized dogs or cats. Body condition score (or BCS) is one way we determine a pet’s ideal size and shape. We assign each pet a BCS of 1 to 9.  A score of 1, 2, or 3 means the pet is too thin and a score of 6, 7, 8, or 9 means the pet is overweight or obese. Ideally, we want your pet to score a 4 or 5.
Check out these charts from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association that show ideal body condition for healthy dogs and cats. When you bring in your pet for a private consult, we’ll show you how to gauge your pet’s ideal weight and BCS.

For now, take a moment to do this quick check:

• You should be able to feel your pet’s ribs (with minimal fat covering) if you run your fingers across the sides of their abdomen.
• Looking at the side of a dog, you should be able to see a “tuck-in” or upward slope from their chest toward the hind end.
• From the top, your dog or cat should have a visible waist behind the ribs.
• If you can see most of your pet’s ribs or the waist is very prominent, however, then your pet may be too thin.

What are the health risks for overweight pets?

Pets who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing:

• Arthritis and other joint issues
• Back problems
• Certain cancers
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Decreased immune function
• Respiratory problems
• Skin issues

Of greater concern, cats and dogs carrying extra weight may not live as long as those at a healthy weight.
The good news is that, if your pet is a healthy weight or gets back to an ideal BCS, you’ll be giving your pet a better quality of life, less risk for certain diseases, and a better chance of living longer. That’s why we strongly recommend that you bring in your pet for a private weight management consultation, where our veterinary team will examine your pet and provide an individualized recommendation for weight, as well as exercise and nutritional needs.
Could my pet have an underactive thyroid or other reason for gaining weight?

It’s possible. Vet Mobile Plus veterinarians will check your pet to rule out any hidden health issues that could be contributing to weight gain. Most pets that are overweight, however, have simply been eating more calories than they’ve burned off.
How can we help your pet lose weight and/or keep weight off?
We encourage all our clients to bring their pets in for a private weight management consult.
After we confirm that your pet doesn’t have any underlying medical conditions, together we’ll come up with an individualized weight management plan. The plan will include practical and achievable nutrition and exercise goals for your pet.

There are many factors that contribute to weight gain and obesity that may prevent your pet from losing weight even when you feed them less of their regular diet. We’ll focus on creating specific steps to change your pet’s caloric and nutrient intake and increase their energy expenditure through activity and exercise. This may mean:

• Switching your dog or cat to a weight-loss diet that will keep them feeling full, just with fewer calories.
• Reducing the number of treats your pet gets (while making sure they don’t feel deprived).
• Having regular weigh-ins to ensure your pet is losing an appropriate amount of weight (we don’t want pets to lose weight too quickly). Weigh-ins also help us adjust the plan to ensure your pet continues to move toward their goal weight.
• Making sure your pet is getting enough exercise, either through walks or playtime. Combined with a diet change, many dogs can start losing weight by walking twice a day for 10 to 20 minutes, and most cats can successfully shed pounds by playing actively for 5 or 10 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Of course, every pet is unique, and we’ll give you personalized recommendations just for your pet.

Following a veterinarian-recommended, nutritionally balanced prescription diet is a good start toward keeping your pet at a healthy weight. Prescription weight-loss diets are specifically designed to help your pet achieve a healthy weight. However, dogs’ and cats’ nutritional needs change over time based on life stage, health status, and activity level, so nutritional recommendations may need to be updated. Recommended diets can be ordered directly through our online store.
When your pet comes for a check-in, we’ll make sure they’re staying on track and help keep you motivated. Call us today to start your pet on a path to a healthier weight!
References

*Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. 2018 pet obesity survey results. https://petobesityprevention.org/2018. Accessed November 25, 2019.

**Royal Canin UK. How much are you overfeeding your pet? https://twitter.com/royalcaninuk/status/689858948619460608. Published January 20, 2016. Accessed November 25, 2019.

https://smithlanehospital.com/news/pet-obesity-awareness-2

Hyperlink (cannot find equivalent French) https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/weight-loss-in-cats-and-dogs

We need to talk about worms. They aren’t a topic most people want to even think about much less talk about, but as a pet owner, you want to protect your pet (and your entire family) from these troublesome and potentially dangerous creatures.
Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms

Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms pose a year-round threat to dogs and cats. These worms live in the intestines of pets and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, and changes in appetite, especially in young pets and those with a large number of worms.

Puppies and kittens with intestinal worms may fail to grow properly or appear potbellied, and pets with hookworms can also end up with anemia – a potentially life-threatening condition in which the number of circulating red blood cells is decreased. However, many adult cats and dogs with intestinal parasite infections  don’t show signs of illness.

Tapeworms

Quite small compared to other tapeworms, Echinococcus multilocularis doesn’t get longer than 1 cm while other tapeworms that infect pets can grow up to 70 cm in length. E. multilocularis infects the intestinal tract of wild canids, like foxes and coyotes, but it can infect domestic dogs, and occasionally cats, as well.

Pets who eat rodents are at risk for E. multilocularis infection, but these intestinal tapeworms don’t usually cause symptoms in dogs or cats. The real concern is the tapeworm eggs that are expelled from infected wild animals or pets. When people or other animals accidentally ingest these eggs from contaminated soil or feces, they can develop an infection called “alveolar echinococcosis” or AE. This infection causes tumour-like cysts to form in the liver and lungs. Dogs can develop AE but they are less susceptible than people.

Fortunately, AE remains rare in people, but hunters and young children are at particularly high risk for exposure to this tapeworm’s eggs. Considering that coyotes and foxes can be found in the city as well as surrounding regions, more people have a chance of becoming infected.

Most people don’t show any signs of AE infection until 5 to 15 years after infection. At that point, the cysts are often extremely tough to treat, requiring surgery and possibly chemotherapy. AE can be fatal. That’s why preventing E. multilocularis in pets is essential. 

What are signs of intestinal worms in people?

Many pet parasites can also infect people, potentially causing respiratory issues, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin conditions, and vision loss.

Keep these parasites away!

Being proactive is the best way to keep your pet and your entire family safe from these nasty parasites, which can cause serious, potentially lasting illness. That’s why at Vet Mobile Plus, we recommend parasite control for all our patients.

Regular parasite prevention is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and preventing disease in humans as well. We recommend annual intestinal parasite fecal testing for dogs and cats to better tailor individual protocols. Your Vet Mobile Plus veterinarian will recommend the best treatment regimen for your pet based on their lifestyle.  Talk to us about what prevention is best for your pet at your dog or cat’s next wellness checkup.

Call us today today to make sure your pet is up to date on necessary parasite control medication or to request a refill. Please give us at least 24 hours for medication refills.

Ticks pose a risk to pets and people in Montreal, and throughout Quebec. These parasites are scary because they do more than just feed on blood: they can transmit serious diseases to pets and people, which can lead to lasting health issues, especially if not caught and treated early. That’s why the veterinary team at Vet Mobile Plus wants you to be aware of the big problems these small parasites can cause—and provide guidance on how to help keep your pet (and yourself) protected.

Ticks 101

Ticks are small arachnids (akin to mites and spiders) that live off the blood of people, dogs, and cats, as well as birds and other animals such as coyotes, deer, horses, rabbits, and rodents. Ticks like to hang out in wooded or grassy areas, like parks and fields, and can be found around Montreal in both urban and rural areas. If you walk or hike with your pet, you may both pick up ticks along the way. Depending on where you live, you might even find ticks in your own backyard, especially under leaf litter, in the shade, and around the edges of the yard. It’s always good to be familiar with other areas around the province that are considered at–risk areas.

 When it comes to size, some ticks are very small, to the point you may not see them even if you’re looking for them. Ticks are masters when it comes to hiding with favourite spots being under fur, in ears, in skin folds, and in between paw pads. In fact, adult Deer ticks are about the size of a sesame seed, and nymphs (immature ticks) are only about the size of a poppy seed!

Ticks in Montreal, Quebec

There are around 900 tick species in the world, with just a few that pose a danger to pets and people in our area. The main ticks we have in and around Montreal are Blacklegged (Deer) ticks, American dog ticks, Brown dog ticks, and Lone star ticks. Lone star ticks, which until recently were found largely in the southern United States, can now be spotted up into eastern Canada.

Tick Diseases in Dogs

The ticks we have in the West Island area can transmit several diseases to dogs, including:

• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Lyme disease

So far, in 2023, 1 in 20 dogs tested positive for Lyme disease in Quebec. Last year, more than 1600 dogs tested positive for the disease in our province.

Tick Diseases in Cats

Just like dogs, cats are susceptible to tick diseases too. The parasites can cause several diseases in cats, including anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, rickettsiosis and babesiosis. It is unclear yet, whether cats develop Lyme disease, although infection with the bacteria that causes lyme (Borrelia burgdorferi) does occur.  Other tick-borne diseases, such as cytauxzoonosis and tularemia, although rare, can be deadly in cats.

Even indoor-only cats can get ticks if the parasites hitch a ride inside on you or another pet.

Symptoms of Tick-borne Diseases in Pets

If you find a tick attached to your pet (or even if you don’t), let us know right away if you notice any of these signs of tick-transmitted diseases in your pet:

• Breathing difficulty
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever
• Lameness (which may shift from one leg to another)
• Pale gums
• Sensitivity to touch
• Stiff, swollen, or painful joints
• Walking stiffly with an arched back
• Weight or appetite loss
• Vomiting or diarrhea

NOTE: Pets with Lyme disease rarely get the characteristic bull’s-eye rash seen in some people.

Prevention of Ticks and Tick Diseases 

There are several ways of protecting your pet and yourself from ticks and the diseases they spread, starting with keeping your pet on a tick control medication (also called a tick preventive). Ticks can remain active year-round in Montreal, and the surrounding areas. In fact, the risk of ticks exists as long as the temperature remains above 1 degree Celsius.

Here are a few other ways to help protect you and your pet from tick-borne diseases:

• Use insect repellents with 25% to 30% DEET or 20% icaridin (picaridin) on yourself. DEET-containing products can also be used on children who are at least 12 years of age, and icaridin can be used on those 6 months of age and up. DO NOT use these products on your dog or cat. DEET is especially toxic to both cats and dogs.
• Avoid areas known for being infested with ticks.
• Try to stay out of tall grass and heavily wooded areas. This practice won’t prevent you from coming in contact with ticks, but it can help limit the number of ticks you encounter.
• If you’re planning to hike or camp, ask us which areas are high risk for ticks.
• Check yourself and your pet for ticks after you’ve spent time outside, especially if you’ve been in high-risk areas.

The best way to prevent ticks on your pet is to keep your pet on a tick control medication.

Tick Takeaways

Ticks are becoming a greater threat in Montreal and the surrounding area. The team at Vet Mobile Plus want to help keep pets safe from these parasites, so if you find a tick on your pet, let us know. We provide complimentary tick removal and tick identification for our canine and feline patients. And call us today to make sure your pet is protected with a tick preventive!

Reference

*Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Parasite prevalence maps. Tick borne disease agents, Lyme disease, dog. capcvet.org/maps. Accessed April 26, 2023