December 2009 - When Should Your Pet See a Vet?

The Pet Friendly Canada Newsletter
For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
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DECEMBER 2009

 

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We welcome your pet photos! Please send them to us and you could see them in a future issue of this newsletter.

Holiday Note: Please consider making a donation to your local SPCA or pet rescue organization. Your donation can help provide a homeless animal with nutritious food, a warm place to sleep, and a chance at a new life.

Have a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2010!

 

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USEFUL LINKS

• We're tweeting! Follow Pet Friendly on Twitter: Pet Friendly's Twitter page

• Visit our online forums: Pet forums

• Dog parks and beaches in Canada: See the dog parks

 

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PET QUOTES

"Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog." (Sidney Jeanne Seward)

"I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It's not. Mine had me trained in two days." (Comedian Bill Dana)

 

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PHOTOS FROM PROUD PET PARENTS

"This is a photo of my beautiful Weimaraner who is as angelic as she looks. Kind, affectionate, respectful and totally dedicated to her family. She is now 11 years and is a real true friend and companion." - Linda R. from Pierrefonds, Quebec

"This is a picture of Toby during the fall while we were decorating for the season." - Lois T. from Rowan County

"I'm a little devil some days!" - Sent in by Mary

"It is the rainy season again and Emma has a new coat!" - Lindsay W. from Vancouver, BC

 

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WHEN SHOULD YOUR PET SEE A VET?

Pets need nutritious diets, adequate exercise, appropriate health care, proper supervision, and lots of love and socialization. But even with all of these things

While it can sometimes be difficult to know when to call the vet, here are a few guidelines to help you recognize when your pet may need veterinary help. Of course, use common sense and listen to your instincts - if your pet appears to be in distress then call your vet!

• Severe diarrhea.
• Unexplained or sudden weight loss.
• Inability to lie down / get comfortable, particularly if your dog is a deep-chested breed (could be an indicator of bloat, which is an emergency situation).
• Significant loss of appetite or increased appetite.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Pawing at ears or shaking head.
• Lumps on body.
• Significant fur loss (not just shedding, which is normal); dull, patchy coat.
• Persistent sneezing or coughing.
• Abnormal discharge from the eyes or nose.
• Stiffness or weakness in any joints; pet moves with difficulty.
• Straining to urinate or defecate. The inability to urinate is an emergency - get your pet to the vet immediately.
• Injury.
• Limping / lameness.
• Changes in behaviour.

Keep the name and number of the closest emergency vet clinic (for after-hours pet care) by the telephone, along with the number for your regular veterinarian. A pet first-aid kit is also helpful - you can even assemble your own first-aid kit for pets.

 

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LITTLE STREAMS MAKE BIG RIVERS

"Lulu has always been my closest and constant companion these past five years. In fact, he is very obedient to me especially when I take care of other furry friends in our shelter.

As you already know, there have been a lot of forest fires during the summer season. Many forest are badly damaged by fire each year.

Not far from our shelter, a forest caught fire during this hot summer. We are on July, a heatwave which has been going on for three days.

Lulu rushed towards the forest where flames send out an infernal heat. There's no longer any hope at the moment to wait for Lulu to come back to the shelter. In fact, I was waiting for the firebrigade to announce me his death in the forest. Suddenly,a fireman burst into my office and informed me that my dog Lulu succeeded to save four kittens who were trapped by the flames. According to the fireman, Lulu seized the kittens, one by one moving them to a safe place.

I immediately accompanied the fireman to the forest to pick up the rescued kittens. Once on the scene of the incident, Lulu was not there. Then we heard the sound of a dog came from the forest barking furiously. I recognized the sound of my dog Lulu..."

[ Continue reading... ]

 

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UPCOMING PET EVENTS

• Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Calgary, Alberta: the Calgary Humane Society's 30th Annual Christmas Party for the Animals will feature musical entertainment, a visit from Santa Paws and his Rein Dogs, a donation tree, prize raffles, holiday treats & refreshments, & 'cram the van'. More info

• Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Abbotsford, BC - Santa Paw Pictures (dogs and cats welcome) @ Homestead Nursery, proceeds go to SAINTS and Elizabeth’s Wildlife Center. More info

• Sunday, December 6, 2009 - Winnipeg, Manitoba: Paws for The Season Holiday Bake Sale and Craft Show. More info

• December 4,5,6, 2009 - Etobicoke, Ontario: Pet Pics with Santa @ the Cloverdale Mall, from the Etobicoke Humane Society. More info

• December 8 & 9, 2009 - Edmonton, Alberta: Pet Pics with Santa at the Edmonton Humane Society. More info

• Saturday, December 12, 2009 - St. Stephen, NB: Christmas Open House at the New Brunswick SPCA. Tour the shelter, meet the animals, drop off a gift or donation. More info

If your non-profit pet organization is holding an event, please send us the details!

 

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