Central Cowichan Animal Hospital

11/18/2024

West Coast Best Coast...
Take a Hike Day, this special day is not just about taking a walk; it's a call to connect with nature, step away from the daily grind, and soak in the beauty of the outdoors.

We've got an incredible amount of hiking trails out here in the Cowichan Valley and beyond. Share your favorite snapshots of hiking with your dogs (or cats).

11/13/2024

Update- Heather was so overwhelmed with your kind words. She’s so grateful to our kind community here in the Cowichan valley.

This week is Practice Manager's Appreciation Week, and we wanted to say a big HUGE thank you to Heather for all she does for us here at Central Cowichan Animal Hospital. We wouldn't be able to function without her charisma and enthusiasm.

Heather is our practice manager and jack of all trades, and has been with us since 2009, and has been working in the veterinary field for over 30 years, and with that experience has an excellent skill set, and is extremely valuable to our clinic. Heather and her husband have a beautiful acreage where they raise their family and have horses, cats and a dog. Their fur babies consist of her dog, "Boone" as well as their cat, "Peddi".

If you see her make sure you give her a big thank you, and if you have any stories you want to share about her we'd love to hear them below.

11/11/2024

Lest We Forget

The clinic will be closed today for Remembrance Day. We hope you spend some time reflecting on the human and animal contributions to the war. We will be open tomorrow at 8am.
If you have an emergency with your pet today please reach out to your nearest emergency hospital.

"For centuries, animals have demonstrated an enduring partnership with humans during times of war. They have served as means of transportation, beasts of burden, messengers, protectors and mascots. Still today, dogs use their unique, sharply tuned instincts to detect mine clusters, and conduct search and rescue operations. We remember the contribution and sacrifice of all animals."

https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/memorials/national-inventory-canadian-memorials/details/9002

11/09/2024

Have a great long weekend!

Remember that most regular Veterinary Hospitals will be closed over the long weekend. Here is the contact info for the Emergency Vet Hospitals. We hope you won't need it but always great to have saved in your phone.

West Coast Animal Veterinary Emergency Specialty (WAVES) Hospital
947 Langford Pkwy, Victoria, BC V9B 0A5
Phone: (778) 432-4322

VCA Canada Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital
760 Roderick St, Victoria, BC V8X 2R3
Phone: (250) 475-2495

Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital (CIVEH)
6550 Metral Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 2L8
Phone: (250) 933-0913

11/07/2024

November is National Senior Pet Month - Its a great time to celebrate our senior fuzzy companions.

Share your senior friends below - we love seeing their cute faces.

Remember for our senior friends its even more important they make it in for their annual exams (and bloodwork). Some disease processes are not as noticeable as others.
Some symptoms to look out for are:
~Loss of appetite or weight loss.
~Vomiting or diarrhea.
~Increased thirst.
~Increased urination.
~Dark urine.
~Lethargy, weakness or instability.
~Yellow eyes, tongue or gums (jaundice)
~Confusion or disorientation.
Be sure to discuss with your veterinarian if you are noticing any of these.

11/05/2024

Don't run out of food or meds!

Long weekend coming up. Please call us if you need any prescriptions or food orders.

11/01/2024

Fleas can be a problem all year round with our temperate weather on the island. See all the invaders on a little kitten that came in today. Untreated fleas can cause serious health issues.

Remember to discuss parasite protection with your pets doctor to make the best choice for your pets lifestyle.

10/31/2024

Keep an eye on your pets today! Whether its the stress from the doorbell or the candy that comes home we want to see your pets happy and healthy thru halloween.

The most common Halloween hazards for pets are chocolate, candy overindulgence, raisins, candy wrappers, glow sticks, decorations and their own costumes.

Learn about common Halloween dangers to pets. Dangers include chocolate, candy, raisins and glow sticks. Candy wrappers are also dangerous to dogs and cats.

10/27/2024

Today is black cat appreciation day, very fitting with Halloween coming up.
Because black cats have a bad reputation for causing bad luck they are often the last to be adopted from shelters or rescues. Pet owners sometimes overlook these dark beauties.

Share your beautiful black kitties with us today. Do you think they are bad luck or good?

10/25/2024

There may be some raucous hullabaloo this weekend with Halloween coming up, be sure to consider your furry friends.

Some pets get really anxious with extra people or noises in their spaces. Be sure to keep a nice quiet area available for them if you are having company.

10/22/2024

Think thermometer, not calendar
Ticks can be active even in colder weather. They survive the winter, protected under snow, leaf litter, or brush. Blacklegged ticks can be active any time temperatures are 4°C and above, including mild days during the winter months.1

Ticks can have serious consequences
Ticks are not only unsightly, they can also transmit agents that cause disease, like Lyme disease. Ticks are expanding their range in parts of Canada.

Help protect your pet before exposure
Being aware of the risk in your local area is an important part of protecting your pet and yourself. In addition, tick control medications can be initiated prior to the start of tick activity to help optimize protection for your pet. Talk to your veterinarian for more information.

Check out the website below to check for the tick forecast in your area or an area you are traveling to.
https://www.tickmaps.ca/

Ticks can be active even in colder weather. Check our Tickmaps to see the potential tick activity in your area in Canada.

10/18/2024

As the weather gets colder you may notice your older feline and canine friends slowing down... just like in people pets may experience worsening symptoms from osteoarthritis with the cooling weather.

Take a look at some of the signs of osteoarthritis pain. If you are concerned your pets may be experiencing these symptoms call your vet to book an exam, there may be medications that could improve their quality of life.

Check out some

https://www.solensiavetteam.com/solensia-results

10/16/2024

Today is National Feral Cat Day.

It's been around since 2001 when Alley Cat Allies, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of feral cats and kittens, first introduced the concept.

Remember if you have outdoor kitties to use a breakaway collar so people know they have a home and keep your information up to date with the tattoo clinic or microchip company in case they do get picked up. Also its a great idea to get your cats spayed or neutered so they aren't adding to the wild pet population.

Feral cats are regular felines that weren’t socialized as kittens to accept humans. Cats who spend critical developmental moments around humans typically feel comfortable around people. Domestic cats often form loving bonds with their human companions, and studies suggest the human-cat bond may resemble the bond between human parents and children.

If you are worried about a feral cat in your area reach out to your local rescue.

10/14/2024

Happy Thankgiving. we hope you are all enjoying some family time today.
The clinic will be closed today for the holiday, we will be open tomorrow at 8am. If you have an emergency please contact your nearest emergency hospital.

10/13/2024

First celebrated in 1993, National Vet Tech Week takes place in the third week of October each year. We value veterinary technicians every day of the year and thank them for all they do. During National Veterinary Technician Week, we honor their commitment to compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for all animals.

Join us in wishing our wonderful vet techs a big thank you for all they do.

10/11/2024

Pet Obesity Awareness Day is today.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY IN PETS?
-Osteoarthritis. Extra weight puts extra pressure on a pet's joints
-Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
-High Blood Pressure
-Kidney Disease
-Respiratory Disease
-Cancer
-ACL Tears
-Skin Conditions

Take a look at the Body Condition Score charts below. If you have concerns about your pets weight please contact the clinic to book an exam with your doctor. We have a number of diet options available to help with weight loss in your pet.

10/06/2024

National Walk Your Dog Week Starts today, its purpose is to raise awareness about the growing issues of canine behavior problems and obesity.

Lets see how many dog walking pictures we can get this week!
Share your pictures and favorite walk spots below..