Central Cowichan Animal Hospital

03/03/2025

Tripawd Awareness Day
Every year, March third (3/3) is Tripawd Awareness Day. Triday honors animal amputees and the people who care for them by celebrating pet amputation awareness among pet lovers and the veterinary community. Whether an animal is born with a limb difference, or undergoes amputation for any reason, 3/3 is the best day of the year to showcase the resilient ways that dogs, cats, and other animals face limb loss and life on three legs.
Seen here is Maple - she belongs to one of our Vet Techs and losing a leg never slowed her down. When she was rescued she had a broken front leg. Unfortunately the break was along the growth plates and could not be repaired. She had the injured arm amputate and it was like nothing happened! She runs, and jumps and plays with her cat and kid friends.

Check out more stories here:
https://triday.pet/

Share your tripawd below!

03/02/2025

Do you love cats?
Today is International Cat Rescue Day!

Here at Central Cowichan Animal Hospital we are proud to help out the Cowichan District SPCA with their feline (and occasionally canine) friends.

If you are looking to add a kitty friend to your family consider rescuing one from one of our local cat rescues and be sure to bring them in to see us for their follow-up medical care.

Its a good idea to have your cat checked out once a year by a veterinarian to ensure their best health.

We're know some of you have great stories about how some kitties joined your families - please share them below.

03/01/2025

Has your pet ever eaten something it shouldn't???
March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month.

Check out the photos to see the most common toxins, and most common side effects and which type of pet is most likely to have gotten in trouble.

take a look through the Pet Poison Helpline's website for more information
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

It doesn't hurt to have their phone number saved in your phone (or on your fridge) in case of emergency! 1(855) 764-7661

02/27/2025

Having you been feeling blue this winter? Talk to your Doctor to see if prescription-dog or prescription-cat may be right for you.

We all know that our pets make us feel great. But could there be more to these benefits?

02/23/2025

Have you checked your pet for Ticks today?

Remember there is no off season for fleas/ticks. Make sure to check your pets after coming home from hikes or playdates. Even indoor only pets should be checked over in case something got tracked in on your pants or shoes.

02/22/2025

Have you noticed your kitties slowing down?

Get Your Cat Back to Their “Normal”
Cats hide almost everything, especially pain. But if your cat is suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) pain, you’ve probably noticed changes in their everyday behavior. Things like jumping, climbing stairs, and even playing might not be so easy for them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ALYKty0fkM

Book a wellness exam with your doctor to discuss your cats wellness future.

02/19/2025

Did you know today is National Whippet Day! (And we missed World Greyhound day on February 2nd)

Although many dogs chase game, sighthounds are unique hunters. They have thin, wiry bodies, breakneck speed, and endurance. A flexible back, long rear legs, a large heart, and efficient lungs enable these hounds to provide food for their owners. Some work alone, while others function well in packs.
Check out more information about sighthounds here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/meet-sighthound-breeds/

For those who have one of these swift friends post below! We love to see your cuties.

02/18/2025

Have you heard of Dental Food for your pets?

Veterinary Dental Month is underway and diet is a big piece of the puzzle. Aside from providing complete and balanced nutrition, containing a special fibre matrix technology, Hill's T/D kibble has a unique size and shape to help reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup.

Take a look at this video that demonstrates how their kibble works.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgm8MIQWP14

Be sure to pop in and chat with one of our knowledgeable staff about the benefits of dental food for your pets. AND if your pet is on a special diet we can recommend treats, chews or water additives that may help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

If you are noticing your pets mouth has a bad smell or seems to be less keen on their normal food lately be sure to book a veterinary consult to make sure they don't have any serious dental issues going untreated.

Dental Care - Pets can't brush their own teethHill's nutritionists & veterinarians developed Prescription Diet t/d clinical nutrition especially formulated t...

02/17/2025

Have a Happy Family Day!

We hope you are enjoying the holiday and remember we will be closed today. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow starting at 8am for your veterinary needs.

02/14/2025

Happy Valentines Day!

Be sure to spoil your fluffy loved ones today..

Check out these fun finds from Petsmart

https://www.petsmart.ca/featured-shops/valentines-day-shop

Share your sweethearts below!

02/12/2025

You should check out this great article from the BC SPCA about the importance of dental care in pets.

https://spca.bc.ca/news/brushing-pets-teeth/

02/11/2025

Are you excited for the long weekend??

Don't forget to stock up on food and meds before the weekend! Let us know sooner than later if you need any refills. (Remember some items are special ordered and take a few days to arrive.)

02/05/2025

February is Pet Dental Health Month

We all know to take care of our own mouths to prevent dental issues, but some people may not realize its equally as important to be aware of our pets mouths.

Often dental disease in pets goes unnoticed until its quite severe. Its a good idea to ensure your pets mouth is examined regularly to keep them healthy. Pets can have build up of plaque and tartar which can cause gingivitis and discomfort for our furry friends. In some cases if dental disease is so advanced teeth may become mobile and abscesses can form under the gums. Sometimes pets can even break teeth if they are avid chewers.

If you are noticing any bad odor or swelling around the mouth or face , or if your pet seems reluctant to eat, be sure to book your pet in for an exam with their veterinarian to access their dental needs.

Even if you can't brush your pets teeth daily, there are other options to help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Pop in and chat with our staff about the options that might work with your family.

02/04/2025

We are open today, a little bit short staffed but fully operational :)
UPDATE: We will close at 1pm to get our staff home safely

02/03/2025

National Golden Retriever Day is today, if you have a golden retriever treat them to all their favorite things on this day.

Take them for a run on their favorite park, play some fetch, and make them a special meal for dinner! Golden retrievers love company, so the best thing you can do for them today is to spend the whole day with them, playing and cuddling.

If you've been thinking about getting a golden retriever for a while, let this day inspire you to take the plunge. Always consider adoption first, do your research and visit different shelters to see if they can match you with your new best friend.

Share your Goldies with us below - here is Boone (Heathers canine companion) displayed in all his glory.
We look forward to seeing your cuties.

02/03/2025

Please be aware we will be closing today at 2pm due to weather and staffing issues. We appreciate your understanding and hope everyone stays safe out there.

02/01/2025

February is National Prevent a Litter Month AND Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

We want to take a minute to discuss some of the benefits to having your pets spayed or neutered.
- Reduces the risks of mammary cancer and uterine infections
- Reduces the risks of testicular cancer and prostate issues
- Eliminates the risks of pregnancy and complications during labor
- Reduces the urge to roam, which in result reduces injury from fights or accidents
- Reduces aggression in some males

If you have an intact dog of cat in your care be sure to book a wellness exam to discuss with your veterinary team when the best time to have them spayed or neutered would be.

Check out this link for the BC SPCA
https://spca.bc.ca/faqs/how-will-spaying-or-neutering-help-my-pet/

Learn how spaying and neutering your pet benefits them and the community, and find out about the risks.

01/29/2025

Today marks the anniversary of "The Seeing Eye Dog". The Seeing Eye is a philanthropic organization whose mission is to enhance the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs.

These days there are many different types of therapy dogs helping individuals with special needs. We appreciate all these working dogs who help keep their humans safe.

To read some history on The Seeing Eye Dog see the link below:
https://seeingeye.org/about-us/our-history