Animals First Clinic

11/22/2024

We will be closed tomorrow, November 23rd. Otherwise, we will be open again on Monday at 8:30am!

Have a good weekend, everyone. Stay safe out there!

11/21/2024

Staying inside during the cold, dark winter months can be heavy on everyone, including our animals. Dogs may be used to walks multiple times a day in the bright sunshine, but now only get one or two in the cold weather. Cats might be used to watching the birds and bugs outside of the window, but now it's all white and gloomy.

Here are some tips on what you can do at home to keep your pets happy and engaged for the winter! And on top of that, this PDF from the North Shore Animal League has a wonderful instruction book on how to make your own toys at home!
https://www.animalleague.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/NSALA_DIY_Pet_Toys_2.pdf

11/20/2024

Percy doesn't care much for the snow, like many of us. It's cold against the windows, the fun things to watch like the birds and the bugs are gone, and it's all gloomy outside.

So to keep his clinic life enriched and happy, we set up his bed in front of the TV and let him watch cat videos! He really likes watching the birds and squirrels. Sometimes the fish are fun too, but they don't make interesting noises.

Enrichment is important for every animal, from fish to reptiles to mammals and birds. Especially during the colder months, when there's less to do outside and less fun to be had. Make sure you are keeping your pet's mind engaged! Tell us in the comments how you keep your pet happy and interested in the winter - and if you aren't sure of ideas, check our post tomorrow for a list of new, exciting things you can do to help!

11/19/2024

Ever wonder what your pet's time in the clinic kennels looks like? Gumpy is here to show you exactly what it looks like!
Whenever an animal is admitted to stay with us, whether it be for surgery, day admission or hospital care, they have to stay in a kennel. This is for their safety and comfort.

Every pet that comes in gets:
- Their own kennel (or run for larger dogs)
- A blanket
- Smaller animals may get a bed
- Water (depending on what they are here for)
- Cats get a litter box
- Puppies/kittens will get things to keep them distracted such as toys or treats
- Lots of snuggles!

This all depends on the individual animal. Some dogs will rip up blankets or beds, so they may not get those. Animals that are in for anesthetic procedures will not get water, so that they don't vomit it back up during surgery. And of course the pets that aren't happy with us touching them will not get snuggles - even if we really want to.

Gumpy personally thinks he should be able to run around and steal Percy's food and toys and get ALL of the snuggles for himself, but alas, there are other patients to take care of.

11/18/2024

We always get asked - how cold is it before it's too cold for my dog to be outside? Well, Petplan has a handy little chart for that!

Small breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, or Maltese, can't tolerate weather much colder than 0°C without shelter or supplemental heat. Anything below -5°C can become life threatening for these breeds very quickly.
Medium sized dogs such as Collies, Spaniels and smaller Shepherds are good up to around -10°C depending on fur type. Large breeds like most Retrievers, larger Shepherds and Husky mixes can tolerate temperatures down to about -15°C before needing shelter and heat.

If you're unsure if your dog should be outside in the cold, save this chart for future reference! All dogs should have access to some kind of shelter where they can warm up if they get too cold. A wooden dog house with some straw in the bottom is a simple and effective shelter for dogs with a good coat. Dogs with extremely short fur may need booties or sweaters to help keep their core warm.

Of course there are outliers for these. Northern Breeds (Malamutes, Pyranees, Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands) are bred to withstand temperatures below -20°C, and many of these cold weather dogs can refuse to come inside in favor of playing in the snow. If you've ever argued with a husky about having to come back inside, you know what we mean!

11/15/2024

Canada has confirmed its first domestically acquired human case of A(H5N1) in British Columbia.

Avian influenza mostly affects wild birds, but it can also infect domestic poultry and a variety of mammals. To minimize the potential risk of acquiring avian influenza, avoid handling sick or dead birds and wildlife.

If you have had contact with a sick or dead bird, monitor yourself for symptoms and contact a health care provider if symptoms develop.

Find more prevention tips: https://ow.ly/EuvE50U6wwL

11/13/2024

Our blood drive this past Saturday was a huge success! Thank you so so much to all of our donors; Enzo, Leo, Bruce, Ovi, Ava, Bandit, Phantom, Russel, and Mylo! Bruce and Ovi did their first donations with us this weekend while Bandit got his 5th and final donation in and will now be retired from the donation program!

A huge thanks also goes out to our volunteers - Khizar, Sidra, Krista, Jelicia, and especially Emily, our RVT who helps to collaborate with Ashley from Canadian Animal Blood Bank and organize the drives.

We are very happy for each and every blood drive, and are very lucky to be able to help pets with these kinds of programs. Each donation saves 3 lives, so each of these incredible pups is saving others!

11/12/2024

PetPage is a smartphone app that is linked to our computer system, and allows you to access your pet's health information online. You can review your previous appointment dates or prescriptions, request an appointment, refill medication and more.
To access the PetPage App on your smartphone, search for PetPage in your Apple or Android App store. Once you download the app, you must use the email address that is on file with your veterinarian when signing up to view your pet’s records. If you aren't sure which e-mail is on file, feel free to give us a call to update it!

11/11/2024

We will be closed for Remembrance Day today.
If you have an emergency with your pet, please call us at 780-814-8544 and listen to the voicemail to be directed to the on call clinic.

11/08/2024

Our next blood drive with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank is tomorrow! Can't wait to see all of our donors saving lives!
We will post photos and an update next week!

Pass it along! 🗣️🐾🩸❤️

1 donation saves 3 doggy lives 🩸

11/07/2024

We will be closed on Monday in observance of Remembrance Day!

Please let us know if you need any food or prescriptions before the weekend.

11/06/2024

If you are placing an order at the clinic, whether it be for food or prescriptions, please remember we require at least 24 hours notice to complete! If it is a special order item, we require 7-10 days notice.

Making orders can be complicated, even when Percival tries to give us a paw. Winter conditions come with added complications like shipping delays or cancelled orders. Giving us advanced notice helps to make sure we either have the product in stock or can get it for you in time, and if not, we can arrange for other options.

11/04/2024

These keys were found in our parking lot today. If they belong to you, please let us know!

11/01/2024

Welcome to November! The cold weather is slowly making its way in, so make sure you and your pets are staying warm and safe.

We are on call this weekend so if you need anything, please give us a call at 780 814 8544 to speak with the on call veterinarian.

Have a great weekend!

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from the staff at Animals First to all of you!
We tried to take a photo, but Deserae had to pet Lisa the Panda, and then we ended up with a Kung Fu Panda situation. No actual pandas were harmed, just some pride.

Did you dress up for Halloween? Show us your costumes (and your pets'!) in the comments!

10/30/2024

As RVT month draws to a close with Halloween tomorrow, here is some advice for any students that are going towards becoming an RVT themselves!

Happy RVT month everyone!

10/28/2024

Grande Cache - We want to say thank you!
Thank you for welcoming us into your community and giving us the opportunity to assist you and your pets. Over the last 4 months, we have been able to help over 160 pets in the community - all thanks to you!
Unfortunately, we will not be continuing our visits over the winter. As you are certainly aware, Alberta’s winter road conditions are unpredictable, and so for the safety of our staff we will be returning in the spring instead!
Though we won’t be coming to see you over the winter, please know that we are still here for you! Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need anything with your pets. We offer many services at our clinic in Grande Prairie, such as:
- Emergency services
- Surgery
- Internal medicine
- Dentistry
- Wellness visits
- Orthopedic surgeries
- Online store for food and supplies
We will also be able to have food and medications delivered to Little Critters in Grande Cache for your convenience! Please give us a call with at least 7-10 days notice to allow us time to get it organized.
Thank you again for having us visit. We will see you in the spring!

10/25/2024

We will be closed tomorrow! Please pick up any food or prescriptions you need for the weekend today.

We will be open again on Monday for our normal hours.