4 Paws 24 Hour Veterinary Hospital

07/09/2024

***UPDATE: Her family has taken her home! ***
This little lady was found today around Seaforth and Dublin Streets in Halifax. She is between 10 and 15 years old. She is staying with us for the moment. If you recognize her, please let her family know.

07/08/2024

Have you tried My Vet Store yet? You can order your pet's food to be delivered right to your door! Or have it delivered to your veterinary clinic if you want to swing by and say "Hi" to your pet's fan club ❤🎉

07/05/2024

Zeus came by to brighten our day (and get his yearly exam and vaccines). It's been pretty hot out and pups like Zeus, with all this gorgeous fur, can get pretty toasty. Remember to help your pets stay cool by keeping them indoors during the hottest part of the day and offering shade and lots of fresh, cool water when outside. Chilling' on the patio with a frosty treat? Why not make one for your pup too?
Try one of the Kong recipes below:

Recipe #1
1 banana
1 cup of plain yogurt
1 teaspoon of honey

Recipe #2
1 cup of cooked sweet potato
Handful of boiled, shredded chicken
Handful of cooked carrots
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt

Recipe #3
½ cup of cottage cheese
½ cup of natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
1 teaspoon of honey

Method:
Blend or mash all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
Spoon your mixture into your Kong toys.
Pop it in the freezer until solid and serve.

07/02/2024

Marty came to see us earlier this month after having a little too much fun at the beach - he may have gotten sand in his eye. Thankfully it did not cause any damage but he wanted to warn friends to be careful while at the beach! Other beach related problems we have seen this year include drinking sea water (small amounts can cause stomach upset and large amounts can be very dangerous to your pet's health) and ingesting sand. If your pet eats enough of it, they may need surgery to remove all the sand from their intestines. Marty hopes all the other dogs have fun and stay safe.🏖

07/01/2024

Happy Canada Day! We hope everyone enjoys a safe and happy long weekend - but if you need us we are still open 24 hours a day, taking triages from 7am to 11pm.

06/29/2024

4 month old Hazel came in for her appointment and took the opportunity to show off how well her obedience training is going. She was such a good girl for her exam and was very free with snuggles for the staff ❤ Puppies who work hard on their training and learn to have their mouths and feet handled find exams much easier to tolerate and they have so much more fun.

06/28/2024

Traveling to the states? There are new regulations regarding a dog's rabies vaccine status and microchip that will go in effect August 1st 2024. These regulations differ with the dog's age and country in which they were vaccinated. For details, check out the Centers for Disease Control website:
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html

06/21/2024

A helpful reminder from Trupanion regarding how hot those hot cars get! No matter how much Fido wants to go for a car ride, a short errand is still too long for him to wait for you in the car. On your way home from a vet appointment? Take your cat or dog all the way home before popping into the store for "just a minute".

06/17/2024

The Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change has a report of blue-green algae in Penhorn Lake in the Halifax area. Remember to keep your pet away from suspicious waters as blue-green algae toxicity can be fatal. See this post for more information.

There has been a report of blue-green algae at ➡️Penhorn Lake, Halifax – a popular spot for dog walkers.
As this algae can be harmful to dogs, please learn about blue-green algae & how you can keep your dog safe during blue-green algae season at: https://novascotia.ca/blue-green-algae/

06/09/2024

Today June 9th our triage hours are 7am to 7pm.

06/02/2024

Today, Sunday June 2nd, we will be accepting triages until 7pm. This is due to unforseen staffing issues.
As always, our phone lines are open 24 hours a day for any questions or concerns regarding your pet's care.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Our dedicated team remains committed to providing exceptional care during these adjusted hours. This will not affect hospitalized patients in our care.

Thank you for choosing 4Paws VH. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Stay safe!

05/27/2024

Remember to be on the look out for blue-green algae when you are near water with your pet.

Blue-green algae can be found in any non-flowing water such as rivers, pools or decorative ponds. The water may look murky, pea soup or as if paint has been poured into it. Blue-green algae is fatally poisonous to all types of pets, but it is especially harmful to dogs. *Immediate veterinary care is crucial*

How to protect your pet:
- If you see water with algae blooms, do not allow your dog to swim in it or to drink it.
- If your pet encounters blue-green algae, rinse them with fresh water, and take them to your veterinary team.
- Know the symptoms of poisoning: difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, convulsions, drooling.

Check the Government of Nova Scotia's website at https://novascotia.ca/blue-green-algae/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1IZgc3imV30UuRlgfWsz_3gTpBLodOHDwcNeXMxvqTLaEOsmbGWJIv0Zg_aem_AVRENxuoGOOZHjp4uzFNQo_8kqHnWCqav-IuGtiiScEZus5dc_yxcIho_uhCDXL3j9Ul-yUUkqx-0YaEWnx8cQCe -algae

05/21/2024

Zeus popped in to see us recently and like any gentleman he took the time to wipe his feet. Thanks for thinking of us, Zeus!

05/19/2024

We are open on Victoria Day! Felix the clinic cat (along with the rest of us) will still be hard at work Monday May 20th. Please call ahead and we will provide guidance for your pet's care and advise the next steps.

05/11/2024

Valued clients and pet owners,
This weekend, Saturday May 11th and Sunday May 12th, we will be accepting triages from 7am to 7pm. This is due to unforseen staffing issues.
As always, our phone lines are open 24 hours a day for any questions or concerns regarding your pet's care.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Our dedicated team remains committed to providing exceptional care during these adjusted hours. This will not affect hospitalized patients in our care.

Thank you for choosing 4Paws VH. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Stay safe!

04/29/2024

Summer is almost here and that's got us thinking about parasite prevention. Ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes are more active during the warmer months. The safest way you and your pets can enjoy the great outdoors is to make sure they are protected from the parasites in our area.

A parasite protection plan for your pet should include:
1. Routine testing
2. Preventative medication
3. A clean environment
4. Consistent grooming
5. Avoiding higher risk area

Call your veterinary care provider today to find the best protection for your pet.

04/27/2024

Today is World Veterinary Day! At 4Paws Veterinary Hospital, our dedicated veterinarians bridge the gap between general practice and emergency care, ensuring every patient receives unwavering commitment.

From routine check-ups to critical cases, our versatile veterinarians don their stethoscopes with pride. They navigate health journeys, heal ailments, and safeguard wagging tails. Whether it’s a playful kitten or a senior dog, each receives personalized care.

To our DVM team: Thank you for your tireless dedication—from vaccinations to life-saving surgeries, you balance the scales of wellness.

To our DVM colleagues: Your collaboration strengthens our safety net. In the bustling waiting room, knowledge is shared, hands are extended, and hope thrives.

Happy World Veterinariay Day to all the DVMs we have the privilege of knowing and working with in the HRM and beyond!

04/24/2024

We are looking for a Client Care Specialist to add to our awesome reception team! Are you outgoing, compassionate and an effective communicator? Do you work well in busy environments, enjoy working as part of a team, and helping animals and their owners? If you answered “Yes!” then the position here at 4Paws might be right for you.

4Paws is looking for individuals to join our team of dedicated and empathetic individuals. Please inquire or apply by sending your resume to our Practice Manager at: [email protected]

04/21/2024

Behind every wagging tail and grateful pet owner is a dedicated CCS/veterinary receptionist.

This we celebrate these unsung heroes who keep our clinic running smoothly with their warmth and expertise. Thank you for all you do!

Thank you, Shannon, Julia, Hannah, Katie, Jordan, Lesley, Amaya, Tori-Jane, Jillian, and Randi ❤️

04/17/2024

What goes well with matching vests? Matching ID tags! This week is National Pet ID Week. It's a great time to check that your pet's collar is in good condition and that all tags are easy to read with up-to-date information. If your pet does not have a microchip already, now is a great time to call your veterinary clinic about getting one implanted. About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is inserted under the skin with a large needle and stays with your pet for life. It's not uncommon for a lost dog or cat to show up at a veterinary clinic, and if they have a microchip, we are able to call their family right away. Show your pet how much you love them by putting your name all over them 🐶😸💖

03/31/2024

Did you know that 4 Paws offers custom nutritional consultations? Cinnamon's mom did and thanks to our service she has reached her ideal weight by losing 2kg! When you're this little, 4 pounds is a lot!

Nutrition is an important aspect of your pet's health and is often a form of medicine for various health conditions. Our nutrition service is designed to help owners navigate the ever-changing pet food industry.
With a little guidance from Saskia, our nutrition consultant, you can help your pet get the best nutrition for their lifestyle, while accommodating any medical conditions they may have.

Saskia has a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science, holds certificates with the North American Veterinary Community in Therapeutic Pet Nutrition and the Human-Animal Bond, as well as having completed countless hours of continuing education specific to nutrition. Saskia is happy to help you navigate weight loss plans, allergy diet trials, gastrointestinal disease and many other conditions.

A $34 consult includes:
1) The initial appointment to determine your pet's specifics needs and to work with you to create the best diet and feeding plan that works for you and your pet.
2) A custom formulated nutritional plan
3) Follow-up calls, including alterations to the plan as needed
4) Advice and assistance as needed throughout your nutrition journey

**This program is not limited to veterinary diets but at this time we will not be consulting on home cooked or raw diets.

03/25/2024

Harrison the barn cat got himself a new pet this spring, but mom wouldn't let him keep it. This is a great reminder that cats can get ticks too! There are topical tick preventatives for cats available at your veterinary clinic. These products are made especially for cats as some canine tick preventatives can be toxic.

03/21/2024

Lux came into our care after his owner suspected he had eaten elastics and caused an obstruction in his intestines.
Ultrasound, radiographs and even exploratory surgery couldn't pin point the problem. His stomach and intestines were empty.
As Lux was still not eating, we placed a nasogastric tube to allow us to feed him while in hospital. This is a thin, flexible tube that goes into the nostril and down the throat into the patient's stomach. An easy-to-digest liquid diet is slowly fed through this tube until the patient is eating on their own.
After 3 days of hospitalization - and many cuddle sessions with staff - Lux started eating again and was discharge to his loving family.

03/19/2024

Staff pet Willow has been enjoying the change of seasons. But even Willow knows that before the sap was running, the ticks were active! She'd like to remind everyone to contact their veterinary clinic today for year round tick prevention.

03/09/2024

*** UPDATE The power is back. We are up and running again. Thank you for your patience! ***
We are currently without power and are working on getting our generator up and running. Our phones are down. Please contact Metro Animal Emergency Clinic, Penhorn Animal Hospital or Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency Hospital. We will post updates as our status changes. Thank you for your patience.

03/08/2024

When you consider the amount of time you spend with your co-workers, it's only natural for your fellow female co-workers to become some of the most important people in your life.

Add to that, the seemingly endless list of challenges women still face in the workplace, and International Women's Day becomes a pretty important date.

May every day be your day. Happy International Women’s Day!

03/06/2024

Staff pet Mikey turned 11 this week. He came by to see Dr Porter so they could show off their matching accessories. Happy Birthday Mikey! 🥳

02/29/2024

The Fairview Food Pantry Project is having a silent auction this weekend! In partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition and Trupanion, we made up some nifty gift baskets to donate to the cause. For more information on the auction and the Fairview Food Pantry Project, check out their page: https://www.facebook.com/Fairviewfoodpantryproject

02/27/2024

Noble came to visit us last week. Everyone let him know how handsome he is - not that he needs telling! Thanks for stopping by ❤️