Small Creatures Pet Clinic

15/12/2024

DR. J SAYS:

Dec. 15, 2024

TO BE CLEAR!....

The response to the clinic's last post has been astounding, to say the least! The thesis of that post was to simply say that a recent experience with my personal potential vaccine protocol paralleled the discussion we have on a daily basis with our veterinary clients. I wanted to share that comparison. I think we can help our veterinary clients make choices, if the client is open to that discussion. And I thought it was an interesting comparison between the human vaccination realm and the veterinary vaccination realm; the principles are mostly the same! Period.

We're here to help with stuff like this. And I think our entire team here @ 'Small Creatures' is pretty good at giving thoughtful/ impartial advice. That might include what vaccinations are appropriate/ inappropriate for one's special four-legged friend. It works both ways.

As of this writing, there are 71 comments from that article, many from anti-vaxers. Your opinion was actually not solicited, and is truly off topic. For those I'm referring to, look back and see how irrelevant most of your comments are, as regards the simple message intended. And please, just because social media gives you voice, it doesn't qualify you as an expert on any given topic, especially when you're venturing into a different galaxy from what an aooropriate response might be.

We spend quite a bit of time thinking about & writing the articles, and enjoy doing so. The responses to the material are mostly so very positive & appreciated.

If you do go back & realize how distant some of your responses are from the intended topic, please feel free to delete your comments..... And for goodness sake, please don't engage the site with more off-topic discussion/ justification!

Wishing everyone a happy & informed Holiday Season!

DR. J

11/12/2024

DR. J SAYS:

Dec.10, 2024

VACCINE RISK-ASSESSMENT- MY RECENT EXPERIENCE!:

This past Friday, I went to the 'real' doc across the way from 'Small Creatures', to tidy up the RSV ('Respiratory Syncytial Virus') portion of my suggested vaccine 'triad' (RSV, Flu & Covid). They couldn't do the vaccine there, because I had neglected to get the 'prescription' for it from my pharmacist. So off I went to the pharmacy...... yes, they could do the vaccine, with an appointment, for $284.00.

"Holy-oh-liftin'! ", I thought (I'm from the Ottawa Valley originally). "Gotta think about that one! "........

I went home to think....

'Think, think, think', I said (I am somewhat slow of thought, not unlike 'Eeyore' from 'Winnie the Pooh').

I discussed the situation with my wife, who immediately said "Get the vaccine, Jim" (she not being slow of thought). And, as per usual, her thought process was correct (I succumbed to this submissive approach/ realization round about age 40-ish; I think most guys either get it or don't get it with their wives somewhere's between age 30 & 40). Sigh.

I agreed. The potentially prohibitive $284.00 cost of the vaccine pales entirely, if it prevents my significant absenteeism from the practice. Actually kinduva no-brainer.

We do the same thing when we talk about 'vaccine risk assessment' with pets, usually puppies & kittens, but oftentimes in recently-adopted mature pets, especially if they are from an unknown background. Based on exposure risk, cost, potential vaccine reaction, mortality/ morbidity (=death/ illness) from the disease, public health concerns (think of rabies!), difficulty of bringing (the cat!) the pet to the clinic, and many other factors.

I enjoy this type of exchange with clients, and I think they appreciate the input from a non-biased, experienced professional who doesn't give advice based on lining of one's pockets.

You may have noticed in a previous & recent 'Small Creatures' FB post, that the American Animal Hospital Association now recommends Leptospirosis ('Lepto') be moved from the 'lifestyle' category to a 'core' vaccine.

If you have questions about vaccine 'risk-assessment' based on the above factors, give your veterinarian a call.

Hope your Christmas prep '24 is moving along much more crisply than mine; I'd be the guy in the 'Orange Julius' line on Christmas Eve, chili dog in hand, with that distinctly panic-stricken demeanour........

Best of the Holiday Season!

DR. J

05/12/2024

We have all noticed the temperature has started to drop significantly over the past few weeks; with these dropping temperatures means both the city and residents are starting to use Ice Salt.

With both Pet-Safe and NON Pet-Safe brands being sold on the market this article will help you learn more about the Pet-Safe Ice Salt and what to look out for.

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 😁

In many areas of the United States, ice melt is an absolute necessity during the winter months. However, not all types of ice melt are safe for use around pets. Here is everything pet owners in snowy areas need to know before taking their pets out into a winter wonderland.

27/11/2024

Says Fred: "When the treats are so good at Small Creatures Pet Clinic you just need to save one for later".

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

20/11/2024

With winter starting to approach here are some safety tips to keep your pets and other animals safe from the outdoors and any harm that may come with the cold.

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 😄

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

13/11/2024

Now that the weather has started to become more dreary our pets are needing some activies to do inside on the days no one wants to go outside.

This link provides some wonderful tips and tricks as to how to keep your pet occupied inside.

Happy Wednesday Everyone! 😁

Dogs need daily exercise, whether or not the weather's nice. Want to keep your pet occupied indoors? Learn which indoor dog activities to include on your list.

05/11/2024

The AAHA 2023 Canine Vaccination Guidelines have now officially been updated to reflect a change in status of the leptospirosis vaccine from non-core to core.

31/10/2024

With the evening hours start to roll around on the spookiest night of the year; here are some tips and tricks to keep all of your fury friends safe this Halloween!

If you have any further questions regarding how to keep your pets safe this holiday season please feel free to contact your veterinarian for more information.

Happy Halloween Everyone!😁

23/10/2024

When it comes to trying to give a cat a pill I think we all feel a little bit like Hercules in that situation.

How many cat owners have struggled to wrestle their cat while trying to give it a new (or old) medication?

Happy Wednesday everyone! 😄

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

17/10/2024

October 17, 2024

DR. J SAYS:

HALLOWE'EN, FIRECRACKERS, MONSOONS & SEDATIVES:

It's that time of year again- the season of Hallowe'en & most probably a whole pile of rain & inclement weather.

I'm never sure why people don't make more use of sedatives for firecrackers & thunder. Such a simple solution to such frightening episodes for your pet. Watching them is heartbreaking.

These are NOT anesthetics; they are not dangerous. They won't last beyond 12 hours per treatment- if given in the late afternoon of a 'firecracker evening', the pet should be back to normal the next morning. There are many different choices. Some are great for motion (car) sickness too. They aren't expensive. They work. They may require some dosing adjustment; we can help with that; it's what we do, and we're pretty darn good at it.

Happy Hallowe'en!
Watch out for kids.
Get some sedatives.
Get out and vote.
Have a great day.

DR. J

13/10/2024

DR. J SAYS:

Oct. 13, 2024

HAPPY THANKSGIVING:

This has always been my favourite time of year. I think it comes mostly from having been a large animal veterinarian, when I first graduated, practicing in rural Ontario, and then Saskatchewan.

Driving country gravel roads, watching crops being harvested, the Canada geese honking & flying in formation high overhead, enjoying the crisp fresh air and blue sky, chattin' it up with dairy farmers and cattlemen.

And oh my, the fall colours of the maple trees. Every Canadian should place the viewing of those crimson, orange, red and yellow leaves of eastern Canada very high on their bucket list. For me, enjoying that time of year was always a privilege and blessing.

Fast forward about 40 years....

Still practicing veterinary medicine...... Great practice. Great staff. Great clients. Great pets. Still gettin' a buzz from hands-on participation in the 'pet-human bond'. Who'd have ever guessed 30 years ago that this two-bit, hole- in- the- wall practice could ever be this successful?......Our FB posts are now very close to reaching 1,000 people!

Yesterday morning, I played tennis for 3 hours with 3 buddies I first met while playing baseball, starting about 17 years ago. It was about 20 degrees, with a bluebird sky. Pub lunch afterwards. Nobody's really very good at tennis, but no matter, we can all talk real good trash. We're all between 65 & 70. Hopin' to play again today with my son, and then 'snarfin' some Thxgiving dinner.

So thanks to everyone who's been involved in this great run. Family, clients, pets, friends.

Be thankful. Smell some roses. Enjoy the weather, family, friends & dinner. It's such a wonderful time of year.

Happy Thxgiving!

Dr. J

10/10/2024

Last week on Obi's first day back at the clinic we noticed that he seemed to have a very bright green spot on his forehead.

Everyone was coming up with ideas as to how it got there including that he might have been celebrating St. Patricks Day a little bit too early! If you saw that spot on your pet what would you think had happened?

The final conclusion was that after Dr. J returned the lawn at home had been mowed which led to Obi having a little back scratch in the mowed grass.

We all love your green spot Obi!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving long weekend😄

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

03/10/2024

For the past 10 years we have been supplying the local area with our branded biodegradable dog poops bags, as of recently we are unable to find a company who is able to provide us with small batch of custom printed bags.

If anyone has any leads or knows someone who is able to do this for us it would be greatly appreciated as we are missing them dearly.

Please feel free to leave a comment on this post with any information or send us an email at: [email protected]

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

27/09/2024

A few days ago we had a local artist stopped by and asked if we could display some of their work that is for sale, and of course seeing how talented they are we said YES!

At the moment it doesn't appear that they are doing custom art but possibly in the future.

It truly is great seeing such wonderful local talent!

If you would like to see more of their artwork their website is: https://tobyandolivia.com/art/

Happy Friday everyone!😁

20/09/2024

A couple weeks ago we had the pleasure of seeing sweet 'Finnegan' for another vaccine appointment.

This sweet little man was waiting so patiently for his turn but in adorable puppy fashion was watching everyone walk past wondering why no one was coming to give him love and all the cookies he wanted.

We can't resist this cute little guy either way, thank you for making our days brighter 'Finnegan'!😁

Happy Friday Everyone!!

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

13/09/2024

Coming to the vet office can be very daunting for some pets, but we all know that with a little bit of love (and a little too many treats) we are able to start a very friendly and calm connection.

Everyone who comes to us knows how much Dr. Snyder loves to give your furry friends those treats!

Hoping everyone is having a lovely Friday! 😄

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

06/09/2024

Sept. 5, 2024

Been doin' this job a few years now (applied to the Ontario Veterinary College in 1975 with 2 Kellogg's box tops and $0.25-graduated in 1980. Do the math.....).

'Moose' was in the other day. He brought his lovely owner Katie with him. 'Moose' is lovely too. He has Addison's Disease, wherein both of his adrenal glands, located just ahead of his kidneys, are underactive. The adrenal glands are responsible for 'Moose's' (and every dog's) 'fight or flight response'; if he is frightened, his pupils will dilate, the hair stand up on his back and/or his butt-hole may pucker a bit (just like us, actually). Although sometimes a 'great pretender' as regards diagnosis, it is usually well-controlled with medications. 'Moose', who was adopted not too long ago by Katie, Jordan & son Max, is doing well. Bless the family's heart for admitting 'Max' into his 'forever home'. He should live a long and relatively healthy life.

In that 43 year-old veterinary career, I have never had a dog place BOTH of their feet on my leg/ foot, seeking a ANOTHER treat. The facial expression is beyond pathetic. And neither of these actions, in spite of what 'Moose' might have me believe, have the slightest relation to his Addison's Disease.......

He is a truly wonderful dog. Friendly but gentle. Interactive but laid back.

But beyond pathetic when requesting more treats.

Be well, Max.

Have a great, safe WE, everybody!

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets

29/08/2024

August 29, 2024

Joan & Mark were in to the clinic today. Mark was outfitted in a lovely coral sport shirt, supported by green camouflage shorts. Truly a stunning fashion statement...... I told him that if he was walking down the sidewalk, and somebody hit him with their vehicle, they would clearly have to have been aiming for him.

Joan & he are always interested in our O'Henry peaches at the side of the clinic. He has self-invited himself, pre-emptively, to our 2nd annual 'peaches & ice cream fiesta' when the peaches ripen fully.

Given all the above, I suggested that Mark head outside and grab a photo-op with 'Henry'; clearly his attire was in a full match. It was a very thoughtful gesture on his part, I thought, to colour co-ordinate with 'Henry' on his visit to 'Small Creatures'.

I was hoping Mark wouldn't climb onto the tree, 'cause he might not be visible. Kinda reminds me of all the the 'elephant jokes' we used to tell so many years ago.......

Joke teller: 'Why do elephants hide in cherry trees?'.....

Respondent: 'I don't know'.

Joke teller: So people won't see them. Have you ever seen an elephant in a cherry tree?....

Respondent: No

Joke teller: I rest my case.

Enjoy the long WE!

Christine, Mikayla, Hailey & Dr. Jim

The Small Creatures Pet Clinic is a full-service veterinary clinic and hospital serving Langley pets