Prairie Trails Veterinary Services

08/26/2022

Happy international dog day to this food loving hound, my Georgia 🍑!!

She may give me more than a few grey hairs with all the things she gets into (cereal, flour, kids laxatives 💩, leftovers 🥪, pretty much anything is fair game 🤪) and she never stops talking, making for some long nights.

But she truly is living her best life on the farm and I’m soo glad we get to be a part of her family 😘

08/19/2022

How amazing is this ?!?!? Let’s find these amazing pets their fur ever home🤎

Are you ready? We are!! The animals can feel the energy swirling in the air. And our team is excited to introduce you to the purr-fect new addition to your family. Our Clear the Shelter event starts on Saturday!

We have a goal of finding homes for each animal in our care. We’re reducing adoption fees so every animal in the shelter can find a loving, life-long home.

Meet all of the cats and dogs looking for their new homes at https://pvhsociety.ca/

08/09/2022

Everyday is International Cat Day for Ira so this queen doesn’t care if we are a day behind in posting👸

5 benefits to owning a cat
🐈 their sociable and adaptable
🐈‍⬛ hiss-terical entertainment 🤪
🐈 they can live a long time
🐈‍⬛ fairly low maintenance
🐈 natural born hunters 🐁🦟

If your are on the prowl to add a feline companion to your life, go check out 🖤

07/20/2022

This is a good illustration of puppy socialization needs, shared from Good as Gold Training, but I would also add that all of the listed exposure and experience needs to feel *safe* for the puppy. If s/he is nervous, tentative, or fearful the fear should be handled by backing off a little and reintroducing very slowly and with lots of praise, food and patience. Sometimes, for the sake of "socialization", owners push their puppies too far and too fast, and it can backfire. Good socialization requires that we "read" our puppies and help them feel safe as they navigate the sounds, textures, people and animals in their new world.

03/28/2022

One of the things that vets discuss is getting your pet comfortable with handling. But I want to be clear, handling paws is not the same as playing with the feet and that goes for every other area of the pets body (ears, mouth, tail, belly).

Check out this video about how to build on touch and create a positive association.

Specific to nail trims, check out Nail Maintenace for Dogs on FB. Their guides have some amazing resources that all owners should refer to.

https://youtu.be/69HpD3QNRes

03/11/2022

Socialization, socialization, socialization 🐾

Did you know that puppies have a critical socialisation period that only lasts until they are around four months old? Watch this video to learn what socialis...

02/28/2022

02/28/2022

Sharing some awesome counterconditioning tips 🐕 💙

10 Tips for counterconditioning success

02/07/2022

To trim or not to trim?
If you have an indoor only cat, nails should be looked at/trimmed as needed every 2️⃣-4️⃣ weeks.

Outdoor cats, I don’t recommend trimming nails as they are involved in many important things;
🐱climbing
🐱scratching
🐱marking territory
🐱defence
🐱hunting

… however, as cats age or if they aren’t overly active, even if going outside, they may still require nail maintenance. Nails constantly grow and if their activity doesn’t wear them down or they are too arthritic to scratch posts or trees, regular trims may be needed.

Furthermore, ultra long nails can;
👉alter their posture which can be painful or exacerbate arthritis
👉make them prone to infection
👉they can lose the ability to retract their nails
👉or can become ingrown if they curl around

When they aren’t sleeping, they are on their feet so be sure to check those toe beans regularly ♥️

01/26/2022

Conversations about Mental Health are near and dear to my heart having Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am extremely comfortable talking about my struggles, triumphs and journey but there was a time I wasn’t.

Let’s keep the conversation going to end the stigma 💙

Post in the comments who/what brings you joy

This is Stanley my mini donkey. I strongly believe everyone needs a mini donkey in their life. He gives the best snuggles when I am having hard day 🖤

01/20/2022

So I’ve dropped a perogy on the floor… and these two 🐕🐈 are both eyeing me like they have never been fed and are equally deserving of the honour of eating it.
Let’s break this down;
-1 Perogy is 51 calories

🐶 For ease, we will assume Georgia is 25kg and has an average activity level
-she needs about 1250 kcal/day (1.6RER)
- maximum treat intake should be well under 10% total calories, I like it closer to 5%. So this one perogy, only looking at calories would eat up 80% of her treat budget.

🐱Assuming Ira is 5kg (about what an average cat is… she is actually under that)
-she needs about 327 kcal/day (1.4RER) with a max treat allotment of 16 kcal (5%)
-this one perogy would then be 15% of her diet and 318% of her treat budget 🙀

Alongside calories, looking at electrolytes, fat and other concerns (dairy/fats and gi upset, onions and anemia, etc), human foods may not be appropriate for our pets. Plus if your pet is obese prone or has underlying issues like kidney disease, human foods, while appearing insignificant, could have big consequences.

So next time you drop something, ask yourself;
➡️is it safe and do they actually need it?
➡️and if you give it, what are you doing to account for those calories? 🧮

I bet your wondering who ate the perogy? …. I did, 10s rule right?! 😜

01/02/2022

Hope everyone had the best Christmas 🎄 and New Years 🥳 !

Ours was definitely much quieter this year which gave me lots of time to reflect and recharge 🥰. I am beyond humble and grateful for this little veterinary community and all those who have entrusted me with their pet’s care 🐈🐕‍🦺🐾

One of my colleagues shared a video about how she taught her dog to accept a cone. Well that was a brilliant idea 💡as it is only a matter of time before most pets will likely need to wear one. And better to teach them to be comfortable ahead of time.
20 min and a handful of catfood later - Georgia seemed quite content with the task.

It’s all about starting small and breaking down the steps (rewarding when she goes near the cone, then sniffs the top, then inserts head, then she crawled into it, then held it) being sure that each step is perfected and comfortable before moving on. It isn’t perfect but it’s a start 😁. For your pet, it might mean they have to do it slower or need a higher value reward - just go at their pace 👍

I’ll keep posting some training and cooperative care videos- let me know if there is something you are struggling with or want to see and I’ll do my best 🤞

12/28/2021

My heart ❤️ is soo full !

Thank you for helping me help the PVHS 🐈🐈‍⬛🐕🐩🐾

Especially big shout outs to Sonya, Taylor, Krystal, Nancy, Holly, Mia, Austin, Halle, Allison, Melissa, Rachel, Amanda, Erin, And Bryan for Sponsoring bags!!

Thank you to the amazing staff at Manitou Daycare for the wonderful cat decorations 🐱✨

12/14/2021

UPDATE: I am blown away by the support for the cats at PVHS! Thank you 🙏. We have surpassed the 15 bag mark. Count as of Tuesday night is 3️⃣5️⃣ bags / 1️⃣4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣lbs of cat litter coming their way. There is still time to sponsor more bags! See the details below 👇

Hey!! It is the last week for Operation Santa Paws and the PVHS could use our help!!

I would love to challenge PTV followers. I have access to 4️⃣0️⃣lb bags of clumping cat litter for 💲1️⃣5️⃣ (tax included)!!!

I will match every bag purchased to a max of 15. Order is going in on Thursday!! I will deliver with a card from everyone who sponsors a bag 😊. Let’s stock PVHS shelves.

Etransfer to my email [email protected]

Thanks everyone ❤️💚

11/15/2021

We have all seen this…. Or most people whose cats go outside 🐈
And no, it isn’t a rice grain, sesame seed or another mystical spec 🧐
It’s a tapeworm proglottid or segment, a small piece of either the Taenia species or Dipylidium caninum
Do we care? Well, in most cases, they don’t cause significant symptoms for our 🐈‍⬛ other than cosmetic.
It does, however indicate there is likely more going on, such as a
➡️ possible flea infestation,
➡️ contaminated/undercooked raw food,
➡️ harbouring other intestinal parasites or
➡️ because certain tapeworms are zoonotic (ie. infect humans 🤮 like Echinococcus), we want to keep everyone safe

And let’s be real, who wants these little segments moving around on their 🛌 or 🛋 🙅‍♀️
Fortunately, there are effective dewormers that safely take care of these nasty things (as well as a many of their friends). As a bonus, there are pills or topical options 👏
If you have questions about how often to deworm your cat or what preventatives are indicated, please contact your veterinarian

11/11/2021

We will remember them 🌺

Today, Canada’s Fallen will not be forgotten. Please and join us in observing a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them.

11/06/2021

Let’s talk about missed doses of heartworm pills 💊 ….
First and foremost, D O N ‘ T P A N I C
Many owners have gone through this.

🐾The best bet is to contact 📲 your veterinarian for advice on what you should do as they know your pet and circumstances the best.

There are several variables at play;
➡️ how many doses were missed
➡️ what was the time frame that one was missed
➡️ lifestyle of your dog and any travel history. Manitoba does have heartworm but fortunately, it isn’t as prevalent as other places. 🏝

Regardless, a test 🧪 can be run in 6️⃣+ months to ensure no heartworm larvae matured into adults.

Furthermore, if remembering the monthly pill is challenging or your dog hates it 🤢, there are several preventative options (different pills, injection, topical), apps etc that can be discussed with your veterinarian 🤔 to help improve compliance.

…. If your dog is anything like my dog (farm, hunter, eats anything), you could also consider year round prevention and then you have everything covered ☺️

11/02/2021

November 1st = Last heartworm pill day 🪱🫀
Who is batting 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ and remembered 6/6 months 🗓? 🙋‍♀️

10/27/2021

Let’s talk about muzzles…
Muzzles can be very beneficial and have carried very negative connotations in the past. Their uses are endless;
➡️for the dog who tends to get excited and gets a little mouthy 🥴
➡️or for the dog who might be prone to destroying property or eating things they shouldn’t 🗑
➡️for the fearful dog 😬
➡️for the dog who is cute and shy but EVERYONE tends 🐩 to approach without consent. A Muzzle offer a great visual cue that these dogs need space
➡️for the dog who is in a new situation or introduced to a new person (ahem children) when the behaviour might be unknown
➡️for the dog with known triggers 🚸
➡️for medical procedures 🩺
➡️or has been used in dogs who have been mandated to wear one due to breed 🙄 or for those deemed dangerous ⚠️
Either way, every dog should have time spent getting them comfortable at wearing one as you never know when a situation might arise that you might need it ☺️

Owners should never feel ashamed if their dog wears a muzzle. If anything you should be proud and I give kudos for those advocating for their dogs.

So here is Georgia doing some muzzle training. I am using a high value reward (her kibble), naming the behaviour (“Muzzle”) and rewarding her when the behaviour is achieved. I start small and let her explore on her terms. For your dog, it might mean it just sniffs the muzzle and you reward that, especially if they have only been associated with a negative experience. You go at the pace of your pet and keep gradually moving toward the desired outcome. I use basket muzzles as it allows for the most air movement and has handy holes for treats (or I smear peanut butter or a wet food).

Next step, her placing head in muzzle and holding it there for a few seconds. Stay tuned ⏰

Check out https://muzzleupproject.com/muzzle-training/ for more resources and training tips 📚

10/10/2021

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

🍁I have been very thankful for the love and support this past year from friends, family and all the new pets and families I have met 🧡

🍂From my family, we hope you are able to spend time with those you are most thankful for 🐾🖤

I wouldn’t be a vet if I didn’t say it, be cautious with all those leftovers and sharing with your pets 🙏

09/30/2021

Saying goodbye is never easy 😢
I take pride in helping your pet pass with peace, comfort and dignity 🕊
I am there to support family members with empathy and compassion during this delicate time 🕊💙
Please reach out to your veterinarian if you have questions about end of life care and creating the most peaceful and stress-free euthanasia experience for your loved one 💞

09/23/2021

Indiscriminate eaters … I have been blessed with✌️of them 🥴

When pets eat things they shouldn’t, it can lead to many things such as;

➡️ eating too many calories
➡️ diarrhea
➡️ vomiting
➡️ pancreatitis (high fat foods)
➡️ foreign bodies … ie. material gets stuck and causes an intestinal blockage requiring removal (peach pits, bags/plastic, balls)
➡️ toxin exposure (moldy food)
➡️ constipation (see this with pork bones in dogs)
➡️ low blood sugar (sugar free gum)
➡️ kidney disease (grapes, lilies)
… and many others

Call your vet ASAP if you think your pet has gotten into something. Time is of the essence ⏲
How does our story end with these two below?
-🐶Georgia got into the mesh that covered a delicious smoked chicken. She reluctantly ate her peroxide spiked bread and catfood and it readily came back up. Left inside, if the mesh had torn it could have lead to a linear foreign body where it can saw through her intestines or an obstruction- both needing surgery

-🐱Ira wins the award for 🤮. I expect this Pepperoni to be up within 5 min without intervention 🤣… though it could have lead to other issues like diarrhea or more something more serious like pancreatitis.

09/11/2021

I will always remember that day 💕🐾

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/30/arts/design/the-dogs-of-9-11.html

Two exhibitions in New York recognize the search and rescue dogs who combed through the World Trade Center wreckage, trying to find survivors.

09/09/2021

Ira has been long overdue for an introduction…
Ira is our house cat and is an Abyssinian. As my son would say, here are a few fun facts about Ira and her breed 🙈

🐱She has a great snuggle. You’ll know you are doing a great job as she will profusely drool 🤤 on you…. And it isn’t a slow faucet 🌧

🐱While her breed averages closer to 8 lbs, she is petite at only 4-5lbs

🐱Their beautiful short coat is one thing that really sets them apart. Don’t be fooled though as they shed a lot 🧹

🐱Her breed originated from Ethiopia

🐱While websites may list them as social, Ira would prefer to be a one-pet household and hates Georgia 🐕 and every other pet with a passion. 😡

🐱She may be pretty but she would never survive in the wild as proven by the one time she escaped and came back missing a few lives. Never has she attempted that journey again.

09/02/2021

Friendly reminder:

It’s the 1️⃣st of the month = Heartworm pill day.

08/26/2021

Happy National Dog Day 🎉 to my Georgia 🍑

🐶Let’s see all the Dogs in your life that bring you joy 🤩 or maybe a little chaos 😜
With harvest 🌾 and summer fun winding down, I want to have a more active role on social media again.
➡️Let me know what you want to see or learn about 🙏
➡️I know 1️⃣ thing I want to showcase more is tips to help your pet enjoy vet visits or routine care😎

06/09/2021

George brought us a present this morning 🦨😔

Where there is one, there is likely 🦨🦨🦨🦨🦨 😳

FACTS about skunks;
➡️ there are 4 species in North America, with the striped being the most common
➡️ they only live 2-4 years in the wild (less on our farm courtesy of 🐕)
➡️ they are solitary animals except during mating season or when they live communally in the winter
➡️ 7/12 Rabies cases in Manitoba in 2020 were in skunks

06/02/2021

June 1st = Heartworm pill day 💊

Georgia gets hers every month, A L L year, because she has a palate for all things dead and rotten. 🦨🦝🐁

For information about heartworm disease, talk to your veterinarian and check out https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics 🪱

Disclaimer- I have garden feet 🦶👩🏻‍🌾. Georgia almost nails her tricks. And no kids were harmed in the making of this video despite the noise in the background 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

05/28/2021

Sorry I have been quiet the last month. Seeding is finally done (🤞 crossed it’s one and done) as well as a busy tick and spring vaccine 💉 season.

I thought I would chime in today in light of the release of the movie “Cruella”. 🐾

The Dalmation breed is one of my favourites, if not the favorite!! However, after 101 Dalmations released each of their movies, the breed saw a huge explosion of people wanting one and subsequently, backyard breeding. Very shortly after that, Dal surrenders to shelters came as many owners were not prepared for some of the challenges or health conditions that came with their ownership and poor breeding.

Like any breed (or cross), it’s important to research 🧐 all the traits and see if these characteristics fit in with your family and finances. And just as important, be educated when purchasing that the breeder has a program selecting on health, temperament and is there to support you throughout the journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof or have the conversation of what that health testing or selection process looks like and references from previous owners and vets 🩺.

For more information on Dals, check out https://www.dalmatianclubofcanada.ca/dalmatian-health

Cheers to the weekend and hopefully more 🌧🌈🦮😻 and less 🥶💨

Dalmatian HealthDalmatians are overall a healthy breed of dog, but there are certain health issues that occur in the breed which is why it is important to carefully choose where you get your puppy from. Although no definitive testing exists for many things, a good breeder will be able to honestly ....