Spruce Grove Veterinary Clinic

06/18/2024

Today is Veterinarian Appreciation Day in celebration for all our amazing veterinarians who helped our pets everyday!

We send a HUGE thank you to each veterinarian who works extremely hard everyday to provide the best care for each of our pets on a daily basis!!

💚Dr. Adrien Elliot
🐾Dr. Renate Pfiefer
💚Dr. Christie Gingras
🐾Dr. Cheryl Lewis
💚Dr. Kendra Pacholok
🐾Dr. Ashley Smolley
💚Dr. Terletski
🐾Dr. Faith Jensen
💚& locum Dr. Gina Thull

Without all of you, our local pets wouldn’t have the best healthcare and peace of mind for our pet owners knowing we’re all here to help. We all appreciate you and what you do, thank you!! 💚🐾💚🐾💚

06/17/2024

Congrats to Savannah! She's worked as a tech assistant for a few years and has officially been accepted into vet school! We wish you all the best om your upcoming journey!

06/17/2024

Did you know on August 1st, all dogs entering the United States will have new requirements and forms to be filled out in order to enter?

CDC has announced new rules and regulations for the importation of dogs into the United States from other countries and all dogs will be required to meet specific criteria to enter.

Each dog’s requirements are:
- Must be 6 months of age or older
- Needs an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) - compatible microchip

(if coming from Canada to the United States and hasn’t been to any other country in 6 months):
- You will need to fill out a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- You will also need your regular veterinarian or by an official government veterinarian to complete the ‘Certification of Forgein Rabies Vaccination and Microchip’ OR the ‘Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV*-free or Low-risk Country’ not more than 30 days before travel
- Valid up to date vaccination certificate with microchip number on it from the clinic
- A copy of your dogs veterinary medical records for the previous 6 months

The dog must arrive at the location listed on the CDC Dog Import Form receipt (this can be any airport, land border crossing, or sea port but you must select this location when you complete the CDC Dog Import Form).

All dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.

Dogs that do not meet all entry requirements or do not have accurate and valid forms will be denied entry to the United States and returned to the country of departure at the importer’s expense. These requirements apply to all dogs, including service dogs and dogs that were born in the United States.

For more information please see below:
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html -risk

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dog-origin.html

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/required-forms-for-importing-dog-united-states.html

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/pdf/347457A_FRM_NCEZID_Foreign_vacc_dog-508.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/pdf/347457B_FRM_NCEZID_Rabies_Free-508.pdf

06/15/2024

Is your pet getting a little chubby? Need help trying to get rid of your pets winter weight? Or have questions about the right food to feed your pet??

We offer nutritional consultations with our client care coordinator / nutritionist to help you and your pet find the best food and diet plan tailored directly to your pet!

Feel free to stop by for weigh ins as well whenever you’re in the area!

Contact us today for more information🐾💚

06/14/2024

Weekly dose of puppy love featuring these absolutely adorable golden retriever puppy litter 😍🐾💚

06/13/2024

Meet Sun the absolute gorgeous Maine C**n cat who came in for a nail trim with our lovely technicians. Sun was so great for her trim and got lots of love from the staff, as you can see in the last photo of her size!

Fun facts from Trupanion about the Maine C**n Cat breed:

💚 They are big cats and the largest domestic breed. Full-grown Maine C**ns reach between 19 and 30 lbs. (8.6 to 13.6 kg), and they can grow to be over three feet long!

🐾 The Maine C**n cat is the official state cat of Maine, native to the state and surrounding area.

💚 They were reported to have gone extinct in the 1950s, but this was a bit exaggerated. Numbers were extremely low, but thanks to the dedication of breeders, the Maine C**n Cat has rebounded to become one of the top three most popular cat breeds in the United States.

🐾 This breed is prone to polydactylism, meaning they are born with 6 or more toes — an estimated 40% of early Maine C**ns had an extra toe.

💚 Maine C**ns have a water-resistant coat and generally enjoy the water more than other cats.

🐾 The Guinness World Record for the longest tail ever recorded on a domestic cat was awarded in 2016 to a Maine C**n named Cygnus, whose tail measured in at 17.58 inches (44.66 cm) long. For comparison, the average tail length for a domesticated cat is 12 inches (30.48 cm).

💚 The breed has an average lifespan between 9 and 15 years. However, Rubble, the oldest Maine C**n ever on record, was also believed to be the oldest living cat when he passed away in 2020 at the ripe age of 31.
Despite their size, Maine C**ns are known for being cuddly, docile, and lovers of lazy time. They are often considered to be gentle giants.

Fun facts from: Trupanion Staff at https://www.trupanion.com/en-ca/pet-blog/article/maine-coon

06/11/2024

We will are currently experiencing technical difficulties today as well. If you can’t reach us via phone call please email us or leave a voice mail and we will get back to you as soon as possible!! We are sorry for any inconveniences this may cause

On Wednesday June 12th, we may experience technical problems due to scheduled maintenance from 12pm-3pm, this will include our phones possibly being down during this time. If you need to reach us during this time please email or try and contact us before 12pm. You can also leave a voicemail message and we will return your call as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause 🐾💚

06/11/2024

Do you find yourself saying ‘Stop that’ or ‘get back here’ to your dog?? This could mean they need more activity and mental stimulation to help improve their training and your relationship together!

Daily Mental Stimulation Activities could include:
🐾 Providing interactive play time with food puzzles
💚 Play-Date with dog friends
🐾 Routine Training with teaching new tricks
💚 Daily Walks with lots of sniffing and exposure to new environments

🐾Interactive play-time🐾
Enrichment and interactive play-time is an opportunity for your furry friend to learn, grow, and have fun! For example, enrichment toys like puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and laser pointers, provide emotional, mental, and physical stimulation. Also, these interactive toys give you the chance to take the time and play with your pets. Further, enrichment toys and interactive play have been shown to help curb stress and anxiety in pets.

💚Play-date with friends💚
While basic obedience training is an essential skill for every furry friend, sometimes it's great to meet up and have a play-date with friends. For example, whether you opt for a fun day at the dog park or a sports agility class, it certainly provides a chance for your pup to be their excitable self. Most importantly, pet exercise can be fun for all parties!

🐾 Routine training🐾
Routine training is a chance to exercise your pet's mental stimulation during regular daily activities. For example, try having your pet hold for food or wait at the front door prior to a dog walk. Essentially, this skill sharpens their focus, patience, and further solidifies the human-pet bond.

💚Daily walks💚
A classic for a reason! Daily walks are a great way for pets and pet owners to spend quality time together. In addition, it gives your pets the chance to get out and stretch their legs in nature. Also, the devoted one-on-one time is a great way to strengthen your relationship and human-pet bond.

06/10/2024

On Wednesday June 12th, we may experience technical problems due to scheduled maintenance from 12pm-3pm, this will include our phones possibly being down during this time. If you need to reach us during this time please email or try and contact us before 12pm. You can also leave a voicemail message and we will return your call as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause 🐾💚

06/10/2024

We are very pleased and excited to announce another new veterinarian joining our clinic team mid June, Dr. Faith Jensen! 🎉

Dr. Faith Jensen graduated from the University of Calgary's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in 2024. Faith has special interests in preventative medicine and internal medicine that she would like to expand upon as a new graduate.

She recently welcomed her new dog Ginny into her family. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family in Spruce Grove, traveling, concerts, and reading a good book. 🐾💚

06/07/2024

Adorable Zoey the Munchkin cat came in for a sedated lion shave as she hates being brushed so the lion shave helps remove / prevent mats from forming and causing her discomfort! 🐾💚

06/06/2024

Let’s Go Oilers!!!! We are also excited about the Oilers and have decorated the clinic in our support and celebration! 🧡💙🧡💙

As extra celebration get a free bag of treats or toy for your pets when they come into the clinic dressed in Oilers gear during the Playoff Stanley Cup Finals until the Oilers are out or win!! 🎉🐾🧡💙🤍💙🧡

06/05/2024

We’re very pleased to announce we have an official cat only exam room with Feliway Optimum to help your cats feel much more comfortable and help promote calming behaviours! We also now have cat carrier covers and blankets we can directly spray our Feliway Optimum into to help your cats have less stress and stay calmer.

Now in our reception wait area we also have Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs plugged in to further help all pets waiting for their appointments

Bring Feliway or Adaptil home for your pets today as well with our starter kits sold in clinic or on our online store!🐾💚

06/04/2024

Updated information for City of Spruce Grove’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw

‘ Section 4.5 - No person shall keep or have more than five (5) Dogs and Cats in total on any premises with a municipal address in the City. This section does not apply:
(a) in the case of Dogs or Cats under the age of six months;
(b) if the person has a valid business license issued by the City to operate a Kennel;
(c) to premises licensed by the City as veterinary clinics or Dog grooming establishments, nor does it include those premises designated as the Pound as defined in this bylaw, or;
(d) to premises operating in accordance with the City's Land Use Bylaw, as amended or otherwise provided for in this bylaw. ‘

Click the link for more information on the City of Spruce Grove’s Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw’s to help ensure the wellbeing of all pets within Spruce Grove: sprucegrove.org/Pets

101 dalmatians may be a charming idea for a movie, but within Spruce Grove we’ve limited the total number of dogs and/or cats allowed in one household to five. Whether you have one dog and four cats, or three dogs and two cats 🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐈🐈, or some other combination, the choice is up to you – just as long as it adds up to no more than five pets total within your home. It’s part of our updated Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw, which defines the responsibilities of pet owners and identifies rules and regulations for residents who keep pets within Spruce Grove.

Learn more at sprucegrove.org/Pets.

06/04/2024

We’re excited to announce the return of Dr. Cheryl Lewis to our clinic!

Dr. Cheryl Lewis graduated from WCVM in 1997, and joined Spruce Grove Vet in 2004. Currently she is the vice-president of the Edmonton Association of Small Animal Veterinarians. She is also a member of AAFP
(American Association of Feline Practitioners) and has completed their cat friendly certificate program.

Cheryl is an avid gardener, and the proud pet parent of 3 cats, many fish, and a hamster. In her spare time, she loves reading, snorkeling, travelling, photography and is a supporter of wetland conservation.

Give Dr. Lewis a warm welcome back as she joins our team nearly full time again starting this week!🐾💚

06/03/2024

Starting off Monday with a weekly dose of puppy love featuring Charlie the Yorkie Maltese mix 😍🐾💚

05/31/2024

Do you know the signs of arthritis pain in cats? 🐱

Cats often hide signs of pain and suffer in silence leading to a poor quality of life. Their signs can be subtle and you may never notice lameness in your cat so it is important to look out for other signs like changes in behaviour.

• Cats with arthritis may be painful when handled
• They may have difficulty accessing the litter box & may stop using it
• They have difficulty using the stairs, jumping, or using cat stands
• Reduced mobility resulting in weight gain and change in behaviour
• They may stop grooming themselves
• The pain resulting from arthritis may cause a decreased appetite
• Some cats become less active & may sleep more than normal

If this sounds like your cat, ask you veterinarian about treatment options to help your cat feel much better! 🐾💚

Solensia is an arthritis treatment that could be recommended for you cat by your veterinary if arthritis is suspected. Solensia is a Monoclonal Antibody that targets and neutralizes nerve growth factors, which is a protein that stimulates pain in cats with arthritis. Through this action it helps alleviate pain for a full month without many of the increased side effects associated with other medications!

05/30/2024

Never run out of your pets daily supplies again!!

Get your pets food, supplements, toys, cleaning products, and soo much more delivered to our clinic for free pick up or directly to your door at an additional charge, by signing up and purchasing what you need through our online store! 🐾💚

Why pay more in person and risk running out of food if we don’t have any in stock when you can order directly online, get exactly what you need, and have reoccurring subscription on your food to never run out AND save you money/time!! It couldn’t be easier! 🎉🤩

✨ https://sgvc.clientvantage.ca ✨

‼️Please register and sign in to see pricing and place orders. If you’re new to the store, once you register and receive a welcome email you can then purchase your pets products and save you time/money!‼️

If you have any questions about how to order your pets food and supplies please call or email us today to start your savings🐾💚

05/29/2024

Weekly dose of puppy love featuring the Australian Cattle Dog puppies Sadie & Whiskey 😍🐾💚

05/28/2024

Spruce Grove Veterinary clinic is a busy fast paced hospital, and we are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking team player that can work well under pressure. We have 8 vets and lots of support staff!

An individual who is adept at working collaboratively with colleagues and is capable of demonstrating initiative when required.

Your duties will include all things under the RVT umbrella

New grads are welcome as long as you have your VTNE

We offer Competitive wages including benefits, paid annual RVT dues, CE and a uniform allowance

Submit your resume to [email protected] 🐾💚

05/27/2024

Sassy living up to her name while in clinic for a blood glucose curve testing for the day 😆🥰 While she gives some sassy when poked, she isn’t all sass and shows us her sweet side in between the curve tests.

A blood glucose curve done in clinic is needed whenever there is a change in insulin dose or a change in your pet's status. This is an all-day stay for your pet where we take an initial test then monitor the glucose levels every 2hrs throughout the day. These tests will help the veterinarian determine if the current dose of insulin is working well or if an adjustment needs to be made.

Diabetes mellitus requires some home participation and good communication with your veterinarian in order for regulation to be achieved and to help ensure your pet lives a happy life as possible free from excessive thirst, excessive hunger, secondary diseases, etc. 🐾💚

Diabetes Mellitus information from veterinary partner VIN

05/24/2024

✨Go vote for Dr. Christie Gingras for Trupanion’s Veterinarian of the Year and Veterinary Professional of the year!✨

https://vetappreciationday.trupanion.com/vote?mkt_tok=NDg4LUlNSC03NzEAAAGTHM4HtRfBDkyzjshVcQvutuuJUBKoGg5mQQUb377C4HVYyUZENBkZf5R1vA2Kt9viiw61qXHyKx126XDxrvQdNCSxyh6PXJBngWnhvRXdQ-0&seed=xn4sii&search=Gingras&nominationId=p4rH1Didv

“The veterinary community is defined by the compassionate, dedicated heroes who tirelessly strive to better the lives of pets and their families. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Trupanion’s inaugural Veterinary Appreciation Day™ Awards, a celebration designed to spotlight the unwavering commitment of veterinary professionals everywhere.”

‼️Cast your vote!!‼️

“Christie is one of a kind. She started her career here at our clinic and has remained faithful for 24 years. The caring and compassion she gives to her clients, patients, and fellow staff members is limitless. I have seen her call clients in the late hours of the day to accommodate their schedule, follow up with a patient days later just to see how they are doing, and do sympathy calls when a loved one has passed on which she was not able to be present for. She is always going above and beyond and we could not be more blessed to have her as part of our team. Thank you for everything that you do! - Laura M”

Click on the link above and click on Dr. Gingras’s photo to vote her for Veterinarian of the Year and Veterinary Professional of the Year. Cast your vote by clicking on the heart icon near the nominee’s name

‼️VOTING ENDS TODAY!‼️

Winners will be announced on Trupanion’s social platforms on Veterinary Appreciation Day, June 18.

05/24/2024

Kitten cuteness!! This young acreage kitty came in for a routine spay, vaccines, and deworming to help prepare her for the acreage life. She was absolutely adorable and such a sweetheart during her short stay with us 🐾💚

05/22/2024

Save 20% OFF your first purchase of any Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets on our online store such as:

🐾EN Gastroenteric
💚HA Hydrolyzed
🐾Essential Care
💚Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements such as Hydra Care, FortiFlora Pro, and Calming Care

Use promo code PURINA20 to receive savings on your pets daily Purina Veterinary foods & supplements

https://sgvc.clientvantage.ca/current-sales-promos ✨link to our online store, please register to create an account to view pricing and place your order✨

Valid from May 1st to July 31st

If you have any questions please let us know at [email protected] 🐾💚

05/21/2024

Meet Diesel the Bengal Cat! This very affectionate and handsome boy came in for a short stay with us and demanded all the love he could get. Check out his very cool patterns and colouring!! 🐾💚

05/16/2024

We will be closed Monday May 20th for Victoria Day for the May long weekend. However we will still be open for Saturday May 18th from 9am - 4pm

Regular hours will resume Tuesday May 21st from 8:30am - 8pm🐾💚

If you have a medical emergency for your pet please contact the closest 24hr emergency clinic to you:

Vet ER Emergency Hospital - (825) 480-4881
Boreal Veterinary Centre - (780) 306-4400
Pulse Veterinary Emergency - (780) 570-9999
Guardian Veterinary Clinic - (780) 436-5880

05/15/2024

Precious Motato came in for urinary concerns, as it can be difficult to collect urine from a cat we will sometimes collect a good sterile urine sample via Cystocentesis. Using an ultrasound machine to view the bladder, we insert a fine needle to syringe the urine sample straight from the bladder.

Motato was back to purring and loving everyone the second we finished collection!

His urine sample was then analyzed and a proper treatment plan was put into action with the help of changing his food to a veterinary urinary diet. Owner was happy to report Motato LOVES his new food and is already back to himself again!

Feeding a urinary diet from here on out will help prevent any future problems from recurring or worsening.

Urinary diets that were recommended are:
🐈Royal Canin Urinary SO
🐕Hills Urinary C/D
🐈‍⬛Purina Urinary UR

Each of these are excellent for urinary issues in both dogs and cats! If you have any urinary diet questions please let us know 🐾💚

05/14/2024

Check your pets, and yourselves, for ticks after spending time outdoors even when just in your backyard as the ticks are bad this year! Did you know there’s many different kinds of tick prevention medications??

Listed below are the ones we offer in clinic!

For dogs:
🐾Bravecto - a chew or a topical treatment that lasts for 3 months at a time
🐶Nexgard - a chew that lasts for 1 month at a time
🐾Nexgard Spectra - a chew for flea/tick and dewormer that lasts for 1 month at a time
🐶Revolution is a topical treatment that lasts for 1 month at a time
🐾K9 Advantix is a topical treatment that lasts for 1 month at a time

For cats:
🐾 Bravecto Topical - a topical treatment that lasts for 3 months at a time
🐱 Nexgard Combo - a topical treatment for flea/ticks and dewormer that lasts for 1 month at a time
🐾 Revolution Plus - a topical treatment for flea/tick and dewormer that lasts for 1 month at a time

While the combo treatments that do flea/tick and deworming are excellent to have it all in one treatment, they don’t cover everything deworming wise. So we still recommend using a full dewormer at least twice a year, such as interceptor plus for dogs and Milbemax for cats.

If you have any questions about creating the best anti-parasitic treatment plan for your pet, please contact us today or speak with your veterinarian the next time you’re here for a visit!🐾💚