Your Pet Pals

08/07/2025

This is a great veterinarian and veterinarian service in Lake Cowichan, Duncan & surrounding area.

Providing mobile urgent care, medical transport, and compassionate in-home euthanasia when your pet needs it most

03/07/2025

This is a very important bit of info. I have made the wrong decision in the past. Once you know better you can do better🐶

This is a repost(ish) but well worth repeating. Many of you have heard me harp on harness fit time and again. Having spent decades evaluating harness fit in working dogs of all types with thermal imaging (as well as having years of working and active dog experience combined with a strong biomechanics knowledge base) using front-clipping or "Gentle Leader" type harnesses only guarantee more structural stress in active dogs that makes for more work for me and other chiro/sports med colleagues. PLEASE only use harnesses that fit with proper ergonomics! [NOTE: I've tweaked the English & syntax in the added-on description below so it might read a little differently.]

"All dog owners should know this fact! A harness like this is a terrible injustice to your pet!! AVOID USING THIS TYPE OF HARNESS !

In a dog's forward movement, a harness with a tape that crosses its chest from side to side hinders it in the same way humans would bother going hiking with an elastic band holding their arms. Physiological movement of the front extremity is prohibited. Just like rubber would inhibit the pendular movement of our ARMS.

Thanks to the "Study of Canine Movement at the University of Jena", we now know that in the dog, the center of rotation of the front limb is at the top of the scapula, but in the human the center of rotation in the arm is in the shoulder. Jena's study demonstrates, among other things, the importance of scapular movement for dog locomotion. Now we understand the importance of taking into account the free movement of the dog's shoulder when choosing a chest harness.
That means there SHOULDN'T be bands across the scapular (orange) area, and they shouldn't cross the chest side to side either.

From the point of view of biomechanics and physiotherapy, it is recommended not to choose getting harnesses that have a strap that goes through the chest laterally, or that have straps that touch or press the scapula.

Always lean towards harness models with ERGONOMIC design, to allow maximum freedom of movement for your dog, improve his well-being and safety during his walk.
Source : REAL CEPPA"

05/06/2025

Would you support "The Forever Cat" book?

05/06/2025

For all dog owners!

DIY Essential Home Remedies 🏥🐶🐱🫙⛑️

Does your dog lick their paws nonstop? Shake their head constantly? Or maybe you’re dealing with another ear infection, hotspot, or mysterious skin flare-up?

Even if your pet isn’t showing symptoms right now, summer heat, allergens, and moisture create the perfect storm for itchy skin, hot spots, and recurring ear infections.

In this week’s episode of the Inside Scoop, we’ll break down what’s behind these frustrating issues, and exactly how to prevent and treat them using safe, natural remedies for irritated paws, inflamed ears, and chronic skin problems.

Join us this Sunday at 12pm EST as we cover:
✅ Why summer allergies and chemicals wreak havoc on paws
✅ Soothing paw and ear soaks at home
✅ Treatment protocols for ear infections
✅ Gentle remedies for hotspots, eye irritation, and raw skin
✅ When to treat at home…and when to see the vet

Plus: Don’t Miss the Free eBook! We’ve created a downloadable guide with all the paw soaks, ear cleaners, hotspot remedies, and natural ear infection protocols discussed in the show. Available to download in the Inside Scoop Sunday morning!

Comment SCOOPERS and we'll message you the link to join Inside Scoop, a Planet Paws monthly subscription group, where all live podcasts are available to watch at any time. Plus, over 5 years of content including: past live podcasts, interviews, ebook downloads, and more!

Here’s an easy to make homemade ear cleaner recipe to get you started:

Your pet’s L-shaped ear canals make it hard for debris to exit—and easy for bacteria and fungi to grow, especially if the ears are moist—but this cleaner can help. Please don’t use any narrow pointy tools to clean the inner ear, however, as they can rupture the eardrum. Also be aware that scratching, rubbing, redness, tilting the head in one direction, discharge, or odor can be signs of inflammation or a serious infection. Take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice any of these behaviors.

Ingredients:

1⁄3 cup witch hazel
3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar🍏
1 tablespoon colloidal silver💧

(Note: blending of acetic acid (vinegar) with hydrogen peroxide creates a small amount of peracetic acid – a compound known for its powerful antimicrobial properties but MUST be diluted. That’s why this formula includes witch hazel, to ensure proper dilution for safe topical use.

Directions:

1. Thoroughly mix ingredients in a bowl.🥣
2. Pour over cotton rounds in a clean, dry container with a tight lid. Allow the liquid to fully saturate all the rounds.
3. Use as many rounds as needed to clean ears.
4. Use a dry cotton round when done to dry ear canal.
5. Store in a cool, dry place and make a fresh batch every week.🫙

05/06/2025

Just so you know.

You Don’t Want Our First Meeting to Happen Like This.

If I spot a dog left alone in a car—no AC running—you and I are going to cross paths.

Here’s what happens next:

I’m staying right there, and I’m starting a timer. I’m filming. Because if this turns into a legal case, there will be evidence.

Now, there are only two possible outcomes:

1. You come back quickly. We talk. You won’t like what I have to say. And honestly? That’s not my problem.

2. You take too long. When you return, your car window will be shattered, the police will be waiting, and your dog will already be on the way to the vet. You’ll be facing felony animal cruelty charges.

Think this sounds extreme?

Let me break it down:
When it's 77 degrees outside, a car can quickly heat up inside.
Even with windows cracked, the temperature can rise significantly within minutes.

After 10 minutes, the inside temperature can increase by almost 20 degrees, and after an hour, the car could be 50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.

So please—don’t risk it.

Run the air conditioning.
Or leave your dog at home.

There is no excuse. Not ever.

It is simple.
If I see an animal in a hot locked car I look for the owner and call the police.
If the dog appears to be in serious danger before help arrives or the owner returns then I break the window to rescue the animal … period.

And, if the owner has a problem with me busting their window.
Fine.
Bring it on.
I WILL SEE YOU IN COURT.

02/06/2025

This is very valid advice

Got a dog 🐕 with suspicious symptoms like fatigue 🫩, skin and coat issues, loss of appetite, and increased thirst?

These symptoms might not just be “aging” or “allergies.” They could be signs your dog’s immune system is attacking its own body.

Autoimmune conditions are often silent, slow-moving, and misdiagnosed. And for many dogs, the first thing prescribed is high doses of steroids. While this approach can reduce inflammation fast, it also carries risks like liver stress, muscle wasting, and immune suppression that isn’t always effective, or can create complications down the road.

This Sunday on the Inside Scoop, join us as we explain and discuss:

🔎 How to recognize early signs of thyroid and autoimmune issues.

💊 When steroids help—and when they may be making things worse.

🦠 Alternatives to reduce inflammation, support immune balance, and address the root cause.

💉 What to know about vaccinating dogs with autoimmune conditions.

🧪 What tests can uncover what’s really going on?

We'll also share tips and protocols that support the thyroid, and nourish the gut and nervous system.

Join us Sunday at 12pm EST! If your pet’s symptoms feel “off” but no one has clear answers, you won’t want to miss this episode.

👉🏼Comment SCOOPERS and we'll message you the link to join Inside Scoop, a Planet Paws monthly subscription group, where all live podcasts are available to watch at any time. Plus, over 5 years of content including: past live podcasts, interviews, ebook downloads, and more!

01/06/2025

Very good info🪝

06/05/2025

Very important information. This is a great Veterinary Service that operates out Lake Cowichan. Visit the website to see the service provided & the area covered by the service.

https://klcvet.com/

Maybe our cutest patient yet, this handsome young pup had a rough day. By the end of his morning hike, his owner knew something was wrong as he started to wobble and lose his balance. He was rushed to his daytime vet where he presented with full body tremors and ataxia. Knowing he required intensive monitoring and care to save him, they arranged for him to be admitted to an ER facility for round the clock care. Due to the risk for his condition to decline quickly, especially if his treatments were stopped, they reached out for medical transport so he could be monitored and treated en route to the ER. We were happy to help deliver this pup safely to the ER where he still managed to greet staff with tail wagging.

So what can cause these kinds of symtoms so suddenly in an otherwisese healthy pet? Ingestion of a toxin is always high on the list for puppies, even with the most vigilant of owners. And the most likely rule outs while out on a hike, include tremorgenic mycotoxins, blue-green algae, and mushrooms. There are also many other toxins and conditions that can cause ataxia or tremors that may be considered depending on the case. In this case, it’s likely due to a tremorgenic mycotoxin.

Tremorgenic Mycotoxins: A Hidden Danger for Pets

Tremorgenic mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by molds that can cause serious illness in pets. Here’s what pet owners need to know to keep their furry friends safe.

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What Are Tremorgenic Mycotoxins?

Tremorgenic mycotoxins are found in moldy foods, animal remains, compost, and garbage. When ingested, these toxins affect the nervous system, leading to tremors, seizures, and other severe symptoms.

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Common Sources
• Moldy Foods: Bread, nuts, cheese, pasta, and dairy products.
• Compost Piles: Decomposing organic matter.
• Garbage: Moldy scraps, leftovers, or spoiled food.
• Grass Clippings or Yard Waste
• Animal remains: wildlife that pass away, bits left over from hunting

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Symptoms of Tremorgenic Mycotoxin Poisoning

If your pet ingests moldy food or waste, watch for these signs:
• Muscle tremors or twitching.
• Hyperactivity, restlessness, or lethargy.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Seizures.
• Increased heart rate or temperature.
• Disorientation or difficulty walking, loss of balance, or wobbly gait.

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What to Do in an Emergency
1. Remove Access: Ensure your pet can’t ingest any more of the contaminated material.
2. Call a Veterinarian Immediately: Time is critical; tremorgenic mycotoxins can escalate quickly.
3. Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Guidance: Inducing vomiting could worsen symptoms in some cases.
4. Keep Your Pet Calm and Cool: Minimize stimulation, as excitement can exacerbate symptoms.

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Treatment

Veterinary care is essential for managing tremorgenic mycotoxin poisoning. Treatment often includes:
• Inducing vomiting (if safe and directed by a vet).
• Administering activated charcoal to bind toxins (if safe and swallow reflex is intact).
• IV fluids for hydration and support.
• Anti-seizure medications, muscle relaxants, and sedatives to control tremors.

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Prevention Tips
• Secure Trash and Compost: Use pet-proof containers.
• Monitor Outdoor Time: Keep pets away from compost piles and yard waste.
• Dispose of Moldy Food Properly: Avoid leaving spoiled food in areas pets can access.
• Supervise Scavenging Pets: Train your pet not to eat off the ground or rummage through garbage. A basket muzzle may help to prevent ingestion, especially while on a hike where it is difficult to monitor every second of your pet’s movements.

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Tremorgenic mycotoxins are a serious threat to your pet’s health. If you suspect exposure, seek veterinary care immediately. Quick action can make all the difference.