Cobble Hill Animal Hospital, British Columbia

Ticks: How to Spot and Remove them from your Pet

Ticks are skin parasites that attach themselves to an animal host to feed on the animal’s blood. Afterwards, they drop to the ground to lay numerous eggs and die. Ticks can carry diseases which can be passed on to your pets during feeding and they can also cause skin irritation leading to infection. Ticks are usually encountered in grassy wooded areas when hiking on Vancouver Island. Ticks often attach to a dog’s head and chest area but it is important to systematically check over the whole body, especially in long-haired dogs. Cats are good at grooming themselves and removing their own ticks, but it is good practice to check them over as well. What do ticks look like? The …

10 Beach Safety Tips for Dogs

Beach trips can be a fun bonding activity for you and your dog. Your dog will have lots of fun exploring, playing in the sand, and swimming. Get prepared for the sun with the following 10 tips for keeping your dog safe on the beach: Check beach restrictions Before setting out, it pays check that you will actually be allowed on the beach with your dog. Certain beaches have dog restrictions - particularly in the summertime. Check with your local council. Keep vaccines and ID tags current Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations and has been given parasite prevention. There could be hidden parasites lurking in the sand or other dogs could be harbouring …

How to Prepare Your Pets for an Earthquake

For those of us who live in an earthquake prone area, it pays to be prepared for the unpredictable. Having a disaster plan for yourself and your pets can save a lot of unnecessary stress if a serious earthquake were to strike. Here are tips on how to prepare your pets for an earthquake. Disaster Planning Earthquakes do not hit at a predictable time and you may not necessarily be at home with your pet when one occurs. Frightened animals tend to flee when scared (the flight response) so it is important to consider how you will find your pet after an earthquake. Cats and dogs will benefit from microchip identification in the event that they are found and picked up by someone else. …

6 Tips for Taking Your Pet on the Ferry

As a resident of Vancouver Island, sooner or later you may need take your dog or cat on a ferry trip. Here are several tips to make the sailing go smoothly when you are taking your pet on the ferry: 1 - Keep vaccinations up to date Prior to travelling, make sure that your pet is up to date on their vaccinations and parasite control. Taking an active interest in prevention against diseases and parasites that may be lurking at the ferry areas or your destination is important. Be extra vigilant when transporting puppies and kittens who have not received their complete set of vaccines as they are most at risk. If you are unsure which vaccines are necessary, check with your veterinarian …

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