BEFORE LEAVING
Make sure that your animal will be happy to travel… i.e. will it suffer from travel sickness? Will it be homesick? If it is the case, you may have a much less pleasant vacation. Fortunately, there are some alternatives.

Check with your family and friends. Perhaps a person you know could “baby sit”, or you could leave your pet at a reputable facility. (HVRS offers boarding.)

PLANNING MY ANIMAL’S vacation
Check with airline, railroad or cruise companies to find out if animals are allowed to travel and, if yes, what type of reservations and what arrangements should be made.

Make sure pets are allowed in the hotel, motel or campground.

BY PLANE
First, find out about the airline rules, reservations to be made and procedures that need to be followed when boarding. (Get the information as soon as possible!)

Try to find as direct a flight as possible or with the least amount of stops.

Arrive early at the airport in order to place your animal in the baggage hold and retrieve it quickly when you reach your destination.

BY CAR
Ideally, if your pet is not used to car travel, have it take small rides during the days preceding your departure so it will get accustomed to it.

Plan stops every 2 hours or so for exercise, nature’s needs and snacks.
To avoid “accidents” in the car, it is preferable to give the main meal at the end of the day.

Don’t forget that you should never leave your pet in a parked car for a long period of time, especially on sunny days. The temperature in the car goes up quickly and this could have terrible consequences for your pet (heat strokes can be deadly!).

BY BUS, TRAIN OR BOAT
Obtain information from companies to make sure you can travel with your pet. If possible, note the various procedures and requirements you need to follow.

Note that VIA Rail does not allow pets in passenger cars, but they can travel in a cage
as “registered luggage”.


VACCINATION AND OTHER MEDICAL INFORMATION
Generally speaking, if you are thinking about travelling in the United States, make sure that the rabies vaccine schedule is up to date and that your animal is in good health. As an extra precaution, ask your veterinarian for a health certificate (a medical exam will obviously be necessary).
If you are thinking about travelling abroad (Europe for example), refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency site, under “Animals/Exports” www.inspection.gc.ca. You will find all the information you need regarding vaccines, necessary documents, rabies serum antibody titers and the type of identification required for your animal (microchip and/or tattoo).

Memo to help you find what you want on the site. Click on:

• Exports
• Live Animals and Animal Products
• Pet Travel Scheme
• Pets
• European Community - Pet Dogs, Cats and Ferrets
• List of Countries (choose the desired country)
  
  For more information, communicate with the consulate of the country in question.
  
  If your pet seems anxious or if it is agitated in the car for example, your veterinarian can prescribe some medication in order to make your pet’s trip and yours more pleasant. (This requires a medical exam.)

GENERAL ADVICE
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with complete information and/or an identification tag.

Have on hand its favourite toy, a leash, some food (preferably kibbles) and fresh water.

In addition, make sure the transport cage (if necessary) is solid, big enough to allow your animal to move (turn around, lie down and stand up). It must have a waterproof floor, a food and water area, and it must lock securely.

HAVE A NICE TRIP!

IN THE HOUSE:
To avoid falls, put up window screens.

Many plants are toxic when ingested. You can refer to the following site for more info: www.aspca.org

Try to cover electric cords because kittens and puppies that are teething just love chewing on them (risk of electrocution).

Don’t leave your pet unsupervised around a burning fireplace or a heater that is turned on; it could burn itself.

Don’t let it play with plastic bags because it could choke.
Pick up all small objects that it could take in its mouth and swallow.

IN THE GARAGE:
Animals just love the taste and odour of antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Make sure containers are securely closed and out of reach. Clean up messes on the floor as soon as possible.

Put away paint, gasoline, oil, rat poison and any other chemical product.

KITCHEN, LAUNDRY ROOM AND BATHROOM:
Make sure to turn off the stove and unplug the iron when you leave the room.

Keep cleaning products out of reach since they can be toxic (bleach, Swiffer, WetJet, Mr. Clean, etc.).

Keep washer and dryer doors closed and before turning them on, make sure your pet is not in them!

Make sure your pet does not have access to beauty products (shampoo, sunscreen, nail polish remover, etc.) and medications.

IN THE GARDEN:
As with indoor plants, some outdoor plants can be toxic; refer to the internet site previously mentioned and look up “in the home”.

Close the door of the storage shed securely in order to avoid accidents with tools and gardening products (fertilizers, pesticides, weed killers, etc.).

If possible, do not allow your pet to come in contact with your lawn or garden if treated with chemicals.

ADVICE:
Don’t let your cat play with a string, a ribbon, a rubber band or even dental floss because there could be terrible consequences if swallowed. Surgery is the only option to remove some foreign objects.

If you want to treat your cat against fleas, it is important to use a product that does not contain pyrethrines and/or permethrines (Zodiac for example) because these substances are toxic. They cause neurological problems that, unfortunately, can sometimes lead to your pet’s death.

MERRY CHRISTMAS:
Christmas decorations are also potentially hazardous if your pet chews on them or swallows them (icicles, angel hair, lights, glass ornaments, etc.). Christmas plants are also toxic to animals; try to keep them out of their reach (poinsettia, holly, mistletoe).

Just like humans, sometimes our animals can get injured during a walk or a jaunt in the woods. It is very important to bring your first-aid kit as an accident can quickly happen. You will then be able to administer basic treatment while waiting to consult your veterinarian.

It is very easy to put together a homemade kit. You will need the following items:

• Elastic bandage: the elastic bandage is very useful to make a pressure bandage when there is bleeding or to immobilize a limb during transportation to a veterinary hospital.
• Sterile gauze: use gauze to disinfect minor wounds or to wipe injuries.
• Gauze bandage: it can be used as a bandage but also as a makeshift muzzle if the animal is aggressive.
• Hibitane Disinfectant: to disinfect minor wounds; make sure your disinfectant has not expired.
• Bandage scissors.
• Fabric adhesive tape: to make a bandage.
• Gloves: to avoid spreading bacteria.
• Tongue depressor: very useful to make a splint when there is a possible fracture.
• Rectal thermometer: ideally in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• Your veterinarian’s phone number: it is very important that your veterinarian’s phone number be in the kit. In case of an accident or if your pet shows signs of discomfort, you must immediately contact a veterinarian. He/she will tell you what first-aid treatment can be administered until you have the opportunity to see someone. You can ask for the veterinarian’s card on your next visit.

You can very easily get all these items at the pharmacy. However, there are also kits available in pet shops. Make sure you have all the items. Some companies sell kits that are in the shape of a backpack for dogs; this way your pet can carry its own kit.

In conclusion, it is important to always walk your animal on a leash in order to avoid unfortunate accidents. When there is an injury or if your pet shows signs of discomfort, consult your veterinarian. For more information, contact an animal health technician or your veterinarian.

Be cautious!

Did you know that up to 50% of our pets are overweight? This situation may seem normal, but having a few pounds too many often has major consequences that affect the quality of life of our companions. Higher risk during anesthesia, joint problems and hypertension are some of the different consequences associated with excess weight.

The Hôpital Vétérinaire Rive-Sud gives you the opportunity to participate in a weight-loss program. The hospital’s main goal is to give you advice and to support you in this undertaking. First, the animal is weighed; then a customized program is developed according to your pet’s specific needs. A monthly weighing is necessary for a good follow-up and to make sure the program is going well.

A few basic rules are essential to succeed in a weight-loss program. First, daily food must be given in a graduated container in order to only give the necessary amount. Each pet in the house must have its own food bowl; this way the exact amount for each animal can be measured. In a weight-control diet, every small supplement must be calculated. Table food and treats are an important source of calories; they must be reduced to a minimum to maximize results and help manage the weight-loss diet. It is especially important to remember that exercise is very beneficial to the weight-loss process.

If your pet has a few kilos too many, do not hesitate to contact us to receive advice from our qualified personnel.

When a health problem is detected early, one can act more quickly and improve the chances of success of the treatment. This way, we can prolong a pleasant life for our four legged companions. The annual exam (biannual for some animals) is vital to assess your animal’s health and to collect data for a follow-up. In addition, there are various diagnostic tests (blood tests, urine analysis, blood pressure, X-rays, etc.) that help establish a bill of health.

At the Hôpital Vétérinaire Rive-Sud, the veterinary and technical staff, in cooperation with the reception staff, has decided to develop a health program for its senior/geriatric patients. When your pet reaches the age of 7 years, during the annual check-up, we will hand out a questionnaire to you; this will allow us to better answer your pet’s needs. Please take the time to fill it out before seeing your veterinarian.

Then, during the meeting with your veterinarian, you will discuss your pet’s needs and have the opportunity to talk about any questions and concerns you might have. A short-term hospitalization (usually one day) will allow us to carefully assess your pet’s health and do the necessary diagnostic tests. Afterward, the veterinarian will inform you of the results and give his recommendations.

Benefits of The Senior Health Program:

• Early detection of health problems permitting a rapid intervention and a better treatment plan.
• Annual blood analysis to improve security during anesthesia (drug choice, monitoring, etc.)
• Increased safety during administration of drugs, and detection of concomitant diseases
• Appropriate senior diet recommendations based on the health check-up.
• Allowing for the best medical follow-up possible.

Senior Patient Questionnaire
To help you know your senior pet better, here are a few questions that you should ask yourself.

During the last year:

For cats:

• Obesity
• Dental problems
• Hyperthyroidism
• Chronic renal insufficiency
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Anemia
• Liver disease

A senior health program (exam and diagnostic tests) is very important to detect these diseases early, and successfully develop suitable treatment and follow-up plans.

Senior Cat Health Program:

Basic

• Yearly exam (weight follow-up, dental evaluation, ophtalmoscopy, otoscopy, cardiopulmonary auscultation, abdominal palpation, dermatological evaluation, detection of lumps, rectal examination, myoarthroskeletal and neurological evaluation if necessary)
• Hematology / Biochemistry / Electrolytes / T4 (thyroids)
• Urology
• Blood pressure

Depending on the case : thorax/abdomen X-rays, ECG (electrocardiogram) cardiac/abdominal ultrasonography.

In order to evaluate carefully your pet’s health, a short-term hospitalization (one day usually) will allow us to do the necessary diagnostic tests.

Basic cost: Yearly exam, hematology, biochemistry, electrolytes, T4, urology, blood pressure, short-term hospitalization

Bad breath is often a sign of mouth problems. Food is not the only factor contributing to your pet’s health, dental hygiene also plays a very important role.

To avoid tartar build-up on your cat’s teeth, you must get into the habit of brushing its teeth at a young age. Tartar is a yellow or brown deposit on the teeth. It is the accumulation of a lot of bacteria and small bits of food; in the long run, the tooth will be completely covered with tartar. Tartar can even infiltrate under the gum which creates a space between the gum and the tooth; the tooth then becomes less solid since its attachment is reduced. With time it becomes loose and can even fall.

To avoid bad breath, tartar build-up, gingivitis, loose and falling teeth, daily brushing is a must.

It is possible to heal a mouth that has problems! If your cat already has tartar build-up, red gums, bad breath… scaling will get rid of the tartar and clean out accumulated bacteria from under the gums. This way, your cat will enjoy a renewed well-being thanks to a clean mouth.

Afterward, it will be easier for you to keep your cat’s mouth clean by brushing its teeth.

Do not hesitate to contact our dentistry specialists to get more information about all the new products that can help keep your pet’s mouth clean and healthy.

Grieving stages:

• Shock and denial: this stage is characterized by shock and negation. The child will look stunned.
• Anger: the child will feel guilty towards himself or the veterinarian and will have the impression he/she has done something wrong.
• Bargaining: the child will have a tendency to bargain with “God” by promising this or that if the animal is saved.
• Sorrow and depression: at this stage the child will feel the grief of losing his/her pet. The length of this stage depends on the closeness of the ties the child had with his/her companion.
• Acceptance: with time, the child will learn to accept the situation, and will be able to “move on”. This is a sign that the child has accepted reality. He/she will then be able to love another animal.

In the case of “pathological” or abnormal grief, the child gets stuck at a particular stage for months or even years, sometimes indefinitely.

Behaviours indicating that a child is suffering from pathological grief:
With good moral support, most children will accept the death of an animal without too many problems. However, some children can react violently or present these signs:

• The child abnormally clings to his/her loved ones.
• The child has persistent nightmares.
• The child stays away from his/her family and friends.
• The child is more nervous and a lot less confident.
• The child who was toilet trained regresses.
• The child shows behaviour problems and/or his/her grades are going down.

When these signs appear immediately after the death of an animal, they are not abnormal. However, after a month or more, it would be appropriate for the child and his/her family to see a psychologist.

Factors influencing a child’s reaction when a pet dies:

• What the animal means to your child.
• The level of understanding the child has of the concept of death (intellectual maturity).
• The foreseeable or sudden nature of the animal’s death.
• The way death is explained and perceived by the people around him/her, and if the child receives the moral support he/she needs.
  

Perception of death at different ages:

• Up to age 5, children do not see death as something permanent but rather as something temporary, a bit like sleep. The child always expects that what has disappeared will come back. He/she sees death as accidental, something that can be avoided by being very careful.

• Children between age 5 and 9 know that death is final. This is a great step towards maturity. This is also the age group at which children are able to identify death. At this age, children still think that death is avoidable if one is careful or lucky.
  
• Around 9, most children know that death is final, inevitable and universal. They have learned the adult concept of death. Children realize that all living beings die, including loved ones and themselves. This realization is often accompanied by an awakening and an interest for the hereafter.

To help your child grieve :

• If you know that the animal is going to die, it is preferable to discuss this openly with your child. Even though they do not understand everything, children realize that something important is going to happen. Children that are too young to understand the meaning of death will be even more troubled if its arrival is surrounded by whispers.
• Make sure that your child has a privileged relationship with at least one adult, with whom he/she will be able to talk about death and confide in. Never tell the child that he/she is too old to cry. His/her feelings should never be rejected.
• Always explain what is happening in a simple language, without entering into details that can be traumatic for the child.
• Replacing the lost pet too quickly can hinder the normal death acceptance process. The child can see in this animal the pet that he/she had before and ask of it to behave in exactly the same way.
  On the other hand, the child can also reject the new pet because he/she believes that by having a new pet, he/she is betraying the one that is gone.