GENERAL WELLNESS

Physical Examinations

Regular physical check-ups are essential for ensuring your pet’s overall well-being. It’s advisable to schedule an annual examination to evaluate your pet’s general health status and detect any potential diseases or predispositions.

During these examinations, we thoroughly assess your pet’s respiratory and cardiac functions, examine their eyes and ears for signs of infections or abnormalities, check their lymph nodes, assess their body condition, and inspect for any unnoticed lumps or masses.

These examinations serve as the cornerstone for addressing any specific concerns that may arise. All subsequent inquiries and procedures are based on this initial assessment, and recommendations are made accordingly.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are vital for safeguarding your dog or cat from diseases. They come in two categories: core and non-core. Core vaccines are strongly advised for all dogs, irrespective of breed or lifestyle, while non-core vaccines are suggested depending on lifestyle factors.

Before administering any vaccination, a comprehensive physical examination is conducted in accordance with OVC regulations.

VACCINATIONS FOR DOGS

 

Core vaccinations

Two primary vaccinations are strongly advised: the Rabies vaccine and the DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) vaccine. Rabies shots are mandated by law for all dogs in Ontario. The DHPP vaccine, also referred to as DAPPv or DA2PP(v), is considered essential as it guards against four highly contagious viral diseases with severe consequences and no known cure.

In this region, another strongly recommended vaccination is against Leptospirosis. This illness spreads through raccoon urine, and due to the significant raccoon population in the area, safeguarding your dog against this disease is crucial.

In our clinic, the initial Rabies vaccination is valid for one year, while subsequent Rabies shots are administered every three years. DHPP and other non-core vaccinations, like Leptospirosis, are given annually.

Non-core vaccinations

There are several other types of vaccinations recommended based on lifestyle. These may include:

Bordetella / Kennel Cough vaccine

For dogs that are highly social and will frequently interact with other dogs, such as those attending training classes, doggy daycares, or boarding houses, the Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccination is recommended. This vaccination guards against kennel cough, a highly contagious viral infection characterized by persistent, forceful coughing, and sometimes accompanied by sneezing, runny noses, or eye discharge. Although similar to a human cold, kennel cough is often not severe and can resolve on its own within 4-6 weeks, or more quickly with a course of antibiotics.

Lyme vaccine

For dogs that are highly active outdoors, particularly in wooded areas, regions near water, or places with tall grass where ticks are prevalent, the Lyme disease vaccination is recommended. This vaccine helps safeguard against Lyme disease, a bacterial infection transmitted by ticks that can lead to various symptoms in dogs. It’s crucial to emphasize that even with vaccination, maintaining flea and tick prevention measures is highly advised.

VACCINATIONS FOR CATS

 

Core vaccinations

Two fundamental vaccinations are strongly recommended for cats: the Rabies vaccine and the FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) vaccine. In Ontario, Rabies vaccinations are mandated by law for all cats, regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor pets.

FVRCP is a combination vaccine designed to safeguard against three highly contagious and potentially fatal airborne viruses: Rhinotracheitis (caused by herpesvirus), Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (also known as feline distemper). Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus primarily affect the upper respiratory tract, while Panleukopenia is a serious disease often referred to as feline distemper.

Ensuring your cat receives core vaccinations is crucial, as these vaccines are specifically formulated to shield them from severe and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

In our clinic, the initial Rabies vaccination is a one-year vaccine, while subsequent Rabies vaccinations are administered every three years. FVRCP and other non-core vaccinations are given annually.

Non-core vaccinations

There are several non-core vaccinations available for cats, recommended depending on lifestyle or specific circumstances. These vaccinations include those that guard against diseases like feline leukemia and feline AIDS. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian regarding non-core vaccinations, as each recommendation is tailored to your cat’s individual needs.

PUPPY & KITTEN VACCINATION SCHEDULE

 

Although kittens and puppies might receive their initial vaccinations before reaching 8 weeks old, the most crucial ones occur afterward. Besides Rabies, there’s another essential vaccination: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) for dogs and FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) for cats. To complete the DHPP/FVRCP vaccination series, two shots are necessary within a 3-4 week interval after reaching 8 weeks of age; we advise administering them at 8-9 weeks and then the final dose after 12 weeks of age. The Rabies vaccine is typically recommended after 12 weeks of age and is often given alongside the last DHPP/FVRCP shot to synchronize their renewal dates for the subsequent year.

We advise delaying the socialization of your puppies and kittens until 28 days after they have received their core vaccinations.

Additionally, we suggest administering the Leptospirosis vaccine to all puppies simultaneously with the DHPP vaccine. This vaccine also necessitates two doses administered 3-4 weeks apart.

VACCINATION SIDE EFFECTS

 

Although vaccinations are typically safe, occasional side effects may occur in dogs or cats.

Typically, vaccinations are administered on the sides of the chest area, such as the left or right front chest. Following vaccination, these areas might feel sore for 24-48 hours, which could make your pet less receptive to hugs than usual. Some pets may also exhibit mild symptoms like fever, slight lethargy, and reduced appetite for a day or two afterward.

A small lump may form at the injection site, which typically resolves on its own within 6-8 weeks. If the lump persists beyond 8 weeks, it’s advisable to reach out to your local veterinarian for further guidance.

In extremely rare cases, your pet might experience an anaphylactic (allergic) reaction. If you observe symptoms such as a swollen or puffy face, eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, or sudden collapse, it’s crucial to promptly notify a veterinarian for immediate treatment. These symptoms typically manifest suddenly and become apparent within 15 minutes to an hour following vaccination. It’s important to note that any vomiting or diarrhea occurring the next day would not be related to the vaccination.

In-House Diagnostics

Our clinic is equipped with a wide range of in-house laboratory analyzers dedicated to blood and urine analysis. We can conduct CBC tests, Chemistry tests, and 4DX tests (for heartworm, Lyme disease, anaplasma, and ehrlichia) on-site. This capability allows us to generate real-time results and offer recommendations much faster compared to sending samples to an external laboratory.

norval animal hospital

Other General Services

Additionally, we offer various general services such as anal gland expression, nail trimming (please note we do not provide grooming services), ear flushing, and more. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about any of our services, please don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re here to help.