Hagersville Veterinary Services FAQs

Yes, patients are seen by appointment. If your pet is sick, we will make every attempt to see them on the same day.

For your pet’s first visit, please bring:

• Any previous medical records or vaccination history
• A list of medications or supplements your pet is currently taking
• Any questions or concerns you have about your pet’s health
• Completed online forms (if applicable)

Yes. Even apparently healthy pets should be examined by a veterinarian at least once annually. A veterinarian may identify developing health concerns early, which in turn will increase the chances of successful treatment.

One of our licensed veterinarians will take a thorough history, perform a physical examination and discuss any treatments (including vaccinations) required to keep your pet healthy. Some of the important topics covered during a wellness appointment are:

• Heartworm Prevention
• Internal Parasite Control
• Flea & Tick Control
• Dental Care & Cleaning
• Weight Management
• Nutritional Counselling
• Any concerns identified during the appointment

Rabies is 100% fatal for both pets and people! The rabies virus has been found in Haldimand County, with both raccoons and bats testing positive for the virus. Rabies is carried primarily by skunks, raccoons and foxes, but all mammals are susceptible (bats included). Research has shown that the best way to protect our families is to vaccinate our pets. It only takes one escape by our cat or one “potty” break for the dog to meet up with an infected animal – and it could be in your backyard.

In addition, it is Ontario provincial law that all dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies. If your pet should bite someone, even if provoked or by accident, the province can demand euthanasia and rabies testing if your pet does not have a current rabies vaccination. This is for the protection of the bitten person.

Any person bitten by any animal should seek immediate medical attention. Rabies must be prevented by vaccinating the person soon after exposure. In addition, bacterial infections caused by bite wounds are very common and also very serious. Any bite wound should be treated by a human physician accordingly.

The early series of vaccinations ensures a good level of protective immunity in a young puppy or kitten. This is the age when they are most susceptible to many contagious diseases. A series of vaccines is given because it is unknown exactly when your puppy’s or kitten’s maternal antibodies are dissipating. At this time, their own immune system must be stimulated with the vaccines to protect themselves. This loss of mom’s antibodies generally occurs somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks of age. Adult pets will usually need yearly vaccine boosters, but will not need to repeat the series.

Heartworms are 6 to 14 inches long worms that live in the heart of a dog. Dogs become infected when bitten by a mosquito carrying the heartworm larvae. Heartworm infection can lead to life-threatening heart failure. The Haldimand area does have dogs that test positive each year for adult heartworm infection. Since transmission is by a mosquito, direct dog-to-dog contact is not required. Although dogs are the primary host, occasionally cats become infected as well.

The best treatment is to prevent infection in the first place. Prevention involves using a monthly heartworm medication during the mosquito season, which is June 1st to November 1st. Preventatives work by killing the larval stages that your pet has become infected with over the preceding month.

Since a different drug is required to treat adult heartworm infections, all dogs should be tested on an annual basis to identify and then treat any breakthrough heartworm infections as soon as possible.

Several products are currently on the market for the prevention of heartworm infection. Products range from treating only heartworm and intestinal parasites to those that are an all-in-one (heartworm, fleas, ticks, and internal parasites). Consult with your veterinarian to determine which product meets the needs of you and your pet’s particular lifestyle.

Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also, a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts, and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to ensure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

The term LASER is an acronym referring to Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Laser surgery is a safe and precise advancement in veterinary surgical technology that we utilize instead of a traditional scalpel. Veterinary surgical lasers help to optimize the procedure by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the incision area, speeding up the healing process, and releasing endorphins.

Veterinary surgical lasers are commonly used to perform soft tissue surgeries such as spaying or neutering, the removal of tumours and masses, or improving airflow in the ears, nose, or mouth. Laser surgery accomplishes these objectives while leaving minimal scarring or bleeding by instantly cauterizing the wound.

Some of the common benefits of laser surgery for pets include, but are not limited to:

• Minimizing bleeding
• Faster healing
• Reduced chances of post-operation infection
• Decreased inflammation
• Decreased pain
• Increasing muscle relaxation

The College of Veterinarians of Ontario states that “a veterinarian may only prescribe, dispense, or administer a drug within a valid VCPR (Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship) and when they determine that they have recent and sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) or group of animals and the drug is therapeutically or prophylactically indicated.”

It is policy at Hagersville Veterinary Services that a pet be seen within the last year in order to prescribe or dispense medication. In some cases, if your pet has been seen in the last year but a new illness/ailment is affecting them, an additional medical examination may be required to properly examine, diagnose, and treat your pet.

We want our patients to have the best possible outcome. This is why we sometimes make the decision to refer patients to veterinary specialists or specialty clinics when advanced training or equipment will be beneficial. Our veterinarians make every effort to stay current and skilled in many aspects of animal health. However, board-certified specialists have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery.

Specialty clinics and university-affiliated referral centres have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely undertaken by general practitioners. Be assured that when we refer a patient to a referral hospital, we continue to stay involved with your pet’s care. Once your pet has been seen by the veterinary specialist, we will receive a complete report and help with any follow-up care that is needed.

We make every effort to accommodate our clients’ requests. However, there may be circumstances that prevent a certain veterinary team member from being available during your pet’s visit. Scheduling conflicts, emergency situations, and vacation schedules all play a role in their availability.

Please feel free to ask for a specific veterinarian or RVT when you schedule your appointment, and we will do what we can to facilitate your request. However, please be understanding if we can’t. All of our team members are skilled professionals who look forward to your pet’s visit.

We accept cash, Interac, Mastercard, and Visa. Please be advised that payment is required at the time of service. Unfortunately, we can no longer accept personal cheques.

Yes, we accept Status Cards. Items eligible for the PST Point-of-Sale rebate include retail products and prescription diets/treats. Per the Ministry of Finance, veterinary services are not eligible for the rebate. The individual presenting the Status Card must be present to claim the rebate. Your full name, registration #, and band # will be recorded for our records.