Keep Pets Safe by Following Label Directions on Flea and Tick Control Products

The following press release was issued by Health Canada on April 11th, 2011 through their Media News Service.

Health Canada is reminding pet owners to carefully read and follow all label directions for pesticide products that control fleas and ticks on cats and dogs, especially those that are applied directly to pets' skin.
 

Improper use of these products can potentially lead to adverse reactions in cats and dogs. Skin irritation is the most common symptom. Other reactions can be neuromuscular, such as tremors, or gastrointestinal, such as vomiting.

Pet owners using these products should:

Read the label carefully before use, and follow the directions exactly. Labels of all flea and tick products outline their proper use.

Use flea and tick control products only on the animal specified on the product's label--dog products for dogs, and cat products for cats.

Use only the amount indicated for the age and weight of the animal being treated to prevent overdosing in small animals.

Pet owners concerned about the use of flea and tick products should discuss the situation with a veterinarian or a product's manufacturer.

A video on the safe use of flea and tick treatment is available on Health Canada's website.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/video/flea-tick-antipuces-antitiques-eng.php

Pesticide products for flea and tick control that are applied to the skin of an animal are registered for sale in Canada under the Pest Control Products Act, and will have a Pest Control Product (PCP) number on the packaging. This update does not include flea and tick products that are sold as veterinary drugs, identified by a Drug Identification Number (DIN).
 

Only flea and tick products with either a PCP or a DIN number on them should be used on pets to ensure that the products have been reviewed by Health Canada for safety and effectiveness.
Report any adverse events to the manufacturer, who is required by law to report it to Health Canada. Contact information can be found on the product label. You may also report an incident for products with a PCP number directly to Health Canada by completing a domestic animal incident form and returning it by mail to the appropriate address.
 

For more information, consumers can contact the Pest Management Information Service, toll-free, at 1-800-267-6315. 

Annual Physical Exams

This lovely lady is Skyler who was in recently for her Annual Physical Exam.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!! This old saying could not be truer than when it comes to the health and well being of your pet. Preventative vaccinations cost a fraction of what it would cost to treat your pet if they contracted one of these potentially deadly and sometimes zoonotic (transmissible to humans) diseases. An annual physical exam for your pet could also be called a “Seven Year Physical Exam” because of their faster aging (i.e. one year of your dog or cat's life is equivalent to 7 years of human life). Imagine if you only went to your doctor every 7 years! An annual exam can detect underlying medical issues that your pet may have. Early detection could help treat or even reverse the disease process. Animals may mask their illness as a survival instinct, so even though your pet may not be showing any obvious outward signs of illness or pain, they can still be seriously ill. During the annual exam our Registered Veterinary Technicians will take a thorough history and will measure your pet's vital signs, and our veterinarians will perform a complete physical assessment. Diet, oral health and any concerns you may have will also be discussed. Please call us if you would like to book your pets Annual Physical Exam (905) 623-4431.