Why does it cost so much to provide veterinary care for my pet?
The fees you pay for veterinary services take into consideration a number of factors, including the costs to compensate your veterinarian and veterinary team for their professional services, and the expenses involved in maintaining the hospital and equipment. When someone decides to adopt a pet, he or she needs to be prepared to include annual veterinary care in the overall cost of owning the pet.
Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer, which means you may be spending more over the lifetime of your pet. However, in general, the annual cost of caring for a pet hasn’t increased much over the past several decades. (Consider how much the costs of many professional services, such as human healthcare, have risen over that same period!) Certain advanced procedures may come at a higher cost, but as the owner, you decide what care you want to provide your pet.
It may seem like you’re paying more for your pet’s care than for your own, but that perception may stem from the fact that you’re paying the entire cost of a service or procedure, rather than a percentage or set fee determined by an insurance company. There are several pet health insurance plans available. These plans may cover or help keep costs down for many routine veterinary services, prescriptions, medical conditions, and diseases.
What is a Registered Veterinary Technician?
A Registered Veterinary Technician is trained to assist Veterinarians in caring for pets. These professionals perform many of the same tasks that a nurse would for a doctor. Veterinary technicians have received training, either in accredited programs or on the job. Responsibilities vary among clinics, but the basic duties remain the same. For instance, technicians collect patient samples, perform lab tests, assist during patient exams and dental cleanings, and take x-rays. Senior techs also train and mentor other staff members. Some veterinary technicians work in research facilities or for manufacturers.
I’ve seen a lot of information about supplements and nutraceuticals. How do I know what my pet needs?
Supplements, and nutraceuticals in particular, are becoming very popular with pet owners. It is important to know that the regulations governing such products to ensure quality, consistency, and effectiveness are not nearly as stringent as those for prescription medications. Your veterinarian can help you sort out confusing and conflicting information and advise you on any supplements your pet might benefit from.
Which pet food should I feed my dog/cat?
The answer is different for each pet, and depends on your pet’s stage of life, breed, species, and health status. Your veterinarian can recommend a pet food, as well as give you advice on reading pet food labels and determining how much to feed your pet to maintain a healthy weight.
I recently lost my pet, and I’m having trouble dealing with the loss. Where can I find help?
Please call us. We are here to help you, and understand that losing a pet can be extremely upsetting and hard to move beyond. We have such a close bond with our pets, so letting go is never easy. We can provide support and resources to help you through this sad transition.
My pet has the same thing wrong that he/she was treated for previously. Can the veterinarian just prescribe the same medication that he/she did the last time?
Most of the time, no. Even though your pet may be showing the same symptoms as he or she did the last time, the problem may be different. Many diseases have similar symptoms, and your veterinarian needs to examine your pet to ensure that he or she correctly diagnoses the cause. If you have such a question, call us for advice.
What toys/accessories are appropriate for my pet?
We offer veterinary-approved toys and accessories for pets for sale at our hospital, and can help you determine which toys and accessories are appropriate for your pet from the multitude of options available commercially.
My pet won’t stop chewing/digging/barking/scratching/spraying. Where can I find help?
Certain behaviours can be frustrating and difficult to overcome. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians to discuss your pet’s behaviour.
My pet needs to have surgery. Should I be worried about the anaesthesia?
Modern anaesthesia is generally quite safe. We perform a physical examination and run blood tests before all procedures requiring general anaesthesia to make sure your pet doesn’t have any hidden health issues. In addition, a veterinary technician monitors your pet’s vital signs during the procedure, to ensure your pet’s safety and to catch and treat any potential concerns as quickly as possible. Anaesthesia and patient monitoring vary from clinic to clinic. Ask us specifically what we do to protect your pet before, during, and after the use of anaesthesia.
My pet’s just been diagnosed with a medical condition/disease I’m not familiar with, and I want to find out more about it. Where can I find information I can trust?
Please feel free to call us for more information. Our veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians are happy to discuss your pet’s condition further so that you feel as fully informed as possible.
Alternatively, you can turn to the Pet Health Network website, which offers articles on a wide variety of topics. In addition, you can find other internet resources for information under the Links section of our website. Seeking knowledge this way helps to ensure you are accessing the most current and accurate information.
Will microchipping hurt my pet?
Not any more than a regular injection. The chip is inserted at the back of the pet’s neck, where the skin is loose. Microchipping is a safe and effective way to identify your pet in case he or she becomes lost.
After I have my pet microchipped, is there anything else I need to do?
When your pet is microchipped, you will complete paperwork with your contact information that is forwarded to the microchip company for their database. Your pet’s microchip should continue to function over your pet’s lifetime without any maintenance; however, the system won’t work unless you keep your contact information current. Whenever you move or change your phone number, make sure you update that information with your pet’s microchip manufacturer. Remember to also get your pet new ID tags at the same time.
Are natural remedies for flea/tick/heartworm prevention safe to use on my pet?
Although natural remedies may offer some protection or repellency against parasites, they are not nearly as effective as prescription products. In addition, natural remedies often need to be applied more frequently than once a month, making them less convenient as well. Some, such as garlic, may actually be harmful to your pet.
Just because a product has “natural” on its label doesn’t mean it’s safe. Consult with your veterinarian before using any over-the-counter preventives on your pet.
Why should I buy flea/tick/heartworm preventives from a veterinary hospital when there are other, cheaper places to get it?
If you purchase preventives from sources other than a veterinary hospital, you don’t have any guarantee that the product is authentic or that it has been stored and shipped as recommended by the manufacturer. When you order from your veterinarian, you’ll have the added benefit of being able to rely on her expertise and knowledge of your pet’s medical history, ensuring the correct product is chosen for your pet.
I’ve never seen a flea or tick on my pet. Why should I bother putting my pet on preventives? Isn’t this an extra expense that’s just not worth paying for?
Fleas and ticks are not just minor nuisances; they can transmit serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases, some of which can be passed to people. Even indoor-only pets are at risk because fleas and ticks can hitch a ride inside on your clothing, shoes, or other pets. Keeping your pet on a monthly preventive is your best bet for protecting your pet—and your family—against these parasites.
I’ve heard that some clinics offer anesthesia-free dentistry. Is this safe for my pet?
It is not safe, and it is illegal for anyone (including veterinarians) to offer anesthesia-free dentistry in Ontario if it includes treatment (scraping) under the gum line.
Some will offer scraping of tartar and calculus off the teeth above the gum line, but this is really doing a disservice to your pet. This practice does not address the real disease occurring below the gum line, can cause bleeding of the gums, and leaves the tooth surface rough. A rough surface will attract even more plaque and tartar.
Please talk to us about how to keep your pet’s mouth healthy in the safest way possible.
Why does my pet need dental care?
Dental health is just as important for dogs and cats as it is for people. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease, tooth loss, and expensive oral surgery. Bacteria can also cause serious, potentially fatal infections in your pet’s kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart.
Unless your pet just ate something fishy, stinky breath isn’t normal. Having a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s teeth regularly and clean them as needed will help prevent dental disease and any related problems.
How can my puppy/kitten have worms? How was he/she exposed?
Almost all puppies are born with intestinal parasites, which are passed from mother to pup during pregnancy. Although kittens are not infected when they’re born, they can become infected through their mother’s milk. Puppies can also become infected while they’re nursing.
We follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control: Puppies and kittens should both be dewormed every 2 weeks, starting at about 2 weeks of age. After the biweekly series of dewormings is finished, monthly deworming should begin (12 weeks of age) and is continued until 5 or 6 months of age.
We ask that you bring a fecal sample to your first puppy or kitten visit so we can test it for evidence of intestinal parasites. A second fecal sample should be examined at about 6 months of age to ensure any prior infection has been cleared.
I’ve been late several times when giving my pet a heartworm preventive. Should I be concerned?
Unfortunately, if you were late or missed a dose even once, your pet could have become infected if he or she was exposed during that time. Call us for advice. Depending on how many doses have been late, we may recommend that you treat monthly for longer than the usual 6 months. We will also recommend you have your pet tested for heartworm infection, in 6 months, or at the next scheduled wellness visit, whichever is later. (It takes approximately 6 months from mosquito bite to when heartworm antigen can be detected in the bloodstream.)
Why does my dog need to have a blood test if I’ve been giving heartworm prevention?
No medication is 100% effective, and there is always the possibility with oral heartworm preventives that your dog may vomit up the medication without you knowing. We want to ensure we diagnose heartworm-positive dogs in a timely manner, so they can receive appropriate treatment before damage to the heart occurs. Heartworm preventives kill the immature stage of the heartworm, not the adults that live in the heart.
At this point in time, we are testing dogs every other year as long as they haven’t missed any doses of medication in the summer, and haven’t traveled to places where heartworm disease is more common. Pets that do travel to these places are tested annually. We are paying attention to changes in heartworm risk in our area, and may eventually move to annual testing in all dogs.
Does my indoor cat need a heartworm/flea/tick preventive?
Indoor cats are definitely at a lower risk than cats going outdoors, but just because your cat doesn’t venture outdoors doesn’t mean outdoor parasites can’t get inside. Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease, and as you probably know, mosquitoes always seem to find a way to get inside your home. Fleas and ticks can both hitch a ride on clothing or other pets that do go outside. We will discuss with you if we think your indoor cat is at risk for such parasites.
Can’t I just give my dog/cat a Tylenol or Advil to help with pain, rather than paying for more costly veterinary pain medication?
NEVER give your pet medication intended for people unless your veterinarian has prescribed it. Most over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can have serious, potentially fatal consequences if a pet ingests them.
A variety of pain medications are available for dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can help you determine which one will fit your budget and help alleviate your pet’s pain.
What should I expect during my pet’s wellness exam?
During your pet’s wellness exam, your veterinarian will take your pet’s history and perform a thorough physical examination. Your pet will be weighed, diet and treats will be discussed, and a nutritional recommendation will be made, tailored to your pet’s needs. She will also give your pet appropriate vaccinations and prescribe preventives against internal and external parasites (i.e. fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms). She may recommend wellness testing, which may include blood and urine tests. A fecal sample will be requested to be tested for intestinal worms. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s dental health and may recommend dental work or other follow-up care. Other areas of concern such as mobility, behaviour, and prevention or monitoring of diseases and conditions your pet may have or be at increased risk for, will be discussed. The specific services provided during the exam will vary depending on your pet’s age, risk factors, and your budget. You can help by letting your veterinarian know if you’ve noticed any unusual behaviour or physical changes in your pet.
Why should I bring my pet in for regular veterinary visits when he/she is healthy?
Veterinarians are highly trained to take a thorough history and perform a complete physical examination as part of your pet’s regular veterinary visit. Regular veterinary visits help prevent diseases such as obesity, dental disease, and those for which vaccines are available (Parvo and Rabies, for example). These visits also ensure your pet is not carrying intestinal parasites or is infected with heartworms, fleas, or ear mites. Some pet diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people. It is especially important to ensure your pet is free of these. Through the physical examination and consultation and often with the help of bloodwork, urine tests, or other testing methods, the more silent diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disease can be discovered early enough to begin treatment before serious symptoms arise. Many times we find things on physical examination that even the most astute pet owner was not aware of.
Most pets require a regular visit at least once yearly. Please call us to schedule an appointment for your pet.
What vaccinations does my dog/cat really need?
Your veterinarian will determine which vaccinations are appropriate for your dog or cat, based on individual factors, such as lifestyle and health status. Veterinarians commonly recommend that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, and that cats be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia (feline distemper), calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus. Additional vaccines, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Bordetella/Parainfluenza (kennel cough), and Leptospirosis, are recommended based on your cat or dog’s risk.
Many of these diseases can be fatal to your pet. Preventing them is far easier and less expensive than treatment. If you would like more information on vaccines, ask your veterinarian.
Does my pet have to get a rabies vaccination?
All dogs and cats must be up to date on Rabies vaccination, by law. These laws help protect both pets and people from this deadly disease. Because of rabies laws, control and prevention programs, and pet owners’ cooperation, domesticated pets in North America rarely become infected with this disease, but it is still very much a concern as animals in the wild and occasionally unvaccinated dogs and cats are still a source of infection. By keeping your pet up-to-date on his or her rabies vaccination, not only are you protecting your pet, but you’re also helping to eradicate rabies from the pet population in your community.
How hard is it to get into a veterinary program?
Getting into veterinary school is extremely competitive. Because veterinary programs have a limited number of positions to fill, not all students who apply get in. Those who hope to become a veterinarian must have high grades in their pre-veterinary studies. In addition, any real-world experience or additional years of college may be beneficial.
What education does a veterinarian need?
Most veterinary degrees require at least 6 years of study at the university level, including a minimum of 2 years of pre-veterinary education and 4 years in a veterinary medicine program. Veterinary students usually spend 4,000 hours or more in classroom, laboratory, and clinical study.
To stay current with veterinary medicine, techniques, and technology, practicing veterinarians read scientific journals and attend continuing education symposiums, seminars, and courses.
What is a Veterinarian?
A veterinarian is a doctor who studies animal health; prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases and health issues in animals; and helps protect the welfare of animals and people. Veterinarians are knowledgeable and well-educated on many aspects of animal care and fulfill a range of roles across the private and public sectors. You can find veterinarians working at animal hospitals, emergency and specialty hospitals, universities, research facilities, pet food and drug manufacturing companies, and government organizations.
I’ve found an animal hospital that’s offering prices well below what others are charging for veterinary care. Is this a good option?
Most practices in Ontario use the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association’s Fee Guide to determine their pricing. However, some choose to charge above or below this guide. If prices appear lower at one hospital, you should ask for clarification about what the procedure or treatment includes, and then ask also for clarification from the practice quoting a higher price. You may find differences in the level of care provided. We are always happy to discuss fee structuring with you in an open and honest manner.
Can I get health insurance for my pet? If so, what’s covered?
Several companies offer health insurance for dogs and cats (and other pets). These plans have premiums and deductibles, just like human health insurance plans. The premiums and deductibles vary based on the level of coverage you select. Many routine services, such as office visits and diagnostic testing, are covered, as well as prescriptions, procedures, and surgeries for a wide variety of diseases and conditions. However, there are restrictions and limits, as well as certain guidelines to follow, including making sure your pet receives regular preventive care.
Ask us if you would like more information about pet health insurance.
I just got a new puppy/kitten. How much will veterinary care cost during the first year? And how much should I expect to spend annually after that?
Puppies and kittens generally have the same health requirements: an initial veterinary visit that includes a physical exam, vaccinations, and tests for parasites. Follow-up visits include the rest of the puppy/kitten series of vaccinations, as well as treatment and preventives for parasites. We can give you a basic estimate for these services. Please call us. We’d love to meet the newest member of your family!
More information on the anticipated annual costs of owning a dog or cat can be found on the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association website.
I recently found an injured stray dog/cat. I paid for the initial veterinary care and have notified animal control. The animal is living at my house, but I can’t afford any additional treatment or medication. What can I do?
Legally, once you decide to adopt or “take in” an animal, you become the owner. As the owner, you are responsible for the pet’s care. When you take in a stray, he or she may be injured and require veterinary care. Because the amount you pay for his or her care isn’t related to how you’ve acquired the pet, you need to carefully consider whether adopting a stray pet is a financially advisable decision. If you can’t afford the pet’s care, you have the option to relinquish the animal to a local humane society or shelter (although some shelters cannot guarantee that the pet will not be euthanized).
Veterinarians often come across such cases, and many of them will work out an arrangement for people who want to help the animal. However, make sure you tell the veterinarian the situation before he or she examines and treats the pet.
If you find a stray, you should also ALWAYS ask the veterinarian to check for a microchip to determine whether the animal has an owner.
Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered? Why are these procedures so expensive?
Spaying and neutering can have major benefits for your pet, including lowering or preventing the risk of several diseases and types of cancer. Your veterinarian can discuss these benefits with you. In addition, spaying and neutering help control the pet population by reducing the number of unwanted pets.
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures that require your pet to be put under general anesthesia. The cost of these procedures takes into account the anesthesia and pain control, your veterinary team’s time and expertise, monitoring, drapes, suture material, and hospitalization. Spaying or neutering your pet is much less expensive than feeding and caring for litters of unwanted puppies or kittens or dealing with potential pregnancy complications.
What is Petly?
Petly is a secure web-based portal for your pet. You can access vaccination records and medical records that your veterinarian has shared with you through the portal. Ask us to set you up with a Petly account to get you started.
Now that cannabis is legal for people in Canada, is medicinal cannabis legal for pets?
No. Under current Canadian legislation, the only legal way to access medical cannabis is through the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulation (ACMPR) which applied only to ‘persons’, and cannabis products sold under the new Cannabis Act are intended for human use, and are not approved for animal use.