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28 Jan

Posted at 07:38h in Uncategorized by
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When your pet isn’t feeling well, it can be hard to know whether the situation is an emergency or something that can wait until your next regular vet appointment. In these stressful moments, having a clear understanding of the difference between urgent care and emergency care can make all the difference in getting your pet the help they need. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we provide urgent care services for pets, offering same-day appointments to address non-life-threatening but time-sensitive health issues. In this blog, we’ll help you understand what types of situations qualify as urgent care versus an emergency and what steps to take if you’re unsure. https://youtu.be/ypJhHq2IOa4 What is Urgent Care for Pets? Urgent care is designed for pets who need prompt attention but are not in immediate danger of losing their life. Think of it as the pet equivalent of visiting a walk-in clinic for humans. Common Urgent Care Cases Include: Minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, or limping. Vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. Ear infections, itching, or rashes. Mild allergic reactions, including swelling or hives. Coughing, sneezing, or respiratory issues that are non-life-threatening. Eye discharge, redness, or irritation. Pain or difficulty moving without collapse. Urinary problems, including straining to urinate or accidents in the house. Why Urgent Care Matters: Many of these conditions may worsen if left untreated, but they don’t require the immediate life-saving intervention of an emergency. Urgent care appointments are typically faster and less costly than emergency services, making them a practical solution for common pet health issues. What is Emergency Care for Pets? Emergency care is for life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention to stabilize your pet. Examples of Emergency Cases Include: Severe trauma, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height. Seizures lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures in a row. Difficulty breathing or choking. Severe bleeding that won’t stop. Collapse, unconsciousness, or sudden inability to stand. Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion. Bloating with a hard, swollen abdomen (possible GDV in dogs). Inability to urinate, especially in male cats (could indicate a urinary blockage). Heatstroke or severe hypothermia. Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood. When in Doubt—Call Us! It’s not always easy to tell whether a situation requires urgent care or emergency care—and that’s okay! At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we encourage pet owners to call us immediately if they’re unsure. Our experienced team can guide you through the next steps and determine whether your pet should come in...

18 Jan

Posted at 09:15h in i-Care, Procedures by
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Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets, yet it’s often overlooked because early symptoms can be subtle. Did you know that most dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three? Left untreated, dental problems can cause pain, infection, and even damage to vital organs like the heart and kidneys. The good news is that early detection and treatment can prevent complications and improve your pet’s quality of life. https://youtu.be/t4Yhs9ccAUk Here are seven signs that it’s time to schedule your pet’s dental check-up at i-Care Veterinary Hospital. 1. Bad Breath While “doggy breath” may seem normal, persistent bad breath can signal a problem. Bad breath is often caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth, which can lead to plaque, tartar, and infection. 2. Yellow or Brown Teeth Discolouration caused by plaque and tartar buildup is a sign that your pet needs a professional cleaning. Plaque hardens into tartar, which can’t be removed by brushing alone and requires a veterinary cleaning under anesthesia. 3. Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums Healthy gums should be pink and firm. If you notice redness, swelling, or bleeding, your pet may have gingivitis—the first stage of periodontal disease. Without treatment, this can lead to tooth loss and painful infections. 4. Drooling or Dropping Food If your pet is suddenly drooling more than usual or has difficulty chewing food, they may be experiencing oral pain caused by inflammation, loose teeth, or infection. Pets may also drop food while eating or refuse hard treats. 5. Pawing at the Mouth or Face Excessive pawing at the mouth, rubbing their face on furniture, or showing signs of discomfort when touched near the mouth may indicate dental pain. Pets may act out or become irritable when their mouths hurt. 6. Loose or Missing Teeth Loose teeth are often a sign of advanced dental disease caused by the breakdown of the periodontal ligaments. Missing teeth could mean that your pet has already suffered tooth loss due to infection or bone damage. 7. Visible Growths or Lumps in the Mouth Abnormal lumps, swelling, or growths inside the mouth should be evaluated as soon as possible. While some growths may be benign, others could indicate tumours or serious infections. What to Expect at a Veterinary Dental Exam At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we offer Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) to evaluate your pet’s dental health. Our COHAT procedure includes: A detailed examination of each tooth. Intra-oral x-rays to evaluate the roots and jawbone for...

09 Jan

Posted at 22:55h in Uncategorized by
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At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we understand that your furry family members deserve the best. That’s why we’re thrilled to bring you exclusive promotions on premium pet nutrition products. Whether you’re looking to save on recurring AutoOrders or want to try out top-quality formulas, we’ve got you covered. Check out these exciting offers available now through our online store! 1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Promo ???? Get $15 OFF your first AutoOrder of Purina® Pro Plan Veterinary Diets®, including DH Dental®, EN Gastroenteric®, and EssentialCare® formulas. ???? Use promo code: 15off to redeem this exclusive offer! ???? Available from January 1 to February 28, 2025, this promotion makes it easy to give your pet top-notch nutrition while enjoying big savings. Why Choose Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets®? These specialized formulas are designed to support your pet’s unique dietary needs, from dental health to digestive care. Give your pet the best with this unbeatable deal! 2. Royal Canin Bundle Up Flash Sale ???? Save up to 40% on Royal Canin® Veterinary Exclusive formulas! From January 13 to January 17, 2025, stock up and enjoy: 40% OFF your first AutoOrder 30% OFF single orders Why Choose Royal Canin®? With a variety of formulas tailored for your pet’s specific needs, Royal Canin® offers targeted nutrition for healthier, happier pets. Don’t miss this limited-time winter sale—shop online now! 3. Royal Canin Savings Made Simple ???? Get 25% OFF your first AutoOrder of Royal Canin® Veterinary Exclusive formulas with promo code: ROYALCANIN25. Available from January 1 to April 30, 2025, this offer is perfect for first-time AutoOrder customers. Plus, subscribing ensures you never run out of your pet’s favourite food again! Benefits of AutoOrder: Exclusive savings Hassle-free automatic deliveries Access to members-only promotions Start saving today and keep your pet’s nutrition on track! 4. Hill’s Dental Promotion ???? 30% OFF your first AutoOrder of Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d Dental Care formulas! Use promo code: HILLSTD30 and enjoy 25% savings, plus an additional 5% recurring discount on subsequent AutoOrders. This offer is available from January 1 to March 31, 2025. Why Hill’s Prescription Diet® t/d? Recommended by veterinarians, this formula is scientifically designed to support your pet’s dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Give your pets a healthier smile while saving big! Why Shop with i-Care Veterinary Hospital? When you shop with us, you’re choosing: ✅ Convenience: Browse and order from the comfort of your home. ✅ Savings: Enjoy exclusive deals and discounts. ✅ Quality: Access trusted veterinary-exclusive formulas. Plus, our AutoOrder subscription service makes it easier than ever to stay...

06 Jan

Posted at 05:00h in i-Care, Procedures by
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The new year is the perfect time to set fresh goals—not just for yourself but for your furry companions, too! While we often focus on exercise and diet, dental health is one area of pet care that’s frequently overlooked. Did you know that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by age three? At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we’re gearing up for Dental Health Month in February to help pet parents tackle this often-hidden issue. One of the best ways to keep your pet’s teeth healthy is through a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)—a thorough evaluation and cleaning that goes far beyond what can be achieved at home. https://youtu.be/EtJ8W_s4HQw What is a Dental COHAT? A Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) is a complete dental service that addresses both prevention and treatment of dental disease. This procedure involves: A full dental probing and evaluation of each tooth. Intra-oral x-rays to assess the tooth roots and surrounding bone structure. Hand and ultrasonic scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Extractions of damaged or infected teeth to prevent chronic pain and infection. Because pets require general anesthesia for a COHAT, we’re able to provide thorough cleaning and treatment—something that cannot be achieved with an awake animal. Why Does Dental Health Matter? Dental health affects more than just your pet’s teeth and gums—it’s closely linked to their overall health. Prevents Infection and Pain. Bacteria from untreated dental disease can enter the bloodstream and spread to vital organs like the heart and kidneys, leading to serious health complications. Reduces the Risk of Tooth Loss. Tartar buildup leads to gingivitis, which breaks down the periodontal ligaments holding teeth in place, eventually causing tooth loss. Protects Against Bone Damage. Left untreated, infection can spread to the jawbone, resulting in abscesses or even jaw fractures, especially in smaller pets. Improves Quality of Life. Healthy teeth allow pets to eat comfortably, stay active, and avoid the pain of fractured teeth or infected gums. How Dental Disease Develops Without daily brushing, plaque forms when bacteria, saliva, and food particles mix. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which causes gum inflammation (gingivitis). If untreated, this can: Damage the periodontal ligaments, leading to tooth mobility. Cause infection and abscesses at the tooth roots. Allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, impacting organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Result in broken teeth that expose the pulp cavity, creating a direct...