Get ready, get pet - Go!

Start snapping with those cameras because this year, CanadaVet.com’s annual pet photo contest is going to be the best yet! To celebrate our fifth year running this popular contest we have decided to award 5 of the best pet photo entries with 5 prizes. Simply send us a photo of your pet looking their best for the chance to win. Whether they’re rolling in mud, groomed to perfection or making a splash; we want to see your pet at their unique best, so send us a pic. CandaVet is offering an additional People’s Choice award because we love to hear from pet owners and lovers. So get your friends voting for the opportunity to get your paws on a prize. Dog ear this page for contest updates because prizes are soon to be announced. Commencement dates to be advised; terms and conditions will apply. 

For Contest dates and other updates stay tuned to our CanadaVet.com Facebook Page

5 Heartworm Helpful Hints

We all know that a healthy pet is a happy pet. Unfortunately, every pet is at risk of contracting heartworm. Here are five helpful hints concerning the deadly disease. 

1.    You can Prevent a Broken Heart

Once the symptoms of heartworm appear, the disease is advanced; treatment is expensive and will put your pet’s life at risk. If left untreated, heartworm clogs the blood vessels around the heart, leading to tissue damage, decreased blood flow to other organs, heart failure and ultimately death. Consequently, prevention rather than treatment is advised.

2.    Pick Pre-emptive Measures

A variety of heartworm preventative treatment options are available including; orally administered chews, tablets and external pipettes applied to the skin. All medication can be administered monthly, making year round protection easy. Alternatively, some preventatives can be taken more frequently, such as daily tablets.

3.    Triple Defence

Pro-active use of preventative heartworm treatments has other advantages for your pet. Many of these treatments also provide protection against other intestinal worms, fleas and mites.

4.    Mosquitoes are to Blame

Dogs contract heartworm when infected mosquitoes transmit the disease by biting. For this reason, an infected dog does not pose a contagion threat to other dogs. Mosquitoes should therefore be avoided but luckily a sick pet doesn’t need to reside in isolation. 

5.    Spot the Wormy Signs

Although infection will not be evident initially, as the disease progresses and the worms mature, measuring up to 30cm in length; your pet will develop distressing symptoms. These include coughing, a swollen abdomen, laboured breathing, lethargy and tiring quickly during exercise.