How to Save Money at the Vet?

I've just finished reading an excellent article called "Why Are Vets So Expensive" written by  Dr Marie at AskAVetAQuestion.com. 


Dr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario and is not in any way associated with CanadaVet.com but I was just really impressed how she clearly explained why a trip to the vet can some times cost so much, and how those fees are calculated. Her actual example of why a 20 minute vet visit might cost $200 with an actual breakdown of fees makes very interesting reading.


Unfortunately vet bills are a fact of life for the responsible pet owner, but there are a few ways that you can save money on vet visits. For example, keep your pet healthy with the right food and exercise. Keep up her vaccinations and take care with her grooming, with particular attention to the teeth, eyes and ears as they are often problem areas. And of course, ensure that you regularly treat for pet parasites like worms, fleas and ticks using reputable brand name pet meds.


If your pet is ill, don't delay a visit to the vet. Just like in humans early intervention is both far more likely to result in a cure but is also likely to cost less as well.


To read the full article from Dr Marie, click here. 

20% off Revolution Sale

CanadaVet.com is having a ridiculous sale on all Revolution 6 and 12 packs for Cats and Dogs! 

Receive 20% off all Revolution 6 and 12 packs for your pet, when you rush to CanadaVet.com now!

Check out these crazy cat deals:

Revolution for Cats 12pk was $209.42, now $167.54!

Revolution for Cats 6pk was $105.71, now $84.57!

Or buy Revolution for your dog at these dangerously low prices:

Revolution for Large Dogs 12pk was $209.42, now $167.54!

Revolution for Very Small Dogs 12pk was $173.82, now $139.06!

Race to CanadaVet.com now because these discounted prices are available for a limited time only!

5 Tips for Getting your Pet Photo Ready

Get your pet photo ready by grooming them to purr-fection. By following these 5 easy head to tail grooming tips; your pet's pretty face could become the pin-up of CanadaVet'.com's 5th Annual Pet Photo Contest!

1. Bathing Beauties

Cats often lick their fur to keep themselves clean, but sometimes pets need to be groomed to get squeaky clean. It may seem obvious, but as your pet looks at you with adorable puppy dog eyes, remember to give them a clean! Dirt often collects around the eyes of pets, similarly to humans after sleeping. When getting down to their eye level for an intimate pic of your pooch, the area around their eyes is a giveaway for a well-maintained, groomed appearance. This can be achieved by using tear stain remover or tear stain wipes daily to gently wipe away any debris or mucus around the eyes. Baths should be part of your pet’s grooming regime. Be careful not to bathe them too frequently though, or you will strip their skin of natural oils which helps keep their coat in top condition. Use shampoos designed for pets, not humans, to prevent skin irritations. Ensure they don’t get soap in their eyes, and rinse them thoroughly.  When drying, use a towel and move in the direction of the hair to prevent tangling their coat. Some pets may even appreciate you blow-drying their hair for an extra fluffy coat-style!

2. Fur-ever Brushing

Think of your pet’s hair as a fashion statement – a well-groomed coat says it all. A variety of brush types are available to suit your pet's fur. Brush your pet’s coat regularly to prevent matting, tangles and knots in their hair; especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Long haired breeds will require more frequent brushing than short haired breeds. Brushing also gets rid of dead or shedding hair, and keeps your pet looking healthy, by ensuring natural oils are evenly distributed making their coat shine.

3. Sticky Skin Situations

As pet owners we would prefer not to have any visible blemishes when having our photo taken. So take the same perspective when grooming your pet for the CanadaVet.com Pet Photo Contest. Good health shows on the outside, so ensure your pet is free from nasty parasites such as fleas and ticks. The bite of a tick may cause imperfections such as a red bump in your pet’s skin, and this can be unsightly, as ticks often latch on to your pet’s ears. In the event of a flea infestation, your pet could also suffer from flea allergy dermatitis (FAD). FAD is an allergic reaction to a flea bite which results in red, itchy, inflamed skin and when scratched, pustules and crusts may develop.  Such skin irritations will leave something to be desired in your pet’s appearance. Daily grooming gives you the opportunity to conduct routine health checks on your pet. By running your hands over their skin or parting their coat you can monitor skin irritations so your pet remains free from pests and looks picture purr-fect.

4. Creature Clippings

Long claws will draw the viewer’s eye, especially in photos; diverting attention away from your precious pet’s face. If nails are allowed to grow too long, they can curl over, causing your pet discomfort as they walk. Keeping your pet’s nails clipped also prevents any accidental scratches when they enthusiastically greet you.  Ensure pets, particularly cats, are relaxed before you start. If your pet hasn’t experienced regular grooming from a young age, practice handling their paws a few times first, so they become comfortable before you try clipping. Use pet nail clippers, as opposed to your own clippers. Be careful not to clip too far as the reddened crescent moon shape of the nail is the quick, which contains blood vessels, and may bleed if cut.

5. Tasty Clean

As an owner, getting your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned can be an anxious time, particularly if they are old, as the scaling procedure often requires putting them under anaesthetic. However, nobody likes bad breath, and ensuring your dog has healthy teeth and gums means you won’t ever have to endure a smelly dog mouth. So before you get up close  and personal with your dog to take the ultimate photo, or cuddle; try these easy and affordable dental care options at home to make the experience odourless. Try edible beef flavoured Dentipet Toothpaste for cats and dogs; to clean teeth, kill oral bacteria, reduce plaque and freshen your pet's breath. Alternatively, for horses, dogs and cats; use a Dental Spray Gel with antibacterial properties to inhibit plaque growth. Regular use will prevent gingivitis as well as peridontal disease and will maintain your pet's oral hygiene to keep their breath fresh.

Contestants Say Cheese

Brace yourself for cat claws and puppy paws; because it’s March 5th and the CanadaVet Pet Photo Contest has begun!

The competition is set to be fierce this year, as we mark the fifth anniversary of our prestigious Pet Photo Contest.  Get your paws on a camera to take the best photo of your pet yet. A frivolous ferret, mighty mouse, or regal rabbit – we’re calling for pics of all your pets! You and your pet can become purr-fect pet photo contestants: Simply post your photo to our facebook page or submit to our website. The best pet photos will win, so get a snap of an I wuf you moment, a swishy fishy, a dog dressed to impress, or kittens meow-rrymaking. If it’s your pet at their personal best it deserves to be on CandaVet’s A-list!

Could your pet be the best?

To celebrate our fifth annual contest we have decided to award the 5 best pet photos with a prize for both pet owner and pet. Winners will receive a CanadaVet.com Voucher for $100 and a Pet Goodies Gift Basket valued at $100. We love to hear from pet owners and lovers so we also have a People’s Choice prize to get tails wagging. Whoever receives the most “likes” on facebook wins so get grooming or lick that fur because you could win a $150 CandaVet.com Voucher and a Pet Goodie Gift Basket worth $50.

Entries close midnight April 16th, 2012 (PST). Check out your competition on facebook and visit our website to view full terms and conditions.