Where is the clinic located?
Animal Clinic West is located at 921 37th Street SW, Calgary due south of the Bow Trail and 37th Street SW Intersection and just across the road from the Westbrook Mall.
Do I really need to vaccinate my pet for rabies?
In short, yes.
Rabies is a fatal disease but easily preventable with a simple vaccination. Since rabies is a very grave human health concern, we recommend keeping your pet current on its rabies vaccination.
A case of rabies was diagnosed in a kitten in central Alberta in fall 2006.
If you and your dog or cat will be traveling outside of Canada, you may be required by Customs to provide proof that your pet is current with its rabies vaccine. Vaccination for rabies currently needs to be done 30 days BEFORE crossing the US border.
If your pet has been bitten or scratched by an aggressive animal – either domestic or wild, consult your veterinarian immediately.
As a matter of interest, Dr. Cyfra was bitten as a young man by a rabid Labrador Retriever. He has been an advocate of vaccinating for rabies ever since.
What is heartworm and can it be prevented?
Heartworm affects dogs and is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes inject the microscopic larvae of the heartworm into a dog’s bloodstream where they travel to the heart. Once in the heart, they grow to be 12 inches long. Multiple heartworms fill the heart until it can no longer function.
Heartworm is both preventable and treatable. It is easier to prevent than it is to treat. Prevention of heartworm can be achieved by administering prescribed monthly tablets. Testing must be done in advance of treatment to determine whether or not a dog is infected. Treatment of heartworm is complicated and is not always successful.
Heartworm has not been proven to be present in Alberta, although it is possible that it may move into our province in the next several years. Affected areas include the Okanagan in BC, as well as the southern parts of Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario. Most US states are affected. If you and your dog are traveling outside of Alberta, contact your veterinarian beforehand.
My pet seems more tired than usual. What should I do?
Lethargy can be a symptom of a myriad of issues and should never go unchecked. Any sudden change in your pet’s behaviour warrants an immediate examination by a veterinarian.
My pet has started drinking a lot of water in the last day or two. Should I be concerned?
There are numerous serious conditions that can cause increased thirst and urination. Do not wait to consult a veterinarian if your pet is consuming greater amounts of water than normal.
My cat was eating one of my houseplants. Should I be concerned?
Some plants/flowers are toxic to cats. Lilies are one of the most notorious. It is important to know the names of all the plants in your house in case one of your pets ingests them. The sooner you seek treatment in any case of poisoning, the more likely you are to have a favourable outcome. Call your veterinarian immediately if you have any concerns about plant poisoning in your pet.
How toxic is chocolate to my pet?
There is a risk of poisoning if your pet has ingested chocolate in any form; the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk. It is recommended that you contact your veterinarian any time your pet has eaten chocolate.
My dog is limping. Is it possible that he will be able to ‘walk it off’?
Lameness can be a result of numerous issues ranging in degree of severity. If your pet is limping or favouring a leg for more than 24 hours, you should contact your veterinarian for an examination.
How do I provide suggestions on how to improve your service?
As part of our mission to meet the changing needs of our valued clients, we welcome any suggestions you may have on how we can improve our service.
Your feedback is absolutely invaluable to the growth of our clinic. Whether it be additions to our website or changes to our business hours, if you have any suggestions on how we can improve our service to meet your needs, please email us to let us know.
