Whether we’re headed to Comox Lake, taking the kids to the field, or simply heading out to run errands, we love to bring our doggies with us. But how do we keep them safe when the temperature climbs? Here are a few pointers to keep in mind to keep your dog as cool as a cucumber this summer. DOGS GET SUNBURNS, TOO! This might come as a surprise, but dogs can get sunburns too. Along with providing our dogs with proper shade, fresh air, and hydration during the warmer months, sunscreen should become part of your routine. Red, inflamed, ouchy skin, and even hair loss can all result from too much exposure. We even need to be cognicent of the common types of skin cancer in dogs that are associated with sun exposure – like squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanomas, hemangiomas, or hemangiosarcomas. Ideally, pet parents should find a canine specific sunscreen – these have no health risks to dogs. But if doggie sunscreen isn’t an option, you can buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen for babies and children with an SPF of 15 or higher. Please be sure to read the label on baby sunscreen before applying it - since dogs may lick their skin and accidentally ingest it. Pet owners will want to choose a non-scented product without zinc oxide – the ingestion of this can lead to hemolytic anemia. Please also avoid para-aminobenzoic acid (also known as PABA) as an ingredient. This could also be toxic if ingested. To reiterate, the following ingredients in sunscreens are toxic to dogs: - zinc oxide - para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) Test a small patch on their belly first to check for an allergic reaction or sensitivity, and avoid getting sunscreen into their eyes. Just like you do with your babes – reapply often, especially during peak sun exposure hours (10AM-4PM). Gone swimming? Don’t forget to reapply once more! Additional Sun and Heat Protection for Dogs If your doggie must be outdoors during the peak sunshine times, pet parents can consider accessories like bodysuits, shirts, and hats with ultraviolet protection, in addition to sunscreen to prevent sunburns. Dog goggles ‘aka DOGGLES’ can also be used to protect your pet’s peepers. Don’t forget - dogs can also get heat stroke. Please be certain that your dog has ample access to shade, water, and a comfortable environment in the warmer months. Although adding sunscreen to your dog’s summer arsenal, pet owners should still be aware of the risks associated with excessive sun exposure. Protect them from Pesky Parasites Defend your pet against worms, fleas, ticks and other potential dangers. May Special Offer: SAVE 20% when you purchase one year’s worth of dewormer treatment. Call us today to learn more and to secure yours! (250) 339-6555 Every dog has their day. Keep 'em safe on those hot summer ones!

Thanks to our mild coastal weather here on the West Coast, fleas and ticks on Vancouver Island are a reality year-round for pets and their owners. Once the weather warms up, the risk of your pet (and ultimately, your home!) suffering from a flea infestation rises. Fleas are very active insects, feeding on blood from dogs and people. They jump onto passing animals and burrow down into the fur to the skin, where they stay well hidden while biting and ingesting blood. This is irritating to the animal, and to humans as well, as the bites can cause severe itching and inflammation. Thanks to more recent coverage in the media over the last few years, more people are aware of the potential health hazards these fleas and ticks can cause to both pets and their humans. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG HAS FLEAS? Notoriously difficult to see, fleas are tiny - about the size of a head of a pin - and are a dark copper colour. They don’t like the light, so if you are looking for fleas, you’ll want to check within furry areas, on the belly, and on the inner thighs of your pet. Another thing you’ll want to look for, is something called "flea dirt" - it looks like dark specks of pepper scattered on the skin’s surface. This is actually flea feces composed of digested blood (from your pet). Use a flea comb, and place some of these specks of flea dirt onto a wet paper towel. If the tiny specks spread out like a small bloodstain after a few minutes, it's definitely flea dirt, and your pet has fleas. PREVENTION IS KEY There are a few different options for the treatment and prevention of fleas and ticks (such as oral, chewable tablets, or topicals). Your vet can help you determine the bets treatment/prevention option for the needs of your pet. March is Flea and Tick Awareness Month - SAVE BIG ON PREVENTION! For the month of March ONLY, save BIG on your pet's annual prevention! Purchase 4 doses (an annual supply) of Bravecto for your pet, and we'll give you 50% OFF 💥 the last dose. Plus, you'll receive a free Tickney remover tool! Offer valid while supplies last. And here's an excellent video resource to deepen your education about fleas and ticks and the impacts they can have on our pets and our families! Call today to secure yours at this discounted price: (250) 339-6555 Yours in good health, your Sunrise Family

Gross, right? Can you IMAGINE having plaque build-up and an unpleasant taste in your mouth? It would be absolutely intolerable! And think of the health ramifications that never cleaning your teeth or having professional dental care would have on the rest of your body. Sadly, the same thing happens to your PET’S mouth without proper dental care. Dental diseases in dogs and cats are extremely common. By age 3, over 80 percent of dogs have some form of dental disease, also known as periodontal disease - and veterinarians have found that the majority of cats over three years of age already have signs of dental disease. Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s oral health; but can have grave consequences on the overall health and wellbeing of your pet. As a loving pet parent, you want to be sure your pet has a healthy mouth. More than just fresh breath, here are five more reasons why good dental care is so important: PREVENTING TOOTH LOSS Regular dental care will ensure that your pet’s teeth-supporting structures stay healthy and keep the teeth in place. PREVENTING BAD BREATH Avoiding kisses from your BFF? When your pet has a healthy mouth, their breath won’t be an issue PREVENTING PAIN Our pets are masters of disguise and can’t tell us what’s hurting them. Dental disease hurts. Preventing organ damage: Bacteria in the plaque can enter the bloodstream and spread to the heart, kidneys and liver. This spread of bacteria, called bacteremia, can damage organs and will make our pets very sick. PREVENTING WORSENING DENTAL DISEASE By taking care of your pet’s mouth today, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of health and improved quality of life - not to mention, saving you hefty veterinarian bills down the road. Wonder what you should look out for? Here are some signs of dental disease in our pets: Broken teeth Loose teeth Bad breath Painful and bleeding mouth Refusal or inability to eat and drink Drooling Dental care for our pets includes not only annual professional dental cleaning done at a veterinarian’s office but requires at-home care as well. For the month of February only, you’ll SAVE 20% OFF ON PET DENTAL CLEANING. We look forward to helping you care for your pet’s mouth - the way you want to! Please call us today to secure your spot: (250) 339-6555 Yours in good health, Sunrise Vet

New pup at home? Here are some tips on how to bring them in for their first visit [this month only, it’s FREE!] ⁣Condition your dog early in life to enjoy car rides. Begin with short drives around the neighbourhood, to the beach, and to our parking lot! Feed them treats and slowly increase the length of your journeys in the car. If your dog becomes anxious, stop and try again another day. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ Feed a small meal the day of your vet visit. Your dog will respond better to our treats if he or she is a little hungry. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣Bring your dog’s favourite toy or treats with you to your appointment.⁣ It will provide them with a lot of comfort in an unfamiliar environment. ⁣ Speak in a low, comforting voice.⁣ Using a gentle tone of voice assures them that all is well. ⁣ Call us today to book your FREE appointment for your new puppy or kitty (250) 339-6555. Offer is valid for the month of January only!

“We brought a new puppy/kitty home… now what???” Puppies and kitties are undoubtedly some of the most adorable + joyful beings on the planet. However, bringing a new puppy or kitty into your household is a BIG responsibility and will likely require major adjustments to your lifestyle. A growing puppy requires patience, love, training, and veterinarian care. Oh… and did we mention patience? Although you’ll be spending a lot of time helping your puppy or kitty adjust to their new homes and establishing healthy habits, the time you put in now will be well worth it. Here’s your basic “field guide” to bringing home your new puppy or kitty: 1. Bring your new pet to see your trusted veterinarian To make the most of your puppy or kitty’s first visit to the vet, you’re welcome to come prepared with a list of your questions. Together, your veterinarian and you will discuss your pet’s overall wellness plan - like your pet’s nutritional requirements, their vaccination plans ( and safe options for controlling external and internal parasites), spaying and neutering, as well as signs of illness you’ll want to watch for during your puppy’s first few months. We can also provide you with our insights on training, socialization, and much more. Book this exam for your new puppy or kitty with us during the month of January 2021 for FREE! 2. Shop for high-quality nutrition In your first visit to see your veterinarian, we will help you determine your best options to fulfill your pet’s nutritional requirements. Your puppy and kitty’s body is growing in critical ways, which is why you’ll need to select food (as well as a feeding schedule) that is formulated especially for them. Be sure that your puppy and kitty always has fresh and abundant water available. 4. Housetraining Likely this is one of your top priorities when you bring home your new puppy - especially if your indoors are carpeted! Before your puppy receives their vaccinations, you want to be sure to select a spot outdoors that would never have been - or will be - accessed by other animals. This will help keep your pet (and others) safe from viruses and diseases. Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to training your pup to use the bathroom outdoors. Instead of punishing them when they get it wrong (and believe us, they will from time-to-time!) be sure to offer them loving, positive reinforcement when they get it right. It’s up to the owners to help their pets get it right - so knowing when to take your puppy outside and watching for cues will help them succeed. Here are some times you’ll want to bring them outside: When you wake up. Right before bedtime. Immediately after your puppy eats or drinks a lot of water. When your puppy wakes up from a nap. During and after physical activity. Typically, your kitten will adjust more naturally to using a litterbox, but you can encourage your kitten to use the litterbox by placing him in it at regular intervals. 5. Be alert for early signs of illness If you observe any of the following symptoms in your new puppy or kitty, it’s time to contact the vet. Lack of appetite Poor weight gain Vomiting Swollen or sore abdomen Low energy Diarrhea Difficulty breathing Pale gums Swollen, red eyes or eye discharge Nasal discharge Inability to pass urine or stool 6. Teach obedience The early days are a critical time to teach good manners and behaviors. By doing this now, you’ll set them up for a lifetime of good behavior and you’ll strengthen the bond between you and your new pet as well. Many puppy owners find that obedience classes are a great way to train both owner and dog. Classes typically begin accepting puppies at age 4-6 months We hope this information will help you adjust to your new life with your puppy or kitty. For the month of January only, we’re offering FREE pet health exams for your new puppy or kitty. Call today: (250) 339-6555 Thanks for reading! Your Sunrise Vet Family

Before you defrost the turkey and trim the tree - read this blog post first! There are some considerations to keep in mind to keep our pet safe and healthy as we celebrate the holiday season. While this article is intended as a resource for pet owners in the Comox Valley, we encourage ALL pet owners to have a plan and talk to your vet in advance to discover where you would need to take your pet if anything happened. Here are some tips all dog and cat owners should keep in mind this holiday season: Be mindful of holiday decor - it can be harmful to pets! Edible ornaments (popcorn, anyone?), low-hanging lights or tablecloths, imitation snow, tinsel, poinsettia, holly berries, and preservatives on your Christmas tree can all spell DISASTER for our pets. In fact, one of our team member's kitty Tsunami (below) was in this month, for possible foreign body obstruction after eating some tinsel. (Yes, these kinds of things can happen to anyone!). He's doing better now, but we'd like to use this as a reminder for cat owners to keep tinsel away from their cats. Curious cats and playful canines can wreak unwanted havoc on both their systems and your decor when tempted by these new, shiny items in their homes. Please be aware of the items you use to decorate your home and how accessible it is to your pet. If you have any doubts, we always say that it’s better to go on the safe side. Give the gift of peace and quiet to your pet - with a designated “chill” spot. Having visitors come and go frequently can upset even the most sociable of pets. Even pets that aren’t ordinarily shy may become nervous in the excitement and noise! Make sure your pet has a comfortable, quiet place inside if they want to retreat and get away from the commotion if they wish to. Pets that are nervous around people should be put it in another room or a crate with a favourite toy. Keep them away from potentially dangerous foods. We know it can be tough, but try to keep the people food for the people! Make or buy a SPECIAL holiday treat for your pet that is formulated for them, like a new bone or homemade treats. They will enjoy it just as much, and maybe more! Here are some holiday favourites that are hazardous for pets: Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Although the toxicity can vary based on the type of chocolate, the size of your pet, and the amount they ate, it’s safer to consider all chocolate off-limits to pets. Other sweets should be kept out of reach of pets. They are too rich for pets, and an artificial sweetener often found in baked goods, candy and chewing gum, xylitol, has been linked to liver failure and death in dogs. The fat in ham and turkey can cause some dogs to develop a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. Table scraps should be kept away from pets. Many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets, including onions, raisins and grapes. Clear the food and trash from your table, and keep it off the counters and serving areas when you are done using them. A turkey or chicken carcass left out could be deadly to your pet. Dispose of carcasses and bones in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors. PRO TIP FROM OUR HOUSEHOLDS TO YOURS : JUST IN CASE, KEEP YOUR PET’S COLLAR AND TAGS ON DURING THE HOLIDAYS AT ALL TIMES! There are just a few helpful tips to make entertaining this year a breeze. With that said, we wish you and yours a very happy holiday season. If you have any questions, be sure to call our friendly Sunrise team at (250) 339-6555. Best holiday wishes! Your Sunrise family.

All of us on the Sunrise Veterinary Clinic team can't believe how quickly the time has gone by this year; and what a year it was! Despite the hardship that COVID has created for our community and the challenges it has created for providing pet care, we are looking forward to a new year with a lot of optimism! One thing that has kept us all going through these times is that we love seeing new faces come through our doors (masked and all!). What we love most about first-time exams is getting to know YOU, and also whoever is in the carrier or on the end of the leash! We believe that your first visit to Sunrise Vet should be all about developing a relationship, building trust, and a fun introduction to a new place. With the new year quickly approaching, we thought it would be great to offer our monthly promotion to new clients! For the month of December, we are offering FREE first pet check-ups for clients NEW to our clinic. Please call our office to book your first appointment with us. We can't wait to meet you! 250-339-6555