Gateway Pet Hospital supports the routine use of anti-parasitic medication to prevent disease caused by parasites, and to prevent the spread of parasites to other pets and humans. Deworming protocols are based on risk factor that include location, exposure, risk of spread and risk to the pet’s family members.  We design our deworming protocols based on the recommendation from professional guidelines in North America. 

Key Points:

• Puppies and kittens are particularly susceptible to parasites. They can cause serious disease.
• Children and immune compromised adults are at highest risk for contracting parasites from pets.
• Many pets have parasites and shed microscopic parasite eggs without any signs.
• Parasites are usually picked up in the environment, in water or grass, or from direct contact with other dogs’ feces.
• Raw meat is also a source of intestinal parasites.

Resources:

Companion Animal Parasite Council: https://www.petsandparasites.org/resources/capc-guidelines
Canadian Parasitology Panel (CPEP): https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/files/2008/03/CPEP-guidelines-ENGLISH1.pdf

For more information on deworming, please visit parasite prevention on our website. 

Gateway Pet Hospital supports the use of vaccination against infectious disease in dogs and cats.  Our vaccination protocols are designed based on the latest information about local disease risk.  We design our protocols using the most recent professional guidelines and duration of immunity studies.  We tailor our protocols to each pet based on the needs of the pet and the pet’s family.

Key Points:

• Vaccines play in important role in the health and welfare of pets and humans.
• Vaccines registered for use in Canada have been tested for safety and efficacy
• The vaccination needs of every patient is assessed regularly and adjusted as needed

Resources: https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/vaccination-canine-configuration/vaccination-canine/

Gateway Pet Hospital supports the use of vaccination against infectious disease in dogs and cats.  Our vaccination protocols are designed based on the latest information about local disease risk.  We design our protocols using the most recent professional guidelines and duration of immunity studies.  We tailor our protocols to each pet based on the needs of the pet and the pet’s family.

Key Points:

• Vaccines play in important role in the health and welfare of pets and humans.
• Vaccines registered for use in Canada have been tested for safety and efficacy
• The vaccination needs of every patient is assessed regularly and adjusted as needed

Resources: 

Feline Vaccination Advisory Panel: https://catvets.com/guidelines/practice-guidelines/feline-vaccination-guidelines

Gateway Pet Hospital recommends spaying and neutering of dogs and cats that are not intended for breeding. This recommendation is based on preventing health problems associated with aging intact animals, as well as preventing accidental breedings that contribute to pet overpopulation. We are dedicated to staying current with developing and evolving research that evaluates the risks and benefits of spaying and neutering.  Every individual pet will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and a plan will be formulated with the pet’s family. 

It is important to remember that the below recommendations are guidelines only. Timing of your pet’s spay or neuter is an important item for you discuss with your veterinary team.

FELINE PATIENTS:

We recommend spaying and neutering ALL cats before 6 months of age.  This recommendation is based on clear, evidence-based research that it promotes individual pet health and prevents overpopulation

CANINE PATIENTS:

We currently recommend that all female dogs are spayed at 6 months of age, regardless of breed or size.  This decision is based on a review of current literature and research available covering suspected benefits and risks of spaying before or after estrus (heat).

We recommend neutering most large and giant breed male dogs at 12-14 months of age, and small and medium breed dogs at 6-10 months of age.  This decision is based on a review of current literature and research available that investigates the effects of hormones on bone and muscle development in growing dogs

Gateway Pet Hospital prides itself in providing the best possible care for our patients. We are strong advocates for our friends that have no voice, and strive to make choices in their best interest. For that reason, Gateway Pet Hospital does not perform declaws.

The term declawing actually describes partial digit amputations (usually done on both front paws). As you can imagine, it is a painful procedure that results in cats who can no longer perform their natural scratching and stretching behaviors.

While we have provided this surgical option in the past for our clients, more and more non-surgical options are available now to help deal with cats who scratch and are destructive. We are dedicated to working with, and supporting our clients to find alternative solutions that will work for them.

Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions or concerns about our policy.