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We really are living in uncertain times. The winter weather adds extra to the unpredictability. If you haven't already, we recommend making a first aid kit for your pet. It could become an essential part of the extra care you can provide, with the help of your veterinarian, who may be able to advise you on how to help your pet, on route for an emergency or at home. For those who already have a pet first aid kit, remember to check it monthly, making sure none of the contents have expired.
The ASPCA website shows you how to make a kit here. In addition to what is listed, we would recommend also stocking your kit with 25 mg Benadryl and Polysporin for eyes. If you would rather purchase a kit, the St. John Ambulance is one source and you will need to add fresh 3% hydrogen peroxide, Benadryl and Polysporin eye. Having 3% hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting in dogs with veterinary guidance) and Benadryl (the active ingredient is diphenhydramine, and the tablet/caplet form is preferred over children's liquid because it has the potential to have not so safe sweetener in it and the volume you would have to use in a bigger dog could be a lot) on hand alone, is a great idea. Stay safe and healthy and may you never have to use this kit (but be glad you have it if you do). Did you know that pet ownership is higher in Atlantic Canada than in the prairies and BC? So far, in the covid-19 pandemic, about 900000 adult Canadians became first time pet owners (https://abacusdata.ca/pets-pandemic-canada/). Of current pet owners, about 18% report obtaining a new pet during the pandemic (https://narrativeresearch.ca/canada-has-seen-a-significant-increase-in-pet-owners-since-the-start-of-the-covid-19-pandemic/).
In the last few years, we are experiencing a shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, world wide. Here is Dr. Berdina Bakker, the vice president of the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association (NBVMA), discussing the workforce shortage. Almost all pet owners believe their pet brings joy and improved quality to their lives. This is a finding that we hold dear. As your veterinarian, it is an ongoing challenge, as we try to find ways to care for you and your pet, while caring for ourselves, in order to give you the best of us. Here is Dr. David Jamael, the president of the NBVMA, discussing the challenges of the workforce shortage. How do we mitigate these challenges and stressors? There is the lack of veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the workforce, but also coping resources that are available to practises and individuals varies (www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/newsroom/merck-animal-healths-third-veterinarian-wellbeing-study-reveals-increased-health-challenges-and-psychological-distress-among-veterinarians, let alone giving ourselves permission to make time to take care of each other. We are by the nature of our profession, givers of care. With the pressures now, directing this attention to in a broader sense, seems crucial, so that we can continue to be able to provide the best sides of ourselves to our patients and clients and to welcome more people to our workforce. Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support as covid-19 challenges us to be resilient, updating our protocols often, with little notice.
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About the Author, Michiko Gehrig
I grew up on Crow Hill Road. At the time, we were the only house on that dirt road that led to infinity in the middle of "nowhere" New Brunswick. I had the forest and the wildlife as my neighbours, so as a child I was constantly on the look out to "rescue" orphaned mice, birds and baby salamanders. Nature was our backyard and once, I mistook a coyote for the family dog, calling her name and not realizing who it was until it turned around to look at me. My family had a small farm, living as much off the land as possible, and so I think that's why it came natural for me to realize I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 8 years old. At this young age, I also felt strongly about respecting the environment, sensing how the two could not be separated. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of New Brunswick in 1999, I attended the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown PEI and received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. I've practiced in general practice and emergency clinics in New Brunswick, Ontario and British Columbia and was humbled and delighted to open the doors of Kannon Animal Hospital in September 2012. Archives
August 2024
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