Welcoming and assessing your pet before surgery

As soon as your companion arrives at the clinic, a veterinary technician welcomes them and assesses their overall condition. This initial assessment includes:

• weighing your pet;
• taking their temperature;
• checking their heart rate;
• and checking their breathing.

The veterinary technician also makes sure that preoperative instructions have been followed, such as fasting or administering any medications prescribed before surgery, like a sedative.

Reassuring owners

Veterinary surgery is often very stressful for pet owners. Veterinary technicians play an important role in supporting families. They take the time to explain how the day will unfold, answer questions and offer reassurance. Building trust is an integral part of the veterinary care team’s responsibilities.

Good to know: The veterinarian overseeing the anaesthesia will always perform a complete examination of your pet before proceeding.

Constant monitoring before the procedure

Once your pet has been admitted, they are settled comfortably in a cage or enclosure near the veterinary team. This allows the team to monitor your pet continuously before and after the procedure to make sure they remain calm and comfortable.

Preparing the veterinary operating room

Meanwhile, the veterinary technician prepares all the equipment and supplies needed for the day’s surgeries.

This includes:

• sterile surgical instruments;
• anaesthesia equipment;
• medications;
• and anaesthesia monitoring devices.

The day before surgery, the operating room is also cleaned and disinfected according to strict protocols to maintain a safe, sterile environment.

Preoperative care before anaesthesia

Before the procedure, the veterinary technician may provide preparatory care, including:

• drawing blood for preoperative testing;
• placing an intravenous catheter;
• and administering prescribed medications to help your pet remain calm and comfortable.

Throughout this preparation, the technician carefully monitors the patient’s overall condition.

So, even before the veterinarian begins surgery, much of the work is already underway thanks to veterinary technicians. Their role is essential to ensuring animals’ comfort, safety and well-being during their time at the clinic. Remember to thank them the next time your pet has surgery!

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The day was also an opportunity to support two organizations dedicated to animal welfare. SOS Miss Dolittle and Refuge Aide aux Félins had representatives on site to share their missions and collect donations.

Dr. Lucie Hénault, veterinarian and president of Flair & cie, was also there to chat with visitors, who had the opportunity to receive her books as gifts.

What a wonderful day of sharing! Thank you to the families who came to meet us and the participating organizations who joined us. It was a pleasure to welcome you all. And thank you to our team for making the day such a success!

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A graduate of Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe, Cassandra began her career in 2005 before joining the Flair & cie team in 2016. Passionate about animal behaviour and exotic pets, she has become a go-to resource for her colleagues, particularly when it comes to caring for birds, rabbits and ferrets.

Attentive to each patient’s comfort, she adapts her handling techniques to minimize stress and helps incorporate the Fear Free approach into everyday care at Hôpital vétérinaire Le Gardeur. In 2017, she established an animal behaviour service offering consultations, personalized follow-up care and puppy kindergarten classes.

Cassandra also stands out for her dedication to sharing her knowledge. She mentors interns and new employees, trains her colleagues and teaches avian behaviour to students in animal health technology programs. Her commitment extends to the community through fundraising initiatives, including one for Refuge Les Mignons Pompons which helps domestic rabbits.

Through her diligence, compassion and generosity, Cassandra makes a difference in the lives of animals, their families and her team. She will officially receive her award at the gala on Saturday, November 7, in Nicolet.

Congratulations, Cassandra, on this well-deserved recognition!

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Can you include your pet in your will?

If you have a will, you can specify what will happen to your pet and name the person you would like to entrust them to. If possible, you can also set aside money to help that person care for your companion or pay for pet health insurance. This is known as a “legacy with a charge,” a bequest that comes with an obligation. Your pet, however, cannot inherit. In Quebec, you cannot leave property directly to a furry or feathered companion.

What happens if you pass away without a will?

Without a will, your pet will form part of your estate. Your legal heirs will then be responsible for settling the estate, unless they appoint someone else as liquidator. Who will take care of your companion will therefore need to be determined as part of the estate settlement process. And that process can take time.

Who can make decisions for your pet?

There’s another aspect we tend to think about less often: having the animal in your care does not necessarily mean you have the legal authority to make every decision concerning them.

After an owner’s death, the veterinarian will need to confirm who has the legal authority to act on the animal’s behalf. Documents may be required to show that you are now the animal’s guardian or that you represent the estate, particularly before you can access certain information in the animal’s medical record or make important decisions about their care.

Plan ahead for who will care for your dog or cat

If you want your cat or dog to live with your sister, your son or your best friend, don’t simply tell them, “If anything happens to me, you’ll take care of my pet.”

Discuss it with that person. Make sure they agree, then put your wishes in writing in legal documents.

Because when the time comes for someone to care for your faithful companion, it’s best for everything to be clear—for your family, your veterinary team and, above all, your pet.

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Behind these playful names are dogs whose traits—and certain predispositions—come from both parent breeds. A “doodle” may therefore be at risk of health conditions associated with both the poodle and the other breed in the mix.

Here’s what you need to know to better care for your companion.

What joint problems can affect “doodles”?

Large “doodles” can have the same genetic joint abnormalities as most large-breed dogs. Among the most common are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Small dogs, such as some miniature poodle crosses with shih tzus or Maltese dogs, are at greater risk of patellar luxation, or a dislocated kneecap.

These conditions can cause limping and contribute to the development of osteoarthritis over time. An unusual gait, reluctance to run or jump, or limping therefore deserve your attention.

Are “doodles” prone to digestive problems?

Standard poodles are predisposed to gastric torsion, a twisting of the stomach that can be fatal if not treated within hours of symptoms appearing. Addison’s disease, a serious hormonal disorder often associated with digestive symptoms and weakness, is another condition to watch for. These predispositions can be passed on to large poodle crossbreeds and should be considered when digestive problems arise.

Are allergies common in “doodles”?

“Doodles” of all sizes frequently suffer from environmental or food allergies. Several signs may appear:

• Recurring ear infections
• Itching
• Persistent paw licking
• Digestive symptoms, such as vomiting or loose stool

The large amount of hair in their ears can also complicate matters. Pay attention if your dog scratches, frequently shakes their head or licks excessively.

Are some “doodles” at greater risk of cancer?

Tumours and cancers can also affect “doodle” dogs, particularly bernedoodles, a cross between a standard poodle and a Bernese mountain dog. Bernese mountain dogs have an increased risk of developing various types of cancer, which bernedoodles may also inherit. If you notice an unusual lump or a decline in your dog’s overall health, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian.

Why should you keep an eye on your “doodle’s” eyes?

The beautiful curly coat of poodle crossbreeds generally requires a lot of maintenance, particularly around the eyes. Hair must be kept clear particularly around the eyes, where the hair needs to be trimmed to prevent rubbing and irritation. Without proper grooming, this hair can cause conjunctivitis or even inflammation of the cornea. Some “doodles” also have eyelid abnormalities that can make the problem worse. Your groomer can show you how to care for this area, or you can learn to do it yourself at home.

Every “doodle” is different

Goldendoodle, labradoodle, bernedoodle, cavapoo… each crossbreed has its own unique traits and may inherit certain predispositions from its parent breeds. Your veterinarian remains your best resource for understanding your companion’s predispositions and adapting their care to their needs throughout their life.

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• Hôpital vétérinaire de Montréal: Saturday, October 3, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. To book an appointment, call 514-489-8217.

• Clinique vétérinaire Animomédic: Saturday, October 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. To book an appointment, call 514-521-1678.

Visits are by appointment only, with one appointment slot per cat. Spaces are limited.

Your cat must be healthy to receive the vaccine. The cost is $70 and includes a health exam and the rabies vaccine. No other vaccines or services will be offered during this visit. You will receive a vaccination certificate.

Cats have been affected by raccoon rabies in Quebec this year. The disease can spread from animals to humans and is fatal once symptoms appear. To better understand the risks and learn how to protect your pet, read our article about raccoon rabies in Quebe

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Dr. Vincent Paradis, Proanima was founded in 2012. What circumstances led to its creation?

Proanima was created to meet the needs of municipalities while helping animals. Although we provide traditional shelter services, our mission goes much further. Through our three facilities in Boucherville, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and, since January 1, Montreal, we offer a wide range of services for both animals and members of the community.

What are Proanima’s most popular services?

We take in animals surrendered by owners who are no longer able to care for them. We also care for lost animals and animals found in public spaces, as well as animals requiring assistance in connection with public emergency services. One example would be a cat left behind in an empty apartment following a move.

Which of your services are less familiar to the public?

Among other things, we provide temporary shelter for animals whose owners are experiencing difficult circumstances. For example, this week, we took in the pet of someone who died following an overdose. The animal was later placed in the care of a family member. We can also care for animals when a mother and her children must leave their home to escape domestic violence. These services may be less well known, but they are essential to the community.

Proanima also offers an educational program. What does it involve?

Our teams visit schools to raise awareness about topics such as bite prevention and safe ways to interact with animals. Since the program began, we have reached nearly 20,000 students. It is a very important part of our prevention mission.

Do you offer emergency services?

Yes. We provide emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Naturally, these services are intended for certain types of situations, such as animal in distress, animals that have bitten someone and animals found dead in public spaces.

You recently received the 2026 Ani-Bon Award from the Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec en pratique des petits animaux. The award recognizes an organization that has distinguished itself through its positive impact and concrete actions supporting animal welfare in Quebec. What does this honour mean to you and your team?

This honour means a great deal to our teams. It is a wonderful recognition of the work they accomplish every day. We now serve nearly 2.2 million people and care for between 15,000 and 20,000 animals each year. Receiving an award like this confirms that our efforts are making a real difference in the community.

Visit: https://www.proanima.com/ to learn more. 

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I often ask owners if I can offer their dog or cat a treat during an appointment. Do you know why?

First, it allows me to confirm that your furry companion does not have any allergies, food intolerances or gastrointestinal issues.

For many animals, the veterinary clinic is also a stressful place. One or more small treats can help reduce that stress and turn the visit into a more positive experience. This small gesture can also help start a conversation with the family member accompanying the animal.

And while the animal is eating… I observe.

Prehension: how an animal picks up food

Offering a treat may seem insignificant, but it gives us veterinarians several important pieces of information. We observe how the animal picks up the food, chews it and swallows it. In veterinary medicine, this is called prehension.

This term simply refers to an animal’s ability to pick up food with its mouth. Some dogs and cats eagerly grab the treat. Others hesitate, take it gently or drop it. Sometimes, the food falls out of the animal’s mouth, or the animal seems interested but is unable to grasp it properly.

These small details can tell us a great deal and are part of the physical examination.

Anorexia or pseudo-anorexia in dogs and cats

When a dog or cat stops eating at home, many owners tell us that their pet is anorexic. However, in veterinary medicine, we make an important distinction between anorexia and pseudo-anorexia.

With anorexia, the animal has truly lost their appetite. They no longer want to eat, even when offered something especially appealing.

With pseudo-anorexia, the situation is different. The animal still has an appetite but cannot eat properly. They may want to eat and approach their food but have difficulty picking it up, chewing it or swallowing it.

Possible causes of difficulty eating

Several conditions can explain these difficulties:

• dental pain;
• inflammation in the mouth;
• a lodged foreign object;
• a fractured jaw;
• an abscess behind the eye;
• a neurological problem affecting the tongue or jaw muscles.

A physical examination will help establish a diagnosis. If necessary, further testing can help identify the cause of the eating difficulties.

Let your veterinarian give your dog or cat a treat

You now know why your veterinarian often asks permission to offer your furry companion a treat during an appointment.

Unless you have a good reason to decline—such as a known allergy or digestive issue—it is best to let your veterinarian treat your companion.

This small gesture can make the visit more pleasant for your pet while also helping us better understand what may be going on.

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What is urinary incontinence in dogs?

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary release of urine. A dog with urinary incontinence does not get into position to urinate; urine leaks without the dog realizing it, often while lying down or deeply relaxed.

A common condition in spayed female dogs

Urinary incontinence is fairly common in adult spayed female dogs. Over time, the urinary sphincter, the muscle that holds urine in the bladder, may become less effective. Small leaks can then occur, especially while the dog is resting or sleeping.

What about younger female dogs?

Incontinence can also affect younger female dogs. In these cases, an anatomical abnormality, such as an ectopic ureter, may be suspected. This means that urine drains somewhere other than the correct location in the bladder.

Other possible causes

Several other medical conditions can cause urine leakage, including:

• a urinary tract infection;
• bladder stones;
• the presence of a mass.

In these situations, the dog may urinate more frequently, sometimes in small amounts, and appear uncomfortable.

When should you consult a veterinarian?

An isolated incident can happen. However, if you notice that your faithful companion regularly leaves wet spots where she was lying, the episodes keep happening or she is licking herself more often than usual, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

A condition that can often be effectively managed

Once other possible causes have been ruled out, urinary incontinence can generally be effectively managed with appropriate medication.

Most importantly, avoid scolding your furry friend: she has no control over the leakage.

In conclusion, a female dog who urinates while sleeping is not doing it on purpose. Urinary incontinence is a common medical condition that can be effectively managed. If you have any concerns, speak with your veterinary team.

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Our online store is here to make your life easier, this season more than ever. No more extra trips: the products recommended by your veterinarian are available online and can be delivered right to your door.

Food, accessories and more: everything your pet needs, just a few clicks away.

Whether you received a recommendation during your last visit or simply need to restock your usual supplies, our store offers products carefully selected by our veterinary team with your pet’s well-being in mind.

Online store

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