Author: Ysabel Mano

Many pet parents love sharing snacks with their dogs—and it’s easy to see why! Those hopeful eyes are hard to resist. The good news is that many fruits and vegetables can make safe, healthy treats for your dog when given in moderation. At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we love helping pet owners choose nutritious options that support their pets’ well-being.

Before we dig in, remember: always introduce new foods slowly, offer them in small amounts, and remove any pits, seeds, or rinds. If your dog has health issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis, or food allergies, check with your veterinarian before offering new foods.

Dog-Friendly Fruits

🍎 Apples – Crunchy and full of vitamins A and C. Be sure to remove the core and seeds before serving.

🍌 Bananas – A great source of potassium and fiber. They’re sweet, so treat them like dessert—occasional, not daily.

🍉 Watermelon – Hydrating and refreshing on a hot day. Remove all seeds and rind before offering.

🍓 Strawberries, Blueberries, and Raspberries – Packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. Serve a few berries as a tasty low-calorie reward.

🍐 Pears – Another high-fiber option that’s gentle on most stomachs. Avoid the seeds and core.

🍊 Oranges and Mandarin slices – Small pieces can be safe for most dogs, but some dogs dislike the citrus scent.

🍍 Pineapple – Sweet, tropical, and rich in nutrients—but only small amounts! It’s high in natural sugar.

Dog-Friendly Vegetables

🥕 Carrots – Crunchy, low-calorie snacks that make great training treats.

🥦 Broccoli – A nutrient-rich superfood. Offer small pieces only, as too much can cause gas.

🥬 Green beans – A filling, fiber-rich treat. Serve fresh, steamed, or frozen (plain, never seasoned).

🥒 Cucumber – Refreshing, hydrating, and low in calories—perfect for hot days or weight-conscious pups.

🥔 Sweet potato – A favorite for many dogs! Cooked and mashed or dehydrated into chewy treats, it’s packed with vitamins and fiber.

🌽 Peas – Green peas (fresh, frozen, or thawed) are safe and high in protein. Avoid canned peas with added salt.

Fruits and Veggies to Avoid

Some foods that are healthy for people can be toxic to dogs. Never feed:

🚫 Grapes or raisins
🚫 Onions, garlic, leeks, or chives
🚫 Avocado
🚫 Cherry pits or apple seeds
🚫 Mushrooms (unless store-bought varieties and confirmed safe)

Even small amounts of these can cause serious health problems.

Serving Tips

• Wash all produce thoroughly.
• Cut into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
• Keep portions small—treats should make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
• Offer one new food at a time so you can monitor for any signs of stomach upset or allergies.

Talk to Your Vet First

Every dog is unique. Age, size, health conditions, and diet can all affect what’s safe or beneficial. If you’re unsure whether a particular fruit or vegetable is right for your dog, the Benson View Veterinary Hospital team is always happy to help.

Healthy treats = happy pets!
By choosing safe fruits and veggies, you’re giving your dog natural nutrition and variety while supporting a healthy weight and lifestyle.

If you’d like personalized diet advice or have questions about your pet’s nutrition, contact Benson View Veterinary Hospital today—we’re here to help your best friend live their healthiest life.

If your cat hides under the bed the moment the carrier appears, you’re not alone! Many cat owners find vet visits stressful—for both themselves and their feline friends.

At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we understand that cats see the world a little differently. With a few simple steps and some patience, you can help make veterinary visits much calmer, safer, and even more positive for your cat.

Why Vet Visits Can Be Stressful for Cats

Cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine, familiar scents, and predictable environments. A trip to the vet involves:

• The carrier (often associated with unpleasant memories)
• Car rides with unfamiliar sounds and motion
• Strange smells, sights, and other animals at the clinic

All these changes can trigger anxiety. But with gentle preparation, you can help your cat feel more comfortable before, during, and after the visit.

1. Choose the Right Carrier

A good carrier makes all the difference. Look for one that:

• Opens from both the top and front
• Can be taken apart easily (so your vet can examine your cat in the bottom half if needed)
• Is sturdy, secure, and easy to clean

Pro tip: Keep the carrier out all year round—not just before vet visits. Add soft bedding, treats, or toys so your cat sees it as a cozy hideout, not a trap.

2. Make the Carrier a Safe, Familiar Space

Turn the carrier into a positive place by:

• Leaving it open in a quiet area of your home
• Placing treats, food, or catnip inside
• Spraying it with Feliway® (a calming pheromone spray) 15–30 minutes before travel

When your cat begins to nap or play in the carrier voluntarily, you’re on your way to a stress-free start.

3. Keep Car Rides Calm

Cats often dislike car rides because of motion and unfamiliar noise.
You can make the experience smoother by:

• Securing the carrier on the seat with a seatbelt or blanket to prevent sliding
• Playing soft, soothing music
• Keeping the car cool and quiet (avoid loud radios or open windows)
• Speaking softly and reassuringly to your cat

Avoid feeding your cat a large meal right before travel—this helps reduce nausea or vomiting.

4. Minimize Stress at the Clinic

At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, our team works hard to make every cat visit as calm as possible. You can help by:

• Letting us know ahead of time if your cat is especially nervous—we’ll schedule your appointment strategically to reduce waiting and noise.
• Covering the carrier with a light towel or blanket in the waiting area to help your cat feel secure.
• Avoiding direct eye contact with other pets and keeping the carrier elevated on a bench or table instead of the floor.

Our team uses cat-friendly handling techniques, gentle voices, and calming pheromones to help your cat feel safe during exams.

5. Reward and Reassure After the Visit

Once you’re home, let your cat retreat to a quiet, familiar spot. Offer treats, affection, or playtime when they’re ready. Positive reinforcement helps your cat associate vet visits with good outcomes—and less fear next time. Other cats in the house may react differently to the cat that has been away for a few hours after they get home, so watch interactions and have a quiet separate area available if they need to be apart until any different smells from travel have gone away.

6. Consider Cat-Friendly Transport Aids

For cats who remain highly anxious despite your efforts, ask us about additional support.
We can discuss:

• Feline calming supplements or pheromones
• Mild anti-anxiety medication for especially nervous cats, that can be given by mouth at home prior to travel

These tools can make a huge difference in reducing stress and ensuring your cat’s visit goes smoothly.

Our Commitment to Cat Comfort

At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we know that every cat is unique. Our goal is to provide low-stress, compassionate care for both you and your feline companion. From gentle handling to a cat-friendly exam room, we take every step to ensure your cat feels safe and respected.

In Summary

With the right preparation and support, vet visits don’t have to be stressful!
By helping your cat get comfortable with their carrier, the car, and the clinic, you’re making veterinary care—and your cat’s overall health—so much easier in the long run.

Need help planning a calmer visit for your cat?
Contact Benson View Veterinary Hospital today for tips, scheduling options, or to learn more about our cat-friendly approach to veterinary care.

Your cat’s comfort matters to us—every step of the way.

As pet owners in the Nanaimo area, you may be tempted to shop online for your pet’s medications—after all, cheaper prices and doorstep delivery can look appealing. At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we understand that desire. But there are some important risks and regulatory considerations to keep in mind when it comes to online pet pharmacies. We want to help you understand why we encourage filling prescriptions through us (or a trusted, licensed pharmacy) rather than simply ordering from any online source, and how the regulations in British Columbia affect this process.

1. What the CVBC and Provincial Regulations Say

Here are some of the key regulatory points you should know:

• According to the CVBC’s guidelines, a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) must generally exist before a veterinarian can prescribe, dispense, or administer medications to an animal. This involves a physical exam done by the veterinarian at least every 12 months.
• Veterinarians licensed by the CVBC may prescribe and dispense medications to their own patients (or those within their practice/facility with an established VCPR), but they are not permitted to act as a pharmacy for other veterinarians’ patients—as that would be beyond their role as a veterinarian. Exceptions can be made to provide a short term supply of a medication as a “stop gap” until the pet’s regular veterinarian is available to fill that prescription.
• Veterinarians are required to provide a written prescription for any medication to a client if they are asked to do so, but CVBC regulations prevent veterinarians in BC from sending this prescription directly to an online pharmacy that is not licensed in BC. We can send prescriptions directly to local human pharmacies (either by fax or phone call), or clients can take their written prescription and get it filled at a pharmacy of their choice. Prescription writing fees can be charged if the medication is not being dispensed from the clinic that is writing the prescription.
• Also important: the CVBC (and the federal/provincial drug regulations) maintain rules around who is authorized to prescribe/dispense veterinary medications and under what circumstances. For example, veterinarians practising in BC must be registered with CVBC, practicing from an accredited facility, etc.

In short: there are legal, regulatory and professional safeguards in place in BC that govern how veterinary prescriptions and dispensing must work.

2. What Are the Risks of Ordering from Unvetted Online Pet Pharmacies?

When the above regulatory framework is bypassed (or unclear), several risks can arise. Some of them include:

• Incorrect medication or dosage: Online stores may not verify your pet’s weight, species, current health status, or other necessary diagnostics, potentially leading to under- or overdosing.
• Unknown product quality/supply chain: Some online pharmacies may source from unverified manufacturers, may not have proper packaging or storage, or may ship in conditions where the drug’s integrity is compromised (especially in our sometimes humid Pacific Northwest climate).
• Lack of local veterinary oversight: When your pet’s medication is filled outside your usual veterinary practice, the opportunity for your vet to review how the pet is doing, monitor for side-effects, adjust the dose, and record these changes may be reduced.
• Problems with follow-up and continuity of care: If the online pharmacy has no collaboration with your vet, your vet may not have records of what was dispensed, or whether your pet responded appropriately. This can hamper safe long-term management.
• Regulatory non-compliance: Some online operations may not fully respect provincial veterinary or pharmacy standards, meaning you and your pet may lack some protections.
• Hidden costs: While the medication may seem cheaper, you may incur additional costs if issues arise (side-effects, wrong drug, shipping delays). When adverse events occur, products not purchased at a veterinarian are not supported by drug companies who would otherwise maintain adverse event records and assist with follow up (and in some cases also assist financially with the cost of treatment).

3. Why We Recommend Staying with Your Vet (or a Trusted Licensed Pharmacy)

At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, our recommendation is based on striving for the highest standard of care for your pet and ensuring your peace of mind. Here’s what we can provide when you procure medications through us or through a pharmacy we trust:

• We can ensure the correct diagnosis, appropriate prescription, proper dose, and that all relevant follow-up or monitoring is planned.
• We maintain detailed medical records, so your pet’s response to treatment is documented over time.
• If your pet has an adverse reaction, or needs adjustment of dose or a change in medication, we’ll be immediately involved—rather than leaving you navigating that alone via an online pharmacy.
• Because we practice under the CVBC standards, you can be confident that your pet’s medication is dispensed under protocols that reflect local regulations and best practices.
• Where needed, we can liaise with licensed human pharmacists (if the drug is human-approved for off-label veterinary use) or a Canadian veterinary compounding pharmacy that meets regulatory standards.

4. Some Practical Tips for Pet Owners

• If you are considering ordering online: first check who is running the pharmacy (are they licensed in Canada? Do they specialize in veterinary meds? Do they require a valid vet prescription?).
• Ask about generic vs brand names, shipping times, storage conditions, and what happens if there’s an issue (defective product, wrong dosage, side-effect).
• Consider the total value, not just the price of the pill: timely delivery, correct dosing, and veterinary follow-up all matter.
• Keep your pet’s records updated with us (weight, condition, any changes), so when the time comes for prescribing again we’re working with current info.

5. Our Commitment to You at Benson View Veterinary Hospital

We understand that pet care costs are a concern, and we are committed to transparency, safety, and collaboration with you as pet owners. Our team wants to make sure your pet receives the right medication, in the right dose, under appropriate monitoring—and that you feel confident about how and where their medications are obtained.

If you ever have questions about your pet’s prescription, want to compare options, or are considering ordering online and want our input, we’re here to help. Please call us to discuss your pet’s specific needs.

In Summary

Yes—online pet pharmacies can offer convenience and lower price, but they also come with important caveats, especially under the professional and regulatory standards in British Columbia. At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we believe that your pet’s health and safety are best supported when medication prescribing and dispensing are done within the framework of an established veterinary care relationship, under the oversight of your vet, and with products that meet regulated standards.

Your pet’s well-being is worth the extra care and oversight. If you want to talk about your pet’s medication, fill a prescription through us, or understand how we approach dispensing safely, please get in touch.

We’re always happy to explain the “why” behind our recommendations.

Leptospirosis, often called “lepto,” is a serious bacterial infection that affects both animals and people. In British Columbia, especially in wetter regions and urban areas with abundant wildlife, we’re seeing more cases of canine leptospirosis every year.
At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we want pet owners to understand how this disease spreads, what signs to watch for, and—most importantly—how to protect your dog.

What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. These bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals, such as raccoons, rats, skunks, and deer.
Dogs can become infected when they drink, swim in, or walk through contaminated water or soil. Even a small cut or exposure through the eyes, nose, or mouth can allow infection to occur.
Because leptospirosis is zoonotic, it can also spread to humans—making prevention essential for the whole family.

Why Is Lepto a Concern in BC?

British Columbia’s mild, wet climate provides the perfect breeding ground for Leptospira bacteria. Puddles, ponds, and damp soil can harbor the organism for weeks or even months.
Across BC—including the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, and Vancouver Island—veterinary clinics have reported a rise in canine leptospirosis cases, including recent cases in Victoria and Nanaimo. Even city dogs are at risk, as rats and other urban wildlife can carry and spread the bacteria.

Signs and Symptoms in Dogs
Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild illness to life-threatening organ failure. Some dogs may appear only a little “off” at first. Watch for signs such as:

• Fever or general tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Increased or decreased urination
• Yellowing of the gums or eyes (jaundice)
• Bleeding or bruising

Because these signs overlap with other illnesses, prompt veterinary attention is crucial. Without early treatment, leptospirosis can lead to severe kidney or liver damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your veterinarian suspects leptospirosis, they will recommend blood and urine testing, and may perform imaging to evaluate your dog’s organs.
Treatment often includes:

• Antibiotics to clear the infection
• IV fluids to support the kidneys
• Hospital care for monitoring in more serious cases

With quick treatment, many dogs recover fully. However, some may have lasting kidney or liver changes, and Leptospirosis can be fatal in cases where liver and kidney damage has occurred so early detection is key.

Prevention: Protecting Your Dog (and Your Family)

Leptospirosis is largely preventable with the right care and precautions:

1. Vaccinate:
   The leptospirosis vaccine is safe and effective against the strains most common in BC. At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we consider the lepto vaccine to be a core vaccine, and it is recommended for all dogs. Our team can help you assess your dog’s individual risk and create a vaccination schedule that fits their lifestyle.
2. Avoid stagnant water:
   Try to prevent your dog from drinking out of puddles or ditches, especially after heavy rain.
3. Discourage rodents:
   Secure garbage and don’t leave pet food outside. Reducing rodent activity helps lower exposure risk.
4. Practice good hygiene:
   Wash your hands after handling your dog—especially if your pet has been ill or exposed to contaminated environments.

In Summary

Leptospirosis is a serious but preventable disease that continues to affect dogs across British Columbia. With vaccination, awareness, and a little caution, you can help keep your dog healthy—and your family safe.

Have questions about leptospirosis or your dog’s vaccines?
Call Benson View Veterinary Hospital today. Our team is here to help keep your pets protected all year long.

Pet owners often ask us why their dog or cat needs to be under anesthesia for a dental cleaning. It’s a great question—and one we love to answer! While “awake” or “non-anesthetic” cleanings may sound appealing, they don’t provide the same level of care, comfort, or safety that a professional, anesthetic dental procedure offers.

At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. Here’s why anesthesia is an essential part of proper veterinary dental care.

1. We Can Thoroughly Examine the Whole Mouth

• When pets are awake, it’s impossible to safely and completely examine all their teeth and gums—especially the areas under the gumline, where most dental disease hides.
  Under anesthesia, our team can:
  Inspect every tooth individually on all sides
• Probe for pockets of infection or bone loss
• Take dental X-rays to assess root and bone health
• Identify painful issues like abscesses, resorptive lesions, or fractured teeth
• Without anesthesia, these problems can easily be missed—and untreated dental disease can cause pain, infection, and even organ damage over time.

2. A Pain-Free, Stress-Free Experience for Your Pet

Dental procedures require scaling (removing tartar and plaque) both above and below the gumline. Even gentle handling can be stressful or uncomfortable for an awake animal.
Anesthesia allows your pet to rest calmly and painlessly while we perform a complete cleaning and treatment. It also means:

• No fear or struggling
• No accidental injury from dental tools
• A smoother, safer experience from start to finish

Your pet wakes up without the anxiety or discomfort they might otherwise feel during an awake procedure.

3. A Safe, Controlled Environment

Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe when performed with proper protocols and monitoring—just like it would be in a human hospital.
At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, your pet’s anesthetic procedure includes:

• A pre-anesthetic exam and bloodwork to check organ function
• Tailored anesthetic drugs based on your pet’s health and size
• Continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, oxygenation, breathing and temperature
• Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and support circulation
• Our trained veterinary team is by your pet’s side every moment, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the procedure and recovery.

4. True Cleaning Means Going Below the Gumline

Non-anesthetic “cleanings” only remove visible tartar on the surface of the teeth. While this may make teeth look cleaner, it doesn’t address the bacteria and plaque hiding beneath the gums—the real source of periodontal disease.
Only an anesthetized dental procedure allows us to:

• Scale below the gumline
• Remove deep-seated bacteria
• Polish the teeth to slow future plaque buildup
• Take dental x-rays to look for changes below the gumline
• This type of cleaning is what truly promotes oral health and prevents future problems.

5. Treating Problems Right Away

If we find a damaged or infected tooth during your pet’s dental procedure, anesthesia allows us to take care of it right away—whether that means extraction, repair, or additional imaging.
Without anesthesia, these problems would go untreated, leaving your pet at risk for ongoing pain or infection.

Your Pet’s Comfort and Safety Come First

At Benson View Veterinary Hospital, we know anesthesia can be a source of worry for pet owners—but it’s an essential part of providing comprehensive, safe, and pain-free dental care. Our team uses the latest monitoring equipment and anesthetic techniques to ensure every procedure is as safe and comfortable as possible.
We want every pet to enjoy a healthy mouth, fresh breath, and a longer, happier life.

Have Questions About Dental Care?

If you’ve been putting off your pet’s dental cleaning or have concerns about anesthesia, we’d be happy to talk with you.
Call Benson View Veterinary Hospital today or book an appointment online to discuss your pet’s dental health and the safest way to care for their smile.