Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services Nanaimo

06/03/2026

Does your dog have a mysterious lump or swelling under their eye? It might not be what you think — it could be a tooth root abscess!

A tooth root abscess occurs when bacteria invade the root of a tooth, causing a painful pocket of infection deep below the gumline. In dogs, the upper fourth premolar — sometimes called the carnassial tooth — is one of the most commonly affected teeth. Because its roots sit so close to the tissue beneath the eye, an abscess here can show up as a soft, warm swelling on the face, just below or in front of the eye.

Many owners are surprised to learn that what looks like a skin problem or an eye issue is actually coming from a tooth!

Other signs to watch for:
- Reluctance to chew or dropping food
- Pawing at the face or eye
- Bad breath
- A draining wound or crusty patch on the cheek
- Pain or sensitivity around the muzzle

Tooth root abscesses are painful and won't resolve on their own — they require veterinary treatment, which often includes antibiotics, pain relief, and tooth extraction.

The good news? Regular dental check-ups and at-home tooth brushing can go a long way in preventing dental disease before it reaches this stage.

If you notice any facial swelling on your dog, don't wait — give us a call to book a dental exam. Early treatment means less pain and a faster recovery for your pup.

(778) 716-8387

06/03/2026

Wellness Wednesday! Nanaimo we have evening appointments available tonight until 8pm for your pets annual wellness exams. Call us to book! (778) 716-8387.

06/02/2026

Great news Nanaimo! We have same day appointments available today!

Send a message to learn more

06/02/2026

06/01/2026

Wednesday evenings 5-8pm wellness appointments are available.

06/01/2026

What does the DA2PP vaccine actually protect your dog from?

DA2PP is one of the most essential vaccines your dog will receive — often called the "distemper combo" or core vaccine. Here's what each letter means:

Distemper (D) — a serious and often fatal viral disease that attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Symptoms range from coughing and vomiting to seizures. There is no cure, making prevention critical.

Adenovirus Type 2 (A2) — protects against infectious canine hepatitis (caused by Adenovirus Type 1) and canine infectious tracheobronchitis (kennel cough). It can cause severe liver disease and eye damage.

Parvovirus (P) — one of the most feared canine diseases. Parvo is highly contagious, extremely resilient in the environment, and can be fatal — especially in puppies. It causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and rapid dehydration.

Parainfluenza (P) — a major contributor to kennel cough, causing a hacking cough and respiratory illness that spreads rapidly between dogs.

➕ And don't forget Leptospirosis!

Leptospirosis — caused by bacteria found in soil and water contaminated by wildlife urine (think puddles, lakes, and muddy trails). It can cause kidney and liver failure in dogs — and it can also infect humans, making it a public health concern too. On Vancouver Island, where dogs love to splash through streams and explore the outdoors, this vaccine is especially important!

DA2PP is a core vaccine recommended for ALL dogs. Puppies start their series at 8 weeks old, with boosters continuing into adulthood.

Keep your pup protected — talk to us about staying up to date!

Give us a call at (778) 716-8387.

06/01/2026

Ever wonder what the FVRCP vaccine actually does for your cat?

FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia — and it's one of the most important vaccines your cat will ever receive. Here's what it protects against:

🦠 Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) — caused by feline herpesvirus, this is a leading cause of severe upper respiratory infections, with symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye ulcers. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life.

🦠 Calicivirus (C) — another major respiratory virus that can also cause painful mouth ulcers and, in severe cases, pneumonia.

🦠 Panleukopenia (P) — also known as feline distemper, this is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that attacks the immune system and gut. It's especially dangerous in kittens.

The FVRCP is considered a core vaccine, meaning it's recommended for ALL cats — indoor and outdoor alike — because several of these viruses are hardy enough to be tracked indoors on clothing and shoes.

Kittens typically receive a series of boosters starting at 8 weeks, with adults needing regular boosters to stay protected.

A small poke goes a long way in keeping your kitty healthy!

Give us a call to book in for a wellness exam and vaccination.
(778)-8387

05/31/2026

Nanaimo — don't let fleas and ticks catch you off guard!

Our mild, wet climate is a year-round paradise… for parasites. Ticks on Vancouver Island can carry Lyme disease and other serious illnesses, while fleas can cause intense itching, skin infections, and even tapeworms in your cats and dogs.

The good news? Prevention is simple. Monthly or three month topical or chewable products are available to keep your furry family members protected all year long — not just in summer.

Come and talk to us about the best option for your pet, and remember: a few seconds of prevention can save your pet from months of discomfort.

Give us a call to book your annual wellness appointment to discuss parasite control. (778) 716-8387.

05/29/2026

Is your cat sneezing, sniffling, or has a runny nose? It could be more than just a tickle!

Upper respiratory tract disease (cat "colds") is one of the most common illnesses we see in cats — especially in kittens, shelter cats, and multi-cat households. It's most often caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, and spreads easily between cats through sneezing, shared food bowls, and grooming.

Watch for these signs:
- Sneezing or nasal discharge
- Watery or goopy eyes
- Mouth ulcers or drooling
- Lethargy or loss of appetite

The great news? Vaccination is your first line of defence — the core FVRCP vaccine protects against the most common culprits. If your cat is already showing symptoms, don't wait. Early treatment makes a big difference.

Call to book an appointment to get those sneezes sorted out. (778) 716-8387.

05/24/2026

What an incredible day! 🐾

We want to send a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support our Open House at Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services Nanaimo on Friday. It was wonderful meeting so many amazing pet parents, families, friends, and community members throughout the day.

We truly appreciate everyone who took the time to tour our facility, meet our team, ask questions, and celebrate this exciting chapter with us. Seeing so many happy faces — both human and furry — made the day incredibly special.

Your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm mean the world to us, and we’re so grateful to be part of such a caring community. We look forward to continuing to provide compassionate care for your beloved pets for many years to come. ❤️🐶🐱

Thank you again for making our Open House such a success!

— Dr Harrison, Dr Devai, and The Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services Nanaimo Team

A huge thank you to our friends for attending our event:
Lisa from Zoetis
Erin from Royal Canin
Bonnie and BC SPCA Nanaimo
Chrystal and Kathy from CatNap Society
Donairnuts

Another huge thank you to those who donated:
Purina
Boehringer Ingelheim
Honour Your Pet
Pacific Veterinary Sales
Merck
ProConcepts
Royal Canin
Zoetis
IDEXX
Heath Law
Tundra