Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services Nanaimo

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A huge thank you to our amazing registered veterinary technicians for everything you do for our patients, our clients, a...
10/13/2026

A huge thank you to our amazing registered veterinary technicians for everything you do for our patients, our clients, and our team.

Your compassion, dedication, hard work, and willingness to go above and beyond make such a difference every single day. From caring for our patients during their most vulnerable moments to supporting our veterinarians and comforting worried pet parents, the work you do is truly invaluable. So much of what you do happens behind the scenes, but it never goes unnoticed and unappreciated

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful locum technicians. Thank you for stepping in, sharing your skills, supporting our team, and helping us provide the best possible care to our patients. Your flexibility and willingness to help mean more than you know.

Veterinary medicine takes a special kind of person, and we are so grateful to have such caring, hardworking, and dedicated technicians as part of our team ❤️

Thank you for all that you do, for the compassion you show, and for the difference you make in so many lives-both two-legged and four legged. We appreciate you more than words can say and this week we celebrate you!!! 🐶🐱

Just a friendly reminder to everyone. We will be closed on Friday October 9th as well as Monday October 12th.  If your p...
10/06/2026

Just a friendly reminder to everyone. We will be closed on Friday October 9th as well as Monday October 12th. If your pet requires any refills of prescriptions or food, please call and request them no later than Wednesday October 7th at noon. We will return to our regular hours on Tuesday October 13th at 8:30 am. Please see below should your pet need any urgent or emergency care. Thank you for your continued support.

Is your pet overweight? Did you know over half of pets in North America are overweight or obese? A few extra pounds migh...
09/23/2026

Is your pet overweight?
Did you know over half of pets in North America are overweight or obese? A few extra pounds might not seem like much, but it can seriously affect your pet's health and lifespan.

THE BODY CONDITION SCORE (BCS)
Vets use a 1–9 scale to assess weight — based on how your pet's body looks and feels, not just the number on a scale:

🟢 Ideal (4-5): Ribs easily felt, visible waist, belly tucks up
🟡 Overweight (6-7): Ribs hard to feel, waist barely visible
🔴 Obese (8-9): Ribs difficult to feel, no waist, rounded belly

✅ CHECK THESE AT HOME:

You can feel (not see) the ribs with light pressure
Visible waist when viewed from above
Belly tucks up behind the ribs (side view)
Good energy and comfortable movement

❤️ WHY IT MATTERS:
Extra weight raises the risk of:
🦴 Osteoarthritis & joint pain
🩺 Diabetes
💓 Heart & respiratory disease
⏳ Up to 2+ years off their lifespan

Understanding Urinary Diets for PetsYou may have heard your veterinary team recommend a "urinary diet" for your pet. The...
09/21/2026

Understanding Urinary Diets for Pets

You may have heard your veterinary team recommend a "urinary diet" for your pet. These specialized diets are formulated very differently from regular pet foods, and for some pets, they play a critical role in preventing serious - even life-threatening - health problems.

How Is a Urinary Diet Different?
• Controlled mineral levels - reduced magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium to lower the building blocks of common urinary crystals and stones
• Managed urine pH - formulated to keep urine in a range that discourages crystal formation (the ideal range differs depending on the type of stone being prevented)
• Increased moisture and sodium - encourages pets to drink more and produces more dilute urine, which helps flush the urinary tract
• Controlled, high-quality protein - reduces the mineral load passed through the urinary system
• Added omega-3 fatty acids - can help reduce bladder inflammation, especially in cats

Because these diets are precisely balanced, it's important that pets on a urinary diet eat only that food - extra treats, table scraps, or a different diet can undo its benefits.

Which Pets Really Need One?
• Cats with a history of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) or feline idiopathic cystitis
• Cats or dogs that have had urinary crystals or bladder/kidney stones (such as struvite or calcium oxalate)
• Male cats, especially neutered males, who are at higher risk of a life-threatening urethral blockage
• Dog breeds prone to urinary stones, such as Dalmatians, Bulldogs, Miniature Schnauzers, and Yorkshire Terriers
• Pets with recurrent urinary tract infections

A Few Important Notes
• Urinary diets are typically only recommended for pets with a diagnosed need - they aren't a one-size-fits-all preventive food
• There are different types of urinary diets depending on the specific type of crystal or stone involved, so an accurate diagnosis matters
• Fresh water should always be available, and encouraging water intake (such as with a water fountain or wet food) supports urinary health alongside diet
• Never switch a pet to or off a urinary diet without our guidance

Wondering if a urinary diet is right for your pet? We're happy to talk it through with you.
778-716-8387 | fbvsn.ca

Treat Guidelines & Safe People Food for PetsIt's easy to want to share a bite with your furry friend! But not all human ...
09/18/2026

Treat Guidelines & Safe People Food for Pets

It's easy to want to share a bite with your furry friend! But not all human foods are safe, and even the safe ones need to be given in moderation. Here's a quick guide to help you treat your pet responsibly.

The 10% Rule
Treats (including safe people food) should make up no more than about 10% of your pet's total daily calories. The rest should come from a complete, balanced diet - too many extras can lead to weight gain and nutrient imbalances over time.

Foods That Are Generally Safe in Moderation
• Plain cooked chicken, turkey, or lean beef (no bones, skin, or seasoning)
• Carrots, green beans, and cucumber slices
• Plain cooked pumpkin or sweet potato
• Small pieces of apple or banana (no seeds or core)
• Plain, unsalted peanut butter (check it's xylitol-free)
• Plain cooked eggs

Foods to Avoid
• Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some peanut butters)
• Alcohol and raw yeast dough
• Cooked bones (can splinter) and fatty or fried foods
• Macadamia nuts

A Few More Tips
• Introduce any new food slowly and watch for stomach upset
• Cut treats into small, appropriately sized pieces to reduce choking risk
• Every pet is different - if your pet has a medical condition, check with us before adding new foods
• When in doubt, leave it out - it's always safer to ask first

Not sure if a food is safe for your pet? Give us a call - we're happy to help!
778-716-8387 | fbvsn.ca

Understanding Ear Infections in PetsEar infections are one of the most common reasons pets visit the vet - and they're o...
09/17/2026

Understanding Ear Infections in Pets

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons pets visit the vet - and they're often more than just an itchy annoyance!

Why Do They Happen?

• Allergies (food or environmental) are a leading cause
• Excess moisture, like swimming or bath time, can create a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria
• Breed matters - dogs with floppy ears or narrow ear canals (like Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, and Bulldogs) are more prone
• Ear mites, foreign debris, or underlying hormonal conditions can also be culprits

What to Watch For

• Frequent head shaking or ear scratching
• Redness, swelling, or heat in the ear
• Unusual odor coming from the ear
• Dark discharge or excessive wax buildup
• Sensitivity or pain when the ear is touched
• Tilting the head to one side

Why Prompt Treatment Matters

Left untreated, ear infections can become painful, chronic, and even lead to permanent damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Because there are several different causes, an accurate diagnosis is key - what looks like a simple infection may point to an underlying condition like allergies that also needs to be addressed.

Our Advice

If you notice any of these signs, don't wait it out - give us a call. Early treatment means faster relief for your pet and can prevent the problem from becoming a recurring issue!
778-716-8387 | fbvsn.ca

Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight?Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services Nanaimo IncWhy It Matters•  Joint stress raises the...
09/14/2026

Is Your Pet at a Healthy Weight?
Fantastic Beasts Veterinary Services Nanaimo Inc
Why It Matters
• Joint stress raises the risk of arthritis and mobility issues
• Extra weight makes the heart and lungs work harder
• Overweight pets are significantly more likely to develop diabetes
• A healthy weight can add real, meaningful years to their life
• Excess weight often means less energy and playfulness

Signs Your Pet May Be Overweight
• You can't easily feel their ribs under a thin fat layer
• No visible waist when viewed from above
• Their belly sags or looks rounded rather than tucked
• They tire quickly on walks or during play

What You Can Do
• Measure meals rather than free-feeding
• Limit treats and "people food" - they add up fast
• Keep up with regular, breed-appropriate exercise
• Book a weight check with us for a personalized plan
A healthy weight means a longer, happier life together.
778-716-8387 | fbvsn.ca

What is "bloodwork" and why do vets recommend it? You've probably heard your veterinary team mention "bloodwork" during ...
09/11/2026

What is "bloodwork" and why do vets recommend it?

You've probably heard your veterinary team mention "bloodwork" during your pet's visit — but what does that actually mean?

Bloodwork is a set of lab tests that give us a window into what's happening inside your pet's body — things we simply can't see or feel during a physical exam. It typically checks things like:

🔬 Organ function — how the liver, kidneys, and other organs are performing
🩸 Blood cell counts — checking for infection, anemia, or other blood-related issues
⚡ Electrolytes & hydration — making sure the body's chemistry is balanced

Why do we recommend it?
✅ It helps catch problems early — often before your pet even shows symptoms
✅ It's a key part of pre-anesthetic screening before surgery or dental procedures
✅ It helps us monitor chronic conditions and medications over time
✅ It gives us a "baseline" for your pet when they're healthy, so we know what's normal for them

Many pets are excellent at hiding illness, so bloodwork is one of our best tools for keeping your furry family members healthy — inside and out!

Questions about bloodwork for your pet? We're always happy to chat.

— The FBVSN Team
📞 778-716-8387 | fbvsn.ca

Fall & winter parasite reminder Here on Vancouver Island, our mild climate means fleas, ticks, and other parasites don't...
09/10/2026

Fall & winter parasite reminder

Here on Vancouver Island, our mild climate means fleas, ticks, and other parasites don't fully disappear once the temperature drops — many stay active well into fall and winter.

Skipping parasite prevention during the cooler months can leave your pet vulnerable year-round. Keep your furry family member protected by staying consistent with their prevention, even after summer ends!

Questions about the best option for your pet? Give us a call — we're happy to help.
— The FBVSN Team
📞 778-716-8387 | fbvsn.ca
[email protected]

Address

40-1100 Princess Royal Avenue
Nanaimo, BC
V9S5R5

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30am
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30am
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30am
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30am
Friday 8:30am - 5:30am

Telephone

+17787168387

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