Intravenous Therapies
IV Treatment for Cats & Dogs
Fluids play a critical role in the health of our four-legged companions. Losing just 10 percent of their body fluids can lead to severe health issues. This is why it is essential that lost fluids be replaced and dehydration corrected as quickly as possible.
Intravenous (IV) therapy can be an effective way to administer important fluids to pets. They are commonly used to treat heatstroke, dehydration, severe diarrhea and vomiting, and medical conditions such as kidney disease.
The compounds within the fluid administered to your pet will depend upon the condition being treated. Your veterinarian will be sure to let you know exactly what vital nutrients, vitamins or medications are being administered to your dog or cat as part of their IV treatment.
What to Expect from Intravenous Therapy for Your Pet
The procedure may differ slightly between pets depending on each dog or cat's individual needs and circumstances, but most pets tolerate the treatment very well with minimal issues.
In order to administer IV therapy properly, it may be necessary to shave away some fur to clear the area for the IV to be placed. That spot will then be sterilized and the IV port will be inserted.
Our team will monitor your pet to help ensure the IV line doesn’t get kinked, pulled out, or blocked. Your pet's treatment can last as little as an hour. In some cases though, treatment can take several hours to resolve the issue.
Intravenous therapy may be combined with conventional drug therapies or other integrative therapies as part of your companion's treatment plan.
What are the Benefits of Intravenous Therapies?
If your veterinarian is recommending IV therapy for your furry friend you may be wondering why. Below are some of the reasons why IV therapy can be beneficial for dogs and cats:
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Customization of IV Treatment
IV treatments come in a variety of formulations. Your veterinarian can create a custom fluid treatment tailored to meet your dog or cat's exact needs.
IV fluids aren't just water. These fluids contain varying levels of magnesium, potassium, dextrose, and more – delivering vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients to your pet right when they need them most.
Dehydration, pain management, antibiotics treatment and more, can all be part of your loyal companion's IV treatment.
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Easily Give Nutrients to Sick Pets
Trying to get a sick pet to eat or drink can be challenging, if not impossible. IV treatment makes it easy to ensure that they get the nutrients and fluids they need to help them recover.
IV fluids quickly and safely transport vital nutrients right to where they need to go. Your dog or cat will be rehydrated in a very short period of time, helping to relieve symptoms and make them feel better.
Increased fluids can also help your dog or cat go to the bathroom. Increased bathroom breaks may help your companion rid their body of anything bad they might have ingested.
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Quick Improvement of Symptoms
It can be difficult to coax dehydrated or sick pets to drink adequate amounts of water or eat fluid-filled foods.
If your dog or cat is not getting the water or nutrients they need to get better, your veterinarian may recommend IV therapy to restore fluid and mineral levels.
In many cases, IV fluid treatment can help your pet feel better in an hour or less, depending on their condition. You may be surprised by how quickly your pet gets back to behaving like their old self following a quick round of IV therapy.
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Help Address Pets’ Specific Needs
Some dog and cat health conditions are most effectively addressed using IV therapy which typically works faster than oral medicine.
For example, dogs and cats suffering from recurring vomiting or diarrhea, or heatstroke need to replace fluids fast but often won't drink. IV therapy can help them rehydrate and recover fast.
Some veterinarians recommend IV fluid treatment for cats with kidney disease, to help ease pain and possibly extend lifespan.
Vitamin C IV treatment for pets may help prevent illness, boost wellness, and even help with cancer treatments.
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Administered Under Veterinary Supervision
Another great benefit of IV therapy is that it is performed in your veterinarian's office with professional supervision. No need for you to worry about dosages or wiggling pets.
New Patients Welcome
Pawsitive Veterinary Care is accepting new patients! Our experienced veterinarians are passionate about the health of Kelowna's dogs and cats. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.