Blog

• Hot cars can be deadly…

  June 16, 2014

  Summer is almost officially here!  Please be careful with furry friends in vehicles: Never leave your pet in a parked car on a warm summer day. Within minutes, the temperature inside the car can reach a scorching 120 degrees. Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke, which may kill or seriously injure your dog or cat. Signs of heatstroke include: Hard panting and difficulty breathing Vomiting Rapid heart rate If you suspect that your pet has heatstroke, see your … Read More »

• What is a Reverse Sneeze?

  June 14, 2013

   When a dog has a reverse sneezing episode, it can sound like they are dying!  This article will give you some more information so that you better understand what is happening with your dog.  Reverse sneezing is usually due to an irritation of the soft palate and throat that results in a spasm.  The dog’s neck extends and the chest expands as the dog tries to inhale.  Anything that irritates the throat can cause this … Read More »

• Tick Talk – Ticks in Ontario

  September 30, 2012

  Ticks are members of the group of animals called arachnids which also includes spiders, mites and scorpions. They are important to humans and animals because they can serve as vectors of disease. The tick borne disease of greatest concern in Ontario is Lyme disease which is carried by the black legged tick (also known as deer tick). Other ticks that are found on humans and pets in Ontario include the ground hog tick and the … Read More »

• Protecting your dog’s paws in hot temperatures

  August 28, 2012

    Summer temperatures mean hot pavement, and this can be troublesome to your dog’s paws.  Running on hard pavement can be tough on feet too.  To decide if the pavement is safe for your dog to walk on, test the temperature with your own bare feet, if it is too hot for your feet, don’t let your dog risk blisters and burns on his pads by walking or running on it. After your pet has … Read More »

• The Dog Days of Summer – Heat Stroke

  July 5, 2012

  With temperatures predicted to soar above 40C this week, and one dog already dead from being left in a car in a mall parking lot on a hot day recently, let’s review what we know about heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia.  Hyperthermia occurs when the body temperature rises to  above 105 F or 40.6 Celcius.  This can happen when pets are left outside on hot summer days without sufficient shade, when dogs are exercised … Read More »

• Checklist for a Healthy Cat

  September 28, 2011

  Cats make some of the most wonderful, affectionate and loyal companions. If you’ve already adopted a cat, or plan to do so in the future, there are a number of things to consider in order to ensure that your feline is happy and healthy.  Here is a list of things to keep an eye on from your Ontario vet. Fur:  Your kitty’s coat should be fluffy, shiny and free of matting or bare spots. Eyes: … Read More »