Hallowe'en Costume

Hallowe'en is almost here.
A day where it is okay to dress in silly or scary costumes.
Do you dress your pets in costumes as well?

If so.....share your photos of your pets in costumes on our Facebook page.

We look forward to seeing them.

Whatchu lookin at?

Autumn Cuteness

Cooper and Lucy wait for the Great Pumpkin

Pets And Vets Need Techs.

October 9th - 15th is Veterinary Technician Week.

A week to show appreciation for all that your Veterinary Technicians do for you and your pet.

Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

While you enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend with your family and friends, We would like to remind you that there are many hidden dangers that can seriously harm your dog or cat on this holiday.

Some of the biggest dangers that this holiday can pose to your pet are:

• FOOD: rich fatty foods from the turkey, gravy, skin, ham, desserts, etc can all contribute to a disease called Pancreatitis. This is a very serious condition which needs immediate medical care.
• BONES: the turkey itself is very tempting to dogs, but the bones from the bird pose a big threat as well. The bones can splinter and cause tears or obstruction in a pet's digestive tract.
• STRING: the string used to truss the turkey is full of the flavour of the cooked bird and your dog may want too eat it. It can cause problems if your dog decides to ingest it.
• TOXINS: Many food items we will have around (onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, etc) are poisonous to our pets.
• BEVERAGES: Caffeine and alcohol are also very toxic to our pets as well.
• STRESS: with the Holiday comes guests, and this can be a big source of stress for your pet. There is a lot of commotion and your dog or cat may not be prepared to cope with it as well as you might think.

Some tips to help keep your pet healthy and safe:

• Keep all food out of reach from your pet.
• Keep a close eye on your pets and know what they are up to at all times, to ensure they do not 'sneak' something without your knowledge.
• Do not leave garbage, left-overs, unfinished meals, treats, and other items accessible to your pet.
• Help to reduce their stress by providing them with a safe haven and a favourite toy.
• Clean as you go, ridding your kitchen/dining room of as many potential hazards as possible.
• Do not Give your pet any of your meal as a 'treat'.
• Puppy & Kitty proof your house to ensure all potential dangers are eliminated.

Finally, just in case you have a problem, it never hurts to keep your emergency vet clinic or veterinary hospital number handy.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving for your entire family

Pet Nutrition Seminar: Saturday October 29th.

Come join us on Saturday October 29th for our next class in our "Pet Care University" series.

"Give a Dog a Bone: the Science of Nutrition"

Class is free to all who attend, however space is limited so please register to reserve your seat.

Topics include:

• What is the difference between grocery store, pet store and Veterinary exclusive diets?
• Quality of ingredients:  Nutrients vs. ingredients.
• If I can't compare food based on the label, how do I decide what is best for my pet?
• The Cost of pet food:  Cost per bag vs. Cost per Day feeding
• Raw food diets - are they good for your pet?
• Organic diets and all natural diets: are they better or safer to feed your pet?
• Should the first ingredient in the diet be meat?
• I have heard I should stay away from foods with corn....is this true?
• My Dog or Cat is a 'fussy eater' - he doesn't like anything else.
• What about people food - my dog loves eating my left overs
• I heard Dry food is good for their teeth - so I dont feed canned. Is this true?
• Bones - are they good for my dog's teeth?
• Should My cat (or dog) drink milk?
• What kind of Treats are good for my pet?
• How much is too much? - obesity prevention and treatment

If you have any other questions about pet nutrition, please bring them along with you.

Your veterinarian is always the best source for information on Your pet's Specific nutritional requirements.



Join us for our upcoming Seminars.



Unexpected Encounter?

If your pet runs into a PORCUPINE, it is preferable to have the porcupine quills removed under anesthesia. If they are removed without an analgesic, their removal causes pain for the animal, who might react aggressively. Furthermore, many quills are generally hidden underneath the skin or in the muzzle and any forgotten pieces can get in deeper and cause subsequent problems, such as limping or abscesses.
Do not delay - take your pet in to see your veterinarian immediately.

Toronto Bans Sale of Puppies and Kittens at Pet stores

This is excellent news.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/toronto/toronto-sets-new-rules-for-sale-of-dogs-and-cats/article2175317/

Toronto City Council has banned the sale of puppies and kittens at all city pet shops.
The majority of these pets come from Puppy and Kitten mills, where there is in-breeding, serious health problems, poor socialization, poor treatment and care and they are forced to live in very small cages.

If you are looking for a pet - Adopt from your local shelter or humane society. In most cases they will be fully vaccinated, dewormed and Spayed or Neutered.