Christmas Gift Giving

Looking for a great Christmas gift for the Pet Lover in your life?
Make a donation to the Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust - to help end pet Cancer.
you can purchase items from their website, or make a donation in their name.

help end CANCER.

Pets on Facebook

We want to hear from you....our fans - Fellow Pet Owners who care about their Pets.
Join us on Facebook - and share stories and photos with us,
We Love to hear about your Dogs and cats and how we can help them,
If you have any questions about pet care - feel free to share your questions.

If you would like your Pet to be the Cover Model on our Veterinary Exclusive Facebook Page - send your photos to us.

rcahclients@rogers.com

How Pets Improve our Lives and make us HAPPIER

Happify has created this great infographic to demonstrate how our Pets can help improve our lives, our Outlook, and our emotional Well-Being.

If you are feeling down, or stressed, or unhappy, or sad.....
Please check out how a Pet can make things better.

Call Royal City Animal Hospital if you have any questions about #PetCare.
visit us on Facebook. 

Pet Halloween Costume Contest

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Guelph Area Pet Owners - get ready.

The Royal City Animal Hospital annual Halloween Costume Contest is on again this year.

Get your pet Dressed up in their Halloween Costumes, take a photo, and submit it in to us.
At the end of October, we will post all of the photos we receive on our Facebook Page, and the photo that gets the most likes, will be declared the winner. There is a small prize for the winner (pet treats, and such).

What will you be dressing your pet up as?

3 extra votes will automatically be added to the submissions that has a Person & Pet matching theme costume - like Martha & Cooper dressed as a Witch with her Familiar.

Wicked Witch and her Familiar

Email photos of your Halloween creations to rcahclients(at)rogers.com

Search and Rescue Dogs of 9/11

September 11, 2001.
We all remember where we were when we heard the news of the events of this terrible day.
13 years later, we all remember what happened, and how it changed our world forever.
We have heard many stories of the heroism of first responders, the military, and civilians alike.

This video shows the dedication, bravery, and heroism of those who might not get the accolades they certainly deserve - the Canine Search and Rescue teams.

This video will make you sad. It will make you happy, It will make you proud. It will definitely make you cry.
It will also make you appreciate your own dogs a little more, and all dogs for what they are capable of.

911 - Never forget

GSB Social media management

#Stress Triggers in #Dogs

Are you contributing to your Dog’s anxiety and behaviour issues?
Dogs can become stressed by many things they are not adequately desensitized too when they are puppies, they can develop fears and anxieties with repeated negative exposure to stressful situations.

At Royal City Animal Hospital, we see many dogs who come in for behaviour issues, which can be attributed to their Stress and how it was handled.

Click to Enlarge

For More information on your Dog's mental, and emotional well being - please discuss stress with your Veterinarian. There are many treatment options to help reduce anxiety and stress, and many are all-natural and not pharmaceutical.

Check out this Website to learn more about Dog stress:  The Indoor Pet Initiative from Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

GSB Social Media Management

#Stress Triggers for #Cats

Are you contributing to your cat’s anxiety and behaviour issues?
Cats feel stress on a much higher plane than humans do, and as such - it doesn't take a lot to add to your cat's anxiety.
Many negative behaviours Cat owners worry about, and discuss with their Veterinarians are caused by Stress.
At Royal City Animal Hospital, we see many skin disorders, scratching behaviours, elimination problems, and vocalisation issues (to name a few) that are directly caused by stress.

click to enlarge

For More information on your cat's mental, and emotional well being - please discuss stress with your Veterinarian. There are many treatment options to help reduce anxiety and stress, and many are all-natural and not pharmaceutical.

Check out this Website to learn more about cat stress:  The Indoor Pet Initiative from Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

GSB Social Media Management

#Veterinary #SocialMedia

Many of you have asked us where Greg, one of our Veterinary Technicians, has gone.

Although he no longer works full time at Royal City Animal Hospital, he does make an appearance once in a while to help out on busy days, to cover vacations, or illnesses.
He is always here in spirit, behind the scenes doing what he loves most: sharing quality PetCare information with our clients and visitors.

For years, Greg has been managing all of our Veterinary Social Media Activity. He writes the articles you  have been reading about vaccinations, microchipping, spay & neutering, animal behaviour, Pet nutrition, and health care for your pet.

He continues to do this for us so that we can continue to focus on quality care, and feel comfortable in the knowledge that the information that our clients read is current, accurate, and entertaining.
Be sure to stay connected with us (and him) through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and of course - this Blog.

He has started his own social media marketing business - helping other small businesses to stay connected with their customers, and attract new business.

GSB Social Media Management
phone: 519.546.2240
email: me@gregbellefontaine.com

Social Media For Veterinarians:  educate, entertain, and engage. 

10 Most Common #Toxins for #Cats

Do you know what items can be toxic to your Cat?
At Royal City Animal Hospital, we want your cat to stay healthy and happy, and one way to do that is to provide you with information on potential problems that could be lurking in your home.

Cats can get into all kinds of things, and knowing what can harm them will help keep them safe.
Poison Prevention is key.

courtesy catingtonpost.com

The top 10 Toxins for cats are:  Topical Spot-on Flea Medication (from pet and retail stores), Household Cleaners, Antidepressants, Lilies, Philodendron,  Mouse and Rat Poisons, Human & Pet NSAIDS (Pain Relievers), Cold and flu Medicines, glow sticks, and ADD/ADHD medications, amphetamines.  There are many, many other common items that can be dangerous to pets. For a Full List of toxic items, and Plants - be sure to check out the following websites.

Pet Poison Helpline
ASPCA Poison Prevention.

If your Pet has ingested any toxic item - please consult your veterinarian immediately. Bring the packaging of the item with you when you take your pet to the vet.

GSB Social Media Management

10 Most Common #Toxins for #Dogs

Do you know what items can be toxic to your dog?
At Royal City Animal Hospital, we want your dog to stay healthy and happy, and one way to do that is to provide you with information on potential problems that could be lurking in your home.

Dogs can get into all kinds of things, and knowing what can harm them will help keep them safe.
Poison Prevention is key.

courtesy of Dogintonpost.com

The top 10 Toxins for dogs are:  Chocolate, Mouse and Rat Poisons, Vitamins and Minerals, Human Pain Relievers, Heart Medication, Cold and Allergy Medicines, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Xylitol, and Antidepressants. There are many, many other common items that can be dangerous to pets. For a Full List of toxic items, and Plants - be sure to check out the following websites.

Pet Poison Helpline
ASPCA Poison Prevention.

If your Pet has ingested any toxic item - please consult your veterinarian immediately. Bring the packaging of the item with you when you take your pet to the vet.

GSB Social Media Management

What to do when your Pet Goes Missing

Have you ever lost a pet? Perhaps the dog slips his collar, or your cat bolts through the door.
Would you know what to do in the event this happens to you?

First: Be Prepared. Always have information about your Pet ready and accessible. Have a current and up to date photo that show any unique characteristics of your pets appearance. Have their microchip number handy so you can publish the number. Ensure your Microchip provider has current and up to date contact information for you, so they can contact you if your pet goes missing.

Click to Enlarge

Royal City Animal Hospital in Guelph is happy to post information about lost pets in and around the Guelph Area on our facebook page or Blog if your pet goes missing.

Puppy Mill Action Week

May 4- 10th is Puppy Mill Action Week. 

What can you do to help put an end to an industry that is based on profiting off of the suffering of animals? 

At Royal City Animal Hospital in Guelph, Ontario - we always recommend you keep away from any pet store that sells puppies. When looking for a new pet, the first place you should go is to the local humane society or shelter.

You can take a simple stand to not support any business that puts money in the pocket of people who run puppy mills. The key contributors are pet stores that sell puppies (and kittens).
Every time you buy a pet supply, leash, toys, or treats from a pet store that sells puppies and kittens, you are contributing to the continuation of Puppy Mills. 

The life of a breeding dog in a puppy mill is not a good life. They are forced into breeding repeatedly in often terrible conditions. They are rarely cared for, poorly nourished, and given minimal to ZERO socialization. Their offspring are torn away from them at an extremely young age, and they are not properly immunized against life threatening diseases. 

Next time you visit a pet store that sells puppies and kittens - tell them you will not support this industry and will not purchase anything in their store. 

When you are looking to get a new pet for your own family check out the local humane society or shelter - they always have great pets that need loving homes as well. 

Don't be fooled to think that Pet store puppies are pure breeds. Many of these pets are not only mixed breed dogs, but they are often INBRED as well. This practice of inbreeding creates genetically complicated animals with many health concerns later in life. 

#AdoptDontShop

www.nopetstorepuppies.com

Pet ID Week

April 20th - 26th is National Pet ID Week. A week to raise awareness on the importance of having your dogs and cats ID's in the event they ever get lost, stolen, or go missing.

There are several methods of  ID'ing your pets.

1) Tags for the collars/harness
2) Tattoos usually done in the ear, or inner thigh.
3) Microchip implanted under the skin.

Of all the methods of identifying your pet - a Microchip is the most effective and permanent.
Over time, tattoos can fade and can be difficult to read due to legibility and location.
Tags and collars can be lost, fall off, or taken off.
Microchips are permanently inserted under the skin at the base of the neck and is easily read by a reader which every veterinary clinic, pet shelter, and humane society has on hand.
When a pet is microchipped, the information is entered into a data base which makes it easy to locate the owners.
This helps get your dog or cat back home to you much sooner.

Speak with your veterinary team members about microchipping your pet.

Preventive Screening blood work

At Royal City Animal Hospital we have some exciting news.
We have a special price break on Preventive Health Screening blood work at this time. 

Our Laboratory has reduced their prices of blood testing during Heartworm season, and we have passed the savings on to you. 

Book your dog in for a Health and Wellness Blood screening test today to take advantage of these excellent prices. 

In addition to testing for Heartworm disease, you will also test for other illnesses such as Kidney, Liver, Anemia, infections, Lyme disease (and 2 other tick borne diseases). 

Call us today to discuss this great savings. 

Pet Toxin: Human pain relievers (NSAIDS)

As Part of Pet Poison Prevention Week - Royal City Animal Hospital will be profiling a various Pet Toxin to ensure our client's and pet owners are aware of the dangers, should their pets come in contact with them. 

Toxin: Human Pain Relievers (NSAIDS)

Human Pain relievers /NSAIDS (or no-sterroidal anti-inflammatories) are medications to relieve pain an inflammation in People which can be potentially toxic to your pet. Do not assume that medications that are safe to give to people are safe for your pet. Common drugs that are included in this category are aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and various cold and flu medicines. 

Common signs to watch for:

• Vomiting 
• Bloody vomitus
• Diarrhea
• Black-tarry stool
• Inappetance
• Lethargy
• Inappropriate urination or thirst
• General malaise
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures

Never intentionally give your dog or cat any human medicine without first consulting your veterinarian. 


Call your #veterinarian immediately if you believe your pet has ingested any human medicines, and bring the medicine bottle with you so they know what was consumed. Royal City Animal Hospital in Guelph, Ontario.

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/nsaids/

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/acetaminophen/

Pet Toxins: Pyrethrins & Pyrethroids (over the counter flea medications)

As Part of Pet #Poison Prevention Week - Royal City Animal Hospital will be profiling a various Pet Toxin to ensure our client's and pet owners are aware of the dangers, should their pets come in contact with them. 

Toxin profile:  Pyrethrins and pyrethroids.

These are the active ingredient in many over the counter (Pet store) #Flea control products - spot-ons, powders, sprays, and more. The effects can be mild to very severe and can affect both Cats and Dogs. 

Before you buy a Flea, Tick, or deworming medication at your local pet store - Contact your veterinarian to discuss safer parasite prevention and treatment options. 

Common signs to watch for:

• Profuse drooling
• Vomiting
• Tremoring
• Hyperexcitability
• Agitation
• Seizures
• Weakness
• Difficulty breathing

Call your #veterinarian immediately if your pet has been exposed to a product containing Pyrethrins or pyrethroids. Royal City Animal Hospital in Guelph, Ontario


http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/pyrethrin

Pet Toxin: Tea Tree Oil

As Part of Pet #Poison Prevention Week - Royal City Animal Hospital will be profiling a various Pet Toxin to ensure our client's and pet owners are aware of the dangers, should their pets come in contact with them. 

Today's Toxin is Tea Tree Oil. 

Many people use Tea Tree oil for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, but you should never use it on your pet. Many pet stores even carry products for pets that contains Tea Tree Oil.Due to the varying concentrations available, toxic effects of Tea Tree oil can range from mild to life threatening. 

Common signs to watch for:

• Low body temperature
• Weakness
• Walking drunk
• Inability to walk,
• Tremors
• Coma
• Increased liver enzymes
• Death

Call your #Veterinarian if you think your pet has been exposed to Tea Tree Oil. Royal City Animal Hospital

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/tea-tree-oil/

Pet Toxin: Liquid PotPourri

As Part of Pet Poison Prevention Week - Royal City Animal Hospital will be profiling a various Pet Toxin to ensure our client's and pet owners are aware of the dangers, should their pets come in contact with them. 

Today's Toxin: Liquid Potpourri. 

Burning liquid Potpourri may make your house smell nice, but it can also cause severe chemical burns to your cat or dog's mouth with just a few licks. Difficulty breathing, tremors, vomiting, and Potential organ Damage can result. 

Common signs to watch for:

• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Retching
• Inappetance
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Organ damage

If think your cat has licked some liquid potpourri - Call your #Veterinarian immediately. Royal City Animal Hospital

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/potpourri-liquid/

Pet Toxin: Xylitol

As Part of Pet #Poison Prevention Week - Royal City Animal Hospital will be profiling a various Pet Toxin to ensure our client's and pet owners are aware of the dangers, should their pets come in contact with them. Our first Toxin is #Xylitol. 

Xylitol is a natural sugar free sweetener found in many products like chewing gum, mints, Gelatin desserts, mouth rinses, toothpastes, and sugar free vitamins. 

Ingestion of even a small amount can result in life threatening low blood sugar within minutes. 
Other symptoms include: 

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Collapse
• Vomiting
• Tremoring
• Seizures
• Jaundice
• Malaise
• Black-tarry stool
• Coma
• Death

Consult your Veterinarian immediately if your pet has ingested an item with Xylitol. 

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/xylitol/

Pet Poison Prevention Week

March 16- 22 is Pet poison prevention week.
Royal City Animal Hospital  in Guelph will be sharing some poisons and information on what pet owners should know to protect and treat their dogs or cats.

Check out these websites and book mark them for future reference to keep aware of the various items that can cause a problem for your pets.

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Also - know the plants you have in your home and whether they are toxic or not to your pets.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

If you think your pet has eaten or come in contact with any toxic or potentially hazardous items, please call your Veterinarian immediately to know what to do. Do not wait as many treatments need to be administered quickly in order to save your pet from potential life-threatening complications.

Call Royal City Animal Hospital today at 519-763-4992 to discuss potential hazards.

Guelph Area Pet Sitter Profile: Heidi's Happy Hounds

If you are looking for a Professional Pet Sitter in Guelph, consider Heidi's Happy Hounds.

Heidi's Happy Hounds - Dog Walking and Pet Care. Heidi's Happy Hounds is a professional dog walking and pet sitting company, that has been serving Guelph dogs and their owners for over 3 years. It is owned and operated by life long animal lover, Heidi Doucet. Heidi always imagined herself in a career dedicated to animals. She started walking dogs part time in 2010 and a few months later the business was booming. The company has since grown to include 3 more dog walkers, to better serve it's growing client base. Heidi is certified in Pet First Aid, and the company is insured and bonded, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. 

Visit their website at: www.heidishappyhounds.com
Visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HeidisHappyHounds
follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/happpyhounds

Happy Professional Pet Sitters Week

Guelph Area Pet Sitter Profile: Anne's Best Friends

If you are looking for a Professional Pet Sitter in the Guelph area - consider Anne's Best Friends pet sitting service.

Anne Klein has lived in Guelph her entire life and has been working with #dogs for over 5 years. She has done everything from caring for service dogs to working as kennel help in a veterinary clinic. She loves to be outside, and spending time in nature with her four-legged friends. She is a huge advocate for positive reinforcement training, and is Pet First Aid Certified. 

If you are looking for a Pet Sitter - contact Anne Klein at
email: annegklein27@gmail.com
phone: 519-993-8380
Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnesBestFriends

Happy Professional PetSitter Week.

Guelph Area Pet Sitter Profile - Alexis' Animal Care Services

If you are looking for a Professional Pet Sitter in Guelph, consider Alexis' Animal Care Services. 

Alexis is soon to be a graduate of the UoG with a BSc. majoring in animal biology, and will be attending veterinary technician college in the fall. She has been pet-sitting since she was 12 years old and has been working in the veterinary industry for the past 4 years. Her services include dog walking, overnight in-home pet-sitting, rodent cage cleaning, nail trims, and more. 
Flexible schedule and rates
Reliable, dependable, and experienced with cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, reptiles, birds.
email: alexisanimalservices@gmail.com
519-831-8294

Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexisAnimalCare

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexisPetCare

Happy Professional Petsitters week.

Professional Pet Sitters Week

March 2-8, 2014 is Professional Pet Sitters Week. 

Professional Pet Sitters Week (PPSW) honours the hard working pet care professionals who care for the world's companion animals when their owners are away.
This week acknowledges the dedication of these professional pet care-givers that provide unparalleled. quality care to their pet-owning clients.

At Royal City Animal Hospital, our clients are always looking for alternatives to boarding their pets when they go on vacation, and hiring a professional pet sitter allows you to vacation or go away knowing your pet is cared for like family.

There are several great petsitters in and around the Guelph, Ontario area, and to honour their hard work and dedication, we will be profiling a different one every day this week.

If you have a PetSitter you just can't imagine living without - Let them know how much you appreciate what they do for you and your animal friends.

Ziggy Needs a Home

Do you have enough love in your heart to adopt this handsome Dog? 

Ziggy is currently seeking a new home, and Royal City Animal Hospital would like to help him find the right place.

He is a delightful dog, with such a beautiful temperament. He is highly affectionate, loving, and sweet as can be. He enjoys giving kisses to greet everyone he meets. He is quite a character. He loves cats and dogs alike. He is a big dog that feels he is a lap dog. Everyone at Royal City Animal Hospital who has met him, fell in love with this gentle man immediately. He is such a love bug. 

Full Disclosure:

He is a 3 year old male neutered pitbull cross dog. He is fully vaccinated. 

However, he does have a ruptured Cruciate Ligament which will need surgical repair. So this will mean, he needs someone who can take on that challenge. 

If you are interested in adopting this amazing dog, Please contact Royal City Animal Hospital directly and we will put you in touch with his owners so you can arrange the adoption. 

Trust us, he is an amazing dog and would make a great companion. 

519.763.4992

New Years Resolutions for your Pets

Have you made New Years Resolutions on your pet's behalf?

At Royal City Animal Hospital, we believe in the power of good intentions when it comes to New Years Resolutions. We can help you help you reach your goals to help better care for your pet. 

Some common resolutions are: 

1) weight loss

2) improved behaviour

3) improved dental care

4) more frequent health care for your cat

5) better care for your senior pet

6) improve their looks - skin, coat, eyes, nails

What resolution did you make for your pet? 

Let us know - share your stories with us and how we can help.

email: rcahtechs(at)rogers(dot)com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royalcityanimalhospital

Twitter: @RoyalCityAnimal

#rcahresolutions

Walking your Dog in Cold Weather

With the recent "polar vortex" affecting most of Canada, everyone is trying hard to deal with the bitter cold temperatures. Our pets are certainly no exception, but our dogs still need to go out for walks to do their business, get exercise, socialize, and prevent boredom.
Walking your dog in such bitter cold temperatures can be a bit of a challenge - but our friends at Vetstreet have come up with some great cold weather dog walking tips.



8 Steps to Walking Your Dog in the Winter by Vetstreet