Activity and exercise is important for cats too

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Posted on 14th May 2013 by Aubrie in Pet Health |You Tube

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Does your cat prefer to hang around the house most of the time? Encouraging your cat to be active will help him or her stay healthy and fit throughout their life. Although not all cats may not have the same drive to run and play as frequently as some dogs, by utilizing stimulating toys and activities (also known as enrichment toys) you can make sure your cat gets moving!

Enrichment toys are important for your cat

Enrichment toys are important for your cat

Try to select enrichment items that take advantage of a cat’s natural curiosity and abilities. This can include feline towers for cats to jump and climb, textured surfaces for scratching and clawing, food puzzles that require the cat to perform an action before the treat is dispense, rods and kitty “fishing poles” with shiny, scented or noisy toys on the end to entice them into chasing and playing are all ways you can engage your cat in fun playtime activities.

Not only are enrichment toys great for your cat’s physical health, but the mental stimulation they receive will keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

(Need a laugh? Click here to watch these cheeky felines “work it” in this hilarious kitty treat advertisement!)

 

Ontario Laws That Protect Animals

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Posted on 25th April 2013 by Laura in Interesting |Ontario SPCA |You Tube

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Ever wonder what the laws are that protect animals in Ontario? Dave Salmoni speaks with Ontario SPCA Inspector, Scott Sylvia, about the legislation and what pet owners need to know.

 

Heartworm Awareness Month

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Posted on 16th April 2013 by Aubrie in Pet Health

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Know how to protect your pet from heartworm!

As many pet owners know, the spring marks the time for annual vaccinations, veterinary check-ups and reviewing your pet’s heartworm and flea/tick prevention program. We know that heartworm prevention is critical to your pet’s health, but many owners don’t fully understand what it is, why is is dangerous and how to prevent it. The AVMA recognizes April as National Heartworm Month to help raise awareness about heartworm.

Heartworm is a disease that can be fatal if left untreated. It is spread by an infected mosquito who bites the dog, an after exposure it takes approximately seven months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. They reproduce in the lungs, heart and blood vessels, and have a substantial life span of 5-7 years.

Signs of heartworm can include coughing and your pet becoming increasingly winded by exercise. Lack of oxygen will cause a decrease of blood supply to the brain, becoming fatal.

Thanks to simple and inexpensive preventative medication, heartworm is easily preventable. This can include a chewable tablet or topical liquid that is administered once a month (or as directed by your veterinarian).

Check out the AVMA’s informational video on heartworm and heartworm prevention below!

 

Take a 5-minute video break with adorable baby animals

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Posted on 2nd March 2013 by Aubrie in You Tube

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Sometimes your pet just wants a little playtime!

If this video of baby animals being cuddled, fed, petted and loved by their human caregivers and fellow animal companions does not warm your heart, then you need to watch it twice.

Adorable kittens, hedgehogs, hamsters, bear cubs and more are featured in this short video which focuses on the bond between humans and animals alike. It is sure to touch your heart and put a smile on your face.

 

Click here to watch the video!

How do I….fit my dog for a winter coat?

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Posted on 7th February 2013 by Aubrie in Pet Care

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This winter has certainly been full of surprises! In southern Ontario, we have had days with a cold arctic bite followed by the next day feeling like spring. With all these unpredicatable changes in the weather, it can be difficult for medium to short-haired dogs to adjust. This is especially true for puppies, elderly or hairless dogs.

To keep your pet suitably protected, a dog coat could be a good purchase that will keep your pet comfortable during winter walks or potty breaks. Even heavier-coated dogs may appreciate a rain coat for those wet and gloomy days.

Ideally, walking into a pet store (that welcomes pets!) with your dog is the best way to ensure the canine coat you’re interested in will fit. Alternately, you can simply measure your pet at home and then visit a variety of stores or browse online boutiques for the coat that will work best for your pet.

Measurement tips:

  1. Use a soft or paper measuring tape (download a printable measuring tape here)
  2. Your dog should be standing up on all fours, not sitting or lying down
  3. Allow an extra inch or two in length to accomodate for movement
  4. Measurements should include from base of neck to base of tail, circumference of the neck, chest width and the circumference of the chest.

Many canine coat manufacturers will offer sizing and breed tips for their products on their company website. Chilly Dogs, a Canadian-based company that offers woof wear, has a great sizing guide for measuring your dog correctly. Check out their online video for some guided tips!

Miniature horses being used as seeing-eye animals

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Posted on 17th January 2013 by Aubrie in Interesting

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Did you know that miniature horses are now being used as seeing-eye companions for those who are visually impaired? The Canadian Registry of Therapy Animals and Service Animals (CRTASA) supports and endorses the use of selected horses as therapy animals for some people who are unable to get around without assistance.

“Miniature horses have proven to be valuable assistance animals to people with no vision. Their excellent temperament, quick learning style and natural ability to guide others has shown them to perform exceptionally well in keeping their owners with a disability safe,” said the CRTASA. To learn more about the CRTASA, click here.

Watch this video of “Cuddles”, a miniature horse companion, in action!

Happy Halloween!

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Posted on 31st October 2012 by Aubrie in Funny Pet Pictures! |Interesting

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Our little furry office buddies at the Ontario SPCA wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween!

Roxy the Pumpkin

Roxy the Pumpkin

Paisley the Zebra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Missed our tips on Halloween pet safety? Click here!)

Nutrience helps us be prepared!

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Posted on 11th May 2012 by Aubrie in Ontario SPCA

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We were thrilled to receive a heavy-duty utility trailer, courtesy of Nutrience pet food this year. The trailer will help us provide better service during times of emergency. The trailer has all the facilities for sheltering and temporarily caring for a multitude of animals at the same time.

Check out this video to learn more about the trailer!

Boxers just wanna have fun!

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Posted on 9th April 2012 by Aubrie in Interesting

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Brock and Izzy are two adorable boxers that love to play together. They run, they leap, they fetch!

(The catch is that Izzy does all the work!)

Friday fun!

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Posted on 10th February 2012 by Aubrie in Interesting

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Do you ever feel like you could use a little extra help around the office? This vet clinic found a perfect way to get an extra helping “paw”!