Give these recipes a try for a fun homemade treat for your pet! This is a great option for when your pets treats are on back order, or if your pets diet doesn’t have a treat option suitable for them. Enjoy and have fun!
Weight Management for Pets
Weight management is the single most important thing that you can do for your pet’s health! Not enough exercise and too much food will cause your pet to gain weight. Excess weight can cause health problems, including arthritis as well as liver and heart disease. Overweight pets also face increased risk during surgery and also have an increased risk of developing diabetes.
The best way to tip the scales in your pet’s favor is by gradually decreasing their their food intake while increasing their activity level. Table scraps and treats should also be avoided. You may consider switching your pet over to a reduced calorie diet or cutback in the portion size of their regular food diet but it’s always good to check with your vet first!
#preventionisthebestmedicine #weightmanagement #pethealth
Time to Start your Tick Prevention!
March is National Tick Awareness Month!
Spring is just around the corner which means ticks are too! Parasite Prevention is the best way to keep your pet happy and healthy by reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases and tapeworm infections.
Time to Start your Tick Prevention!
There are two SAFE and EASY ways that we can prescribe Parasite Prevention for your pet while maintaining physical distancing:
1. If we have seen your pet within the last year, please call or email us to schedule a curbside appointment to pick up your pet’s Parasite Prevention.
2. If we have not seen your pet within the last year, please call or email us to schedule your pet’s annual wellness exam and blood screening test. Our healthcare team will be happy to discuss our current parasite prevention and COVID-19 protocols with you.
Prevention is Key!
Preventing your pet from getting parasites and tick-borne diseases will require multiple preventative measures. Checking your pet after being outdoors or avoiding high risk areas, is important but should be combined with preventative parasite medications. A monthly tablet or topical application will help prevent your pet from getting ticks, fleas, heartworm and intestinal worms.
For more information or guidance on our parasite control program, please call our hospital at (705) 725-8577 or email us at info@baywoodsouthanimalhospital.ca
Pets and Heat Stroke
With hot summer weather here, it’s important to always be on the lookout for signs of heat stroke.
Heat stroke is a serious condition that occurs when the body can’t handle the external heat. It can cause illness, organ failure and can even be fatal.
Cats and dogs are easily affected by heat stroke as their bodies have limited ability to regulate their temperature. Pets pant and groom themselves in order to cool down but this often isn’t enough to maintain their regular body temperature.
Heat stroke is easily preventable, here’s how you can keep them safe:
- Never leave your pet in a car
- Monitor your pet while outside
- Always have water accessible
- Keep your pet inside on hot days
- Walk your pet in the mornings or evenings
- Use air conditioning, cooling pads or kiddie pools to help keep your pet cool
Overweight, short face and long or thick coated pets are more susceptible to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, muscle twitching, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea.
Take precautions and look out for these signs while continuing to enjoy the beautiful summer in Ontario!
Senior Pet Care Basics
Did you know that dogs (6 years of age and older) and cats (7 years of age and older) are considered seniors? Like humans, pets undergo significant physical changes with age and their health care requirements increase. So, what can you do to help your senior pet?
Here are some tips:
– Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Cats and dogs age much faster than humans which mean changes can occur quickly. Yearly physical examinations are recommended in order to detect any medical conditions early that could become pronounced in old age. Remember, it’s much EASIER and CHEAPER to prevent disease than it is to treat it!
– Maintain a healthy weight. Your pet’s weight plays a huge role in their overall health. Regular exercise and proper feeding will help reduce arthritis and pain and improve mobility. For indoor cats, give them a stimulating environment to allow them to keep active!
– Don’t forget about oral care! Good dental care throughout your pet’s life will mean that they will be much less likely to suffer from gingivitis and periodontal disease which can affect vital organs and lead to serious health issues.
– Feed a well-balanced and high quality diet. Pets require different nutrients based on their age and lifestyle. Prescription diets provide optimal levels of key nutrients to support vital organs and help your pet live a long and happy life!
For more information on Senior Pet Care Basics click here.