Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:11:35 -0500WeeblyMon, 02 Mar 2026 14:36:34 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/march-1st-2026 There is still time if you are thinking about having a dentistry done on your pet. We are extending our 10% discount on dentistry’s until the end of March. 

Spring is almost here, which means parasites are back!! With the changing climate brings ticks and Lyme disease into Canada. Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of unlucky host animals such as our canine companions. Ticks are becoming more prevalent within Ontario and putting animals and humans at risk of contracting Lyme disease. If your dog goes outside, they should be on a preventative. Provide your pet with the longest lasting flea and tick protection available today with Bravecto or Nexgard Spectra. With just one chewable tablet, Bravecto kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs, and protectively kills ticks for up to 12 weeks! Nexgard Spectra protects against fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites monthly!

Starting March 1st our bloodwork promotion will be in effect! What does that mean? Well, Starting March 1st if you schedule an appointment for a full bloodwork panel senior or not you will receive a 4DX heartworm screen for free.  You may also choose to do the 4DX heartworm screen on its own.

If you would like to schedule or have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us! ​]]>Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/february-1st-2026February is dental month! Our pet’s dental health is very important for the rest of their overall health. Bacteria in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body, leading to infection in the heart, liver, and kidneys. Can you imagine what our teeth would look like if we didn’t brush them every day? 85% of pets have dental disease by the time they are 3 years old.

During the month of February we will be offering 10% off Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatments. 

Here are some other tips to maintain your pet’s dental health: 
​
​– Feed your pet a veterinarian recommended dental diet designed to reduce tooth decaying plaque on the teeth

– Provide veterinarian recommended dental chew toys or treats that help remove plaque buildup.

– Use a veterinarian recommended oral rinse designed for pets to help reduce the bacterial count in the mouth and improve breath.

– Remember to never use people toothpaste on your pets. Many toothpastes designed for humans contain substances that may be toxic to your pets"

We will also be closed for the Family Day long weekend on February 16th and will reopen on February 17th at 8am.]]>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/january-1st-2026 Feeling a little full after the holidays? Some of us experience excess weight gain over the holidays as do our pets! If you feel your pet has gained too much weight over the holidays and the winter months, bring them in for a checkup, have them weighed, and put them on a weight loss plan such as extra activities and switching to a prescription weight loss diet so they can stay at a much healthier weight. Obese pets tend to get many diseases and injuries associated with their weight gain such as; diabetes, cruciate injuries, heart concerns, etc. So please have your pet checked out today so we can help prevent any problems in their future!​

Here are a few helpful tips on cold weather safety for our four legged family members:

Keep them inside when the weather is really cold. Even with their fur coats they are still susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. You may need to shorten their walks during the colder months. Arthritic and elderly pets may have difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling.

Check your dog’s paws for any injury or damage from cold weather like, cracked paw pads or bleeding.  Have your pet use booties to protect their feet. If your dog seems bothered by the cold weather put a sweater or jacket on them.

Clean up any anti-freeze spills quickly before your pet can ingest it. Anti-freeze even in small amounts can be deadly.

Cats like to sleep under the hood of cars because of the warmth. Bang on the hood of your car and honk your horn before turning on your car’s engine as a warning to any kitties that may be sleeping underneath.
​
Be prepared for any emergency during the winter like a blizzard or power outage. Have an emergency kit for your pet that can include food, water, and any medication they are on. ​]]>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/december-1st-2025The holiday season is upon us, and many of us plan to include our furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.
Christmas tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset from spilling.

Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Tinsel: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.

Candles: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wires: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.

Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.

Please note that the clinic will be closing at noon on Wednesday, December 24th and will be fully closed on Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th. We will re-open on Monday, December 29th with our regular hours. We will be closing at noon again on Wednesday, December 31st and fully closed on Thursday, January 1st and will re-open on Friday , January 2nd with our regular hours at 9am. In case of an emergency over the holidays, please contact Toronto Animal Health Partners at 416-380-7400, or the Central Toronto Veterinary Referral and Emergency at 416-784-4444. We wish everyone a Happy Holiday!
]]>Sat, 01 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/november-1st-2025​​Bringing your senior pet in for a wellness check up can reassure you that your dog or cat is healthy. It can also help detect hidden diseases or conditions early. Early detection can improve the prognosis of many diseases, keep medical costs down, and help your pet live longer.  Many dogs and cats are good at hiding signs that something is wrong, so subtle changes in their health and behavior might be easy to overlook.  Also, depending on the disease, some pets do not show any signs. 

Dogs and Cats age quicker than humans, so it is even more crucial for our companion animals to receive regular exams. In addition, the risks of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormone disorders, dental disease, kidney and liver disease all increase with age.

Call us today to schedule an exam for your senior pet!]]>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/october-1st-2025October is Farley month! The Farley Foundation is a registered charity that assists people in need by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pet. They assist low income seniors , disabled individuals, Ontario Works recipients, women at risk of abuse participating in the OVMA Safe Pet program, and pets belonging to seniors' care facilities. The foundation relies solely on donations . 

​You can make a donation of any amount but donations over $25 will get a tax receipt.  To date, the Farley Foundation has disbursed over $8 million to assist more than $18,000 low income people and their pets. We have seen first hand the relief and happiness the Farley Foundation gives people. You can learn more about the people and pets the Farley Foundation helps every day across Ontario at www.farleyfoundation.org
]]>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/september-1st-2025Here are some tips on traveling with your cat :) 
​
For safety sake, kittens and cats must ride inside a carrier while in the car. The driver needs to concentrate on the road and traffic, not the fur baby on their lap or under the pedals. Even well-behaved cats that are loose in the car could be injured in the event of an accident.

Even though your cat will be in a crate, it's helpful for kitty to experience positive things about the car before you start the engine. Cats are sensitive to environment and territory which is why they prefer staying home in familiar surroundings. Make the car familiar by allowing Kitty to cheek rub and spread his scent to claim the car as
purr-sonal territory, and he'll feel more relaxed and happy during travels. Place the cat's bed, blanket, or towel on the back seat of the car prior to them entering, that way his scent is already inside.

Spraying Feliway on the towel or car upholstery  may help the cat feel more relaxed.

Please note that we will be closed on Monday, September 1st for the long weekend. We will re-open on Tuesday, September 2nd with our regular hours (8AM-7PM).]]>Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/august-1st-2025​Can you believe it’s August already and the long weekend is already here?! We will be closed on Monday, August 4th for the Civic Holiday and will re-open on Tuesday, August 5th at 8am.

With the weather getting warmer, it is important to keep an eye on your pet, to ensure that they remain comfortable. Make sure that your cats and dogs always have access to fresh water, and a place in the shade, where they can relax and cool down.

Be careful when walking your pets outside, as asphalt can heat up, and cause damage to your pets' paws. It would be best to avoid asphalt when on a walk, and elect to take a stroll on a grassy area instead.

It is very important to know the signs of heatstroke in pets. Restlessness, panting, increased drooling as well as increased respiratory and heart rates can all indicate a potential heatstroke. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet is showing any of those symptoms.

Soak up the sunshine and remember to keep your pets cool and safe all season long!]]>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/july-1st-2025Summer can be a fun time for pet owners and their animals to get outside and play, but the extreme heat can be very hazardous to pets.

Every year, companion animals suffer and die when their owners leave them in a parked car while they run errands. Temperatures inside cars can quickly rise 20 to 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature, and animals can die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes.

Here are a few tips to keep pets safe, healthy and happy during the hot summer season. ​NEVER leave pets in hot cars. Leaving pets in hot vehicles can cause severe dehydration and even death within minutes. Instead, keep your pets at home where they are safe and comfortable. Keeps pets indoors during extreme heat. High temperatures can be dangerous, particularly to brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog breeds, such as pugs, boxers and bull dogs.

Make sure pets have access to shade and fresh water. As much as pets may like to play outside, it’s very easy for them to get dehydrated or overheated.

Be careful of asphalt. Asphalt or metal surfaces can get extremely hot in the summer and can burn paws and reflect heat back on your pet. Pet owners can help avoid burns by choosing other surfaces to walk on or by walking their pets in the morning or evening. Test the surface by placing your hand just above the ground.

Just like humans, some dogs and cats get sunburn. If you’re considering shaving your pet this summer, make sure to leave at least an inch of hair. This will help protect your pet from the sun’s dangerous rays. Animals with short, light-colored coats can get sunburned.

Keep cats indoors on very hot days. Unlike dogs, cats do not drink a lot of water and can become dehydrated. Ensure your cat has a few cool and shady spots to retreat to around the house and garden. ​ Know the signs of a heat stroke. Pet owners should be educated on the symptoms of a heat stroke so they can react immediately if their pets exhibit symptoms. Symptoms include restlessness, panting, increased respiratory and heart rates, excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. ​

​Please note that the clinic will be closed on Tuesday, July 1st for Canada day. We will re-open on Wednesday, July 2nd at 9am. In case of an emergency please contact the Toronto Animal Health Partners at 416-380-7400, or the Central Toronto Veterinary Referral and Emergency at 416-784-4444.  ​Hope everyone has a wonderful summer!]]>Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.dufferinsteelesvet.com/paws-stories-blog/june-1st-2025June is here!

Summertime is just around the corner, which means the warm weather is here to stay and it also means PARASITES! Hope everyone remembered to start their dog’s parasite prevention medication as it is officially the beginning of heartworm season! Cats that go outdoors should also be using a parasite prevention medication to protect them from intestinal parasites, heartworm , ticks and fleas. Our Parasite bloodwork special will be continuing until the end of June, so it is not too late to have your dog tested!

Please contact us at Dufferin-Steeles Animal Hospital at 905-532-0043, to schedule your dog’s testing today]]>