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. Please note we are closed on Monday, January 1st and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2nd at 8am.
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The 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 closed on Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th. We will re-open on Wednesday, December 27th with our regular hours. We will be closed again on Monday, January 1st and will re-open on Tuesday, January 2nd with our regular hours. In case of an emergency over the holidays, please contact the Vaughan Richmond Hill Emergency Clinic at 905-884-1832, or the Central Toronto Veterinary Referral and Emergency at 416-784-4444. We wish everyone a Happy Holiday! |
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DUFFERIN-STEELES ANIMAL HOSPITAL
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OFFICE HOURS
Monday 9am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 7pm Wednesday 9am - 4pm Thursday 8am - 7pm Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday Closed Sunday Closed * Please note: Wednesday we are open only for food sales, medication pick ups, and booking appointments* |
Dufferin-Steeles
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Emergency Care
If this is an urgent issue and it is outside our normal business hours, please contact: Vaughan-Richmond Hill Emergency Clinic 10303 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C3B9 (905)884-1832 or Central Toronto Veterinary Referral and Emergency Clinic 1051 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M6C2C9 (416)784-4444 Our Partners in care |
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