Summer 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 Friday July 1st for Canada day. We will re-open on Monday July 4th. 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
0 Comments
June 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 on June 1st 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 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. Additionally, please be aware that we will be closed on Saturdays starting in June. Our new hours are: Monday 8AM-7PM Tuesday 8AM-7PM Wednesday 8AM-4PM Thursday 8AM-7PM Friday 8AM-4PM Saturday, Sunday: CLOSED The warmer weather is finally here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and I’m sure everyone’s pets are enjoying the spring weather. Don’t forget that this is also the type of weather that those nasty parasites come out to enjoy as well.
Parasite prevention season starts June 1st, so please remember to bring your dogs in for parasite testing. Parasite season is from June to November and they will need to be protected the whole season. And don’t forget about our kitty friends. They are also at risk of picking up worms and fleas this season and need to be on prevention to protect them as well; even indoor cats are at risk! Indoor cats can become infested with fleas quite easily. Once fleas get in your house, they can live there quite comfortably and multiply frequently. You can bring fleas into your home if you were in close contact with a pet that has fleas. Tapeworms are also a problem for indoor cats. Since tapeworms are carried by fleas, your cat may swallow a flea while grooming and infect itself with tapeworm. Roundworms may also be a threat to indoor cats, particularly if there is a rodent problem in your home. Living indoors is the safest lifestyle for your cat. However, your cat is not safe from parasites even if living indoors. It is important to take the proper precautions to protect yourself and your cat. Talk to your vet about parasite protection for your cat this year. For information on parasite testing and prevention, please contact us at Dufferin-Steeles Animal Hospital. 905-532-0043 Spring has arrived, although some days it does not seem like it! As spring arrives it brings with it all the annoying parasites which cause all kinds of problems for people and animals alike. Since pet infestations can be passed on to humans, prevention is important for the whole family. With the amount of climate change over the last few years, we are experiencing an increase in heartworm positive and Lyme disease in dogs in Ontario. There’s no way to tell if a mosquito is infected, that’s why prevention is so important.
Ticks wait for host animals on the tips of grasses and shrubs. When brushed by a moving animal or person, they quickly let go of the vegetation and climb onto the host. Ticks can be active on winter days with temperatures of only 0 degrees Celsius! We recommend that dogs are tested for heartworm and tick-borne diseases every year and be put on a parasite prevention from June to November. It’s important to note that even indoor cats need parasite prevention since there are many ways parasites can enter your home, such as via insects and other animals. As our pets are unable to talk like you and I, it’s important to know what’s going on inside before it becomes a serious health concern. Pets age more rapidly than humans, meaning disease can occur rapidly. In fact 10% of pets that appear healthy to owners have been found to have an underlying condition. Since the parasite test requires a blood sample, we can use the same blood sample to test for common conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney failure. Testing this way is cheaper and less stressful for our pets. For information on parasites, and discounted wellness blood work, please contact us at Dufferin-Steeles Animal Hospital. 905-532-0043 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. You can also schedule a free dental assessment for your pet with our registered technician, where she can answer any questions or concerns you may have.
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. With just one chewable tablet, Bravecto kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs, and protectively kills ticks for up to 12 weeks! ATTENTION: At this time we have new protocols in place to help keep our staff and clients safe and to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. We have increased our appointment times and are staggering our appointments. When arriving at the clinic please call us and wait in your car for further assistance. To practice social distancing only pets will be allowed in the clinic. Please stay in your car and we will come get your pet from your car for the appointment. Payment will be done by credit card over the phone or by e-transfer. Thank you for your understanding during these uncertain times. For information on February 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 dentistries. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday you can schedule a complimentary dental assessment for your pet with our registered veterinary technician! And don’t forget to brush your pet’s teeth! 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 ATTENTION: In light of the new COVID-19 variant we are currently operating as curbside. Please call 905-532-0043 once you have arrived for your appointment and a member of our team will assist you. " anything to change/add? 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. ATTENTION: In compliance with public health COVID-19 protocol, clients will no longer be able to enter the clinic for debit payments. All transactions will be done by either E-Transfer, or over the phone via credit card. Thank you for understanding during these uncertain times. Hope everyone had an amazing holiday season! 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 Friday, December 24th, Saturday, December 25th and Monday, December 27th. We will re-open on Tuesday, December 28th with our regular hours. We will be closed again on Friday, December 31st. and Saturday, January 1st. We will re-open on Monday January 3rd 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! 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! ATTENTION: We are currently in the process of re-opening, and welcoming our clients inside the clinic. In order to prevent crowding, the entrance will remain locked, and you will have to give us a call once you arrive for your appointment. At this time, we only allow double-vaccinated pet parents inside. After we check you in, a team member will open the door for you, and you are welcome to come inside with your pet. Please note that we require that all people entering the building wear masks. Our food and medication pick ups will remain curb side for now. October 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 SafePet 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 $15 will get a tax receipt. To date, the Farley Foundation has disbursed more than $3.5 million to assist over 8,400 people and pets in need. 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
ATTENTION: We are currently in the process of re-opening, and welcoming our clients inside the clinic. In order to prevent crowding, the entrance will remain locked, and you will have to give us a call once you arrive for your appointment. After we check you in, a team member will open the door for you, and you are welcome to come inside with your pet. Please note that we require that all people entering the building wear masks. Our food and medication pick ups will remain curb side for now. Additionally, there has been an update in our cancelation policy; if an appointment is missed without notice, we will require payment information up-front in order to reschedule. If the new appointment is missed again, the cost of the visit will be charged to the payment method provided. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. |
DUFFERIN-STEELES ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Your pet's healthcare is our top priority.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 9am - 7pm 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
|
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 |
Site powered by Weebly. Managed by IDEXX Laboratories