Category: Blog
Category: BlogTick Season Is Upon Us!
REMINDER: Tick activity is temperature-driven, not seasonal.
Hello pet parents! Did you know that spring is one of the absolute worst times of the year for ticks? Whenever the temperature climbs above 0℃, ticks are starting to wake up…. starving and looking for a meal. In fact, they are bloodthirsty and have their eyes on any dogs, cats or warm-blooded mammals (including humans) wandering around. Lyme disease in particular has been an increasing concern around the GTA, so it’s important to prevent ticks and fleas and the diseases they carry.
Cats are generally less likely to contract tick-borne diseases, however families with outdoor cats and families with both dogs and cats have an increased risk. In addition, ticks can migrate from pets to people, so everyone in your family can be at risk! There are now several product choices available, and depending on their environment and risk, we can recommend the correct product for your pet’s individual needs. Determining the diseases present in your area, annual testing for these diseases, and taking extra precautions outdoors are always recommended! Simply call, email or visit us to pick up your pet’s tick preventatives to ensure that they and the rest of your family are protected.
Insider Preview: Starting this heartworm season (June 1st) there is a new all-in-one product on its way! Simparica Trio will be available later this spring. When ordering your tick prevention products, please let us know if you would like to be put on our waiting list and you will be first in line when the new product arrives! Stay tuned, more details to follow!! Give us a call to reserve your medication!
Meet Our Newest Client Care Specialist!
Jasmine is a single mom of 2 boys, and 2 feline fur babies. She has always had a love for animals, bringing strays home and taming feral cats when she was a kid. Jasmine knew she wanted to enter the field of animal medicine after volunteering with the Ottawa Humane Society for 2 and a half years. She moved to Toronto in 2017 and began working in a sales position, but knew her true love was working with animals. We are thrilled to have Jasmine join our front desk team and help her fulfill her dream of being around animals and their owners, and learning about the world of animal health care. ???????? Welcome to the family Jasmine!
Exciting News + Updates For 2020!
- New Year, New Clinic!
- Reminder: Year-Round Tick Prevention
- Dental Health Month is back!
- TEAM Dog Rescue’s Fundraiser Gala: “Party With a Purpose”
New years always bring hope, opportunity and a chance to start over. They give us the courage to push ourselves to new limits, and the perspective to think more positively about the world around us. In 2020, every day is another chance to live a more meaningful life for yourself, your loved ones, and your furry friends.
From everyone here at Centre Street Animal Hospital, we wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year ahead! May it be everything you wish for, and more! ???????????????????? We have a lot of exciting new things coming to the clinic this year, including new diagnostic equipment, new top-of-the-line treatments, and new staff! We can’t wait to share everything with you!
Reminder: Year-Round Tick Prevention
At Centre Street Animal Hospital, we normally recommend tick-prevention medication for 9 months of the year (during the warmest months). However, tick activity is temperature-driven, not seasonal – meaning our warmer January days are now a risk for your pets.
We may have been gifted with some sporadic warmer weather this winter, but this allows ticks to become a concern again. They are active during any temperature above 0℃, meaning your pets are now susceptible to tick bites and infections almost year-round. If you are taking your dogs or cats outside to parks or areas with tall grass, please consider picking up another dose of tick prevention.
Dental Health Month is Back for 2020!
February is Pet Dental Health Month, and we are happy to celebrate again this year by offering a special promotion from January 20th – February 29th, 2020. So stay tuned for the promotional details!
Pet Dentistry is a major component of preventative medicine when it comes to caring for your pet. Neglect of your pet’s oral hygiene and dental care can result in plaque accumulation and unhealthy populations of bacteria in your pet’s mouth. Centre Street Animal Hospital is one of Thornhill’s premium pet dental health locations, and we are always here to assist owners in developing oral health knowledge and proper home care practices. Give us a call today to find out more, and book your pet’s appointment.
TEAM Dog Rescue’s Fundraiser Gala: “Party With a Purpose”
We are so excited to announce our involvement with TEAM Dog Rescue’s 3rd Annual Fundraiser Gala for Pups! Tickets are on sale now!
Help us continue to make a difference in the lives of rescue dogs, and enjoy an incredible night out! If you would like to get involved by sponsoring the gala or donating to the silent auction, please reply back to this email with your contact information. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets!
Winter Safety And Travelling With Your Pets!
Winter Safety for Dogs: Are you and your pooch prepared for the frost?
Winter may be a wonderland for dogs, but when blizzards strike, severe cold and snow can pose serious health and safety risks for dogs of all breeds. Here are a few essential tips to help keep your dog safe and happy this season:
Frostbite
Paws, ears, and tails, like human hands and faces, are susceptible to frostbite. To help protect dog paws, boots in a wide variety of styles are easily found online and in pet stores. In addition to helping tender paws stay dry, dog boots often come with soles, which also provide added traction in icy conditions. If your dog doesn’t enjoy wearing boots (or needs time to get used to them), remove caked ice and snow from your pup’s feet as soon as possible. As added protection, make sure to maintain good foot grooming. If you suspect your dog has frostbite, contact us and we can help.
Salt and Chemical Deicers
Dangerous salt and chemical deicers are widely used on sidewalks and streets, and have varying degrees of toxicity for pets. Chemical deicers containing the antifreeze material ethylene glycol are a deadly poison for dogs and cats – and it only takes a small amount to cause permanent and fatal damage to their kidneys. Road salt can cause painful burning to paw pads, and when licked off by your dog, can cause irritation and inflammation to the mouth and digestive tract. After any exposure to salt and chemical deicers, wipe off your pet’s feet with a damp towel. Always read the labels of products carefully and follow all recommended precautions.
Windchill
While some breeds are built better than others to withstand cold temperatures, prolonged exposure of dogs to wind chill and cold temperatures can cause severe problems or even death from hypothermia (low body temperature). Short-haired, very young, and elderly dogs are at the greatest risk for problems related to cold exposure. When temperatures drop, keep walks and outdoor playtime to a minimum. Dog jackets can help dogs stay warmer for longer in winter weather, but even so, don’t wait until your dog starts shivering before realizing it’s time to head back indoors.
Travelling with your pets this holiday season? Here’s everything you need to know.
If you are preparing to travel with your furry family, make sure to study up pet owners’ rights and what the rules are when it comes to air travel with your pets. Because every country and airline will have their own specific rules for pet travel, make sure you know what to expect and what restrictions are in place. It’s crucial that you research all specific details before booking your flights.
Some key things to note:
- There are a limited number of pet spots available on every flight, unless you have a service or emotional support animal
- There is usually a fee required between $50 – $300 for all standard pets to board, with the exception of service or emotional support animals
- Rules of placement are dependent on your pets species, size, weight and temperament
- Certain medical clearance and vaccine records must be presented at the time of booking, and sometimes on board the plane
- Small pet carriers and larger crates must be up to airline-specific standards in order to fit or store them on the plane – whether in the cabin or cargo areas
- Some airports have pet relief areas for before and after flights, but airplanes do not – ensure you bring some kind of pee pad or poop bags in case your pet needs to go in their carrier mid-flight
- Airlines have the right to have you and your pet removed from a flight, or to deny you and your pet boarding, if your dog acts aggressively towards airline staff or other travellers
- You may want to consider a mild sedative for your pet to ease their stress and keep them calm. Contact us for more information or to arrange to pick up an appropriate sedative for your pet.
- If you are going on a long trip, you may be required to obtain a new health certificate for the return trip
Follow these 4 steps (in order) before booking your flights and hotel stays:
- Contact the consulate of the country(s) you are traveling to and find out their entrance requirements and what paperwork you will need for entering their country with your pet(s). You can also reference the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website, which has information about travel requirements for some countries and also offers a generic blank ‘travel certificate’. It is extremely important to research the requirements thoroughly ahead of time, as some countries require certificates/tests to be done months before travel.
- Contact the airline(s) you intend to travel with to find out their travel requirements and what paperwork you will need for boarding
- If you are staying in a hotel, call ahead to inquire about their pet policy and if they have any pet-friendly rooms available
- Contact us to obtain a copy of your pet’s medical and vaccine records, including any specific documents requested by the consulate or airline
Travel Essentials Checklist:
- Updated ID tag
- Food and water bowls
- Litter supplies and dog poop bags
- Sturdy collar, harness and leash
- Medication and supplements
- Pet food and treats
- First aid kit
- Toys to keep them busy
Happy Feature Friday! With Dr. Hogle????????⚕️
It’s #FeatureFriday ! And we’re putting our very own team in the spotlight (cuz they’re that great)! This week, we’re getting to know the newest member of our family: Dr. Nicole Hogle – BSc, DVM!
What made you want to enter the field of veterinary medicine?
“I have always wanted to be a veterinarian since as long as I can remember. I also remember never even considering another career. I wanted to be a vet because I wanted to help animals, and I also really enjoy the cognitive challenge of a difficult case. So in this field you get the reward of solving the case, but more importantly of making an animal feel better.”
Do you have a specialty or favourite area to work in (geriatrics, pain, oncology, surgery, etc)?
“There are so many things, I’m not sure what to pick! I really enjoy the daily preventative medicine, geriatric patients and surgery. I also have interest in ocular (eye) cases. I love that I can make an older animal feel more comfortable and happy by doing simple things like teaching clients about the benefits of dentistry , providing pain relief, or recommending supplements. I honestly just love working with the people and developing relationships with them and their pets.”
What do you love most about working at Centre Street Animal Hospital?
“The thing I love most about this clinic is our team. Seeing as I’m the newest team member, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love how harmonious everyone’s relationships are, and that they can make me laugh. I love that we can work well and efficiently together during the busy times, and really enjoying spending time with everyone when times are slower.”
Happy Feature Friday! With Dr. Goldman????????⚕️
It’s #FeatureFriday ???? And we’re putting our very own team in the spotlight (cuz they’re so great)! This week we’re getting to know Dr. Kineret Aloni-Goldman BSc, DVM, and she’s no stranger to our clinic!
What made you want to enter the field of veterinary medicine?
“I knew at around the age of 4 that I wanted to become a veterinarian. It is probably one of my first memories. I have always been surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, ducks, horses are just examples. I grew up in Israel where we had lots of stray dogs and I remember always bringing strays home. I was actively involved in rehabilitating and trying to find new homes for the dogs I found. It was such a great feeling when I was able to help them and see how happy they were with their new families. Pursuing a career in this field was the only logical next step!”
Do you have a specialty or favourite area to work in (geriatrics, pain, oncology, surgery, etc)?
“I really enjoy the variety of things you get to do as a veterinarian, and I love the fact that you always have to challenge yourself and learn more as medicine evolves. When not at Centre Street Animal Hospital, I work as a part-time shelter veterinarian and a surgeon for Toronto Animal Services, so I am lucky to work in two different environments with a variety of species. I love surgery, internal medicine, preventative medicine and geriatrics but really enjoy anything veterinary related!”
What do you love most about working at Centre Street Animal Hospital?
“Although I have just joined Centre Street Animal Hospital as a part time veterinarian in June 2019, I have known everyone at the clinic for the past 10 years. In fact, I have worked here as a locum veterinarian covering for Dr. Slome’s vacation since 2009. I love the fact that we have long term staff members that really get along and enjoy working with one another!”
Happy Feature Friday! With Dr. Slome ????????⚕️
It’s #FeatureFriday ! And we’re putting our very own team in the spotlight (cuz they’re that great)! This week, we’re getting to know the one and only Dr. Slome, owner of Centre Street Animal Hospital!
What made you want to enter the field of veterinary medicine?
“I have always had Veterinary Science as a contender for a career since I was 5 years old. As a young child, the typical other choices of being a pilot or a firefighter were always present, but being a veterinarian was always my top choice. When I was around 7-8 years old, I was bitten on my arm by a family friend’s dog and it got infected. My mom was amazed when we went to visit those same friends some weeks later, and the first thing I did when getting there was go straight back to play with that dog. I have always had an affinity towards pets, and have been very fortunate to have a career where I can be involved with them every day.”
Do you have a specialty or favourite area to work in?
“While I enjoy most areas of veterinary medicine and surgery, I think over the years of practice I have really enjoyed challenging medical cases – so as a result I would say that geriatric medicine has become my favourite area. I love the challenge of combining my training, experience, new technology and continuing education into an integrated approach to improving the lives of our cuddly family members.”
What do you love most about working at Centre Street Animal Hospital?
“I love that we have a team that works well together, have the same goal of high quality care and ethics, and I enjoy coming to work with them every day. We have a warm, relaxed, yet professional atmosphere which allows us to really focus on the relationships we build with our clients and patients. I have worked in a few hostile environments prior to starting this hospital, which helped me realize what I don’t want for our team. We spend so much time at work, and to enjoy life and be able to practice successfully requires a happy work environment.”
We’re Nominated for a Top Choice Award!????
We’re thrilled to announce that for the 2nd year in a row, we are nominated for a Top Choice Award under the Veterinary Clinics in Vaughan Category!
We are extremely grateful that you, our clients, chose us AGAIN for such a special recognition. Your support and trust in us is truly appreciated and we would be honoured if you would take a moment to vote for us:
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
| The Top Choice Awards organization also offers a draw entry for every vote they receive, with a grand prize of $2000 for one lucky winner! Thank you in advance, we wouldn’t be here without you. We look forward to many more years of working together to keep your 4-legged loved ones happy and healthy! Voting ends December 20th, 2019. |
| P.S. Your written feedback in the survey is anonymous but very important to us, as it allows us to know what you love about us and what we can improve to continue serving you every day and providing the best customer experience possible. |
Celebrating our staff for RVT Appreciation Month!
Did you know October is Veterinary Technician Appreciation Month across Canada? That’s right, we have an entire month to sing the praises for our beloved RVT staff, and we’d love to introduce you! We currently have three Registered Veterinary Technicians working in our clinic – Danya, Roy and Marcela!
RVT Month celebrates the teamwork between RVTs and Veterinarians (DVMs), who provide animals with the highest quality of healthcare. RVT’s are formally educated professionals who worked hard to gain their credentials, and are trained in a large number of areas within veterinary medicine – from anaesthesia to dentistry, lab animal research to animal behaviour, equine to avian and exotics, nutrition to radiology, large animals and shelter medicine.
We’d like to highlight them during this month (they deserve it!). Read more about each of them below:
We first met Danya when she came to Centre Street Animal Hospital at 11 years old, as a client with her very first kitten! We were thrilled to see her come full circle in the summer of 2011 as she graduated from the veterinary technician program and joined us as part of the CSAH team!
Roy started working for Centre Street Animal Hospital in the summer of 2005 after graduating with honors from the Veterinary Technician program at Seneca College. He has a special interest in the veterinary emergency field where the fast pace keeps him on his toes for new advancements in animal medicine.
Marcela joined our practice in May of 2019, but has been in the veterinary field since 2005. Her specialties as a technician include surgery and animal behavior, and she enjoys the hands-on aspect of diagnostics and procedures.
Welcoming Dr. Hogle to the Family!
We have some very exciting news! We are pleased to welcome our newest Veterinarian to Centre Street Animal Hospital, Dr. Nicole Hogle BSc, DVM. She comes to us from the Kawartha area, and we are very lucky to have her! If you would like to say hello, drop in anytime on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays and join us in welcoming Dr. Hogle to the CSAH Family!
Bio: Dr. Hogle wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a child. She took a strong interest in both dogs and horses, riding and competing in Ontario throughout her teen years. As she grew older, she became more involved in veterinary medicine by working at a clinic, volunteering with a dog and cat mobile ultrasonographer, and working with a variety of wild creatures at a wildlife rehabilitation centre! Dr. Hogle continued on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree at Trent University, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Guelph in 2016. After graduating as a veterinarian, she worked at a practice in Northern Ontario, and later moved to a clinic in Port Hope where she worked for 3 years. Recently joining Centre Street Animal Hospital in 2019, her professional interests include dentistry, pain control, and preventative medicine. When she’s not working, Dr. Hogle enjoys spending time with her husband, and walking her dog, Jack.
Please note our NEW Prescription Refill Policy:
Need a prescription refilled for any of your pets? Please read carefully, as our Policy has recently changed.
- Refilling prescription medications requires authorization by your pet’s veterinarian (who may not be in the clinic all days of the week) and some medications need to be special-ordered. As such we require at least two (2) business days notice for processing any refills.
- Refills may be requested in person, over the phone (905-771-9855), or via email (reception@centrestreetanimalhospital.com)
- When requesting a refill, please provide the exact name of the medication and the quantity requested.
- Please check all of your pet’s medications, and submit as many refill requests at one time.
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