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Preventing Pet Separation Anxiety From COVID-19

How to Prevent Separation Anxiety After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has many of us working remotely, and some are self-isolating to help flatten the curve. You might be wondering, “Will my dog suffer from separation anxiety when life goes back to normal?”.

Panic and the uncertainty of being alone are the foundation of separation anxiety in our pets. Pets may damage property or themselves, bark or cry excessively, pace frantically, or soil carpets and furniture. Prevention is the key to building confidence in your pets. Pets who cause damage are NOT MAD at you for leaving them alone. They miss you and are acting out their panic. Punishment often makes things worse. While at home:

  • Create a safe haven space. Allow for quiet time apart during the day where you detach physically. You may crate your dog, use a mat across the room, or even sit on the opposite end of the couch.
  • Use your dog’s senses to promote relaxation and comfort. Set up a white noise machine and spritz her safe haven space with synthetic canine pheromones or pet-safe lavender essential oils. 
  • Desensitize your dog to typical departure cues at non-routine times of the day. Pick up your keys then go fold laundry. Put on your shoes and go to the bathroom. Leave through the front door and come right back through the back door.
  • Incorporate independence-building games like hide and seek with favourite toys placed throughout the house. Scatter a few loose treats in different rooms, so your dog has to work to sniff them out. 
  • Ask your dog to sit or lie down at her safe haven space. Make sure she watches you as you leave the room to set up the different toys and treats, then let her wait (as long as she can without punishing her!). Your goal is to build a little impatience here.

Dogs love routine. We need to build new routines for them when we start to leave the house again. By using the safe haven, relaxation cues, and confidence-building games, we can help increase our dog’s ability to settle into life without you 24-7.


Should You Get Pet Insurance?

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to getting insurance for your pet. Having a better understanding of how coverage works can help you see the value in having your pet covered, no matter what their age or lifestyle. Below are some common myths about pet insurance. If you have questions or would like some suggestions for insurance providers, give us a call!


Staying Protected Throughout the Seasons

As summer begins to wind down, the temperatures will drop quickly. This means continuing with your Simparica Trio medication is more important than ever, as certain types of ticks actually prefer cooler weather. Additionally, when Ontario gets more temperate and rainy, we sometimes see a spike in upset stomachs from a parasite called Giardia. This parasite thrives in still water like puddles and ponds, so ensure your pet avoids drinking from these at all times.

Heat Safety, Tick Talk & Video Appointments!


Pet Safety Tips for the Summer Heat

As we enter our summer months, it’s important to recognize how sensitive our pets are to the changing weather and environment. Read through these helpful tips so you can keep your pets safe and enjoy the summer together!

Know Your Dog

Some dogs are more susceptible to heat exposure and the effects of the sun. Certain breeds of dogs can have a more difficult time with heat. Research your dog’s breed to find out what they are more or less susceptible to.

Protecting Pads

Easy rule: if the pavement is too hot for your feet, then it is too hot for your dog’s paws. Limit your time outside especially when temperatures are high, and stick to grassy areas. Signs of burnt pads include limping, licking or chewing feet, refusing to walk, missing part of the pad, blisters or redness.

Hot Cars

Do not leave any pets alone in your vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you roll down the window or park under shade, it can still be life-threatening to your pet. Animals have a limited ability to sweat, meaning heat does not escape their bodies easily, so even a short time in a hot environment can be dangerous.

Hydratation and Shade

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh water, and find a cool place away from the sun while spending time with them outside. This can prevent your pet from getting heat stroke.

Be Aware of Bugs

Ontario is full of bug species that are harmful to our pets. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm, fleas can lay eggs, ticks can transmit other diseases like Lyme disease, and large flies can bite thin skin causing itching and irritation. Call us to learn more about the various insect and parasite preventative products. 

Heat Exposure

  • Take dogs on walks in the morning or evening when the temperature is lower. Keep them on leash to prevent them from running, leading to overexertion.
  • Certain types of dogs, such as Northern breeds or short-muzzled dogs can have a more difficult time in the heat. Dogs that are older, overweight, taking certain medications or with certain medical conditions are also more susceptible to heat exposure.
  • If you are travelling and can’t take your pet inside with you when you leave your car, leave them at home where they are safe and cool.
  • If you do not have air conditioning at home, provide a fan to keep your pets cool and comfortable. Close the curtains to keep the temperature lower, and give animals access to a cool room within your home. Spaces with bare floors are ideal, as they provide a cool place for your pet to lay down.
  • Watch for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting and drooling, listlessness or unconsciousness. If heatstroke is suspected, immediate veterinary medical attention is required.
  • To help cool the animal, wet the fur immediately with lukewarm to cool water (NOT cold water.) Bring the pet into the shade and offer drinking water.

Don’t be afraid to go out and enjoy the weather with your pet! Just keep these handy tips in mind when you do, and enjoy the summer weather! And remember: if you see an animal in distress in the heat, call the government’s animal protection hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police.

Courtesy of https://ontariospca.ca/.


Tick Talk: How Much Do You Know?

Learn More at: https://ticktalkcanada.com/


New Appointment Style: Zoom & Video Chats

As we maintain our COVID-19 clinic procedures, just a general reminder that curbside appointments are taking longer than usual. With that in mind, please allocate 60-90 minutes for each visit.

We are also beginning to set up video chat appointments in our exam rooms using ZOOM software, with a webcam and microphone for optimal audio and video capabilities. As soon as these are available, we will let you know upon booking. You will also be sent a link via email with all of the necessary details for setting up the video chat at your appointment time. Stay tuned!


COVID-19 Updates & BIG NEWS for Dr. Hogle!

Congratulations Dr. Hogle!!!

We are overjoyed to announce that on May 24th, our very own Dr. Hogle gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Elyse! Despite the challenges of bringing a newborn into the world during a pandemic, mom and baby are doing well. Congratulations Dr. Hogle, we will miss you on mat leave and can’t wait to meet her!


Update on COVID-19 Procedures

Although some of the COVID-19 policies in Ontario are on the verge of being loosened, we are still keeping the majority of procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of our staff, clients and patients.

A few things to note as we welcome patients back for routine appointments:

  • We will be continuing our locked-door policy, curbside pickup, and product delivery service
  • Due to the additional precautions being taken, appointments are taking a little longer than usual, so please allocate at least 60 minutes for each visit
  • We are staying on top of all the latest updates and research, and will keep you informed as things progress

Parasite Prevention for Cats

No matter what their lifestyle, indoor or outdoor, all cats should consider protection from the various disease-causing parasites in Ontario. Enter Revolution® PLUS: the only FDA-approved 6-in-1 preventative product with broad-spectrum action against parasites that threaten cats and kittens. Revolution PLUS is a small amount of topical liquid that is easily applied once a month, and dries quickly. It’s as simple as that!

Parasites are NOT necessarily “outdoor-only”.

Fleas, ticks, ear mites, intestinal worms, and heartworms can get into any home by hitchhiking indoors on other pets or creatures, shoes and clothes, or through doors and windows. Meaning cats and kittens of every lifestyle can regularly come in contact with harmful pests.

Contact us today to order your monthly doses, and keep your cats protected!

Springtime means sun, flowers and parasite prevention

 

Dear Pet Owner,

It’s springtime, and with all the fun of walks in the sunshine this is also the most common time for heartworms.

We are emailing all of you to remind you to please call in to schedule your pet(s) seasonal heartworm and parasite appointment, Tel 905 771 9855, or use our appointment request link here if you haven’t already done so.

Heartworms are a form of roundworm usually passed onto pets through mosquitos. They can potentially be fatal, but the condition is easily preventable if the right steps are taken.

Heartworm prevention can start as early as May 15 or as late as July 1st, so please come by before then to pick up your Revolution or other heart worm protection kits if you have not done so already.

And if we are blessed with early warm weather and bring your friends along on the next camping or cottage trip, be sure to pay us a visit, as the warm weather brings more mosquitos.

We hope to see you, and your pets soon!

 

This is a general reminder, but if you would like to sign up for our newsletter, you can do so here.

 

Click here to learn more about Heartworm Prevention.

HeartwormVideoBlog

 

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    How to Prevent Separation Anxiety After COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has many of us working remotely, and some are self-isolating to help flatten the curve. You might be wondering, “Will my dog suffer from separation anxiety when life goes back to normal?”. Panic and the uncertainty of being alone are the foundation of separation anxiety in our pets. Pets may damage ...

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  • Heat Safety, Tick Talk & Video Appointments!

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