Let’s Celebrate National Senior Pet Month!
November is the perfect time to consider the unique interests of our older pets. Small/medium breeds, ages 8 and older, and larger breed dogs, ages 7 and older can require some extra TLC and attention.
With advancing age, additional diagnostic evaluation may be required to maintain our older pet’s health more consistently and strategically. To ensure a good quality, well-managed health maintenance program, regular checkups are advised. Our furry friends can’t speak up to let us know when things feel ‘off’, so let’s work as a team to intervene preemptively and safeguard the ‘brightness’ of their golden years!
During the spring and summer, we recommend a bundled wellness blood screen with a heartworm test. This is the best way to address common risks preventatively. In other cases, we sometimes recommended follow up diagnostic testing. We want these interventions to be accessible, especially to owners of senior pets who are more at risk, so we are offering our National Senior Pet Program.
Thanks to an auspicious arrangement with our laboratory, we are offering 4 levels of senior care examination programs:
Level 1: A full clinical exam, mid level blood panel and fecal test*
Level 2: A full clinical exam, comprehensive senior blood panel and fecal test*
Level 3: A full clinical exam, mid level blood panel, urine test and fecal*
Level 4: A full clinical exam, comprehensive blood panel, urine test and fecal*
Each level includes a 10-15% fee reduction on our already bundled lab pricing. Please call us for more information and to take advantage of this important program.
To book an appointment please call us at
(905)771-9855 or email us reception@centrestreetanimalhospital.com or request an appointment online 24/7 at www.centrestreetanimalhospital.com/book-an-appointment
“Falling” to Allergies
While it may sound surprising, pets are very prone to allergies. You won’t find them wiping their noses, coughing or wheezing, but animals do exhibit allergic symptoms. Most commonly, pets inhale allergens from the environment, a condition called ‘atopy’. Atopy can include facial itching, paw licking and chewing (causing discoloration of the fur) with a progressive reaction to the rest of the body. Itching can be so intense that it causes bleeding. Bacterial and fungal infections can develop as a result and require fairly aggressive medication to resolve.
Other common allergies can be protein (diet) –based, which also cause facial itching and sometimes diarrhea, or contact related, resulting from reactions to shampoos and other superficial products.
Skin itching and infections are one of the three most common conditions we see. If you suspect that your pet may have a skin infection or allergy, please call us to schedule an appointment. We can help your pet to feel more comfortable, and you will sleep better as a result!
Fall Hazards to Avoid
Eating fall foliage may be fun for your pet, but it can result in an unwanted surprise ‘gift’ of vomit or diarrhea.
We typically see a marked increase in certain parasitic disease in the fall. Many intestinal parasites thrive in damp, cool conditions that are ripe at this time of year. Try to discourage your pet from lapping up potentially contaminated water from puddles or lakes.
If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, they may encounter skunks or raccoons, especially if you live in farm or cottage country. In this case, you will want to make sure that they are vaccinated for Leptospirosis, a bacterial pathogen that thrives in cool, damp conditions.
Ingestion of toxins, especially antifreeze, is extremely dangerous and can put undue stress on the kidneys and even be fatal.
Obscured garbage, like broken glass, cans and plastic, can easily injure your pet. Please keep them leashed and in safe, familiar areas to avoid injury.
Be vigilant in the face of these hazards and your pet will breeze through fall without incident.
Supervised Lodging and Boarding
Do you know about our supervised lodging arrangements?
A couple of years ago, we scaled back the availability of this service, as a result of feedback from clients who were placing their pets in private homes while they were away. This trend, along with the availability of larger pet boarding establishments with 24-hour care, seemed to be meeting the needs of our clients.
We have since become aware that some clients, especially those whose pets have medical needs, require an alternative. As a result, we have reinstated our supervised lodging services during the holiday seasons.
For other times of the year, please contact us in advance, and we will attempt to accommodate your pet’s needs while you are away. Note that this will depend on time restrictions and the availability of on-call, qualified, professional dog walkers, arranged in advance.