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I don’t know about your pets, but as soon as that first warm day teases the arrival of spring (it’s a trick!), my dog suddenly thinks she belongs outside 24/7. Even my cat, who has never spent a day outside in his life, is suddenly thinking up ways to escape this house, Shawshank-style. Now that we’ve officially hit April, who can blame them? The worst of winter is safely behind us, and spring is an exciting time with more walks, longer evenings, and lots of enticing scents a

Cats thrive on stimulation, fresh air, and the ability to explore. But that doesn’t have to mean full outdoor exposure. There are safer ways to meet those instincts while protecting our cats from traffic, predators, toxins, and diseases.  Thoughtful alternatives can give cats the best of both worlds: enrichment and safety. Catio or enclosed outdoor space: Allows cats to experience fresh air, sunshine, and scents without exposure to predators or hazards Supervised outdoor time

Cats may be skilled hunters, but outdoors, they’re both predator and prey. Even a quick roam can expose them to serious risks. Rodents poisoned with rodenticides can fatally harm cats that catch or eat them Predators like coyotes, foxes, owls, and dogs can attack Fights with other cats can lead to injuries and disease Outdoor freedom comes with hidden costs, making supervision or enclosed spaces a much better option.

As we learned with dogs…as temperatures rise, so does pest activity. Indoor cats are not  immune to fleas, ticks, and other parasites. The risk may be lower, but it’s never zero. Humans are capable of bringing pests into the household, so it’s important to keep our cats protected. Outdoor cats are highly susceptible to parasites. For cats, we also need to be aware of contagious diseases such as Feline Leukaemia (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) from fights, and othe

Warmer weather=more open windows. RISKS Cats jumping or falling from unsecured windows or balconies False sense of security because cats “usually land on their feet” Secure window screens at any height are not  optional. Let that fresh spring air enter your house while making sure no cats are exiting your house.  Cats falling or escaping from open windows is more common than you think. Tiny Fault + Willful Cat=Yikes. While we get to know our cats pretty well, they are still a

Spring=flowers everywhere! And many are hazardous to our cats. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, so much so that veterinarians recommend avoiding them entirely in cat households.  AVOID Easter lilies Tiger lilies Asiatic and Oriental lilies Daylilies Even tiny exposure to all parts of the plant, its pollen, or vase water can be life-threatening for cats.  Some plants have “lily” in the name but belong to different plant families (i.e. Lily of the Valley, Calla Lily, Peace L

As tempting as it can be to let cats roam in the fresh spring air, the outdoors comes with far more risk than reward. Traffic, toxins, parasites, and encounters with other animals can turn a simple outing into an emergency or sudden heartbreak.  Did You Know? The life expectancy of indoor cats is 12-18 years, while outdoor cats average just 2-5 years. It's true! Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives with far fewer vet bills and heartbreak. The good news is that with open w

Cats need thoughtful springtime care and thought too. Springtime always feels like a fresh start: longer days, open windows, and a home that finally breathes again. While I often find myself talking about dogs this time of year, I promise I haven’t forgotten about our feline companions! Cats experience the season a little differently, and some of those changes come with risks that are easy to overlook. The good news? With a bit of awareness, you can keep things just as safe a

Anyone else feel their skin crawling at the mere mention of ticks? Because same. They’re gross and sneaky, and in the last decade, tick populations have (unfortunately) been thriving in Ontario.  Why? Climate change provides more favourable conditions for their survival, while expanding host populations such as deer and mice allow ticks to hitchhike and spread with ease.  Why Can Ticks Be Dangerous? Ticks can transmit several diseases through their bite. As they feed, ticks m

As temperatures rise in Ontario, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes become more active. This means our pets face a higher risk of exposure. Fleas are a huge nuisance in general and can cause itchiness and/or illness. Ticks carry diseases such as Lyme, while mosquitoes can transmit heartworm disease. Awareness and prevention go a long way in keeping pets safe during the warmer months. Contact your veterinarian to discuss preventative options for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. For more

Spring is baby animal season! Keep your dog on leash at all times to avoid disrupting the nests and dens of local wildlife, including: Rabbits Skunks Raccoons Birds Coyotes PRO TIP: Be sure your dog is up to date on their rabies vaccine.

Did you know that many common garden plants are toxic to dogs? Avoid letting your dog dig up and/or play with: Tulip bulbs Daffodil bulbs Hyacinth bulbs Grass chemicals from your spring lawn revival can also be harmful to your dog. Watch out for stomach upset, skin irritation, and signs of poisoning if ingested. Avoid freshly treated lawns for several days and wipe paws after walks.

Spring melt and rain create lots of bacteria-filled ponds, puddles, mud pits, and stagnant water. Allowing our pets to drink and play in water or mud during spring runoff season   puts them at risk for parasites, harmful bacteria, and diseases such as: Leptospirosis Blue-Green Algae infection Kennel Cough Giardia Poisoning from contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizer, or antifreeze And more Avoid standing water, and always carry fresh drinking water for your dog. Discuss

Hay fever isn’t just for humans! Seasonal allergies in dogs are very common, and for some dogs, allergies can be quite upsetting and debilitating. Symptoms to Watch Out For: Excessive chewing or licking of itchy paws, causing irritation, discolouration, or bleeding Excessive head shaking or ear scratching due to stinky, inflamed ears Abnormal shedding (i.e. rapid, patchy hair loss) Difficulty breathing Swelling of face and/or eyes Hives True or False? Some Dog Breeds Are Gene

After months of salt, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles, our sidewalks and trails are basically a gross science experiment. Watch out for: Lingering road salt Gravel and sharp debris (including needles) Sneaky slippery patches Discarded food Forgotten pet waste Puddles and standing water Deceased wildlife Keep your eyes out for these hazards during your walks, and rinse or wipe your dog’s paws when you get home. Being vigilant can save you from surprise vet bills.