Springtime with Pets: Keeping Your Pet Safe and Healthy
Springtime is just around the corner! As longer days and warmer weather return, the season also brings new risks for your pets – including pollen, parasites, and hidden toxic plants in the outdoors. Stay prepared with our guide to keeping your pet safe, healthy, and happy this spring.
Protecting your Dog’s PAWS in the Winter Season
Author: Jasmine Sethi INTRODUCTION We all know dogs enjoy playing in the snow, but freezing weather and increasing temperatures can also pose a risk to your furry companions. The freezing temperature and the salt that is used to avoid icy and slippery roads can be harmful to your dog’s paws, especially when walking on untreated ice and salt pavement. Did you know? Your dog’s paw pads are sensitive and can be damaged with exposure to freezing temperatures, moisture, and other chemicals. Extreme cold weather can be dangerous for your dog’s paw pads, as it can cause dryness, cracking, chapping, and even pose a frostbite risk. According to Vetericyn Animal Wellness, the roadside salt can serve to be toxic to dogs, causing paw irritation and potential stomach issues if ingested. We all know that it’s essential for all dogs to be outside at least two to three times per day for their daily walk. Like humans, it always feels good to get outside for some fresh air. However, extreme freezing temperatures and salt formulations on roads can be harmful to our pets. When salt comes in contact with your dog’s paws, it can lead to dryness, paw irritation, chapping, micro-cuts, and itchiness, and may even become infected when not treated. HOW TO TELL IF YOUR DOG’S PAWS ARE INFECTED AND SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR: i. Redness or Inflammation: Post-walk, it’s important to check your dog’s paws for any signs of redness or inflammation. Check the spaces between toes for any visible swelling, redness, or red patches. ii. Watch your Dog’s Behavior in the Snow: It’s vital to watch out for your dog’s behavior in the snow. They will enjoy the heavy snowfall and run around, but the second their paws come into contact with the salt, it has the tendency to burn their paw pads, causing sudden, sharp pain. iii. Referential Looking: Often, when dogs get hurt during their walks on the salty and icy pavement, they may demonstrate attention-seeking behavior such as yelping, squealing, and whimpering before pausing and looking back at their humans. It’s important to notice when your dog is making eye contact since they may be experiencing a problem, such as feeling hurt due to the salt on the roadside. iv. Silent Distressed Signals: It’s beneficial for you to be mindful during your walks with your dogs, especially when walking in freezing temperatures, so you can watch out for silent distress signals. For instance, some dogs may not make any direct sound at all; they may just lift their paw when their paw pads come into contact with the roadside salt and look at you for support. v. Post-walk Paws Licking: If the salt has burned your dog’s paws, chances are that your dog will lick, bite, or even chew at their paws, so it’s important for you to watch out for these signs and to take action when appropriate. INVESTING IN A QUALITY PAIR OF SHOES FOR YOUR DOGS Like humans, it’s so important to invest in your dog’s winter gear so that both you and your furry companions can enjoy your daily walks, especially in the winter season. It’s essential to invest in the right quality of shoes that fully cover and protect your dog’s paws from burning from the salt. Purchasing high-quality dog shoes is a worthwhile investment, so your dogs can stay protected and enjoy their walks in the freezing temperatures. Dogs must wear shoes during their walk time to protect their paw pads from coming into contact with the roadside toxic salt and other forms of chemicals. For instance, you can always look into purchasing the balloon-style winter rubber boots as they are especially best suited for smaller dog breeds who may not yet be used to wearing snow shoes. Dog shoes can act as a barrier and shield against extreme freezing temperatures, help retain moisture in your dog’s paws, prevent falls in the snow due to their anti-slip feature, and overall maintain your dog’s paw health. Shoes are recommended for all dog breeds and all sizes to avoid incidences of frostbite. It’s also a practical idea to keep a backup of your dog’s shoes, as there is a possibility of losing one or two shoes in heavy snowfall. For new dog caregivers, it’s a good recommendation to experiment with a few different kinds of paw shoes to assess which one works best for your dog. In order to get the accurate shoe size, we recommend that you measure your dog’s paw width and length with the measuring tape and compare it with the specific brand’s size chart online on Amazon, or an in-person visit to a pet store. Realistically, you should do a test-try on your dog’s paws and perhaps take them for a short walk to test out the comfort of the shoes. The signs of a good shoe for your furry companions are that the shoe must stay on for the entire walk and that your dog can walk or run without slipping. It’s also important to regularly check your dog’s shoes, as they may become worn or damaged with overuse for a few months, depending on the quality of the shoes as well. Additionally, if your dog’s nails are too long, they could cause discomfort or even cuts inside the shoe, which can increase the chances of your dog’s paw pads coming into contact with the salt. This is why it’s important to invest in high-quality shoes for your dogs, and we recommend sticking with those that work effectively. Another recommendation is to avoid high-salt areas, such as school zones, during your walks, where the city will often put a heavy amount of salt on the roads. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS Design of snow shoes for your dogs: a. The snow shoes should be lightweight and flexible, designed with breathable material, and have a good waterproof level in case of freezing rain. b. Good insulated lining, soft padded interiors, and adjustable closures to tighten or loosen the shoe, such as reflective straps or
What to Do if Your Cat has Asthma
Like humans, cats with allergies can experience symptoms that affect their breathing, ranging from a bit of discomfort to a medical emergency. With preventative measures and daily medication, your cat can live a full life without the constant risk of a medical emergency. What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. When triggered by an allergen (such as dust or pollen) or irritant (such as smoke or perfume), your cat can have an asthma attack that makes it difficult to breathe. Without medication, a severe asthma attack can be life-threatening if it is not treated urgently. If your cat is having a life-threatening attack (they are not getting enough air in or their gums are turning blue) bring them to an emergency vet clinic right away. Asthma in cats Asthma attacks can look different in cats than in humans. They can look similar to spitting up a hairball. Since cats can’t express their discomfort and needs, knowing the signs and symptoms of an attack is essential so you can respond quickly. Symptoms of feline asthma include coughing, heavy breathing, wheezing breaths, breaths moving the stomach rather than the chest, and blue gums. Often, cats will also crouch close to the ground and move their head as if they were gagging or vomiting. These symptoms and actions may look like the cat is trying to pass a hairball, but the crouching means it is more likely to be respiratory distress. Symptoms can start mild and be short-term, or they can spiral into a medical emergency. Noticing symptoms early and working with your vet to find the best solutions for your pet are key to ensuring your pet can live a healthy life despite their asthma. Prevention Once your cat has received an asthma diagnosis, the next step is to limit triggers in your home, so they won’t need extensive medication or have as many asthma attacks. Maintaining a clean environment by dusting and vacuuming will limit the presence of dust and dust mites that may be causing attacks. If you or a family member smokes, doing it outside will prevent your cat from being exposed to cigarette smoke, which can trigger an attack. While there is less research about the effects of e-cigarette vapor around pets, generally, you should avoid vaping near your cats’ living area. For cats who mainly spend their time indoors, outdoor allergic triggers can enter your home through open windows. Weather sites and channels provide alerts about air quality and pollen levels, which you can consult before opening your windows to let outside air in. Additionally, an air purifier can help maintain good air quality indoors, but it does not replace cleaning and limiting triggers. Lastly, you can use dustless and hypoallergenic cat litter, if you aren’t already. Speak to your vet about what options will work best for you and your pet. Medication Once your cat is diagnosed with asthma, medication will become a primary tool in preventing attacks. Daily anti-inflammatory medication will help prevent inflammation in their airways and keep them clear to prevent difficulty breathing. While the medication can be administered orally, it is easier over the long term for the cat to use a feline inhaler. The two parts, the inhaler and the aerosol chamber, work together to deliver the medication deep into the cat’s lungs as they breathe. However, because cats dislike objects touching their face, they may need to get used to it gradually. Start practicing a week before administering the first dose, to ensure your cat has the most positive experience leading up to using the inhaler. To begin, get your cat used to the detachable mask, the portion that will be directly touching the cat’s face. You can do this by having your pet reach for treats within the mask. If your cat is addicted to Churu tubes, spreading some on the inside of the mask and holding it up for your cat to lick is a great way to create positive associations with the mask. Next, practice holding the detached mask against the cat’s face as you support them on your lap. The cat should get used to breathing room air through the mask before you attach the rest of the chamber. Discuss with your veterinarian other ways to adjust your cat to their medication routine. How to Use a Cat Inhaler To continue your cat’s positive association with the inhaler, provide their favourite treats after the dose is delivered.
Charlie and His Brothers
Jessica and her family faced unexpected challenges, read about how their pets fought for survival and how PAWS helped.
You, Your Pet and Ticks
Summer is for long walks with your family and pets. Don’t let ticks tag along.
Tick prevention for pets
Ticks are parasites that attach to pets and carry harmful diseases. Reduce exposure and learn what to do if you find one!
Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September).
Pet-Proofing: Common Household Items That Are Harmful to Your Pets
Click to find out what everyday items you have in your home that can expose your pet to accidents or illnesses and how you can prevent that.
Holiday Pet Safety
The holidays are busy enough as it is… don’t add an emergency vet visit to your schedule.
Healthy Pet Holiday Supper
Here are some tips to incorporate into your holiday meal prep to easily include your pet in the joy!
PAWS and Balance: Canine Healthy Weight Management
JASMINE SETHI 1. Introduction: Definition of Canine Obesity Obesity is increasingly becoming a growing trend among the canine population. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, obesity is a chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to reduced life span and contribute to the development of other diseases. The canine population requires the right amount of food and calorie intake, along with regular physical activity, to maintain a realistic weight goal. Dogs across various breed segments often face weight management challenges, which can lead to adverse health issues. Research shows that it’s getting increasingly important for dogs to maintain an ideal weight as it leads to increased longevity, and it directly correlates with reduced cases of chronic ailments such as diabetes or mobility issues. Body Condition Score The foundation of true canine wellness is to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, mental stimulation, a nurturing environment, and consistent physical activities. It’s important to regularly monitor and maintain your dog’s body condition score and weight, as this will enable you to know the right time to adjust their quantity of food and activity levels. The ideal weight of a dog can vary greatly based on breed, sex, and age. The body condition scoring system is an important tool for all pet caregivers to determine if your dog is carrying extra weight objectively. It is a standardized way to evaluate your dog’s body mass, a helpful tool to help you determine if your pet is underweight, overweight, or at a healthy weight. Overview of Canine Welfare Implications It’s worthwhile to consider the overall welfare implications for your dogs. Like humans, dogs need a happy home, a loving family, and a good quality of life, which can positively impact their overall health and well-being. All of this doesn’t have to come with a heavy price tag, as we understand that affordability and accessibility remain top priorities for all pet caregivers. If your dog is overweight, this impacts your dog’s overall well-being, such as a lack of energy or reduced enjoyment of life; hence, maintaining a healthy weight should be the goal for your dog’s long-term well-being. For all Pet Parents, New and Experienced Let’s reflect. Are you worried about your dog’s sudden weight gain or increasing obesity, or do you wish to generally learn more about weight management among your pets? If you have answered yes to the question, or are a first-time pet-caregiver, or in general wish to learn more to better care for your animal companions, this article will serve as a valuable read. In this article, you will have free access to resources to support you in the implementation of best canine wellness practices, which will enable you to feel more empowered in doing the right thing for your companions. Weight Assessment for your Dog First, let’s understand when you should be worried about your dog’s abnormal or sudden weight gain, especially if it may not be visible at a certain point. Obesity in dogs means the accumulation of excess body fat, leading to excess body weight, measurable in either kilograms or pounds (VCA Animal Hospitals). It’s important to differentiate between dogs who are overweight versus obese. Dogs can be considered overweight when they weigh nearly 10% to 20% above their ideal body weight. Likewise, dogs can be considered obese when they weigh more than 20% above their ideal body weight (VCA Animal Hospitals). You can simply weigh your dogs at home using your household scale or at your upcoming veterinarian in-person appointment to get an accurate reading. Let’s review a quick checklist to learn more about your dog’s weight scale Please write down your results, and let’s work together to better address your dog’s needs. Likewise, if you have answered no to most of the questions, we still encourage you to keep on reading to understand preventative measures and learn general recommendations to best care for your pets for their long-term wellness. DID YOU KNOW? i. A dog’s lifespan can decrease by two years when moderately overweight. (VCA Canada). ii. As per the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 50% to 60% pets in Canada are currently struggling with excess weight and obesity. This high incidence of obesity in companion animals is problematic and has made it challenging for many pet caregivers to identify what a normal and healthy weight truly looks like for their dogs. The good news is that this can be reversed with small daily habits. MYTH VS. FACT Myth: It’s acceptable for my dog to have one cheat meal a day. Fact: Even one cheat day can have adverse effects on your dog’s health. With the festive season fast approaching, please know that giving leftovers and foods high in fat content or greasy foods to your dog can become a leading cause of other diseases, especially for a dog with an established obesity, such as pancreatitis. 2. Causes of Obesity in Dogs and Recommendations Why Obesity in Dogs is a Growing Concern. Due to the prevalence of canine obesity among companion animals, many people are surprised to learn about the healthy weight goal for their pets in real-time. We all know that excessive weight gain in dogs can, over time, lead to multiple health issues or further aggravate genetic diseases. It’s a good idea for you to continue incorporating canine wellness practices and building healthy habits for your animal companions. Hence, maintaining a healthy weight is ideal for all dog breeds to avoid different forms of health issues such as diabetes, limping, shortened lifespan, and limit the occurrence of genetic health diseases. Although excess weight reduces any dog’s quality of life, brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Bulldogs in general, and Boston Terriers tend to be more vulnerable to weight gain. It’s mainly since these specific breeds already have smooshed faces and anatomical limitations, which further tend to restrict their airways, so when they carry any amount of excess weight, it increases discomfort and tends to become a struggle to carry out their day-to-day activities, such as regular