Happy Puppy

How to Choose a Happy and Healthy Puppy

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With so many breeds of dogs how do you know if the puppy you choose is healthy and happy? New PuppyIt would be upsetting for you and your family to bring home a new puppy and find out that it is unwell. Even though some health concerns are not distinguishable early on, some tell tale signs shouldn’t be ignored. Here are a few characteristics you should consider when choosing a new puppy.

Appearance:

  • Pay particular attention to the puppy’s eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. There shouldn’t be any discharge, sores, redness, or odor from any of these areas.
  • The puppy’s eyes should be bright, clear, and moist. His/her mouth and nose should smell clean, be absent of sores, and gums should be pink.
  • His/her coat should be healthy, full, shiny, and clean. Note if there are any balding areas, or sores, lumps, and scabs on the skin.
  • A healthy puppy should be lean and active. Puppies burn off a lot of calories and should not be overweight. A healthy puppy should be excited and full of energy.

Is the puppy house trained?

  • Most puppies have urinary or bowel accidents dependent on their age and time spent in a kennel or shelter.
  • Changes in routine or location also cause distress and may cause a puppy to have accidents.
  • Speak with a Veterinarian if you have concerns on frequent accidents or difficulty with house training.

What are the puppy’s usual urinary and bowel patterns?

Healthy Puppy

Ask questions in regards to the usual elimination pattern of the puppy. There should be no difficulty voiding, no diarrhea or constipation, or vomiting. You want to make sure your new puppy is not bringing home any viruses, parasites, or bacteria; especially if you have small children at home.

Temperament:

Puppies

  • Most puppies should be 8 – 10 weeks old before you adopt one, it should be weaned from the mother completely.
  • The puppy shouldn’t snarl or snap at you when picked up, but be playful and interactive.
  • Watch how the puppy behaves with other animals in the shelter. Is it playful, gentle, happy, and full of energy?

What about past examinations and vaccinations?

  • Always ask for copies of past examinations and vaccinations that the puppy has had.
  • Check with a humane society, SPCA, or animal rescue society as the animals they have for adoption are well looked after and are monitored by a Veterinarian.
  • If you are buying from a breeder, check carefully into the facility, and how the animals are handled and raised. Ask about all prior vaccinations and infections.

cute puppy

 

Consult a Veterinarian when you have chosen your new pet and schedule an examination. Set up grooming appointments and have your dog regularly washed and groomed to monitor for any current concerns or health changes. Contact PetCity Canada to set up a monthly schedule to maintain your pet’s health and well being.

5 Health Issues affecting your Aging Dog

5 Health Issues that Affect Your Aging Dog

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The greatest, unconditional love of our life is our loyal canine companion! No one wants to imagine the day when our pet ages and is no longer a part of our family life.

By recognizing the signs of aging of your pet, you can promote a healthy transition for his/her aging process. Regardless of the breed and size of your dog the aging cycle is usually the same.

Aging Dog

Some common issues that affect your dog will be changes in: sight, hearing, mobility, activity, health, diet, and mood. Here are 5 of the more common signs and symptoms that your pet is aging:

  1. Health Concerns:

  • ‘Accidents’ may become more frequent as your pet isn’t able to control his/her bowel or bladder functions.
  • Breathing becomes slower and may increase quickly on exertion.
  • Dehydration which causes your pet’s skin and mouth to become dry.
  • Gums, teeth, and breath need to be monitored for overall health and treatment of infections.

  1. Changes in hearing and sight:

  • It is normal with aging for hearing and sight to decline slowly.
  • Don’t approach an aging dog quickly and startle them. They may snap to protect themselves thinking they will be harmed.
  • Always approach from the front of your pet as they may only see shadows.

  1. Withdraws from activity:

  • Slowly decrease level of activity, doesn’t want to go outdoors.
  • Loses playfulness and excitement.
  • Doesn’t coming running when you arrive home.
  • Lethargic and tends to sleep much more during the day, or day and night sleeping patterns reverse.

  1. Difficulty with mobility:

  • Takes longer to walk up and down stairs.
  • Difficulty jumping into and out of a vehicle.
  • Climbing up onto the bed or couch (if you let them)!
  • Slower and unsteady when standing up from lying down.
  • Joint pain and stiffness.

Mobility Issues in a dog

  1. Loss of appetite:

  • Your dog may become disinterested in food, and eat very little.
  • Their favorite treats may simply go unwanted.
  • They tend to drink much less.
  • They don’t beg for scraps.

A visit to your Veterinarian at the onset of health and behavioural changes is highly recommended. Your Veterinarian will give you advice and support on how to care for your aging pet.

Dog GroomerA groomer who regularly sees your pet will also notice subtle changes and alert you as they happen. Pet grooming is important for any dog; especially an aging one that needs closer monitoring for cleanliness and any health changes.

Contact PetCity Canada to book an appointment with one of our qualified pet groomers.

Pet City Canada

What You Should Know About Canine Vaccinations to Control Disease, Infection and Transmission!

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Knowing about some of the diseases and infections your dog is susceptible to will decrease the risk of illness and transmission. Many of the diseases and infections dogs can contract and spread can be avoided through keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date.

Unfortunately, some of the diseases that can affect your dog can be transferred to you! Germs and diseases are transferred to people through dog bites, scratches, or contact with animal excrement, and are known as zoonotic diseases. Illnesses such as, rabies, toxocarilasis, brucellosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ringworm and round worm can cause concern for humans.

Pet Care

Not all canine diseases infect human beings but can be fatal to your pet. Some dog specific viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections are the parvovirus, distemper, heartworm, demodectic mange, kennel cough, dog tapeworm, leptospirosis, coccidioidomycosis, and canine herpesvirus.

Pet City CanadaThe types of symptoms your dog experiences are dependent on the illness they have contracted. A wide range of symptoms are gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, fever, cough, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, hair loss, pain, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing, and possible death. Always seek the advice of a Veterinarian if your dog has any of these symptoms.

Viruses and bacterium are spread through infected airborne particles, direct contact of site infection, fecal oral transmission, or body excrement. To avoid transmission clean up urine, feces, or vomit immediately. Wash your hands after cleaning up after your pet! Keep your pet away from urine and feces left by other animals.

Many of the infectious diseases that affect dogs and humans can be minimized or avoided by keeping your pet’s vaccinations up to date. In fact, most doggy daycares require your pets vaccinations to be up to date prior to booking an appointment. Consult your Veterinarian for a recommended treatment and prevention plan.

Have your dog regularly groomed and clipped to monitor for skin, hair, and temperament changes. A professional groomer will also check your dog’s mouth, eyes and ears looking for any infections, inflammation, or abnormalities.Grooming

Please contact us at Pet City Canada to make an appointment to have your dog groomed. Our qualified groomers will be happy to assess and monitor your dog’s condition.

5 Top Considerations When Clipping Your Dogs Nails

5 Top Considerations When Clipping Your Dog’s Nails

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Clipping your dog’s nails can be a stressful task if you are nervous about cutting them yourself. The first time clipping nails, most pet owners are afraid of injuring their pet. It is important to keep your pet’s nails short and manageable to maintain healthy paws and nail development. Ask your Veterinarian or pet groomer for the right tools to buy for the size of your dog. Here are some pointers to consider before you clip your pet’s nails for the first time.

Why is it important to keep your pet’s nails well groomed?

* To minimize the risk of nail bed infections, auto-immune disorders, and to monitor any abnormalities around the nail beds and paws.

* Maintain smooth, rounded ends; minimizing scratches on people’s skin and furniture damage.

* Shorter nails allow for better traction on pavement and flooring.

* Longer, un-kept nails can curl up and dig into the soft flesh of the pads.

* Un-kept, longer nails absorb friction and impact from the ground sending them back towards the nail beds causing sensitivity or pain.

When should you have your dog’s nails trimmed?

* Dog’s nails should be kept short enough to keep them from touching the ground while standing.Top 5 Considerations When Clipping Your Dogs Nails

* When you hear clicking of the nails on flooring.

* When nails become torn, split, or sharp.

* Check every week to see how long your pet’s nails are. Depending on the amount and type of exercise your pet gets will determine how quickly they need trimming.

* Trimming nails after bathing is a good time since the nails will be softer. Remember to inspect the dew claws since they aren’t worn down by exposure to the ground.

How do you trim your pet’s nails to prevent bleeding?

* It is important to clip more often and take off less nail each time to allow for the blood supply and nerves to shrink back away from the nail ends.

* Gently put pressure on the paw close to the nail bed to separate the nail from the others to see clearly where you are clipping.

* Look for the quick, (the pink area within the nail that has the nerves and blood vessels), never cut too close to this area. Cut on a 45 degree angle.

* Hold the paw near the nail gently but firmly, if you feel your pet pull away don’t clip, wait till your pet is still and comfortable.

* If you do accidentally draw blood apply a blood-clotting accelerant such as Kwik-Stop or ClotIt to slow down the bleeding. Always consult a Veterinarian if bleeding doesn’t stop quickly.

What are the tools you’ll need to clip your dog’s nails?

* You may want to consider using a dremel or nail grinder instead of clippers, or a combination of both tools.

* Buy a grinder that is quiet and has variable speeds. (Trim excess fur from around dog’s paws so it doesn’t get caught in any moving pieces).

* Clippers should be concave at the cutting edge, sharp, clean, and the right size for your dog.

* Scissor and plier-style cutters are easier to use than guillotine trimmers so experiment to find the right trimmer you are comfortable using.

* Emery boards to file sharp edges, if you don’t have a dremel.

* If your dog nips at you or gets upset, you may need a muzzle for protection.

* Lots of dog treats!!

How to reassure your pet during nailing clipping?

* Start clipping your pet’s nails when they are young every week or two, taking off small amounts of nail slowly and carefully. Make sure your dog is used to having his/her paws and nails touched.Top 5 Considerations When Clipping Your Dogs Nails

* Have treats ready for when your dog starts to get anxious. Take time to give lots of praise and petting. Stop for short periods if your dog is resisting the treatment.

* A spoonful of peanut butter on a plate will distract a puppy long enough to trim some nails if everything else fails! (Make sure peanut butter DOES NOT contain Xylitol).

If you have any reservations about how to go about clipping your dog’s nails, or are too nervous to attempt this yourself, contact Pet City Canada to book an appointment with our knowledgeable dog groomers.  Our qualified staff will groom your dog and clip their nails professionally and safely.

5 Summer Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy!

5 Summer Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy!

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Summer brings bright sunshine, extended travel, and wonderful adventures! With owning a pet, there are other considerations to think of for a fun, hassle free season. Whether you are traveling to the beach, park, another province, or staying with relatives, the same guidelines apply for the security of your pet. Here are 5 summer safety tips for a happy, healthy summer season.

  1. Home Safety for Your Pets:

  • Make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh water.
  • Air flow is very important in keeping a cooler home environment.
  • Scan your home for any hazards that younger pets can get into, such as fan cords.
  • Don’t tie your pet up outside for extended periods of time. As the sun moves throughout the day your pet may lose their shade.
  • Bored pets become anxious, curious, and even destructive. Consider scheduling a pet sitter, doggy daycare, or dog walker for pet companionship. Call us for more info!
  • If don’t have an air-conditioned home, having someone check on your pet throughout the day is important.

  1. Park Safety for Your Pets:

  • Sharp needles are a grave concern for pet owners. Keep a close eye out for needles lying around and use caution when disposing of them. Some parks are equipped with sharps containers.
  • Monitor roadways and walkways for cars, bikes, electric scooters, and other obstacles, especially when at a new park your pet may not know as well.
  • Always check your pets’ fur for the presence of ticks and other insects.
  • Obey posted rules and regulations to respect other park users.
  • Watch what your dog ingests: some plants and puddles may be toxic!5 Summer Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy!

  1. Water Safety for Your Pets:

  • Make sure your pet is not afraid of being in water, (a frightened dog will scratch and claw his/her way to safety). Never force your dog into the water, instead gently encourage him/her or bring a friend with a pet who loves the water.
  • Most dogs need more than one exposure to feel secure walking along bridges and docks. Keep them close to you until they are comfortable walking on moving structures.
  • Check your pet’s paws and in between their toes making sure they have not been scratched from sharp rocks or shells.
  • If boating, make sure your dog isn’t at risk for jumping out while you are in motion. There are various animal life jackets available on the market to keep your pet safe in the water.

  1. Vehicle Safety for Your Pets:

  • When in a vehicle keep more than one window open for good circulation.
  • Keep pet food and a dog water bowl with plenty of fresh water in your vehicle. There are lots of 5 Summer Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy!travel dog water bowls and bottles available.
  • Neverleave an animal unattended in your vehicle – even with the windows down!
  • It is not advisable to have your dog ride in the back of a pickup truck.
  • Don’t allow your pet to sit on your lap while you are driving.
  • Use a car harness, crate, or pet barrier to keep your pet safe if an accident occurs.

  1. Vacation Tips for You and Your Pets:

  • Make sure all your pet’s vaccinations and medications are up to date, and their collar has current identification on it.
  • Call ahead to make reservations in pet-friendly accommodations and ask what fees are involved. Be sure to call well in advance, space fills quickly!
  • Respect the rules and requests of hotels/motels and other people’s homes.
  • Clean up after your pet, leaving yards and outside spaces as you found them.
  • Keep a large enough area in rooms and vehicles for your pet to travel without being cramped.
  • Try and schedule exercise breaks to stretch out your pet’s legs and burn off extra energy.

5 Summer Safety Tips to Keep Your Pet Healthy and Happy!It isn’t always convenient traveling long distances with your pets or maybe your relatives aren’t able to accommodate your furry friends. If this is the case for you, consider leaving your pet in a dog boarding kennel or have a bonded, reliable member of our Pet City Canada team care for your pet in your home for your next vacation!