Gray Street Veterinary Services

Gray Street Veterinary Services “Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality health care to our patients by working with owners through education and the decision making process.
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As we welcome the first day of summer, it’s crucial to keep in mind that our furry patients require extra attention duri...
06/20/2024

As we welcome the first day of summer, it’s crucial to keep in mind that our furry patients require extra attention during this season. With temperatures soaring and the sun blazing, summer brings forth its own set of challenges for our beloved pets.
Be sure to keep possible risks in mind, from burning paw pads on scorching pavements to the lurking threats of pests when having your friend accompany you out.

Today is Veterinarian Appreciation Day, and we wanted to recognize all Veterinarians, especially ours here at Gray Stree...
06/18/2024

Today is Veterinarian Appreciation Day, and we wanted to recognize all Veterinarians, especially ours here at Gray Street. A Veterinarian wears many hats and takes on many challenges, so they truly deserve atleast one day to celebrate them and all they do for our beloved pets.
Many thanks to Dr. Emiry, Dr. Lariviere, Dr. Gander, Dr. Maqueda, and Dr. Waddell for your hard work, compassion and care. 🐾💕

Celebrating all the amazing pet dads this Father’s Day! Whether it’s late-night walks, belly rubs, or cuddle sessions, w...
06/16/2024

Celebrating all the amazing pet dads this Father’s Day! Whether it’s late-night walks, belly rubs, or cuddle sessions, we salute the love and care you provide to your furry family members.

06/14/2024

Notice:

Due to summer coming, and staffing holidays, brings shortness of staff and some changes to our regular schedule.
Effective June 24th we will only have a Doctor in the clinic 3 days per week (rather than 4 days per week). We expect this change to be in effect until the month of September.
We remain to try to service and assist as many of our clients possible during our open capacity. Referrals to SmartVet, and Sudbury Emergency services when unable to accommodate will still be available.

Thank you for understanding.

Testing for Lyme Disease in DogsDec 3, 2008 | Updated by LifeLearn on Jan 30, 2023   What is Lyme disease? How does my d...
06/12/2024

Testing for Lyme Disease in Dogs
Dec 3, 2008 | Updated by LifeLearn on Jan 30, 2023

What is Lyme disease? How does my dog get infected?
Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Borrelia. The bacteria are most commonly carried by the deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick). The tick becomes infected when they feed on infected mice, birds or deer. Dogs generally become infected after a tick has been attached for 1-2 days.

Where is Lyme disease found?
In the United States, Lyme disease has been reported in every state, but over 95% of cases are from the Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic, and upper Midwestern states, with a small number of cases reported along the West Coast, especially Northern California. In Canada, Lyme-positive dogs are found mostly from Manitoba eastward through to the Maritime provinces.

Can infection be spread directly from one dog to another dog or from my dog to my family?
Direct spread of Lyme disease from one dog to another dog has not been reported, even when infected and uninfected dogs have lived together for long periods. Spread of Lyme disease from dogs to people has not been reported either, but people are equally at risk for Lyme disease if they are bitten by an infected tick.

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
There are several common tests used to screen for Lyme disease (SNAP 4DX PLUS™ or Accuplex ™4). These tests can detect antibodies of Borrelia exposure as early as three to five weeks after a dog has been bitten by an infected tick (even before the dog shows signs of illness). These antibody tests are often offered as part of a special test kit that looks for other tick-borne diseases. The test can be done by your veterinarian in-clinic or the blood sample can be sent to an outside laboratory for testing.

"If your dog is positive on one of the screening tests, your veterinarian may recommend repeating with a different test."

If the screening is positive, what is the next step?
If your dog is positive on one of the screening tests, your veterinarian may recommend repeating with a different test. Your veterinarian may also want to take samples of blood and urine to assess kidney function and to look for protein in the urine. A positive test for protein in the urine could signal serious underlying kidney disease; a complication of Borrelia infection.

If my dog tests positive, does he need to be treated?
The decision to treat Lyme disease is somewhat controversial since many infected or exposed dogs show no signs of illness. Remember a positive test only means that a dog has been exposed to Lyme disease, not that they are infected.

Factors that would support treatment include:
- signs of illness compatible with Lyme disease at the time of testing
- the presence of abnormal levels of protein in the urine.

How effective is treatment?
Antibiotic treatment (doxycycline) may be used as an additional diagnostic test; dogs experiencing joint pain will often significantly improve within one to three days. Unfortunately, this response to treatment isn’t 100% accurate as Lyme disease will naturally wax and wane with time. If your pet is not responding to treatment, or clinical signs recur during treatment, they likely have another disease. Additional diagnostic testing and alternate treatment would be required.

Often the obvious signs of Lyme disease resolve completely with antibiotics; however, it is unknown whether the bacterial infection is completely killed off in every patient or how to look for ongoing infection. Further research is needed to answer this question.

Contributors: Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Kristiina Ruotsalo, DVM, DVSc, Dip ACVP; Margo S. Tant, BSc, DVM, DVSc

© Copyright 2023 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

The Government of Canada has an online reporting system for Ticks, to help verify ticks, and possible viruses/diseases t...
06/10/2024

The Government of Canada has an online reporting system for Ticks, to help verify ticks, and possible viruses/diseases they carry. If you remove a tick from your pet, or yourself, you can now report tick removals on their www.etick.ca website.
www.etick.ca

Happy  ! Today, we celebrate the bonds that make our hearts happy and our tails wag. Share a photo of your pet with thei...
06/08/2024

Happy ! Today, we celebrate the bonds that make our hearts happy and our tails wag. Share a photo of your pet with their best friend and spread the love!

We have been getting more and more phone calls about red bites on your dogs stomach. We wanted to give everyone this inf...
06/05/2024

We have been getting more and more phone calls about red bites on your dogs stomach. We wanted to give everyone this information, these are a type of fly bite, and dogs generally get them from laying in the grass. They look terrible, but usually do not bother the dogs. They heal quickly on their own, and do not require any treatment. These flies are usually around for a few weeks every spring and then go away. We hope this eases any worry that you may have had about your own dog!
If you have any concerns please feel free to call the clinic for more information!
(shared from Morinville Vet Clinic)

June 1st was Canada’s National Horse Day! Although late, we still want to celebrate the majestic creatures that hold a s...
06/03/2024

June 1st was Canada’s National Horse Day! Although late, we still want to celebrate the majestic creatures that hold a special place in our hearts. Join us as we honour the
beauty, strength, and companionship that horses bring to our lives.

We have heard from plenty of people how bad ticks are this year, and it definitely has been our worst year yet!Many of y...
05/31/2024

We have heard from plenty of people how bad ticks are this year, and it definitely has been our worst year yet!
Many of you receive preventative products from us, and some may get products like Advantage or Advantix from the pet store. These products are great Veterinary products, but we want to remind you how important it is to dose your pet properly, according to their weight and species.
There have been reported cases of cats being treated with ADVANTIX, but this product is STRICTLY FOR DOGS, and can cause toxicity in cats. It is very important to follow the specific directions indicated on the product you use.
We share this information in hopes to bring extra awareness to our clients, and to ensure your pet remains as healthy as possible. 🐾

Ticks are out in full force, and they are not only found on your pets! Do a daily tick checkWhen you return from outdoor...
05/29/2024

Ticks are out in full force, and they are not only found on your pets!

Do a daily tick check
When you return from outdoor activities, check your entire body, especially:
-head and hair
-in and around the ears
-under the arms
-around the chest
-back (use a mirror or ask for help)
-waist
-belly button
-around the groin
-legs and behind the knees
-between the toes

How to remove a tick from yourself;
-Use clean fine-point tweezers to slowly pull it straight out.
-Wash the bite area with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
-Contact your health care provider if you are not feeling well.

For more information, including detailed tick removal steps, visit Canada.ca/LymeDisease.

Attention fellow travelers:Dog Importation Changes for the U.S.The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...
05/27/2024

Attention fellow travelers:

Dog Importation Changes for the U.S.

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that they will be updating regulations on the importation of dogs into the United States. These regulation changes will impact Canadian travelers entering the United States with their pet dogs.

Beginning on August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the United States must:

Appear healthy upon arrival;
-Be at least six months of age;
-Be microchipped; and
-Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt.
In addition, for dogs that have been ONLY in countries that are dog rabies-free or low-risk during the 6 months before entry, such as Canada, the CDC requires one of the following:

Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form, including the endorsement by an official veterinarian of the dog rabies-free or low-risk country where the dog has been located; AND EITHER (1) a valid rabies serology titer OR (2) veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months. The form must be completed within 30 days before arrival to the United States.

Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form that was endorsed by USDA before the dog departed the United States
Valid USDA-endorsed export health certificate listing the destination as the dog rabies-free or low-risk country from which the dog is returning

Certification of Dog Arriving from DMRVV-free or Low-Risk Country into the United States form endorsed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the 6 months before traveling to the U.S. The form must be completed within the 30 days before arriving to the United States.

Foreign export certificate that documents the dog is at least 6 months of age, lists the dog’s International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip number, and has been endorsed by an official veterinarian of the exporting country; AND veterinary records* (which list the microchip number) for the dog from the exporting country for the previous 6 months

It is highly recommended that travelers start the process early in order to gather all of the required documentation and photos. Due to the high volume of applications the CDC receives, it can take up to 30 business days or 6 weeks for the CDC to process a complete a valid permit application.

A complete list of new requirements can be found here,
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html.

Further information on these regulation changes can be accessed on the CDC website here,
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html

The CDC website has added a DogBot feature, which will assist travelers in determining what is required when travelling with their dog to the United States.

First Aid for Insect Stings in Dogs   Dogs are nosy creatures sniffing at anything of interest. Since dogs find insects ...
05/24/2024

First Aid for Insect Stings in Dogs

Dogs are nosy creatures sniffing at anything of interest. Since dogs find insects interesting, they investigate them and when they stick their nose where it does not belong, they get a quick reprimand! Hence, lots of insect bites occur on the nose.

Since insects sting the closest body part, eyes, ears, and feet are easy targets. When a dog steps in an anthill or disturbs a wasp nest or beehive, the insects swarm and sting the dog’s whole body. Spiders are loners that do not swarm, but even one spider bite can be nasty.

The stings of bees, wasps, and hornets, and the bites of ants and spiders all spell trouble for a nosy dog. Insect venom causes problems ranging from mild irritation to life- threatening shock. Observant pet owners can minimize the reaction by taking prompt action. Keep in mind that even with first aid started at home, severe cases require prompt medical care.

What should I do if my dog is stung by an insect?
Be quick to recognize that your dog was bitten or stung. If your dog suddenly paws at his face, chews at his foot, or begins to swell in any area of the body, consider the possibility of an insect bite.

Identify the insect. Quickly search the area for flying insects as well as crawling ones. Since a spider is difficult to identify and may be poisonous, capture it if you can.

In the case of bee stings, look for a stinger. Bees are the only insects that leave their stingers in their victims. These abandoned stingers continue to secrete venom so removing them reduces the amount of toxin injected into the dog’s body. If the stinger is still attached to the dog, remove it by scraping a credit card over your dog’s coat and flick it off. Do not use tweezers that may squeeze more venom out of the stinger sac. Luckily, other flying insects (wasps, hornets) do not leave a stinger behind.

Soothe the bite site. Make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the sting site. If your dog has multiple stings or bites, a soothing oatmeal bath is the way to go.

Minimize swelling. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10 minutes to reduce swelling. A bag of frozen peas serves as a handy ice pack for individual bites. A cooled towel works better for larger areas.

Prevent allergic reactions. Give a dose of oral anti-histamine, such as diphenhydramine (brand names: Benadryl®, Vetadryl®) to minimize the reaction and decrease itching. Consult your veterinarian first for proper dosing.

Reduce the trauma of scratching. Use an Elizabethan collar (cone) if your dog continues to lick or scratch at the bite wound. Constant scratching will delay healing and may cause infection.

Maintain hydration and food intake. Give your dog fresh water to drink. Dogs that are stung in the mouth may find it difficult to eat so feed them moist food. Dry food softened with water is less likely to upset the gastrointestinal tract than canned food.

When is an insect bite serious?
Like some people, many dogs are hypersensitive (very allergic) to insect stings or bites. The degree of reaction varies with the dog’s immune system and the type of insect. Allergic reactions usually occur within 20 minutes of the bite, but may be delayed for hours, so close monitoring is critical. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) can be fatal so quick action is vital. Take your dog to the veterinary emergency clinic at the first sign of:

Severe swelling around the head and neck that could compromise respiration. Swelling in these areas may occur even if the bite occurred elsewhere.
Hives on any part of the body. Hives appear as bumps under the skin that raise the hair, or as red bumps on hairless areas like the belly. Hives itch a lot, so your dog may roll in the grass or on the floor in an attempt to scratch at hard to reach places.
Difficulty breathing or wheezing. Some dogs pant more than usual because they have swelling in the respiratory passages and/or because they are nervous. Do not attempt to figure out the reason, take your dog to your veterinarian.
Excessive drooling. If there is swelling in the throat, the dog has difficulty swallowing his own saliva and drools a lot.
Agitation. Some dogs become anxious due to the itching and difficulty breathing. Also, the insect venom may affect the nervous system.
Vomiting or diarrhea. Even mild vomiting and soft stool can indicate trouble, so do not disregard this sign.
Dizziness or disorientation. If your dog is not alert or stumbles, he is having more than the normal reaction.
Seizures. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Medical treatment may save your dog’s life and is aimed at reducing the allergic reaction and preventing shock. In addition to anti-histamines, your veterinarian may give your dog corticosteroids or epinephrine. Your veterinarian may administer intravenous (IV) fluids to stabilize the dog and oxygen to help respiration. Blood and urine tests may be needed to rule out organ damage. The length of the hospital stay depends on how quickly your dog responds to therapy but expect to leave your dog at the hospital for 1 or 2 days. Once the danger is passed and your dog returns home, your veterinarian may prescribe an Epi-Pen® for use in future insect stings. The goal here is not to stifle your nosy dog’s curious nature, but to be prepared for the consequences. That means you have to act quickly in case she reacts to an insect bite.

Contributors: Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, CCRP; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM

© Copyright 2021 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

With new things blossoming outside, and outdoor play and walks being more frequent, at times pets will eat a few things ...
05/22/2024

With new things blossoming outside, and outdoor play and walks being more frequent, at times pets will eat a few things they normally don't or shouldn't, and this can often lead to upset stomachs. Pending the situation, probiotics along with a bland diet may be recommended for your pet to help recover their belly... here is some information about Probiotics;

What are probiotics?
Probiotics (brand names: Fortiflora®, Prostora™, Proviable®, Advita™, and others) are dietary supplements that contain live microorganisms (such as bacteria) that are considered beneficial. Normally, humans and animals have populations of these microorganisms living in and on their bodies without causing harm, and in some cases providing protection against disease causing organisms. Probiotics are used to support and replenish these normal populations of microorganisms when they have been disrupted by medications, diet changes, disease processes, or stress. Some examples of these beneficial microorganisms include Lactobacillus species, Bifidobacterium species, and Enterococcus species. Probiotics are most often used to support the gastrointestinal tract in cats, dogs, horses, and rabbits, such as in cases of diarrhea due to inflammatory bowel disease, antibiotic use, or stressful events.

"Probiotics are used to support and replenish these normal populations of microorganisms when they have been disrupted by medications, diet changes, disease processes, or stress."
Dietary supplements are substances that can be used to supplement the diet, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, and probiotics. While many supplements are sold over the counter, they still contain ingredients that have biological effects that should be managed by your veterinarian. Follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully as their directions may be significantly different from those on the label.

There are differences in how countries regulate supplements. In the United States, these substances are not as vigorously regulated by the FDA as other medications, which means they can be sold without the manufacturer proving their effectiveness, safety, and without a guarantee of consistent or accurately reported ingredients. In Canada, products that have been evaluated for quality, safety, and effectiveness by Health Canada and authorized for sale will have a license number on the label.

How effective are probiotics?
Limited studies in animals have been performed, but there is anecdotal evidence that probiotics work to treat gastrointestinal disease by supporting the maintenance of non-pathogenic microbes in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby supporting the immune system, and competing with pathogenic microbes. More studies in animals need to be performed.

How are probiotics given?
Probiotics are given by mouth in the form of a capsule, powder, chewable tablet, or liquid. Give with a meal. Measure liquid forms carefully.

What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?
If you miss a dose, give it when you remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give it at the next scheduled time, and return to the regular dosing schedule. Only give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses if instructed by your veterinarian.

Are there any potential side effects?
Studies are limited for this supplement and therefore information regarding side effects is also limited. However, probiotics are considered very safe and have few reported side effects. Rarely, probiotics have been reported to cause gas, stomach upset, or stomach discomfort, particularly when first taking the supplement.

Are there any risk factors for this supplement?
Studies are limited for this supplement and therefore information regarding risk factors is also limited. Do not use in pets that are very sick, debilitated, and immune compromised. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it (usually the inactive ingredients included with the probiotic).

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
The following medications may reduce the efficacy of probiotics when given at the same time: antibiotics, antifungals.

Vitamins, herbal therapies, and supplements have the potential to interact with each other, as well as with prescription and over the counter medications. It is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including all vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking.

Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this supplement?
There is no specific monitoring that needs to be done while your pet is taking this medication. Your veterinarian may monitor your pet to be sure that the medication is working.

How do I store probiotics?
In general, store this supplement in a cool, dry place, protected from light. There are many formulations and manufacturers of probiotics, so always follow the specific storage instructions on the product label.

What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.

Contributors: Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH

© Copyright 2020 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Happy Victoria Day!Please note our office is CLOSED today, if your pet requires emergency assistance, please call SmartV...
05/20/2024

Happy Victoria Day!
Please note our office is CLOSED today, if your pet requires emergency assistance, please call SmartVet at 705-990-4735. Our office reopens tomorrow at 9am.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!

Keep your furry friends safe this Victoria Day weekend with these essential tips:1. Create a safe space: Set up a quiet ...
05/17/2024

Keep your furry friends safe this Victoria Day weekend with these essential tips:

1. Create a safe space: Set up a quiet room where your pets can retreat.
2. Stay indoors: Keep pets indoors during fireworks.
3. ID and microchip: Ensure your pets are wearing collars with ID tags and consider microchipping for added security.
4. Medications: Speak to us about appropriate medications to help support your pet.

Don’t let the upcoming long weekend catch you off guard! Make sure your fur-babies are ready for Victoria Day with all t...
05/14/2024

Don’t let the upcoming long weekend catch you off guard! Make sure your fur-babies are ready for Victoria Day with all their essentials stocked up. Plan ahead for a
worry-free holiday! If your pet needs any medication renewals or food, be sure to order it now!

Today is National Bird Day, and although we do not treat our feathered friends here, we still want to share in their cel...
05/13/2024

Today is National Bird Day, and although we do not treat our feathered friends here, we still want to share in their celebration day, from robins to hummingbirds to chickens, we appreciate them all!

Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing moms out there! (both human and fur mommas 💕
05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing moms out there!
(both human and fur mommas 💕

With lack of available appointments, and our shortage of doctors, we would like to remind you that you have access to Sm...
05/10/2024

With lack of available appointments, and our shortage of doctors, we would like to remind you that you have access to SmartVet Services, which is an online/over the phone service for your pet. Of course, not all circumstances can be accommodated via video consultation, but some can, and they are able to send prescriptions to us, or local pharmacies if medications are required.
This is also the contact information for you to access emergency services out of hours.

So if you find yourself in need of more immediate services, and your pet can be assisted through video/phone consult, you can reach our clinic's SmartVet Services at
705-990-4735.
Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend!
https://smartvet.ca/

05/07/2024
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place in May and aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote menta...
05/06/2024

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place in May and aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental well-being. Many people face mental health challenges, and we recognize is quite often in the veterinary field.
Its a known fact that the companionship of a pet can help to ease your anxiety.
Pets can be great listeners, offer unconditional love and won't criticize you. This can help your self-confidence, especially if you feel isolated or misunderstood.
Here is to our amazing pets for helping us more than they know.

May the Fourth be with you! Celebrating Star Wars Day with our furry friends and the force of pet love!
05/04/2024

May the Fourth be with you! Celebrating Star Wars Day with our furry friends and the force of pet love!

Cats and the Perils of Outdoor LivingMany cat owners worry that making their cats stay inside is unnatural and deprives ...
05/01/2024

Cats and the Perils of Outdoor Living

Many cat owners worry that making their cats stay inside is unnatural and deprives them of their need to roam, explore, and meet other cats. However, in our modern world, the risks of an outdoor life are far greater than the benefits.
Below answers some of the questions you may have about letting your cat spend time outdoors.

I have a fenced-in backyard and my cat never leaves it. Is this okay?
While having a fenced-in backyard works well for confining most dogs, cats can readily climb fences. Even if your cat does not usually leave your backyard, it’s always possible that something will frighten her and cause her to jump the fence.

"A fence also will not keep other cats out – or raccoons or other wild animals."
A fence also will not keep other cats out – or raccoons or other wild animals. Your cat is at risk of getting into a fight with one of these other animals or getting a disease from them.

Some diseases, such as feline panleukopenia, can survive in the environment for prolonged periods of time. Others, such as feline herpesvirus, can only survive for a short time. Cats passing by can contaminate your property with these viruses, potentially exposing your cat to an infection.

My cat is vaccinated according to the recommendations of my veterinarian. Does this not protect her?
Although no vaccine is 100% effective, to a great degree, vaccines protect your cat against the diseases that she has been vaccinated against. However, there are no available vaccines for some serious infectious diseases.

My cat is very gentle by nature, and I don’t think she would fight with another cat. Why should I worry?
Cats are territorial by nature and will usually defend their home from intruders. Even if your cat is not interested in defending her territory, the intruder may pick a fight with her.

What are the risks if my cat gets into a fight with another cat?
When cats fight, they cause injuries with both their claws and their teeth. These curved weapons can force bacteria and other germs deep under the skin of the victim, potentially causing a painful abscess at the site of the injury, or more serious cellulitis or septicemia that spreads to other parts of the body.

In addition, feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus are spread through the saliva, and your cat can become infected if the other cat is carrying one of these diseases. For more information, see handouts “Feline Immunodeficiency Virus”, “Feline Leukemia Virus Disease Complex”, and “Fight Wound Infections in Cats”.

Isn’t my cat capable of defending herself against other animals?
Cats are good hunters, and we assume they can defend themselves with their teeth and claws, but outdoor cats often become the hunted species, particularly by larger predators such as dogs, coyotes, foxes, predatory birds, and even alligators, if you live in alligator country. Poisonous snakes also present a serious threat to a cat that inadvertently encounters them.

"Wild animals are usually more aggressive than domesticated cats, so fights may be more ferocious, potentially causing life-threatening injuries."
Cats that roam outdoors are at a greater risk of injury or death from other animals. Wild animals are usually more aggressive than domesticated cats, so fights may be more ferocious, potentially causing life-threatening injuries. In addition, wild animals may carry diseases that could infect your cat, including rabies.

Are there any parasites that should be of concern to my family?
Cats that go outdoors are at a much greater risk of picking up fleas, ticks, or even lice. These parasites can cause itchiness or other problems for your cat and members of your family. For more information, see handouts “Flea Control in Cats” and “Ticks in Cats”.

The soil outdoors may be contaminated with eggs from parasites such as roundworms that are spread in the f***s of raccoons, dogs, or other cats. Cat roundworms can be particularly harmful to your cat. If your cat decides to hunt and eat mice or birds, it could get a tapeworm infection. Tapeworms rarely cause serious problems in adult cats, but it is unpleasant to find tapeworm segments on your cat or in its litter box or bedding.

Less common parasitic diseases that your cat can get include lungworms from eating crayfish and Giardia infections from contaminated soil or water. Many of these parasites can be harmful to people, and especially to people who are immunocompromised.

Are there any other safety concerns?
Your cat can be exposed to poisons such as slug bait or other pesticides that are sprinkled on neighboring gardens or they can get into toxic substances stored in garages or sheds. If your cat eats mice or other rodents that have been poisoned with one of the short-acting rodenticides, she can be exposed to these toxins and become ill.

Contrary to popular belief, cats are not naturally wary of cars. Even in quiet suburban areas, where traffic travels at relatively low speeds, a cat always loses in an encounter with a motorized vehicle.

The final concern about your cat’s safety outdoors is her risk of injury from humans. Not everyone likes cats that roam, and some people set traps to catch cats they feel are soiling their gardens or pestering wild birds. Cats come into veterinary clinics and animal shelters with injuries from BB guns, arrows, and shotguns. Cats that are outdoors can also occasionally become the victims of deliberate animal cruelty.

Despite these risks, I still believe that my cat should go outdoors. How can I ensure my cat’s safety?
You can train your cat to wear a leash and collar and go for walks with you if you feel that she needs to have fresh air and exercise.

If space permits, you can purchase or build a cat enclosure that will allow your cat some freedom to be outdoors in a more controlled environment. If you do choose this option, you should be aware that your cat can still come in direct contact with other cats through the open walls of the enclosure. Although your cat cannot directly fight these intruders, she will be at risk of picking up infectious diseases or parasites. Advise your veterinarian of your cat’s situation so that the appropriate protective measures can be taken.

Contributors: Krista Williams, BSc, DVM, CCRP; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH

© Copyright 2024 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.

Address

90 Gray Street
Espanola, ON
P5E1G1

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+17058857387

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