March is Tick Awareness Month!
While ticks used to be a relatively obscure parasite in Canada, over the past few years the areas they occupy have increased greatly. This means the risk of people and pets being exposed to ticks and the diseases they can carry has grown significantly. Lyme Disease is just one of the diseases that ticks can transmit.
If you find a tick on yourself or your pet don’t panic! Removing a tick as soon as possible will greatly reduce the chances of disease transmission. Using a pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool pull the tick straight out, being careful not to crush its body. NEVER try to burn a tick with a match or lighter, or cover it with petroleum jelly, nail polish, perfume, essential oils or alcohol. If you’re uncomfortable removing the tick yourself, give your vet a call.
Ticks start looking for an animal or person to feed on one the temperature reaches 4°C. We have already removed a few ticks from animals over the past few weeks that were picked up in local parks. Please make sure to give your dog a once over when exploring tall grass and heavily wooded areas. There are multiple prescription parasite prevention products available for cats and dogs. Give us a call to discuss the best product for your pet!
Does this video give anyone else the heebie-jeebies? Us too! What you’re seeing is Otodectes cynotis, commonly known as ear mites. 👂🏻
Ear mites are usually found in the ear canal but can also live on the skin surface. Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal. The mite is barely visible to the naked eye and may be seen as a white speck moving against a dark background.
Clinical signs of infestation include: scratching, head shaking, dark waxy or crusty discharge from the ear, areas of hair loss resulting from self-trauma caused by the animal’s scratching or excessive grooming, and a crusted rash around or in the ear.
There are a number of treatments available to treat this pesky parasite. If you think your pet may have an ear mite infestation, give us a call: (416) 251-6787 📞
Boredom, frustration and environmental stress are some of the most common reasons for pets to exhibit behavioural problems.
A great way to appeal to your pet’s desire for physical and mental stimulation is to use a puzzle feeder at mealtime. A feeding puzzle can be any toy or object that can contain food and requires the pet to work to find a way to get to that food.
Reported benefits of use of puzzle feeders include: weight loss, decreased aggression toward humans and other animals, reduced anxiety and fear, cessation of attention-seeking behaviors and resolution of litter box avoidance.
There are a number of puzzle feeders available on our online store: https://www.myvetstore.ca
📷: Tiggy (belonging to our RVT Ashleigh) working to get his dinner from the Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree 😺
With the weather cooling down fleas and ticks will be looking for a nice warm host. Even indoor cats are at risk for contracting parasites. Contact us if you haven’t already picked up parasite prevention and we can discuss the best option for your pet! 🐾
Happy Adoption Day Delo! #onelastchancerescue #feraltoforever #tuxedocatsofinstagram #rescuedkitten
When kittens grow up without human contact they are called ‘feral’. Feral cats do not know how to interact with humans. They behave in the same manner as other wild born animals. Since cats are both predator and prey, their instinct is to assume that any large animal is a predator.
Despite that fact, it’s actually not that hard, nor does it require much daily time to gain the trust of a feral cat. Know that any ‘wild’ behaviour is due to fear. The cat is terrified of you. Always move calmly and quietly.
When moved indoors give the cat a small room of it’s own. Make sure it has a cat cave or crate to hide in and feel safe. Respect the hiding place, never attempt to remove the cat or approach it while its in its safe place or put yourself between the cat and it’s hiding spot.
Offer several small tasty meals throughout the day. This is one of the few times we recommend buying canned Fancy Feast, Friskies or Whiskas. It is helpful to make a distinctive sound every time you bring a meal. I like to sing the word ‘meeaat’.
The cat soon learns to associate you and the silly song with food. At first, place the food near the cat and leave the room. In a few days place the food near the cat but sit quietly on the other side of the room facing mostly away. Once the cat is comfortable eating with you in the room at the far end, sit a little closer, and so on. The process can take days, weeks or months. You must go at the cat’s pace.
With patience and baby steps you will gain their trust. Remember that all good things take time. And there’s nothing better than knowing that you saved a cat from a life of hardship and suffering.
If you are willing to work a young feral cat please send us an email. Even very young, healthy feral cats are often euthanized by shelters or released to fend for themselves.
A large number of these young cats have the potential to become loving and affectionate companions if they are given the opportunity. We currently h
Stay home, stay calm, watch cat videos. #catvideos
It’s never too early for catnip. Looking to adopt? Stop by and meet Peggy! #catsforadoption
The very active and playful Osho is still looking for a family. Please contact us if you’re looking to adopt. Spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. #adoptdontshop
Young Osho is ready for adoption! She’s just been spayed and microchipped, is up to date on vaccines and is desperately longing for a family. Please contact us if interested. #adoptdontshop #tuxedocat #freedomdriven
First he wants in, then... #cliniccat
Proudly serving the Lake Shore and South Etobicoke community since 1988. Veterinary Clinic/Hospital by appointment
