Gardening Safely with Cats: Pet-Friendly Plants and What to Avoid

dog enjoying the outdoors.

Get your garden tools and green thumbs ready! If you’ve got a curious kitty who enjoys spending time outdoors, we’ve got pet-proofing garden strategies plus tips on pet-friendly plants so you can grow the garden of your dreams while keeping your favorite feline safe.

Check out the following pet-safe gardening advice from our caring team at Parkside Animal Hospital. 

Continue…

Feline Veterinarians: Why Your Cat Deserves Specialized Care

cat at parkside animal hospital in north bay canada.

Sassy, finicky, and incredibly inquisitive, cats have high standards, and so do we! At Parkside Animal Hospital, we’re proud to be a certified Cat Friendly Practice®, which means we take the care and comfort of our feline friends seriously. Cats have unique behaviors and healthcare needs, and we provide customized care in a manner that causes as little stress as possible to our cat patients. 

Keep reading for more reasons why your fabulous feline deserves a cat veterinarian: 

Continue…

Endoscopy for Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Pets 

https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/cats-organ-anatomy-diagram-vector-illustration-gm656929358-119671671.

Medicine is an ever-changing science, with new options emerging all the time. Not only are new discoveries happening, but new surgical techniques are also being developed. In particular, endoscopy has allowed us to do more than ever with less invasive methods for our patients. Parkside Animal Hospital is happy to be able to offer this technology to better care for the pets that depend on us.

Continue…

Detection and Diagnosis of Foreign Body Ingestion in Dogs and Cats

cartoon of dog xray.

The ingestion of a foreign body is a common complaint among veterinary patients. After all, pets learn about their world through their senses, and they just like to eat in spite of flavor or the potential for danger. 

A foreign body is something inside the body that’s not supposed to be there. The risk of moving certain objects through the gastrointestinal tract is incredibly high, and some items simply get stuck where they don’t belong. Luckily, veterinary diagnostics techniques and even surgery can save the day. 

Continue…

What Is Canine Parvovirus: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Hospital treatment for canine parvovirus.

There are several canine vaccinations that are vitally important for disease prevention. While we customize every patient’s care, we always recommend the canine parvovirus vaccination.

One of the most common diseases in dogs, parvovirus, can be effectively prevented throughout a dog’s life with routine boosters. 

Continue…

Reasons Why Your Dog or Cat Needs An Endoscopy 

cat getting an endoscopy at the veterinary.

If your veterinarian has scheduled an endoscopy, you might be wondering what it is or why your pet needs one. What does the procedure look for? How can it help your pup or kitty? The team at Parkside Animal Hospital has performed many endoscopies. We’d like to share the reasons why your veterinarian might recommend an endoscopy for your dog or cat. 

Continue…

Laparoscopic Surgery: What It Is, How It Benefits Pets

Chocolate lab at veterinary surgical office.

Pet surgery techniques have grown increasingly more sophisticated, and today, some veterinarians offer the option of laparoscopic surgery for certain cat and dog procedures. We’re proud to offer this minimally-invasive technique at Parkside Animal Hospital, and we’ve put together some information to help you learn more about laparoscopic surgery and its advantages for your pet.

Continue…

Pet Dental Health Is More Than Clean Teeth

Dog receiving a professional dental cleaning at the veterinary hospital.

Responsible pet ownership is no small achievement. Every single day, there are dozens of choices that either support a pet’s health and well-being or fall short of meeting their needs. Of all the things owners can do to care for their pets, including providing the best food, exercise, and bonding experiences, taking care of their teeth and gums is a hugely important choice. This task not only keeps their mouth free of bacteria, plaque, and tartar, but prioritizing pet dental health could add years to their life!

Continue…

Winter Safety for Dogs in Ontario

Happy woman with Bernese mountain dog outside during snowfall.

One thing that’s certain in Ontario: winter is bound to be cold. With the harsh weather comes special pet care concerns as well. Parkside Animal Hospital has all the best tips for winter safety for dogs. Read on to keep your pet healthy and warm this season.

Continue…

Help! I Think My Pet Was Exposed to Rabies

Veterinarian and dog owner with dog during pet wellness exam.

Ontario law requires all dogs and cats be immunized against rabies starting around 14 weeks of age, with re-vaccination at one year old. Boosters are scheduled annually or every three years, depending on the vaccine and local regulations. This goes a long way toward protecting our companion animals from this dreaded disease, but rabies is far from eradicated. Whether your pet gets into a scuffle with wildlife or another pet, it’s critical to proceed as if your pet was exposed to rabies. 

Continue…