Given the chance, most pet owners would do anything to guarantee their pet’s safety. This explains why we go to extremes to prepare our homes, work spaces, and garden areas. 

But beyond securing a strong fence and gate, or checking all window screens and doorways, there is an additional way to prevent an accidental separation from your pet. One extra step – beyond a collar with ID tag – is microchipping your pet.

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. Many of us have lived through some form of a natural disaster, whether that be a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or ice storm. You might even have a disaster plan at home for your family. Our pets, too, need to be ready for anything, and there are special considerations during a natural emergency to be prepared for when it comes to your furry loved one.

Your friends at Parkside Animal Hospital are here to provide you with the right steps to better respond to the unexpected. Here are some tips for effective disaster preparedness for pets for their ultimate health and safety.

Canada Day is just around the corner. Most people will be excited to celebrate with picnics, carnivals, concerts, fairs, and parades. Their pets, however, may have other ideas. 

Without a doubt, most of our celebratory events are not only off-putting to the animal world, they have the potential to cause pet noise anxiety.

How can we bridge the gap between observing cultural and seasonal holidays, and supporting our pet’s essential needs?

Oh, the season of buds and blossoms has almost arrived! For many, this means that preparations for Easter egg hunts and family brunches (in tiny groups) are underway. Guess who loves to be underfoot in the kitchen or out in the backyard? The family pet, of course! 

Pets may be just as excited as the kids are (or they could be hiding out until the holiday passes), but one thing is certain: without a cautious approach to Easter pet safety, they could be in danger.

You know the feeling, when the rain comes and the temperatures start to warm up. It’s Kleenex and allergy meds time, right? Some people even get headaches and other symptoms of the change in temperature and barometric pressure. Seasonal changes affect pets, too, from allergies to warmer temperatures that pose risks. 

To better prepare you and your four-legged for the upcoming spring, here are some recommendations to alleviate some of the seasonal effects. Read on for more information.

Old man winter is settling in, and for most of us that means more time inside. But, if you have dogs, you know that your dogs can’t stay inside all the time. There are times that your dog needs to answer the call of nature, not to mention run off some of that pent up energy! 

You may know how to protect your dog from freezing temperatures, but have you given much thought to winter paw care? Paw pads are sensitive and need extra attention when snow, ice, and cold are at play. 

Fortunately there are several ways to protect your pet’s paws this winter. Keep reading for Parkside Animal Hospital’s best tips on winter paw care. 

It’s time for rich, sumptuous holiday foods and treats. Yum! The anticipation of delicious meals, plates of cookies, and festive tables laden with special foods has most Americans jumping for joy. But planning for all the festivities of the season seldom includes thinking about holiday food dangers for pets, until they present a medical emergency. 

Nothing ruins a holiday celebration faster than a trip to the emergency veterinary hospital! Your team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to help you avoid the risks to your pets this holiday season.

Ask any cat owner and they’ll quickly confirm that cats are the perfect pets. They’re interesting, captivatingly beautiful, clever, fun, and snuggly to boot. Indoor-only cats are arguably healthier than ones allowed to roam, but they can definitely suffer the consequences of their static environment. Yes, they can become bored. 

The best thing an owner can do for their fluffy best friend is to give them the best of both worlds. Build a catio, and watch your cat become the happiest, most fulfilled (and safest) version of themselves!

Without a doubt, there’s a unique bond between kids and pets. From teaching empathy and social skills to encouraging physical activity, there are a number of ways pets can be good for children. In fact, most kids and their pets are best friends for life.

However, while kids and pets may be a natural match, that doesn’t mean you should leave them to their own devices. Accidents happen, even among the most well-behaved children and animals, so it’s important to take steps to ensure that all interactions are happy and safe.

It’s hard to resist the pleading eyes or imploring whines from your furry best friend – especially when you’re eating or preparing something utterly scrumptious. While it may be your natural inclination to share the best things in life with your pet, giving them certain people foods can have terrible consequences. The good news is that you can avoid a pet poisoning and still shower them with love with healthy alternatives.