There’s nothing quite like bringing home a new puppy. If it’s been a while since you last had a puppy or you’ve never adopted a puppy before, you’re in for a wild and rewarding ride. Of course, you probably have a ton of questions. From figuring out potty training to knowing when to spay or neuter your young dog, there’s a lot to learn. Take a look at these FAQs to prepare for your journey through puppy parenthood. 

Cats are beloved by people worldwide and have been for millennia. But that doesn’t mean they are fully understood. Generally speaking, cats are on the mysterious side and they leave us guessing about their emotions or states of mind. Cats can also be incredibly shy or timid; we’ve all heard the phrase “scaredy cat.” The good news is that we can communicate with them by acknowledging and untangling cat body language. 

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. 

It may seem like a modern indulgence, but we can assure you that your choice of kitty litter can make all the difference. Not only does the right product help safeguard ideal bathroom habits, but it can also add incredible value to your cat’s indoor environment. The process can involve a few hiccups or roadblocks, but once you land on the purr-fect choice your cat’s health and well-being are aligned. 

Fish swim, birds fly, and dogs, well, bark. Sometimes they go overboard, like when a bold squirrel gets too close or the delivery truck arrives. But excessive dog barking (when it’s simply out of control) can become a real problem for everybody. There’s a root to this behavior, and it deserves immediate, dedicated attention. We are here to help you get to the bottom of this issue so you and your dog can continue living together happily.

While dogs are very intelligent, they don’t go from zero to trained in a day. Some breeds are more eager to learn and listen than others, but all have the capability of learning various commands. Working diligently with your dog on some basic commands will help establish your relationship as one of trust, obedience, and boundaries. 

Cats are known for being cuddly, curious, and downright cute, and at Parkside Animal Hospital, we love helping you keep your felines healthy and happy throughout their lives. We are a certified Cat Friendly Practice®, which means we strive to always give your cats the least stressful experience possible, whether you’re here for a routine preventive care visit, or something more complex like a surgical procedure. Your cat’s comfort is always our number one priority! 

Here at Parkside Animal Hospital, we are a certified Cat Friendly Practice®, and we are very proud of that certification. So what exactly does that mean for the care of your cats? 

The American Association of Feline Practitioners awards a certification of Cat Friendly Practice® to veterinary practices who meet a list of specific criteria. Overall, it means that we take the comfort and care of your feline family members very seriously, and strive to give them the most low-stress experience possible at our practice. 

Got cabin fever? If you’re eager for new surroundings and pet-friendly family adventures, a little pre-planning can make traveling with your pet safer—and far more enjoyable. If it’s been a while since your pet’s last wellness and preventive care visit, a checkup may be in order to ensure that your pet is sufficiently protected from communicable diseases as well as fleas, ticks, and other parasites that he or she may encounter in a new environment.

Whether you intend to load up the RV, jam-pack a Prius or fly the friendly skies, here are some tips for safe pet travel from the team at Parkside Animal Hospital.

Gardening can be a fun and rewarding activity to enjoy outside, as a way for you to relax in the fresh air and nice weather. It can be even more enjoyable when your pets can relish in the garden with you. With safety in mind regarding toxins, parasite prevention, and fencing, you and your pets can experience quality time together in outdoor gardens. 

The team at Parkside Animal Hospital has put together a pet-friendly guide to gardening so you and your pets can enjoy its fruits, flowers, or veggies together!