One of the best parts of owning a pet is the mutually beneficial act of petting them. It feels good to them, of course, but snuggling and stroking a furry pet has proven to enhance human health, too. 

Equally important during your daily cuddle-fests is the opportunity to feel for any pet lumps and bumps. To be sure, knowing exactly what is normal for your pet’s skin and body condition can go a long way to staying in front of developing problems.

This past year the global pandemic has been on everyone’s mind, but you probably haven’t thought about your pet (including exotics) in this age of social distancing. 

You may have even heard more about the term zoonosis these days, which means a disease that can be passed from animals to people. House pets do carry their own illnesses, some of which can be transmitted to humans – Salmonella, for example.  

Many pet owners have asked about different viruses and other diseases and whether they can be transmitted to their human family. The team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to explain more about zoonotic disease and how you can protect your entire family, pet family included.

Have you ever been sitting enjoying some quality time with your dog when they let out a weird, honking noise and appear to be struggling to breathe? 

This scary phenomenon is called inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, also known as the reverse sneeze. While it seems like something for dog owners to worry about, in most cases it is a common condition that occurs without serious repercussions in dogs. 

While most reverse sneezes are completely harmless, there are some cases where it could be a sign of something more. The team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to help you understand more about the reverse sneeze and what it means: 

There may not exactly be such a thing as a puppy podiatrist, but that doesn’t mean that pets don’t have trouble with their feet. Paw problems are a real issue, and Parkside Animal Hospital is equipped to help you and your furry friends with paw diseases of all kinds.

Protecting Those Pads

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to pay attention and be proactive when it comes to their health. You put a lot of effort into your pet’s care, and adding a few checklist items that specifically have the feet at heart isn’t much to ask.

After your dog’s surgery, they will need plenty of rest and physical restriction for recovery to be a success. This may mean they will be crated or otherwise immobilized during those crucial few weeks after an operation. Gradually, your pet will need to move and get some level of physical exercise as they build strength and stamina. 

If your pet is about to have or has recently had a surgery, you may wonder what options there are for exercise and entertainment. The team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here with some tips and recommendations for getting your bestie back on track after your dog has surgery. 

Aside from the occasional dental chew, most pets don’t get much attention to their dental care. After all, wild animals seem to get on okay without toothbrushing, so why wouldn’t that be true for a companion animal? 

Actually, there is every reason why pet dental care should be on the top of the pet care list. Dental care for pets is paramount to overall health for several reasons, and is key to a pet’s well-being. The team at Parkside Animal Hospital is here to present a solid case for the importance of dental wellness for your four-legged friend.

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.

With over 99,000 cases of COVID-19 since January, we have joined other nations gripped by fear and grief. But now that restrictions have eased somewhat, people are trying to establish a new normal – and pets are the first to notice. 

Some may have relished every extra moment with their special human, but near-constant attention and snuggles on demand may soon be waning. Pet separation anxiety is normal, but if symptoms are ignored long-lasting effects are possible. 

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?