Browse Our Blog for Pet Health Information

Ticks and fleas can cause severe health problems for your pet, from itchy skin irritations to potentially fatal illnesses like Lyme disease. Pet owners must take steps to prevent fleas and ticks and treat them as soon as possible. Here are some ways to deal with ticks and fleas on your dog or cat.

Every dog owner wants their furry friend to live pain-free and stay vibrant for as long as possible. Here are some things you can do to help your senior dog live a full and more comfortable life.

Heat stroke is a severe condition that can be fatal or result in long-term health complications for your dog. Pet owners must be mindful of their dog’s internal temperature in hot and humid conditions and take steps to prevent or treat heat stroke if necessary.

Cats can sleep 12 to 16 hours a day. And while you may think it’s perfectly natural for kitties to laze the day away, lack of exercise can lead to severe health issues for your cat and expensive veterinary bills for you. Here’s why cat exercise is essential, plus some ways to keep your cat active.

What better way to enjoy quality time with your dog than camping? However, that bonding time in the wilderness calls for some precautions. Here’s what to know before taking your dog on a camping trip.

Dogs and cats can get along in the same house just fine, but if you’re introducing a new cat to your dog, they may need an adjustment period. Here are some steps you can take to ensure everyone lives in harmony.

According to data from Health Canada, incidences of Lyme disease are on the rise across Canada. Ontario is seeing one of the most significant increases in cases. Ticks spread Lyme disease, and your dog is vulnerable to infection, especially if it spends a lot of time outdoors. Here’s how to spot Lyme disease in dogs and what to do if you think your pet has it.

Kittens grow fast and proper nutrition is vital to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a strong, healthy cat. Kittens require evolving diets as they grow from newborns to playful and independent adolescents. Here’s what you should be feeding your kitten from birth to adulthood.

When you know your pet is approaching the end of its life, you may feel indecision. Should you let your little friend pass away naturally? Can you prolong your pet’s life through treatment? Should you do whatever it takes to limit their pain and discomfort? You may want to make a proactive decision about how to move forward when your pet’s health reaches a certain level of deterioration.

Finding out your pet has cancer can be heartbreaking, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your little friend’s life is over. If you’ve received this difficult news, here’s some advice to help you move forward.

Cats are famously agile. When they fall, their automatic response is to flip mid-air and spread their legs so that they can absorb the impact on landing. However, cats in high-level apartment buildings occasionally fall from great heights and suffer injury. These instances happen often enough to be recognized by the veterinary community as feline high-rise syndrome.

Just like humans, pets also have a carbon footprint. Consequently, all pet owners are responsible for reducing waste and becoming more sustainable global citizens. Here are six ways you can show the planet the same love as you do your pets.

Training your dog can be an arduous task, especially if you don’t have experience. There are five basic principles that dog trainers follow to modify a dog’s behaviour. You can apply these principles when you train your canine companion. Here are the five basic dog training rules you should follow.

Cats and dogs experience many of the same emotions as humans. For example, they feel joy, excitement, love and sadness. They can also experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Here are some things you can do if you think your cat or dog is depressed.

Getting your pet to take medicine can be challenging. Much like children, most dogs hate taking pills and can be very uncooperative. However, giving your dog medicine doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are 9 tips to get your dog to take their medication.

Has your cat or dog recently passed away? It’s normal to feel sad and lonely after losing a pet. You might even be wondering how long you should wait before adopting a new one. Here’s some advice on adopting a new pet after losing one.

Most pet owners dread trimming their cat’s claws, but cutting their nails short doesn’t need to be stressful. With the proper knowledge and a little bit of patience, most cats can learn to tolerate having their nails cut. Here’s a step-by-step guide for trimming your cat’s claws.

Is your dog or cat overweight? If so, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all pets are overweight or obese. Even a few extra pounds can cause problems like diabetes and heart disease, so it’s important to address the issue before it starts affecting your four-legged companion’s health. Here are some tips on how to feed an overweight pet.

Dogs need to stay active all year round. Toys are a great way to keep them engaged even during the cold winter months. New toys can be expensive — especially if your pup goes through them fast. But you don’t have to break the bank to keep your dog healthy and happy. Instead, you can make your own toys using inexpensive materials and items that you have lying around the house.

32% of Canadian employees say they are now doing most of their work hours at home. Setting up your workspace and getting work done can be difficult, especially if you are a pet owner. So, how do you make things work for you and your pet? There are several ways to ease up the process and adapt to working from home with your pet. It does not have to be cumbersome and could include, among other things, fun exercise opportunities.

To learn more about getting work done alongside your faithful companion, here is a guide by your local Scarborough animal hospital to become a more knowledgeable pet owner.

As a cat owner, you’re probably used to your furry friend’s demands to partake in “human food.” Unfortunately, many of the foods that tempt cats aren’t safe for them to consume. It’s important to know which ones are cat-friendly and which are toxic.

Though your dog might be as excited to go outside and play in the winter months, you might be worried about their safety as the temperatures dip below zero. However, with some research and careful planning, your furry friend will be able to explore snow-covered trails throughout the season.

More than half (58%) of Canadian households own a pet. But, how many of those homes practice proper pet etiquette during the winter holidays?

The shocking number of pets that go missing during the holiday season is one indicator. Unless you want to join that statistic, it's better to prepare now.

Keeping your pet safe and happy should be a major priority for you. Are you unsure of what to consider before the holidays? Read on to learn what you should be doing to ensure you're a responsible pet owner and a lovely guest this winter.

Looking for a new pet diet? Or do you have a type of pet food that's tried and true and never looked back? Maybe you've tried a variety of brands and flavours, only to have landed on one your dog loves, and you don't feel any need to change it. As it turns out, switching up your dog diet is an excellent idea. Maybe you should consider a rotation diet.

A recent survey has highlighted Canadians strong fondness for pets shows no signs of abating, with 58% of households owning at least one dog or cat. Canada's dog population is steadily increasing, with some 7.7 million dogs in the country.

As proud and loving dog owners, it's important to ensure that our four-legged friends are happy and healthy. One warning sign that your dog may have an underlying health condition is bad breath. While in some cases, the cause is harmless, chronic bad health is something that should be addressed.

In this blog post, we'll give you tips for improving your dog's breath. For dog teeth cleaning in Toronto, choose our expert team.

Although most people assume that cats do a good enough job of grooming themselves, the truth is that your feline friend can benefit greatly from some extra help. Here’s everything you need to know.

Dogs make excellent company on outdoor adventures. However, before you and your trusty sidekick set off into the great outdoors, here are five things to keep in mind.

Do you want to bring your furry friend to a local dog park? If so, you need to take certain precautions to protect the health and safety of your pet and other animals. Here are four things you should do before you bring your pooch to the dog park.

Although you may think you’re doing your dog a favour by shaving its coat in the summer, it could actually do more harm than good. Here’s what you need to know before grooming your dog this summer.

A backyard pool can be a great place to have fun and cool down in the summer. However, if you’re not careful, it can pose a serious risk for your cat. Here are a few ways to keep Mittens safe around the pool this summer.

Moving can be hard on your pet. Animals are creatures of habit and they tend to get anxious when changes are made to their environment. Fortunately, there are things you can do to lessen the amount of stress your pet experiences during a move.

Swimming is an excellent way to exercise for both you and your dog. But not all dogs are natural-born swimmers. Some breeds need more assistance and encouragement than others. Here are a few tips to help you teach your dog how to swim.

As a cat owner, you might be used to your furry friend coughing up furballs. However, it can be more worrisome to see your pet throw up. In some cases, this can be completely normal, but it could also signal a serious issue. Here are a few reasons why your cat might be vomiting and when you should be concerned.

There’s arguably no better way to escape the daily grind and witness the beautiful landscapes of this country than by going on a road trip. If you have a dog, however, you’ll need to take a few additional steps before heading out. Here are some tips to help prepare your pet for the open road.

Many pet owners overlook dental care for their cats and dogs, but as is the case with humans, oral health is a key aspect of your animal’s overall well-being. According to research, the majority of feline and canine pets show signs of dental disease by the age of three. Here are a few indications that your pet needs dental care.

Are you a pet owner who’s allergic to your cat or dog? If so, there are a number of things you can do to minimize allergic reactions to dander. Here are five tips for living with animals if you’re allergic to them.

If you’re a cat owner who’s considering welcoming another feline into your family, there are some things you should think about first. Here are five questions to ask yourself before adopting a second cat.

Orthopedic problems refer to any health concern that involves bones, muscles, ligaments or joints. Many dog breeds are susceptible to these types of issues, which can result from a variety of factors such as improper diet, physical activity and genetics. Here are some of the most common orthopedic problems seen in dogs. 

As a pet owner, it’s important for you to be aware of the types of issues that can befall your furry friend. This will ensure you’re prepared to act swiftly when they need you most. Here are some common cat emergencies and what you should do if they occur. 

Cats make great pets for people of all ages and abilities. At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, we think that cats are especially good companions for seniors. Here are five reasons why.  

Dogs need to be walked every daily, no matter what the weather. Here are five tips for keeping your pooch safe and warm on winter walks.

Are you getting ready to welcome a new cat into your home? Whether you plan to adopt a kitten or an adult, it’s important to ensure you have all the supplies you need to make your house feel like home for your furry friend. Here are some of the things you’ll need to pick up.

Do you plan to invite friends and relatives over for the holidays? While you might be looking forward to the party, these types of gatherings can be stressful for dogs, especially if they’re not used to loud noises, unfamiliar scents and being pet by strangers. Here are a few tips to help keep your pooch calm and happy during your next holiday party. 

Most dog owners consider their pet to be a member of their family. In fact, almost half of all dog owners are so close to their pooch that they even let them share their bed. Are you wondering if it’s healthy or safe to do? Here are the pros and cons of letting your dog sleep on your bed.

Cats have a reputation for being aloof and not caring about their humans. However, this is simply not the case. In fact, cats have many ways of showing their affection, but not everyone knows how to recognize the signs. Here are eight unique ways cats show their love.

It takes a lot of time and dedication to train a puppy to become a service dog. If you’re thinking about fostering a future service dog, here’s what you need to know.  

Have you ever wondered why black cats became the target of superstition and a symbol of the spookiest time of the year? Here’s how it happened. 

Separation anxiety is one of the most common canine behavioural issues that veterinarians see. Here’s everything you need to know about it, and what you can do to help your pet feel happy and relaxed when you’re not at home.

Heartworms are a blood-borne parasite that can live in your pet’s heart or pulmonary arteries. While they’re more common in dogs than cats, recent studies have shown that a far greater number of felines are affected than previously thought. Here’s everything you should know about this parasite and cats.  

Just like humans, dogs and cats can put on extra weight. Whether it’s due to overeating, not enough exercise or both, being overweight isn’t good for your pet. Here’s what you should know. 

Though cats often tolerate high temperatures better than we do, they’re still at risk for dehydration and heat stroke on the hottest days of the year. Here are five tips for helping Mittens stay cool during a heatwave.

If you recently adopted a kitten, it’s important to make sure your new pet receives all the vaccines needed to ward off diseases and live a long, healthy life. Here’s what you should know about cat vaccinations.

Dogs and humans alike need to drink plenty of water to stay healthy and hydrated, especially when the sun is shining and the temperature spikes. Here are five creative ways to hydrate your dog during a hot Toronto summer.

Your pets probably love the summer months as much as you do. However, both the hot weather and several common summertime activities can be hazardous for cats and dogs. Here are seven tips for keeping your pets safe this summer.

It’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes when your dog is begging you for a bite of your meal. While it’s up to you to choose whether or not your dog gets to eat human food, not everything you put on your plate is good for your pup. In fact, some types of human food are dangerous to your pooch. Here are seven kinds of food you should never feed your dog.

After a long, cold winter, humans aren’t the only ones happy to have some warmer weather. Your dog is probably as excited by spring’s arrival as you are. Here are six ways to get outside and enjoy the season with your pup.  

Have you ever wondered what’s coming in on your dog’s feet or whether you should clean them after your daily walk? Here’s what you should know about cleaning your dog’s paws.  

Are you struggling to teach your new puppy to respond to basic commands? Clicker training may be just what you’re looking for.

Lilies are popular as cut flowers and in gardens all over Toronto. 

Much like their humans, overweight dogs are at risk for serious health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia and cancer.

All responsible cat owners know that their pets should visit the veterinarian at least once a year. Unfortunately, this isn’t an experience that many cats enjoy.

Heartworms are parasitic roundworms that infect dogs, wild canines and other animals like cats and ferrets. 

When winter temperatures drop below the freezing mark and the days are short, it can be hard to find ways to give your dog the exercise he needs. 

Scheduling regular appointments with the vet is the best way to make sure your pet stays healthy and to prevent minor health problems from turning into major concerns.

When it comes to dental care, we have a surprising amount in common with our furry friends.

Just like you and me, cats require extra TLC after they undergo a surgical procedure. For outpatient surgeries, it’s the owner’s responsibility that their cat is comfortable and safe after their operation. To learn how to take care of your pet post-op, take a look at the following tips from Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, our highly regarded GTA clinic.

As a cat owner, you’re likely well aware that cats are masters at hiding their pain and discomfort—even from you, the person who loves them most! 

Summertime is the ideal season to enjoy the outdoors with your dog. However, as the temperatures rise, it’s important to ensure that your pet’s body temperature stays at a healthy level for them. 

Besides the glorious heat and verdant nature that summer brings, it’s also peak thunderstorm season in Canada. The loud thunder claps, intense rainfall and bursts of lightning caused by these storms are often terrifying to our canine friends.

Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference for your dog. At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, we treat pets for the following types of emergencies:

Microchipping might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but in fact, it’s a really useful way to keep pets from getting separated from their families. A veterinarian or a veterinary tech can insert a small chip, the size of a grain of rice, underneath your pet’s skin. It’s a simple procedure that doesn’t hurt and can be administered with a needle. The chip, while it doesn’t track the pet’s location, can provide veterinarians and animal shelters with ownership information about the cat or dog found.

Introducing Scarborough’s newest Toronto vet clinic, Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital. 

You’ve trusted Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Clinic with the well-being of your furry friends for over 20 years, and now you can expect to receive the same great care at our new location on Lawrence Avenue.

Many pet owners find themselves musing that it’s amazing just how much hair their four-legged friends shed on furniture, clothes, floors and carpets. While a home filled with fluff is an unavoidable part of having a cat or dog, there are a number of ways to keep it to a minimum.

Adore your feline companion? Want to make “mittens” purr with satisfaction? Of course you do! Here are 10 things your kitty needs to feel happy and content.

One of the more stressful experiences in a person’s life is moving to a new home. Just imagine how anxiety inducing it must be for a dog—he or she has no idea what’s happening! All of a sudden their routine is disrupted, new people are coming and going in and out of their space and objects in their home are being packed and rearranged. Then they find themselves in a completely new environment where nothing is familiar or recognizable.

As much as we love our canine family members, there’s one thing that can drive any pet parent crazy: non-stop barking! Thankfully, there are ways to help your pet overcome this troublesome habit, but first, you must understand why they’re doing it.

Stereotypically, cats and dogs have a mutual hatred for one another. However, the thing about stereotypes is that they aren’t necessarily true. Your family can include both a dog and a cat and, with a little help from you, they can get along like the best of friends.

Few things are as exciting as getting a new dog, but if you already have one or more canines living in your household, bringing the newest member of your family into your home can also be stressful. Your old dogs are going to consider your new pet as an intruder in their territory. Since dogs rely heavily on smell, there are a number of steps you can take to get them used to each other’s scents and therefore become comfortable living together.

A common side effect of aging or disease in pets is vision loss. As a pet owner, you should be aware of signs that may indicate impaired vision, as well as how to care for your pet after they have been diagnosed.

If you notice your pet acting in a way that doesn’t seem quite right, you might wonder whether dropping everything and taking them to the veterinarian immediately is the appropriate response, or if you’re simply overreacting. Certain symptoms are indicators of a serious issue and their presence or absence can help you judge the urgency of the situation. However, don’t hesitate to contact a veterinarian if you think something may be wrong, since when it comes to your pet’s health, it’s absolutely better to be safe than sorry.

Adopting a pet is exciting, but when it comes to bringing home your new cat or kitten for the first the first time, there are a few things you should know. For starters, your home is a foreign place for your new cat. It’s riddled with new sights, sounds, smells and surroundings, which can easily overwhelm or even scare your new pet. However, there are a number of ways you can ease the transition. Keep reading for more information about what you can do to make bringing your cat home as stress-free as possible.

How well dogs adopt the behaviours you want them to comes down to one thing: consistency. It may seem simple enough in theory but in practice, it requires ongoing commitment and dedication. Here are some ways you’ll need to be consistent if you want your pup to be well behaved.

If you follow our blog regularly, you may recall that one of our first posts was 5 Types of foods you should never give your dogs. While we went over the downfalls of canines ingesting chocolate, alcohol, tobacco, raw meat, grapes and stone fruit, there are a number of other foods that are toxic to your pooch. Always call your vet or visit an animal hospital for an emergency visit if you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance.

Does your dog have difficulty climbing stairs? Does he have decreased mobility, an abnormal gait, irregular posture, or trouble standing, lying or jumping? If so, a dog chiropractor may be able to help.

Dogs, like people, communicate through body language and vocalizations. And just like us, this occurs both consciously and unconsciously. You don’t have to be a vet or dog trainer to get the gist of what your pup’s trying to say. You simply need to pay attention. While your pet is ultimately unique, there are commonalities across all breeds in the ways canines express themselves. Here are some of the most universal things dogs say and how they say them.

Hip dysplasia (a kind of displacement of the hip joint) is a painful condition that can greatly impact a dog or puppy’s quality of life. It can occur due to genetic predisposition, injury or as a result of other health conditions. While not entirely preventable, the likelihood of your dog developing hip dysplasia is lessened by observing the following:

Like humans, your pets can develop food allergies over the course of their lives. Unlike us, however, they won’t be able to say which thing they’ve eaten has made them feel bad. That why it’s up to us, their friends, to do a little sleuthing and figure out if our pets have food allergies and which foods are causing reactions. Untreated allergies can be dangerous for your pets and even send them to the animal hospital.

If you don’t want to spend time and energy devising pet-proof protection for your houseplants, the easiest way to avoid the problem is simply to only grow plants in your home that won’t harm your pets. They may still try to make a snack of your plants, of course. You should try to keep you pets away from houseplants in general but, if they do find a way to get at them, you want those plants to pose no real threat (and hopefully your plant will make it through the experience too).

As responsible pet owners, we try to be conscientious of our cats’ health and happiness. It can sometimes be difficult to know exactly when our cats are not feeling well. Although they like living with humans, there’s still a part of them that’s wild. In the wild, showing that you’re in pain is a good way to draw the attention of predators, so your cat is naturally unwilling to let you know when he or she is in pain. That means that problems can develop for a long period of time without us knowing about them.

At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, we’re pet lovers. We do everything we can in our cat hospital to help you give your pets the best lives possible. Although our cats can be our best friends, that doesn’t mean we always understand the things they do. One minute they’re demanding affection from us, and the next they’re hunting imaginary mice around your home.

Cats are very particular about how they look. Using their special tongues, a cat can spend a large part of each day grooming him or herself to keep his or her coat looking its best. Their coats are, in fact, more important to them than our hair is to us. For a cat, his or her coat not only provides protection from the environment, it can also provide sensory information for navigating tight spaces and helps produce important vitamins that contribute to his or her health.

Despite popular myths, cats are really energetic and social animals. They can live happy lives indoors with their family, outdoors in the wild, or some combination of the two. Some people think that cats can’t transition from one kind of life to another, but they can. 

Cats have been sharing our lives and our food since about 8,000 BC. And yet, they haven’t changed that much since they started living with humans. Dogs, by contrast, have changed a great deal in how they look and behave since they were domesticated more than 15,000 years ago. Unlike dogs, who can be taught to respond to commands, cats tend to interact with humans on their own terms. Cats enjoy living with humans but are happy to just do their own thing, which includes only eating the foods that they prefer.

One of the main questions that people have when visiting cat clinics in Toronto is how to litter train their kitten. The good news is that kittens instinctually take to burying their waste. When a well-suited litter box is available, they will much prefer to relieve themselves in the litter rather than on your carpet. By following a few simple steps, you'll be able to ensure that your kitten learns how to properly use their litter box. At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, cat clinic in Scarborough, we advise cat owners to:

Different dogs can vary considerably in how they react to pain. Some will immediately let you know it while others might quite convincingly cover it up. So how do you know that it's time to bring your pooch in to a Toronto animal clinic? Thankfully, even the most stoic of dogs are going to show symptoms of pain, especially if the pain is severe. At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, vet clinic in Toronto, we teach pet owners to be on the lookout for the following signs that their dog might be in pain.

Feral kittens can be a handful, but with a little love and patience, they can be an unbelievably rewarding and gratifying addition to the family. Remember, if you need advice at any point while socializing your feral kitten, your local cat clinic in Toronto is always happy to help! Let’s take a look at some basic socialization techniques:

It’s nothing to be too alarmed about, but you should probably skip down to your local dog clinic in Toronto for a quick check-up anyway. Kennel cough is very contagious and should be addressed quickly.

Meowwww!! Do you ever wonder what your cat is trying to say to you? The sounds your feline pet produces can mean various things. The tone and pitch of their meow can help you understand what they're feeling or trying to say. As kittens, all felines meow to communicate with their mothers. Wildcats eventually lose this ability while domestic cats do not. Meowing is what allows domestic cats to communicate with their human parents.

Can Your Dog’s Chewing Habits be Dangerous?

Puppies love chewing on everything in sight. As adults, they’re generally more controlled and will contain their chewing to bones and chew toys. As your dog matures, if it continues to eat objects other than food, you should consult your veterinarian as they might suffer from a condition called pica, which makes them crave non-food items.

If you’re a cat owner, or more appropriately if you are in service to a feline friend, then you know cats can be finicky. The reality however is that cats ‘talk’ all the time using a variety of signals - body postures, facial expressions, and vocalizations - to convey their message and avoid unwelcome confrontations.

At Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital in Toronto, we conveniently provide an extensive range of feline services all under one roof to make sure your pet is and remains healthy. Our cat clinic in Toronto will please even the most demanding cats. So if you ‘own’ a cat, be prepared to learn feline.

For humans, we’re aware that routine trips to the doctor or dentist are important preventative techniques for early detection and the ongoing treatment of a host of conditions. It’s the same for our pets; regular visits to the vet can significantly improve early diagnosis and treatment of the issues that impact your cat or dog’s health.

At our animal clinic in Toronto, we understand that your pet is part of your family and offer a variety of treatments and convenient services to make sure your animal is and remains healthy. Equipped with modern tools and techniques, our vets provide your dog or cat with professional, compassionate, and thorough treatment. Here are a few notes on how routine visits can keep your best friend healthy and prevent illness.

After you spay or neuter your pet at our clinic in Toronto, you may wonder how to best take care of your furry friend. It’s a vulnerable time in his or her life, and you want to make sure that post-op care goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some general guidelines to follow, but be sure to check with your vet for any additional recommendations.

When your cat has skin that’s itchy or sore, it can be troubling. The source of your feline’s discomfort may be due to any number of things, and pinpointing the cause isn’t always easy. It’s best if you bring your kitty to visit us at Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital. Our cat clinic is open seven days a week to residents of Toronto, Scarborough and other surrounding areas. We’ll offer a diagnosis and treatment that’s bound to get your feline friend back to his or her regular self. However, if you want to use a home remedy that’ll offer a bit of relief before your appointment, here are a few things you can try.

Unlike pet vaccination, animal allergy shots provide somewhat uncertain results in Toronto, Scarborough and other surrounding areas. Success rates are generally high, but in approximately 20% of cases, the effects of the treatment are minimal or non-existent. Still, allergy shots are worth considering if you have pets who are otherwise healthy but suffering from the effects of environmental allergies.

It's never easy seeing your pet go through pain, whether their pain is temporary or chronic. Although today's modern medicine provides many helpful avenues for pain relief, it's good to consider all branches of the medicinal tree. Whether new or old, local or foreign, there are countless ways to treat an animal that's in pain.

As a pet owner, you can learn the different options available to help improve your pet's quality of life. And if it means a smaller dosage of prescription drugs with fewer side effects, what have you got to lose? Read on to get a feel for some of the more common prescriptions and alternative sources of pain relief for your loved one.

One of the most common questions pet owners ask their vet is, “What should I feed my dog?” The answer to this question will vary depending on the breed and size of your puppy. However, there are some universal truths for proper pooch nutrition that never change. Here are some guidelines to follow when it comes time to deciding what to feed your dog and what you should avoid.

Your dog is part of your family, so making the decision to bring in a new family member (or a second dog) is a big one. Will the new dog get along with your current pooch? What extra work comes with having a second pet? We'll discuss all these questions and more in this post as we explore the different issues that arise when getting a second dog.

No matter how much you brush a dog's coat, fur still seems to get everywhere. It hides on the couch and on clothes and on carpet. While some dog breeds shed more than others, all dogs shed fur.

If you live with a dog, you know that at times it may be difficult to handle all the excess fur. Guests may avoid your home simply because they wish to avoid all the fur sticking to their clothes. Or you may consider leaving your furry friend outdoors to keep the fur to a minimum.

But before you take drastic action with the hair clippers, take the time to understand why your dog's fur is important and why dogs shed often.

If you could recall your first visit to a doctor's office you would remember feeling out of place. There are unfamiliar smells and sounds. The doctor is using instruments you've never seen before. It can be intimidating and your pet can feel the same anxiety. There are some animals who like the attention. However, if you know your animal doesn't like new situations, this can be a scary experience for them.

Having a dog is a lot like having a child. You go to great lengths to care for your dog and you love them dearly. For many couples, the thought of introducing a child into their family dynamic comes with a few anxieties. If you are feeling stressed and asking yourself a lot of questions about this transition, prepare yourself for bringing home baby to meet your dog. Here are some tips for introducing your dog to a new baby.

Traveling is often a must, even for pet owners. Many people are required to take business trips, and almost all of us need a vacation every once in a while. A pet can throw a wrench into travel plans, especially if traveling with a pet is too expensive of a travel destination isn’t pet friendly. Enter the pet sitter, the saviour of pet owners everywhere.

Babysitting requires a whole host of activities, from making sure your charge is safe and happy to removing dangerous objects to keeping the house clean. Pet sitting is fairly similar—your goal is to keep your employer’s animal safe, happy, and comfortable throughout their owner’s trip. Read on for great tips about how to do just that.

People love playing with puppies and kittens. They enjoy holding them in their arms and watching them explore a world they are already intimately familiar with. Their fur is soft, they smell great, and their energy level is through the roof.

But as these little bundles of cuteness grow older, they begin to develop. They become less playful, less cuddly, and they lose that new puppy or kitty smell. The most noticeable change is their breath.

Whether your dog is energetic or easy-going, off-leash dog parks are the perfect treat to keep your pet’s spirits up. If you’re located in or around Toronto, here’s a list of off-leash dog parks and areas to ensure your canine stays active, healthy, and happy.

Is your cat curled up on your lap purring right now, pawing at the keyboard and trying to get your attention? She spent the day snoozing in the sun, meowing animatedly at you, and clawing at bits of string. On a typical day, it might be hard to see the connection between your cat and majestic wildcats stalking their large prey through the wild.

If you're a dog person, you might have a similar question: how did the smiling, floppy-tongued animal tracking dirt into your house originate from the reserved, cautious grey wolves of the world?

What is it about those fuzzy little fur-ball friends of ours? Puppies fill us with delight and make our troubles just melt away—the way they clumsily learn to walk, how they discover their tail . . . and attempt to chase it, how tuckered out they become after trotting about filled with complete and utter happiness.

Yes, it can’t be denied, even naughty puppies have a way of making us fight back a smile. Their honest little expressions and open giving of affection will get you every time. For a dog lover, it doesn’t matter the age or type, all dogs make your heart skip a beat. Going to the shelter is risky business, because you would take them all home with you . . . if you could.

For many dog owners, their four-legged friend is a valued member of the family. Your pooch may be accustomed to undivided attention and a set routine, but all that will change when you bring home a baby.

Imagine a hot summer day. Your family goes into the store to grab something, and you decide to wait it out in the car. The temperature soon begins to climb to about 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) in your vehicle. You have no water, fans, or air conditioning. And you're wearing a fur coat.

While this situation may seem ridiculous for a human, it's fairly common for dogs. Dogs are covered in fur that can heat up their bodies. Like humans, they need to keep cool, but their beloved owners don't always remember this.

Your cat or your dog is more than just an animal you own. It's a member of the family and one of your best friends. The more attached you become to your pet, the more difficult it is to cope with its loss.

Similarly, your children may bond to your pet and may be just as devastated by grief when it dies. Younger children might not fully understand what happens when a pet dies, and special consideration should be made when helping them cope with the loss.

But don't give up hope. The grieving process may take time, but together, you and your children will eventually heal.

When you first bring home a new puppy or kitten, it’s hard to imagine that soon they’ll grow up and be more than a soft little ball of cuddly fur. However, that time will come sooner than you think, and before it does, you need to have your pet spayed or neutered.

You want to do what’s best for your pet, but you might not be sure if spaying/neutering is really a good idea. Will it change their behaviour? Does your pet want to reproduce?

To separate the facts from the fictions, you should know the benefits of spaying/neutering your pet, and the truth about some common myths you’ve heard.

It used to be that a nine-year-old cat was considered ancient. But these days, an indoor cat can live for up to 15 or 20 years, and becomes a senior when they’re about 10.

As any animal ages, their body changes. To avoid being hurt or attacked, cats hide their pain and other changes in their body. However, there are subtle signs that your aging cat is having a bit of trouble. Here are some changes to watch for as your cat lives out its golden years:

The endless sunshine of summer might be glorious for you, but it may be miserable for a furry dog. Your canine friend's luscious coat makes enjoying the summer heat nearly impossible. Since he can't just throw on some shorts and a tank top, your dog will spend most of the summer lounging in your air-conditioned house.

Bored dogs can develop destructive tendencies. How do you keep your buddy entertained? Read on for ways to keep your dog active indoors.

Not sure if your cat should be an indoor cat or an outdoor cat? Do you feel guilty for keeping your cat inside all day? The outdoors provides some great benefits like sunlight and fresh air. But there are some things you need to know about whether or not to let your cat outdoors.

If you see your pup itching, scratching, and twisting around as if trying to do a wonky version of the Macarena, then he or she may have fleas. Though fleas sound like harmless pests, if left untreated, your precious pooch could develop a serious infection or disease. Here is the foolproof method to spotting fleas and forcing them to pack up their pesky bags and flee.

Is your cat packing on too many pounds? Oftentimes, people associate indoor cats as lazy felines, but this doesn’t have to be the case. All cats need exercise. Rely on at-home workouts to help your cat become happier, healthier, and more energetic.

Though it may take a little bit of creativity on your part, all your efforts will pay off by having a happier, healthier feline friend in the end. Here are some tips on how to get your cat up and moving.

Your dog is your beloved companion who sticks by your side through every stage of life and who greets you eagerly at the end of the day, anxious to play.

While your dog can't communicate with words, you probably understand his unspoken communication very well. A tilted head and extra good behaviour might mean that he is asking for a treat. A ducked head and the tail between his legs probably mean your pet has done something he knows he shouldn't have done.

The better you know your dog's behaviours, habits, and ways of communicating, the better you will be able to tell if something is wrong. When your dog is sick or injured, he will try to communicate that to you. Pay close attention to the following signs that signal illness or injury.

When it comes to finding a cat that is compatible with your cat allergies, there are a lot of common misconceptions. Here is a list from our animal clinic that uncovers the myths and helps you decide which cat is right for you and your allergies.

Unlike humans, dogs come with a ready-made pair of shoes and their padded paws! Your dog's paws insulate against extreme weather and protect paw tissue, bones, and joints from injury. For your dog to be healthy and happy, her paws need do their job right. As a dog owner, you can take a lot of steps to keep your dog on her toes all year-long.

We brush our teeth twice a day. We floss and visit the dentist to take care of our teeth. But what about our dogs? How can we help them maintain strong oral hygiene? Part of the care you give to your "best friend" should include oral care. Start by brushing your dog's teeth and by looking for signs of oral maladies.

Winter can be tough on all of us, but it can be especially tough on cats who like to venture outdoors despite Toronto’s heavy snowfall. There are always dangers lurking outside for cats, but felines are especially vulnerable in colder temperatures. These seven tips will help you protect your furry friend.

Watching your sweet little puppy get sick can be heartbreaking. No pet owner ever wants to see their furry friend fall ill. That’s why pet vaccinations are such an important part of keeping your puppy happy and healthy. Keep reading to learn all about the signs and symptoms of some common illnesses that puppies suffer from and why your puppy needs to get his/her pet vaccinations as soon as possible.

Just like people can feel down due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), so too can your little kitty get the blues when the weather outside is frightful. And while there’s not much you can do to stop winter from coming to Toronto, there are a few things you can do to prevent your fuzzy friend from feeling the effects of wintertime sadness. Keep reading for six great tips from Bellamy-Lawrence Animal Hospital, Toronto’s animal clinic.

Winter is a time of blustering winds, freezing temperatures, snow and slippery ice. These conditions can be fun (for some), but for your pet winter can pose serious health risks.

At our veterinary clinic in Toronto, we see many incidences of frostbite that could’ve been prevented. But it’s easy to protect your pets against the elements this winter if you follow the guidelines below.

It’s normal for dogs and cats to experience some hair loss throughout the year. Shedding has normal seasonal components. For example, at our animal clinic across Toronto, we notice more shedding and dry flaky skin on family pets once furnaces go on in the fall and winter. Using a humidifier can help alleviate some of the problem.
Dogs and cats who spend a lot of time outdoors get their shedding cues from Mother Nature. With less sunshine and cooler temperatures in the fall, they start shedding to make room for their thick winter coats. On the reverse side, when days grow longer and warmer in the spring, they start losing their winter coat to grow thin hair. But with indoor family pets spending most of their time under artificial lights, they tend to shed evenly all year round.

We all want the best for our pet but the ongoing debate surrounding vaccines leaves many of us feeling confused. Are you unsure if vaccination is right for your pet? Don’t worry! This small guide will help you make an informed decision.

Fleas are a cat owners worst nightmare. These tiny insects feed off your fluffy friends blood, causing very itchy and sometimes painful bites. Unfortunately, these little pests are very hard to exterminate: they reproduce at an astonishing rate and they protect themselves with a hard shell on their back!

As the heat rolls in, so do summer pests and parasites. Summer brings insects directly to our backyards, homes and felines during peaks of warmth and sunshine. Some bugs are harmless while others can be dangerous to your pet’s health and wellness.

There are preventative measures you can take during the warm months. We have tips for you so that you and your cat can have a great and safe summer.

Dental care is not only important for you but also for your furry best friend too! Taking care of your pet’s oral hygiene is absolutely necessary.

Pet dentistry plays a major role in your dog or cat’s overall health and happiness. Just like their physical health, you have to look after their teeth and gums as well.

The team of veterinarians at our Toronto animal clinic provides comprehensive animal care. We are proud to offer dental cleanings for all cats and dogs.

You love your pet, and so all the hoopla about Lyme disease leaves you feeling a bit bewildered. Is it a real threat? Can it kill your dog? And how can you prevent it? Read on to learn about the main thing you need to watch out for when it comes to your dog, ticks and Lyme disease.

Have you made the decision to spay and neuter your beloved pet? If you are still on the fence about the idea, you should reconsider your options. Spaying and neutering your cat or dog could have significant impacts on their health and behaviour.

Your cat or dog is much more than an animal. They are your companion and best friend.

The choice to spay or neuter your pet is healthy, beneficial and necessary. This procedure curbs unwanted behaviour and prevents disease.

The arrival of a new puppy or kitten is an exciting time for any pet owner. To avoid worms and diseases, preventative measures are absolutely necessary. All animal companions need to undergo deworming to ensure a happy, healthy and long life.

TThe decision to spay or neuter your pet is an important one for both your family and pet. The teams of professional veterinarians at our animal clinics in Toronto are here to provide options for a smooth procedure and transition for your cat or dog. Pet owners can rely on our comprehensive veterinary care.

There are many health and behavioural benefits to spaying or neutering your pets. Your animal companion deserves to lead a happy and long life.

With spring around the corner, it is important to discuss preventative measures for heartworm disease for your animal companion. Heartworm disease is a serious danger with life-threatening consequences for your dog or cat.

Our veterinary clinic in Toronto wants pet owners to have access to education, prevention and treatment for their pets. Here is what you need to know about heartworm disease and what you can do to ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry friend.

Your dog will eat anything. From the most savory dog food to unsecured garbage, your canine with ingest anything it can get its paws on. And as a dog owner, you’re concerned about the things your dog consumes. But high-quality dog foods can be pricey. If you are looking for a healthy alternative to costly dog food, you may only need to look as far as your own refrigerator.

While we all know that dog owners should never give chocolate to their beloved family pets, there are a number foods that are completely acceptable to feed your fury friend. Listed below are some everyday human foods that are healthy for your animal to eat.

From the first day you brought your dog home, you've loved him. As a puppy, all he wanted to do was play. And as he's grown, you've enjoyed his companionship and loyalty. But no matter how old your friend gets, one thing never changes: those sad puppy eyes watching you as you eat.

Whether you eat every meal at the dinner table or in front of the television, your dog has been there watching you. And when you do give in to those sad eyes, it's important to know what not to give him. Listed below are five substances you need to make sure your dog never consumes.

Stress is a normal part of everyday lifeā€”for both humans and animals. Just like people sometimes have a hard time coping with stress, dogs can also struggle in stressful situations.

Aggressive dog breeds sometimes lash out in stressful situations, while some breeds stress so much that they make themselves physically ill. By familiarizing yourself with stress indicators, you can prevent attacks and injuries, and also keep your pet happy and healthy.