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. 

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!

A treat is just a treat unless, that is, it’s working to lift unhealthy plaque off the surface of the teeth. Then it’s more like medicine, although your dog doesn’t need to know that. While many dental chews are worth the money, not all dog dental treats provide the same health benefits. We’ll help you decide if dog dental treats are something to consider, or whether they’re not worth all the hype.

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.

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.

It’s summer in Ontario!  Parkside Animal Hospital has the ultimate list for safe and exciting summertime fun with your pet. Don’t miss out on the incredible weather, and get out there and have a blast with your furry best friend. 

As a pet owner, it is important to be prepared. When it comes to your pet’s well-being, it’s always better to have a pet first-aid kit (and not need it), than the other way around. Emergencies typically happen when we least expect them, and being able to act quickly can make all the difference. The Parkside Animal Hospital team wants to empower all pet owners to acquire all the necessary supplies and know the basics of pet first-aid.