The holidays may be winding down, but we still have plenty of time to feel grateful and reflect on the wonderful, exciting and fulfilling year it has been here at Parkside Animal Hospital. We’re truly lucky to be a part of the North Bay pet care community.

Our weekly educational blog is fun to write, and we’re even happier that it seems to be fun for you to read. Each year we take a look at the most popular blog posts, and share them with you, here. So without further ado, here are Parkside Animal Hospital’s top 5 most read pet care blogs of 2018.

Similar to humans, pets suffer from various age-related illnesses. When we make it our goal to promote senior pet health, we can prevent diseases that threaten longevity and quality of life in our furry aging friends. In other words, early detection makes a huge difference when it comes to effective treatment. For the owners of senior pets, this means more time together – what could be better than that?

We all love our pets, and keeping them healthy and pain-free is a top priority. However, it’s not always easy to tell if our pet is not feeling well, due to a basic survival instinct – and of course, the fact that they don’t have language to tell us how they feel.

Luckily, there are subtle signs that can alert you to when your pet is in pain. This is a lesson we all want to learn, so we can help our beloved furry family members feel better quickly.

Canada made history this year when the Senate approved Bill C-45, also known as the Cannabis Act. This sweeping legislation paves the way for the legal possession, production, and sale of recreational marijuana for people over the age of eighteen. It also makes Canada the first wealthy nation in the world to fully legalize marijuana (medicinal marijuana has been legal since 2001).

While marijuana enthusiasts are understandably pleased with this new law, pet owners must take care to prioritize their pets’ safety when it comes to marijuana. At Parkside Animal Hospital, we want to make sure our valued readers understand the risks involved when it comes to pot and pets.

Although we don’t like to think about it, emergencies can and do come up, especially when you own a pet. In those situations, it’s a great comfort to have a basic understanding of pet first aid as well as a well-stocked pet first aid kit.

If you’re prepared to respond to an accident, you can administer first aid to stabilize your pet until you can get to our office or the nearest emergency clinic. Remember that Parkside Animal Hospital is always here to help you navigate a pet emergency. You can call us with specific questions any time, but always come in right away if you’re worried about your pet.

Here, we’ll show you what you need in your pet first aid kit.

Getting ready for a camping trip is a lot of work – especially if you’re taking your dog. On top of all your own necessities to deal with the great outdoors, you have to pack all of their gear, food, toys, and bedding, too. However, one of the most important items isn’t something you have to physically bring with you to the campsite. Instead, through your commitment to your pet’s year round parasite prevention, they’ll be totally prepared for what nature has in store.

Welcoming a new baby into the family is one of life’s most exciting and important milestones. The first baby changes everything, including the relationship we have with our canine companions. The numerous and leisurely walks we once took for granted now must include a stroller, diaper bag, and precise timing, all of which can add a layer of complication to the ever-unfolding world of new parenthood. What is a responsible parent and dog owner to do?

Walking a baby and dog together isn’t always easy at first, but it’s certainly possible. As with most things in life, planning, preparation, and patience are the key factors in developing a walking strategy that works for you and your pet.

It’s been proven that children who grow up with animals have greater emotional intelligence, but they also gain constant companionship and a more active lifestyle. It may seem like the match between kids and pets is a natural one, but the connection can take a little work. This is especially true if a pet was adopted before the arrival of a little one crying, crawling, and scampering through the house.

If you are expecting a little bundle of joy, you might be wondering what the best way is to introduce your pet to your new baby. How will your pet react? You know your pet better than anyone, but in order to get the best possible result after the birth, a bit of preparation is the key.

When a health concern is unclear or can’t be diagnosed, turning to exploratory surgery has been the traditional method in veterinary medicine. After all, what better way to figure out what’s wrong with a pet than by taking a look inside?

Today, there are a variety of tools at our disposal that make diagnosing your pet easier, less stressful, and can often eliminate the need for surgery. At Parkside Animal Hospital, we’re proud to offer ultrasound technology for pets. This diagnostic tool helps us examine your pet’s internal organs painlessly, effectively, and safely.

No matter how old they get, pets are sort of like human babies. They experience the world through their mouths, and a great many things they try to lick, chew, or consume shouldn’t be anywhere near the floor. Everything from human foods and plants to medications and chemicals can land your pet in the emergency room. Learn how you can prevent a pet poisoning and protect your pet’s present and future.