Featured Articles
October 2009
Dear Petlover,
Hi there it’s Marko, one of the owners/administrators on Pets.ca and this is our first Autumn newsletter of 2009 so happy fall; the heat is has left but the fall colours are here. We intend to put out …
Hydration in cats – Getting cats to drink more water – Pet tip 116
What do you do if you do not think your cat is getting enough water to drink? You have the water dish filled, but your cat has been turning up its nose at it. The cat can be a very …
Basic Gerbil Care
The gerbil was first brought to the United States from Mongolia in 1954. Since then, it has rapidly become a popular pet with its enticing large eyes and long furry tail. In fact its tail is the same length or …
Obesity in Dogs
Obesity is one of the most common nutritional medical disorders affecting companion animals, with approximately 24-40% of pets being classified as overweight. Obesity is defined as an increase of over 20% above the optimum body weight. Reasons for this include …
Catnip and cats
Catnip is a plant with pretty coloured flowers at the tip and heart shaped leaves on a thick stem and contains a chemical ingredient that often has a stimulating effect on cats. In this article, we will discuss the possible effects it can have on your cat, and common questions you may have regarding catnip.
How Does Catnip Work?
Catnip contains chemicals that trigger a behavioural response in cats when they breathe it in. What is this behavioural response? Well, let’s use an example that I’m sure we’ve all been exposed to. The smell of delicious freshly baked cookies comes wafting to your nostrils, this triggers you to salivate, so you to walk to the kitchen and cannot help eating the cookies.
Blastomycosis in dogs
Perhaps you have heard of ‘blasto’ in dogs, it’s an important disease that all dog owners should be aware of.
Blastomycosis dermatitidis is the most common systemic mycosis of dogs. Systemic meaning that it can affect the whole body, and mycosis, meaning that it is caused by a fungus. It is called ‘dermatitidis’ because it affects primarily the skin, but it can also affect other body parts, such as the vascular system.
Blastomycosis is largely confined to the Ohio, St. Lawrence and Mississippi river-drained areas of North America. It is a soil organism, which can be inhaled by a dog. It is often found growing on dead leaves along a river. The classic case of a dog getting blasto is a young male hunting dog following a trail and sniffing eagerly along a river-bank. It is most common from August to October, since this is when leaves are falling off trees and the mould version of the fungus can grow upon them.
Great vet appointments – Pet tip 144
It has happened to us all before. You made up a list of questions cued up in your head to ask your veterinarian. However, when you get into the appointment room, you are busy answering any questions the vet poses …
Cats and dogs in pain – Pets in pain – Pet tip 125
Pain is an unpleasant experience that humans and animals alike will avoid if at all possible. When an animal’s pain is very great they will exhibit noticeable signs. The problem is that there is often a gap in communication between …
Clipping Dog Nails and Cat Nails – Pet tip 184
Did you know that it is recommended that you clip your dog’s or cat’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks? Feeling like a neglectful owner now? Don’t feel too bad; most of us seem to forget about our pet’s nails …