Beaches Fallingbrook Veterinary Clinic
1210 Kingston Road M1N1N8 Toronto, ON, Canada

Your cat licking or biting at their skin If you have more than one cat, or any other furry pets in the home, you may also see them itching. You may even be itching yourself, and see red bumps on your skin where fleas have bitten. Flea dirt Flea eggs are white and hard to spot, but flea dirt (a mixture of flea poo and dried blood) can often be seen on the skin of pets who have fleas. This looks like little reddish brown specks, and can be mistaken for grains of soil. A good t...est to see if specks on your cat’s coat are actual dirt or flea diet is the wet paper test. Get some damp paper towel or cotton wool and gently wipe up some of the specks. If the area around the speck turns reddish-brown, it’s flea dirt. Live fleas You may be able to see live fleas in your cat’s coat if you part the fur or stroke them backwards. Fleas are very fast though, and can be difficult to spot! Around the base of the tail and around the neck are good places to look. Miliary dermatitis This is a very specific type of skin reaction, which is often see in cats who are allergic to flea saliva. Affected cats have small scabs on various parts of their body, but most commonly all along their back, around their neck which feel like little bumps under your fingers when you stroke them. You may see hair loss, especially along the spine and around the base of the tail. Anaemia In young kittens, a flea infestation can cause so much blood loss that the kitten becomes anaemic. This can look like weakness, and pale gums. Tapeworms If your cat has a tapeworm, it may have come from a flea. Tapeworms can survive inside fleas, and get transmitted into your cat if they accidentally consume the flea when licking their coat. It is thought that cats can ingest 50% of the fleas that live on them, via grooming! (416) 792-7421 #toronto #ontario #pets #catstoronto #instagood https://cutt.ly/kRPOFAB

What greater gift than the love of a cat. (416) 792-7421 #toronto #ontario #pets #catstoronto #instagood

Once your puppy is 6 - 8 weeks old, they can have their first vaccinations usually called the primary course. This consists of two or three injections, given 2 4 weeks apart, based on local risk factors which your vet will discuss with you. Some puppies will have their first of these vaccinations while they are still with their breeder. Your vet will check your puppy over before administering any vaccines, to make sure there are no clinical reasons not to give the vaccine... for example, a puppy already fighting any active infection would need to recover from this before a vaccination was given. Once any puppy has had their initial course of injections, they will only need one injection per year afterwards to keep that immunity ‘topped up’. The only vaccination not given by injection is kennel cough. This is given via an annual intranasal vaccine a squirt up the nose! This gets the vaccine right where it is needed to give local immunity. (416) 792-7421 #toronto #ontario #pets #catstoronto #instagood https://cutt.ly/0RmAXts

Cats are generally more active at dawn and dusk. Concerned about your cat's wanderings after dark, or waking you up in the morning? You might be surprised to learn that this is normal cat behaviour.... Cats are naturally more active during dawn and dusk - kittens and young cats in particular. If you look at the behaviour of cats in the wild, such as the African wildcat which shares ancestry with our pet cats, they are crepuscular - meaning they're more active during dawn and dusk. A prime time to hunt for rodents and other small prey, it's no surprise that cats spend most of their time roaming around at night. (416) 792-7421 #toronto #ontario #pets #catstoronto #instagood

Responsible cat owners need to make sure that their cat is neutered, vaccinated against certain diseases and microchipped as well as having regular health checks with a vet You'll need to make sure to register your cat with a vet as soon as possible. Try getting a recommendation from a friend or neighbour, or call in at local practices... Kittens and adult cats should be vaccinated to help them stay healthy and help stop the spread of disease. They'll need their first vaccine at around eight to nine weeks old Fleas and worms are very common in cats but may be hard to spot. Seek your vet's advice about different treatment options, which will depend on your cat's lifestyle As your cat enters old age, they'll need some extra understanding for their changing lifestyle. Considered geriatric from 12 years of age, you'll want to make sure the later years of your cat's life are comfortable and happy (416) 792-7421 #toronto #ontario #pets #catstoronto #instagood https://cutt.ly/oRxLnVl

If you suspect that your dog is obese, head to the vet. They’ll be able to carry out a thorough physical, including some blood tests, and numerous questions about your dog’s lifestyle. They’ll be able to determine the underlying cause of the weight problem, before helping you to establish a realistic long-term sustainable weight loss plan. It’s often as simple as getting more exercise and reducing the calorie intake. And it’s not just your dog who’ll have to make some behavi...oural changes. You too will have to address certain habits. For instance, no more feeding your dog scraps from the table. And bear in mind that your dog does not need 24/7 access to food. Most important of all, when they beg and whine for food, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog is hungry. Your vet will give you some clear guidelines on when best to feed your dog, and how much they should be fed. Treating obesity is a long-term process. You will not see results overnight. It can take as long as 12 months for a dog to reach their target weight, and even once this milestone’s been achieved, they’ll still have to commit to good eating and plenty of exercise. (416) 792-7421 #toronto #ontario #pets #catstoronto #instagood https://cutt.ly/RRhk9tP

There are many dogs that look like wolves, with long pointed muzzles, thick fur and bushy tails. And the good news is that they make great family pets Siberian Husky The striking looks have made them one of the most recognizable canines out there. Their stunning eyes, compact bodies and upright ears remind us of their wolf ancestors, but their playful and friendly personality helps them make fast friends with anyone. Siberian Huskies are athletic, full of energy and love t...o have a job to do. Alaskan Malamute Bigger and slightly fluffier, Alaskans will also know their way around a sled. But if you don’t have one, they will be happy to spend their energy doing plenty of running, hiking and exploring all the world has to offer. Their double coat might seem an unstoppable fur machine, but these wolf dogs are such friendly and joyful pets that you will quickly forgive them for the extra housework. German Shepherd The German Shepherd is a natural hero. Intelligent and loyal, German Shepherds love to be on a mission. From search-and-rescue jobs to guide and assistance tasks, no challenge is too big for their many talents. This ever-popular dog looks like a wolf, but behaves like the best canine friend you’ll ever have. Swedish Vallhund The Swedish Vallhund’s herding background makes them an intelligent dog that’s always on the lookout, announcing guests well before they even have a chance to reach for the doorbell. They are also lively and playful wolf dogs, looking for hugs wherever they can get them. Samoyed Samoyed dogs will love everyone, from family to random strangers. Although this disqualifies them for guard dog jobs, they are quite vocal in showing their love and very affectionate, which makes them great family pets. Most of all, be prepared for that famous ‘Sammie smile’ to melt your heart every day. Write in comments about which breeds you would like to know more Contact us, we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421 You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com #dogstoronto #pets #cat #dog #toronto #ontario Reference:https://cutt.ly/JxwssFG

In most cases dogs can eat cheese. However, it should only be given in very small quantities as an occasional high reward training treat. This is because dogs are actually lactose-intolerant and cannot cope with too much dairy in their diets. Even small portions of cheese can lead to gastrointestinal upset, so if your dog develops diarrhoea it is better not to feed them dairy products again in the future. Cheese is also high in fat which can trigger flare-ups of pancrea...titis, as well as leading to other health problems including obesity and diabetes. Never give your dog blue cheese. The fungus involved in making blue cheeses such as Stilton can produce a substance called roquefortine C, which dogs can be very sensitive to. If your dog ingests this, they may develop the following symptoms:vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, seizures. Cheese is not particularly good for dogs. Cheese contains protein, calcium, vitamin A, essential fatty acids and B-complex vitamins. However, these are all things your dog will be getting from their regular, complete diet. This means that there’s no nutritional need to add cheese to their diet. BUT cheese can be offered as a high reward training treat. Again, small cubes of cheddar can work well. Many owners find that using strongly scented foods such as cheese helps with training tricky commands, such as recall. Contact us, we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421 You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com #dogstoronto #pets #cat #dog #toronto #ontario Reference: https://cutt.ly/bz4SyjJ

Your cat is incredibly resourceful and self-reliant and has survived thousands of years in radically different environments and living conditions. So why are we drawn to them so fondly? Well, it’s mainly because of their smart behaviors that give us great satisfaction to observe. Check out some super intelligent behaviors below to see which ones you can relate to: Smart Move... Cats enjoy a solitary existence they answer to no one and are highly motivated by the need to survive. If intelligence is measured by survival, cats are hands down winners. Memorability Many of cat's remarkable mental and physical abilities are dismissed as simply instinctive. However, just as humans are born with innate communication skills that must be learnt over time to master a language, cats refine many of their inborn abilities through practice. Once attained, most knowledge is retained for life, thanks to the cat's excellent memory. Practice Makes Purrfect The right cat given the right reinforcement can be trained to do a variety of tricks - sitting on command, lifting a paw, lying down as well as having the ability to relate words to hand gestures. They are solely motivated by treats, and don’t find a pat on the head or other physical reward quite as satisfying as their canine counterparts, but that doesn’t diminish their intelligence. Some say it may in fact be a sign of higher intelligence. Showing Emotion Cats ‘own us’, not vice versa. They will always have the upper hand and seek affection on their terms. They are adept at letting you know that something is upsetting them. Whether it’s sending you on a guilt trip about going away when you pull a suitcase out to pack for a holiday or someone new in the home is causing a change in routine. Cats voice their opinions in a number of ways from hissing to giving you the evil-eye you’ll know when you’ve upset them! Contact us, we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421 You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com #dogstoronto #pets #cat #dog #toronto #ontario Reference: https://cutt.ly/jz1g9VK

The answer to the question can dog see colour is a definite yes, but there are certain colours that they are thought to see better than others. A dog is considered to have deuteranopia which is a form of colour-blindness. Dogs are primarily able to see blue, yellow and grey and probably unable to distinguish between red and green. It is important to remember that there are limitations in our ability to be sure clearly, we can’t ask the dogs what colours they can see! Conta...ct us, we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421 You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com #dogstoronto #pets #cat #dog #toronto #ontario Reference: https://cutt.ly/2zVqCQ1

Feline behaviour is a fascinating area, and we still have a lot to learn. Here are 3 common reasons that cats are thought to stare: #1 It’s feeding time One of the more obvious reasons why your cat is staring at you is that they’ve decided it’s time for dinner! If you find it’s around the time they’re usually tucking in and they’re staring at you with demanding eyes, it’s likely that they’re trying to use their best mind tricks to convince you to top up their food bowl. They ...may also pair this stare with meows to really get your attention! #2 Cats are curious creatures Many cats are incredibly curious by nature and they always want to know what’s going on. It could be just that they’re observing you see if you’re going to do anything interesting. Cats are visual hunters and when they go outdoors, they’re on high alert, keeping their keen eyes peeled for anything moving. When they’re indoors, that laser focus will shift to the motion in the household, which is likely you, especially if you’re up and about doing things! #3 Showing you affection If you spot your cat staring at you and giving long, slow blinks this is often interpreted as a sign that your cat feels safe and trusts you. This is sometimes thought of as the feline equivalent of showing you affection. Contact us, we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421. You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com #dogstoronto #pets #cat #dog #toronto #ontario Reference: https://cutt.ly/PzPWvo7

The amount of love that our dogs give us has given you is immeasurable. Because of this, we as their fur parents are obliged to provide them the ample care that they need during the remaining years of their life. Remember that the best moment that makes them happy is your company.... Give your pets a long satisfying life and just love them! Contact us we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421. You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com #dogstoronto #petstoronto #pets #vettoronto #dogs

Keep Your Pet Healthy Whether you have a dog, cat, parakeet, bearded dragon, or other fun pet, providing regular, life-long veterinary care is important for keeping your pet and family healthy. Just do the next things: ... Regular veterinary visits are essential to good pet health. Provide your pet with a good diet, freshwater, clean bedding, and plenty of exercises. Keep up with your pet’s vaccines, deworming, and flea and tick control. Some pets can carry ticks that can spread serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever to people. By keeping your pet healthy, you help to keep yourself and your family healthy. Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about your pet’s health or if you think your pet may be sick. #dogstoronto #petstoronto #pets #vettoronto #dogs

Cold weather animal safety You're probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets' health? Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather:... Winter wellness: Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it's as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather. Know the limits: Just like people, pets' cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog's walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Contact us we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421. You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com Reference: https://cutt.ly/She0iFr #dogstoronto #petstoronto #pets #vettoronto #dogs

How Pets Deal With the Loss of Other Household Animals As you well know, cats have very strong feelings too, and if you have two cats who are close and one passes away, you can expect the other cat to be affected. They may spend a lot of time in spots where the other cat often spent time, may even spend a little time searching for them, and may appear more active and agitated than usual. They may eat less and meow more, too. Eventually, if you continue to shower your cat with... love and attention, they should be able to adjust fairly well to the new situation in the home. You might expect something similar if a treasured family member disappears, either through moving away (like a child going to college) or by passing away. Contact us we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421. You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com Reference: https://cutt.ly/dg7pSvV #catstoronto #petstoronto #pets #vettoronto #cats

Dog Boots for Winter The winter season brings some extreme weather, making it tricky to do the usual outdoor activities that you and your dog enjoy together. Not only can they have a harder time getting around on slippery or wet surfaces, but colder temperatures can cause discomfort or pain without the proper protection for their paws. Rain, snow and ice can all be harmful as they get stuck between the toes. Other factors that can be dangerous are salt and ice-melting chemi...cals, which are commonly used during the winter and might not be easy to see while out on a walk. The best dog boots for cold weather should be water-resistant or water-proof and offer extra grip for ideal traction to keep your doggo from slipping. Because it can take time for your pooch to get used to wearing boots, it’s also important for any type of boots to be flexible and comfortable. Contact us we are always happy to help: (416) 792-7421. You can also email us at [email protected] or visit us at www.beachesvet.com Reference: https://cutt.ly/xg4yF0J #dogstoronto #petstoronto #pets #vettoronto #dogs