Long Branch Animal Clinic
3459 Lake Shore Blvd. West M8W 1N2 Toronto, ON, Canada

Does this video give anyone else the heebie-jeebies? Us too! What you’re seeing is Otodectes cynotis, commonly known as ear mites. Ear mites are usually found in the ear canal but can also live on the skin surface. Ear mites are highly contagious, and animals become infested by direct contact with another infested animal. The mite is barely visible to the naked eye and may be seen as a white speck moving against a dark background. Clinical signs of infestation include: scr...atching, head shaking, dark waxy or crusty discharge from the ear, areas of hair loss resulting from self-trauma caused by the animal’s scratching or excessive grooming, and a crusted rash around or in the ear. There are a number of treatments available to treat this pesky parasite. If you think your pet may have an ear mite infestation, give us a call: (416) 251-6787

Just look at this beauty! Named for the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia, Samoyeds are built for the cold! These fluffy white dogs were bred by nomadic reindeer herders to help with herding, as well as for hunting and sledding. Samoyeds make great family pets, with their friendly and affable disposition. They are known for their alert and happy expressions, often referred to as sammie smiles or smiley dogs. ... : May, a super sweet and happy girl

Boredom, frustration and environmental stress are some of the most common reasons for pets to exhibit behavioural problems. A great way to appeal to your pet’s desire for physical and mental stimulation is to use a puzzle feeder at mealtime. A feeding puzzle can be any toy or object that can contain food and requires the pet to work to find a way to get to that food. Reported benefits of use of puzzle feeders include: weight loss, decreased aggression toward humans and other... animals, reduced anxiety and fear, cessation of attention-seeking behaviors and resolution of litter box avoidance. There are a number of puzzle feeders available on our online store: https://www.myvetstore.ca : Tiggy (belonging to our RVT Ashleigh) working to get his dinner from the Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree

Here at The Academy, we recognize that new puppy owners have finite time and resources. For this reason, we believe that the vast majority of their eggs should ...be put in the socialization basket. Young puppies should have 100s of positive experiences with new people and other dogs in particular. Will this make them 'too friendly' when they see people and dogs in other contexts? Perhaps, if you believe in constructs like 'too friendly'. If a dog's love for strangers and unfamiliar dogs manifests as a manners problem, we simply train an incompatible behavior. We teach him to sit to be patted. We teach him to hold eye contact with us as a dog passes. We teach him to walk on a loose leash. Teaching manners is a far more attainable goal than modifying fear and aggression. And we owe it to our dogs to give them the best shot in this human culture we've immersed them in.

Have you ever seen an animal with two different coloured eyes? This is a genetic condition known as heterochromia iridum. Animals with this condition typically have one blue eye and the other is green, yellow or brown. Heterochromia usually occurs in white animals, or those with some areas of white on their body. The genes responsible for their white fur also control their eye colour. These genes determine differentiation in melanin, the pigment that gives our skin, hair a...nd eyes their distinctive shades. There is a common misconception that animals born with this condition are also deaf, however up to 70% of those born with heterochromia are not hearing impaired. Many Native American cultures hold those with heterochromia in high regard, due to their belief that the blue eye held the ability to see into the heavens and the other eye saw all things related to the earth. This is referred to as having ghost eyes. : Angel, a very sweet kitty boy

UPDATE (10/20/20): We now have normal phone and internet service again, yay! Thank you all for your patience and understanding. UPDATE (10/19/20): We are using our personal cell phones as internet hotspots, so we are now able to access emails. We still do not have direct phone access, however we have a answering service that allows us to receive voicemail messages. We have been told it will be another 24-72 hours before we have normal internet and phone service again. We are... so sorry for this inconvenience. ATTENTION The clinic is currently without phone and internet service. We appreciate your patience as we work to resolve this issue.

THANKSGIVING LONG WEEKEND HOURS: Friday, October 9th: 8:00am-7:00pm Saturday, October 10th: 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday, October 11th: CLOSED ... Monday, October 12th: CLOSED Please make sure you have enough of your pet’s food/medication before then and budget extra time in case there’s a wait to enter the clinic for your pick-up (maximum 2 clients inside at a time). Masks/face coverings are required for entry. Have an awesome & safe long weekend! : Luna, a very sweet Scottish Fold kitten

October is Registered Veterinary Technicians month. RVT's like Ashleigh are essential to ensuring your pets get the very best medical care. Thank you for everything you do, Ashleigh!

With the weather cooling down fleas and ticks will be looking for a nice warm host. Even indoor cats are at risk for contracting parasites. Contact us if you haven’t already picked up parasite prevention and we can discuss the best option for your pet!

And the award for the most handsome clinic cat goes to...Chester!

LABOUR DAY LONG WEEKEND HOURS: Friday, September 4th: 8:00am-6:00pm Saturday, September 5th: 9:00am-2:00pm Sunday, September 6th: CLOSED... Monday, September 7th: CLOSED Please make sure you have enough of your pet’s food/medication before then and budget extra time in case there’s a wait to enter the clinic for your pick-up (maximum 2 clients inside at a time).

Happy #GingerCatAppreciationDay! Show us your ginger kitties!

Heads up! We recently implemented a new automated reminder system. You may have received an email and/or text message reminder for annual exam, vaccine, etc. that your pet is up-to-date with. If you receive a confusing reminder please let us know as we are still working out the kinks with the new system. Thank you!

As Toronto enters Phase 3 today, we wanted to provide an update on our current policies. We will continue to see all appointments as drop-off visits only. The front door of the clinic is no longer locked during business hours. We are now allowing a maximum of 2 people in the clinic at a time for food/prescription pick-up and patient drop-off/pick-up. Masks or face covering are mandatory for entering the clinic. Please budget extra time in case there is a wait to enter the clinic for pick-ups. We request that you give at least 48-72 hours notice for medication refill requests and food orders, as we are still experiencing some delays from our suppliers.