CanadaVet.com Blog

While parts of Canada swelter through a heatwave with temperatures nearing 30 degrees in parts of Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and the Northern Territories, we shouldn't forget that our furry friends will also be feeling the heat.

Here are a few symptoms of heatstroke in dogs that you should watch out for and a couple of tips to help keep your pooch cool in the warmer weather.



Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs

Heatstroke, also called hyperthermia can be fatal in dogs if left untreated and dogs are notoriously bad at dissipating their body heat as they do not sweat like humans do.

Early signs of heatstroke can include:

pantingexcessive production of saliva (hyper-salivation)dry mucous membranes (gums, inner cheeks)raised heart ratedogs may also become hyperactive and excitable
If the dog continues to be exposed to higher temperatures, their condition will worsen and the following symptoms may present: signs of shock such as pale mucous membranes, an elevated heart rate an…

Are you struggling to get through mealtime without your dog trying to snap at you? If this is the case, your pooch probably has a degree of food aggression. Don’t worry though, you aren’t alone, quite a large number of dogs have this problem! Through this article we help you understand and solve this issue so mealtime can become a more peaceful activity within your household – and no, no training supplies needed we promise. 

How to Recognise Food AggressionFood aggression is a form of resource guarding in which a dog becomes very defensive when eating, either towards humans or other animals. We’ve narrowed down this behavior to three degrees of aggression; mild, moderate and severe. 

Mild: stiffened body, head down, showing of teeth, growling and their body will hover over the meal as a way to protect it. 

Moderate: The whites of their eyes being visible, ears held back, tail lowered, snapping or lunging when approached. 

Severe: Biting. 

Aggression during mealtime can be quite common amon…

Is your pooch getting bored of their same old routine? If so, try adding in some of these fun brain games to help keep them moving and stimulated! It’s also a great way for you and your four-legged friend to bond. 
Mental stimulation not only enhances our dogs’ life by giving them something meaningful to do, but it also eases their boredom, decreasing the likelihood of them developing behavioral issues such as excessive chewing or barking.

Have Your Dog Work for Their FoodWe like to think dogs have it pretty easy when it comes to meal time. Their bowl just gets set down and we let them go at it. Although there is nothing wrong with this, it is, however, limiting the use of their natural scavenging habits. So, a great place to start when adding some mental stimulation to your dog’s routine would be their feeding. Instead of just handing over their food, you can make a fun game out of it for your dog.
A common favorite is using a food dispensing toy, such as the Kong Wobbler, where you pla…

Before welcoming a dog into your home, chances are, much like an expecting parent, you need all the information you can get. We all know having a dog is going to be a fulfilling experience, but there are a few things that you might not know about being a pet parent. We’re here to let you know the not-so-commonly mentioned information.


Dog Hair Gets EverywhereYou may think that just because your dog has short hair you won’t have to worry about shedding; well that’s very optimistic of you. Unfortunately, almost all dogs shed. Be prepared to find dog hair in your oven, on your mirror and in that suitcase you’ve yet to use. It’s going to get everywhere. A great way to combat this inevitable problem is to groom your pooch regularly to ensure minimal shedding all over the house.




Dogs Don’t Like Their Routines DisturbedIf your usual wake up time during the week is 6am, good luck trying to sleep till 10am on the weekends as your dog might have other plans for you. They love their routines, and …

Not only does your favourite feline provide unconditional love, but it’s now been proven that they can provide quite a number of other health benefits too. If you were ever looking for a sign to adopt a new fluffy companion, this is it! Let's take a look at all the ways, our cats can help improve our health. 

Better for The Environment If your carbon footprint is somewhat worrying you, it’s better to own a cat than a dog. A number of studies suggest that the resources needed to feed a dog over the course of its life can create the same eco-footprint as that of a big car. Whereas, cats – who eat less in general and are more likely to have fish as opposed to beef flavoured products – have the carbon footprint of approximately a small hatchback. 




Help You CopeDespite the fact they are only animals, cats can serve as a social support during times of needs. The calming effect of owning a cat triggers the release of oxytocin, the hormone known for inducing feelings of love and trust. It h…

Whether you've never been on a winter hike with your fur-friend, or if you're just looking for some extra safety tips, our guide to winter hiking with your pooch is here to answer all your questions – as well as some you didn’t think to ask.

Ensure Your Pooch is Physically FitThe first step when planning a hike in winter with your pooch is to ask yourself: is my dog physically fit? During the winter season trails may be very slippery or, deepening on where you live, covered in snow. In both cases, a winter hike will usually take longer, so your dog must be fit enough to handle the trail conditions.

Find Out About Their Breed TypeSecondly, you want to think about your dog's breed. Dogs with a thick coat, such as Siberian Huskies, thrive in cold temperatures and enjoy the snow. On the other hand, short-haired dogs, or breeds without an undercoat, such as a Pug, will get cold faster and may not like being outside for too long. Unless your pup is a true winter dog, there is a goo…