This week's Pet fact

You've just got to love your furry friends!

Pet Fact of the Week

Wow! I never knew this!

Dog quote of the week.

They certainly make my life whole!

AKC Ultimate Dog Name List

The American Kennel Club has released it's list of "150 Ultimate Dog Names" and there are some surprises! While there are many of the usual popular dog names names like Ace (no 2), Harley (no 62) and Riley (no 112) there are also a few surprises like Body (no 17) Rumor (no 118) and Token (no 141).

So which name took out the number one position, of "AKC Ultimate Dog Names"? Abby!

Top 50 AKC dog names according to the list are:

1. Abby
2. Ace
3. Addie
4. Adele
5. Annie
6. Apollo
7. Aspen
8. Bailey
9. Beamer
10. Bear
11. Belle
12. Bella
13. Birdie
14. Bling
15. Blue
16. Bogey
17. Body
18. Boomer
19. Bowen
20. Breeze
21. Brie
22. Brody
23. Buzz
24. Callaway
25. Casey
26. Cash
27. Catcher
28. Chaos
29. Chase
30. Chili
31. CiCi
32. Cody
33. Cole
34. Comet
35. Cooper
36. Cruise
37. Crush
38. Daisy
39. Dare
40. Dash
41. Dawson
42. Dazzle
43. Demi
44. Denali
45. Diva
46. Dixie
47. Echo
48. Eli
49. Ellie
50. Emmy

For the full list of American Kennel Club Dog Names, click here.

5 Tips on How to Care For Your Senior Pet

Welcome to the CanadaVet blog.  Firstly, we’d like to start off with an apology.  Over the last few months we’ve been so busy here in the CanadaVet offices that we’ve been neglectful of our blogging responsibilities.  But that’s about to change.

Over the next few months we’re going to be blogging about all things pet related; from general veterinarian advice, pet behavioural advice, general interest pieces on the wonderfully mad world of animals and pet-ticular pet recipes, to more specific and serious pet issues, including allergies in cats, common dental problems in dogs and the benefits of wellness checks in pets. 

Are you ready for the all new and exciting CanadaVet blog?  Well then, let’s go!

5 Tips on How To Care For Your Senior Pet

Like people our best furry friends age; unfortunately quicker than we do. They slow down, start to go grey around the muzzle and senses such as sight, hearing and smell begin to deteriorate. Their behaviour may change, sometimes acting grumpy or confused. However with proper care our older geriatric pets can still live a happy, healthy life.

(Bear Bear, the best dog in the world; no longer with us today.)

1. Veterinary check-ups: As they age more frequent veterinary check-ups are required. A once a year vet visit is the same as a human senior citizen visiting their doctor once every 6 to 7 years! At least a visit every six months is recommended so that any developing problems can be addressed promptly.
2. Weight control: Older dogs do not burn off the calories they did when younger. Portion sizes need to be adjusted and a good quality seniors diet provides lower but high quality protein, easily digestible carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals and fewer calories. Many dogs benefit from two smaller meals a day rather that one big meal.
3. Exercise: Exercise helps with weight control as well as maintains muscle mass and reduces the signs of degenerative joint disease. Joint supplements especially those that contain glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to significantly improve joint health. Many dogs benefit from these supplements year round rather than just during the summer months.
4. A good comfortable bed will help keep your old girl comfortable but ensure that it is not too high that it is difficult to climb into.
5. Maintain good grooming and dental care. Many older dogs don’t shed their under coat and thick clumps of matted hair can build up. Brushing these out and ensuring nails are kept short will improve comfort. Sore gums and rotten teeth cause a great deal of discomfort and can lead to serious diseases such as heart disease. Have your pet’s mouth checked regularly and problems attended to. If your older dog is unable to chew bones you should regularly brush their teeth with a suitable doggy toothpaste.

Dogs are very good at hiding their health problems and as an owner and pet lover it’s our responsibility to keep an eye on our senior pets to ensure they stay happy and healthy even as the years creep up.

See you next week,

The CanadaVet Team

Pet Quote of the Week - If dogs don't go to heaven

Pet Quote of the Week

Owning a puppy makes you rich 

Pet Quote: The difference between a dog and cat

Pet Quote of the Week

Roger Caras knows that dogs make our lives whole.

Catnip: What You Need to Know About the Catnip Plant

Catnip Genus: Nepeta
Catnip Family: Lamiaceae
Botanical name: Nepeta catara

What is catnip?

From the mint family, Catnip is a perennial herb. It's square, hairy stalk and typically geen/grey coloured heart shaped leaves with scalloped edges is quite distinctive. Catnip flowers grow in spikes, reaching about 1/2 inch in length. It is best known for its reputation which is that Catnip gets cats high.

There are over  250 species of flowering plants in the Catnip plant family. These Cantip plants include:

Nepeta cataria (catnip or true catnip): This Catnip has white flowers and grows up to 3 feet. Nepeta Cataria is the Catnip variety most cats enjoy.

Nepeta camphorata (camphor catnip): This Catnip has white flowers with purple dot and grows about half the size to 18 inches  with a camphor scent.

Nepeta parnassica (Greek catnip): White, pale pink flowers, also grows up to 18 inches.

Nepeta cataria citriodora (Lemon catnip): White flowers, spotted with purple, grows up to 3 feet. The leaves have a lemony scent.

Nepeta mussinii (Persian cat mint): Purple flowers. This plant has smallish, grey/green leaves. It grows up to 15 inches high.

catnip was originally native to Europe and Asia, but was introduced to  North America and Canada in the 1600s. The name Nepeta  comes from the town of Nepete in Italy, and Cataria comes from the Latin word for cat.

Nepeta cataria  has many other names including cataria, catmint, catnep, catrup, cat's healall, cat's-play, true catnip, cat's wort, catswort, catwort, chi hsueh tsao, field balm, Garden Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep.

How Does Catnip Effect Cats?

 An essential oil called nepetalactone is the active ingredient that causes a high in cats. The Catnip active ingredient is found in the leaves and stems of the plant. Catnip also contains acetic acid, alpha and beta-nepetalactone, citral, nepetalactone, geraniol, dipentene, citronellol, nerol, butyric acid, valeric acid and tannins.

Nepetalactone causes a hallucinogenic effect in cats. The affect of Catnip has been compared to  LSD and more often marijuana (and some people claim that smoking catnip induces a high like that of marijuana .Don't try this at home!).  Some have suggested that Catnip is an aphrodisiac however veterinarians consider this unlikely. More likely the cat is reacting to similar feel-good pheromones released during sexual courtship/activity.

Are all Cats affected by Catnip?

About half of all cats are affected by catnip. Some more than others. Kittens younger than eight weeks old don't seem to enjoy its effect; in fact, they show an aversion to it. The response to catnip is mediated through the olfactory system. When nepetalactone enters the cat's nasal passages, it binds to olfactory receptors located at the olfactory epithelium. This stimulates sensory neurons, which trigger neurons in the olfactory bulb to send signals to the brain. The response to catnip is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene, which means the gene only needs to be passed on from one parent.

How do Cats Behave After Eating Catnip?

Many cats respond to cantip with sniffing, chewing, licking, head shaking, and chin, cheek, and body rubbing. Additional responses may include stretching, drooling, jumping, licking, aggression, and hyperactivity.

How do Cats Enjoy Catnip?

It is believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip, thereby releasing more of the nepetalactone which they injest nasally. The high produced will usually last between five and ten minutes.

Can Catnip Hurt My Cat?

Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won't overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough and will refuse any further offers.

How do I Give Catnip to My Cat?

There are a number of ways to give catnip to your cat.

You can grow it in a pot and keep it near a window or in their cat enclosure. They can have a nibble as they see fit.

You can dry it out and sprinkle some on the floor for them.

You can buy toys with catnip in them. Most pet shops sell toy mice filled with catnip.

How much catnip should I give my cat?

If you are giving him dry catnip, a couple of small pinches will do.

How do I Grow Catnip?

Catnip is fairly easy to grow. You can purchase the catnip plant from your local garden centre. You can also grow catnip from seed, but the germination rate can be quite low. Catnip likes light, sandy soil and grows best in full sun. Make sure you keep it well watered until it has become established.

As the plant is growing, pinch out the top growth tips to promote leaves. If you are planting it in a garden your cat has access to, make sure there is plenty of adjacent space around the plant so that other plants won’t be damaged if your cat rolls in it. If you have catnip in a pot for an indoor cat, have several pots growing outdoors so that you can rotate plants regularly.

Does catnip work on humans?

Catnip doesn't induce a high in humans like it can in cats. If anything it tends to have a sedative effect, instead. As mentioned above, some claim it induces a high similar to marijuana when smoked.

Pregnant women should avoid catnip.

Canadavet Scheduled Service Update May 7, 2014

Please note  our tech team are performing a scheduled upgrade to canadavet.com at  22:00 hours CST today and our website may not be visible to all customers for short periods. Thank you for your patience.

Landlording. You're Doing It Right!

Judy Guth. Photo: Michael Owen Baker/LA Daily News

Have you heard about the landlady that only rents to people who DO have pets? Many apartment owners restricting their buildings to "no pets", but Judy Guth has a better policy. 

Running a 12-unit apartment house in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, Judy insists on her tenants having a pet, because she believes tehy make great tenants.

"My experience has told me you get people with a lot of love in their hearts when you get pet owners," she told the LA Daily News. She also said that she finds that pet owners pay their rent on time and seldom move.

She started her pets-only policy shortly after she bought the building 40 years ago. She does have some rules that her tenants need to follow which include: pets must be current on their vaccinations, they need to wear a current ID tag and dogs with bad behavior are prohibited (eg incessant barking).

Judy also helps owners who lose a pet. If someone’s pet dies, Judy has been known to take the tenant to a local animal shelter to adopt a new one.

There are no laws prohibiting Judy’s bias against non-pet owners and her pets-only policy really seems to work. The proof is in how few tenants move out. Many of her tenants have lived there for over 10 years, and a few for over 20.

"I've talked to other rental property owners about it, but they just laugh," Judy said. "They’re stupid. The only vacancies I’ve had are when people had to move because the economy forced them out of state for a job. Within a day or two, there’s a new dog or cat moving in. I can’t remember all the people, but I can remember their pets

3 Parasites that Could Affect Your Pet

Do you want what is best for your pet? Have you done all you can to keep your pet in tip top health? Remember that your pet dog is susceptible to certain diseases and parasites that can be treated easily with products safe for your pet that are available these days. Before you get your pet treated, keep in mind that you need to follow label directions carefully and to consult your veterinarian before anything else. Owners of pet dogs need to be aware of common illnesses and parasites that may affect pets in general so that you can anticipate the steps to take in case it happens to yours.

Heartworms

A mosquito-transmitted disease, heartworm can cause fatality in dogs. For this reason, it is important to go through measures of prevention. Going to the vet to get a yearly test will help you find out for sure whether or not your dog has heartworms. For negative test results, ask your vet for recommended heartworm-prevention medicine.

Ear Mites

As they dwell on the ear canal’s skin lining in your pet’s ears, ear mites are parasites that are tiny but cause inflammation and discomfort. When left without treatment, these can lead to infections that are bacterial which can later lead to hearing loss. Brown ear particles, restlessness and foul odours are some of the symptoms of ear mites.

Fleas

At one point or another, fleas will be something your dog may get. The symptom most common happens to be itching. Keep in mind however that fleas are not the sole cause of itching. If you think your dog is itching uncontrollably due to an insect bite, see your vet before beginning to treat him. Remember that any number of things other than fleas can be the cause of your pet’s discomfort. Flea allergy also happens to be the dog allergy that is most common. Many dogs have an allergy to flea saliva and a bit can intensify the itch that your pet feels. Flea saliva can also cause skin redness and small red bumps.  Some breeds of dogs have more of an allergy to fleas than other breeds and those that have greater allergies may have severe reactions to minimal bites. To help prevent and combat allergies, bathe your pet dog in an oatmeal bath or Epsom salts. Often vacuum and clean your house. You might also want to decrease mold by getting a humidifier.

 Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

4 Good Reasons to Own a Pet

There are more than a few good reasons to own a pet. For one thing, pets tend to have a beneficial effect on human beings due mainly to the fact that they fulfil the basic need of human beings for touch. Even hardened prison criminals have shone favourable long term changes after having interacted with a pet, with many going through affection mutually for the first time. Touching, cuddling, holding or stroking an animal that is loving can rapidly soothe and calm you when you feel stress. A pet’s companionship can also help in easing lonely feelings. Some pets are good motivations for exercising which can boost mood substantially.

Great Buddies

Pets truly make great buddies. After a hard day at work, those who own pets truly feel the love. As a matter of fact, for almost twenty-five years, it has been proven by study after study that life with a pet can provide specific benefits to health. Not only can pets lessen anxiety, but they also lower blood pressure. They are also immunity boosters and to top it off, they can even help get you a date!

Good for Seniors

Research shows that patients going through Alzheimer’s have less outbursts of anxiety when there is a pet in the house. In addition, caregivers tend to feel less of a burden when a pet is indoors, particularly cats which require less caring than dogs. Caring for a pet or even just walking a dog for senior citizens who are able to is one way to provide companionship and exercise. When some insurance companies know that seventy-five year olds have pets in their lives, it usually helps tip the scales in their favour.

Magnets for Dates

Great for helping you form relationships, dogs help to start conversations easier. In particular, a pet dog can help ease individuals out of shyness or social isolation. People ask whether a dog can or cannot do tricks, what breed they are and which vet you go to.  Conversations around dogs are very easy to strike up.

Immunity Booster

In the past, families assumed that pets would increase the likelihood of allergies occurring and that kids would develop pet allergies. More and more studies, however, has made the suggestion that kids who grow up in homes with animals that have fur, such as a pet dog or pet cat or exposed to larger animals on a farm, have less of a risk of asthma and allergies.   

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

The Low Stress Method of Moving Houses with Your Pet Cat

It can be a stressful time to move houses and often it gets even harder when you are concerned for the well-being of your cat. There are many things that you can do for minimizing the anxieties that is experienced by your feline, which will lessen the risks of cat loss when he first explores the outdoors in your new home.

Before the Move

Make sure your cat has an ID tag or a collar that has an updated address. Have a clear picture of your cat that is up to date so that you won’t have a hard time searching for your cat around your new neighbourhood if necessary. If your feline is unused to riding with you in a vehicle and you happen to be going on a long journey, it is a good idea to do some short trips a few weeks before the move. This way your cat will slowly become accustomed to riding in a moving vehicle. Make sure that all your pet feline’s vaccines are updated. Acquiring pills that are anti-sickness if you think your pet will go through travel sickness is also a good idea. In addition, ask a vet for a referral in the area you are moving to so that you can make a smooth transition.

On the Day Itself

When you take your cat with you on the day itself, this will require some planning. If your cat has never been boarded in a cattery in the past, taking him with you is the obvious option. In the course of moving to the new home, make sure you stop now and then to let your cat drink water so that he does not become dehydrated. In warm weather, never leave your cat alone in the car. If this is impossible, let air circulate by opening windows and make sure there is available fresh water. There are pheromones sprays available for cats that will help keep your cat calm while you travel. Put some newspaper or plastic beneath blankets in a carrier if you happen to be using one.

In The New House

If your cat does not seem to be willing to get out of the carrier, do not force him. Allocate a quiet room for your cat to relax in once you have moved. Ensure familiar belongings such as toys and beddings are near your pet cat. Before the move, do not wash the bedding so that there are familiar smells that will help relax your cat.  It can take a couple of weeks for your cat to get used to the new house, but rest assured, there will come a time where he will finally feel at home.

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

The Necessity of Cat Boarding Houses

In many cases, it is ideal to care for your cat at home. On the other hand, with the rapid pace of life these days, it is not always a possibility. Now and then a time comes when traveling away from home is necessary. When this happens, having a facility for professional pet boarding becomes necessary. As a matter of fact, it can be the best possible solution to find a secure, safe and dependable pet care facility. Cat boarding homes operate on the concept that cats happen to be creatures that are quite ‘vertical.’ Many cat kennels include a condo with many levels, one for the bathroom, one for the dining and one for the bedroom. In higher quality facilities, the cats are let out to a peaceful area with the freedom to play and come out daily. This area does not have loud noises or barking dogs. It also includes cat towers and other play areas that cats can romp and climb up in.

Check the Facility

If this is the first time you have had to leave your kitten at a facility, it is important that you check this before committing to anything in person. When selecting boarding services for your pet, there are many features to look for. This includes emergency care, air ventilation, food, staff, price and location. There needs to have separate cat and dog areas for boarding and cats need to be provided with comfortable, clean and well-lit compartments. This ensures that your pet can nap and curl up in the daytime without disturbance. Daily play is something you need to ask about as well, and who administers medication if needed. Check to see how varied the menu is and make sure you communicate with the administrator with regard to any special medication your own pet cat happens to have. Let them know if there are special methods you use when feeding or handling your cat, for best results. Make sure that the pet cat boarding house you decide on gives your cat the optimal care that gives value to what you pay for.

Advance Reservations

Advance reservations will help you get a spot and keep your schedule smooth when it is time for you to travel. This is especially true around the holidays when services such as these tend to get filled quickly. Many boarding houses for cats require a forty-eight hour notice for cancellations.

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

Earthquake Preparation Tips for Your Pet

When you are located in an earthquake belt and have experienced a few earthquakes, it is important that your pet be identified properly. Keep in mind that this is important especially in a time of natural disasters such as earthquakes when pets can run away due to fright. Be sure that your pet has a tag and a collar. There are also other identification methods you might be interested in and even inside your house, it is recommended that your pet has an ID.

First Aid Kits

If you have a kit containing first aid supplies, check to see what might be available for pet treatment in case of injuries. You might want to find a reference guide for pets or ask your vet about what medication your pet will need for emergencies.  Remember that at the time of the earthquake or other natural disaster, your vet may not be available immediately so preparing in advance is essential.

Hiding

Pets tend to hide immediately when they are scared. Knowing where they go when they are afraid will help when an earthquake happens and you don’t know where they are. Have their favourite food or treat ready for coaxing them out. Trained dogs will usually follow your command, so training is something you might want to consider.

Medication

When your pet happens to need medication, ensure that you have an extra on hand supply that is ready to take as necessary. Blankets can also be useful for pet bedding if you are forced to relocate on an emergency.

Keep Calm

So pets won’t run away and bolt, keep pets calm. Keep harnesses and leashes handy. Owners of cats need to have a carrier ready-to-go just in case. Remember that the hard plastic, large types are more durable compared to the cardboard types. Also, the larger types made of durable plastic are also great for protecting your pet from debris that falls from structures that are damaged. Have canned or dry food ready along with bottled water. These should be ready in a bag that you can just grab on-the-go. If you happen to get the canned food that does not pop open, have a can opener ready. In your car and house, it is advisable for you to have a one-week supply.

Aftershocks

It is inevitable that an aftershock will occur, so keeping yourself calm at the time that these occur will help your calm remain calm as well. 

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

4 Tips for Dealing with Loneliness in Your Pet Dog

If you have just one pet and tend to spend long hours working as you leave your pooch alone at home, he could be feeling lonely. For a lonely dog, he will greatly benefit by having extra company in general. You might even begin to see big improvements in his mood once he has a companion. Not to mention the fact that happy dogs tend to be happier. In the precious moments you do have for each other, you will love enjoying time with your pet when he is in a better mood.

A Sad Demeanour

Compared to the average dog, a pooch that needs company will seem sadder. He will have a sad demeanour to his walk and have markedly sad eyes. Compared to other dogs, he will not want to participate in nor enjoy outdoor, fun activities.

Regression and Disobedience

In some of his actions, a dog who happens to be lonely will tend to regress and disobedient. He may begin sneaking out of your yard and chewing on your belongings. He might even do his business inside the house, even after years of having been toiled trained. He may even disobey you purposely to get attention. No matter what, these acts can be signs that your dog craves a companion.

Less Activity

Dogs that are lonely will be less active and slower than happier dogs. He will sleep more, lie around more and go for walks or play with less frequency. The pastimes your dog used to love will be something he is not as interested in. Lonely dogs do not eat as much as happy dogs either. You will notice a change in his eating habits and he will tend to eat lighter meals. He won’t want to eat too much and when this happens with medical conditions ruled out, your dog may be suffering from loneliness.

Options to Consider

There are a few options to consider once you suspect your pooch is lonely. One option is to get another pet such as a cat, bird or another dog. While you are gone, other pets can keep your furry pal company. Hire a pet sitter or a dog walker to visit Fido routinely if another pet is out of the question. This will help get your lonely dog socialized. Check to see if your community has a doggie day care where he can socialize, play and run around. This can do wonders for alleviating your dog’s loneliness. 

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

Aggression in Your Pet Dog

In dogs, aggression happens to be the most serious and common problem of behaviour. It is also one of the primary reasons that pet owners seek help professionally from veterinarians, trainers and behaviourists.

Aggressive Behaviour

Aggression can refer behaviour that happens in various circumstances for many different reasons. Mostly, animals in the wild tend to be aggressive when they guard their territory, protect themselves and defend their offspring. Groups of species that include dogs and people also utilize the threat of aggression and aggression to negotiate social interaction and keep the peace.

It can mean many things to say that a dog is aggressive. A range of behaviour is encompassed by the term, usually beginning with a warning that can end in attacks. At any point during an encounter of aggression, dogs may abort their effort. Dogs that display aggressive behaviour usually exhibit intense behaviour.  This behaviour can include shaking and biting, repeated, successive and rapid bites, puncture bites, snaps, snarls, showing teeth, growling, muzzle punches and mouthing as though to control or move the person. Behaviour can also include charging at the person with no contact, guttural barks that sound like threats and becoming very rigid and still.

Often, this behaviour is not done in sequence, but rather, simultaneously. Most time, pet owners do not even recognize the sign of warning before a bite occurs, and think of their pets as suddenly behaving erratically, which is really seldom the case. Before a bite and a warning, it can be merely milliseconds. However, it is a rare case when a dog suddenly bites with no previous warning.

Evaluation of Behaviour

In the past, if your pet has been aggressive and you have a suspicion that this could happen again, it is important that you take time to do a situation evaluation for what has caused your pooch to become upset. Where and when did this occur? What else was going on? What had just really happened r was about to occur? What ceased the aggression from continuing? Learning all you can about the situation can help make your dog’s aggressive behaviour clear. Plus, in the future, you will know what set of your pet and avoid the situation. Before you can get help, however, an accurate diagnosis is important. In dogs, behavioural, aggressive issues may vary as to the cause.

Even if a dog’s breed may play a part, it is neither wise nor accurate to make this the basis of aggression. The best prevention is to socialize your dog as a puppy. When you notice a sudden change in your pet’s behaviour, it is important to pay a visit to the veterinarian immediately.

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

Moving To A New Apartment With Your Pet

Like human beings, most pet dogs or cats are not big fans of change. If they had a change, they would stay settled in where they are comfortable forever. On the other hand, at one point or another, it may be necessary to move them to a new location, such as an apartment. Making this move as stress-free as you can will have great benefits, including less hiding, anxious barking or meowing and making attempts to escape. Preparing for the big move with your pet months in advance will help you do a smooth transition for both you and your pet.

The New Apartment

It can be an exciting change for both your pets and yourself to move to a new apartment. On the other hand, just like the process can be stressful and overwhelming to you, it can feel this way to your pet as well. There are a few things you can do to make the move with your pet as simple and smooth as can be.

Away from Chaos

When the moving men have carried and arranged all the furniture into your new pad, you should not leave your pet in the midst of the chaotic activity. Rather, keep your pet safe and secure in an area that is truly quiet such as the bathroom or in a shaded part of the back yard when the day of moving has come around. On the door of the bathroom, you can hang a sign that says ‘do not disturb’ to increase your pet’s privacy even more.

A New Crate

Whether you are moving with your pet cat or dog, you will want to be sure to introduce your pet gradually to new crates a long time before the actual trip. By doing this, your pet will feel a lot more comfort on the day of the move. A long time before you actually get up and go, leave the carrier out a few weeks before your big move and encourage your pet dog or cat to explore and crawl in. You can even leave a dog treat or catnip inside to encourage your furry pal to get inside it. Make sure the crate is sturdy and well-ventilated especially if your puppy tends to ‘chew.’ When you make the move with a pet cat, you will want to include a small tray for litter in the crate. 

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.

A Pet Costume for Your Pooch

It is that time of year when pets and humans find favourite costumes for various parties. If your pet tends to resist dressing up, you might want to take it slow.  Your pet will need a bit of tender loving care with getting cozy with his brand new outfit and look picture perfect for the party!

A Puppy in Disguise

The fact is that no matter how important it is for your pet to get in costume, it is a good idea to introduce a new outfit slowly. This way, your pet will be acclimated to new clothing before the big bash. One week before your pet’s costume debut, it is a good idea to get him to sniff the costume and get used to the way it smells. Next, put this on your pet before praising and rewarding him with treats. Consider this the dress rehearsal of your pet.

Never Force

When it comes to wearing a costume, it is not a good idea to force your pet to do this. Use a voice that is soothing to get your pet dressed up. Some pets don’t like the process of under the belly or over the head. However, neither should be a giant struggle. If your pooch seems to hate your choice of costume and begins to fight back, don’t force the issue and try again another time.

Take it Off

If at any point during the party, your pet does not seem to be very comfortable, removing the costume would be a good idea. Lavish your pooch with special attention and praise to make him feel extra special. What out for clothes that do not get caught on items

Just For Fun

Once your pet decides it isn’t too uncomfortable to get into costume, you might find that you actually love dressing up your pet for holiday parties, Halloween or just for a fun time at the pet-friendly mall. Some owners of pets may have a big selection of costumes that can even be used for photographing scrapbooks and calendars. It is a good idea to be creative when it comes to pet clothing. To begin with, you might want to consider measuring your pet even before you purchase the costume to ensure that there won’t be any discomfort or tight-fighting, constricting clothes. You might even want to consider outfits of superheroes, aliens or movie characters you love.

Mark Perry is a dedicated veterinarian for Canada Vet with over 20 years experience. A farm boy born and breed, Dr Perry loves all animals but he has a special place in his heart for working animals, particularly working dogs and horses.