Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, Author at Ontario SPCA

Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision, but one that can bring great love and joy to your life. To help you decide if you’re ready to adopt a dog, we’ve put together information on dog parenting responsibilities and considerations before adopting!

How does adopting a dog impact your life?

By adopting a dog, you gain a loving companion who greets your homecomings with joyful abandon (regardless if you were gone five minutes or five hours), an eager partner to join you on every adventure (whether it’s placing your recycling at the curb or visiting a park), and an inspirational sidekick who lives each moment to the fullest.

Adoption also changes some of the people in your life (dogs attract new friends!), your activity level (lace up those walking shoes), your schedule (dogs need companionship and can’t be left alone for long hours) and your spending habits. As you consider whether you are ready to adopt, keep in mind the commitment and responsibilities involved.

General considerations

Dogs need regular exercise and should be walked two or three times a day (the backyard does not provide enough exercise, stimulation or fun). Some dogs also require vigorous exercise.
If your dog hasn’t been trained, you may need to attend training classes to help you understand your dog and develop a clear and consistent way of communicating.
Dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and clean. You will need to do this yourself or take your dog to a groomer. Cost per year depends on the breed and frequency.
Dogs require regular nail trimming and teeth brushing (note: there is special toothpaste available at pet stores that is safe for dogs).
Dogs need and crave companionship and require lots of time with their family.
The cost of adopting a dog is only the initial expense. You will need to provide food, identification (dog tags and licensing your pet); ongoing veterinary care, including vaccinations and routine health care, and supplies, such as food, dishes, toys and grooming tools.
You’ll also need to be prepared to puppy/dog proof your home. Before bringing home a dog, it’s important to have a safe space in your home for the dog to reside when you’re away from the house. This space will help them get comfortable until they’re ready to safely roam free in the house without supervision.

With all of this in mind, dogs bring joy, comfort, and companionship to our lives, helping us stay healthier and better able to handle life’s challenges!

Now what?

If you are convinced that you are ready for a dog in your life, please visit our website to see animals available for adoption. Animal centre staff will guide you through every step of finding your special friend – one that is just right for you.

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.

You’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into the family – congratulations! But what vaccinations do you need to give them to make sure they stay healthy?

How do vaccines protect my pet?

Vaccines prepare the body’s immune system against the invasion of disease-causing organisms.

If a pet is ever exposed to the real disease, their immune system is now prepared to recognize and fight it off entirely or reduce the severity of the illness.

Vaccines are very important, but not every animal needs to be vaccinated for every disease. As a responsible pet parent, you need to discuss with your veterinarian which vaccines they recommend for your companion animal.

Some factors to consider include their age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle. Most veterinarians will highly recommend administering the following core vaccines to healthy companion animals.

Core vaccines

Core vaccines are considered vital to the majority of furry friends because of the risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans.

Dogs

Canine parvovirus
Distemper
Canine hepatitis
Rabies

Non-core (depending on dog’s exposure risk)

Bordetella bronchiseptica
Borrelia burgdorferi
Leptospira bacteria

Cats:

Panleukopenia
Feline calicivirus
Feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis)
Rabies

Non-core (depending on the cat’s lifestyle)

Feline leukemia virus
Bordetella
Chlamydophila felis

Be sure to consult your veterinarian for the vaccines your furry friend will require.

Making basic vet care more accessible

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is on a mission to make veterinary care more accessible for pets and the people who love them. Many of these vaccines are available at our veterinary clinics in Barrie, York Region, Durham Region and Sudbury, making it easier for pet families across the province to access essential preventive care.

Learn more.

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.

‘Tis the season for gardening! But what do you do if you keep finding your lawn or gardens dug up? We’re here to help, with tips for handling the curious or hungry wildlife exploring your garden.

As more and more of their habitat gets destroyed each year, wildlife face enormous hardships. Each year they are forced into closer contact with humans and must compete for resources. With a little understanding, patience, a few precautions and simple steps, we can all enjoy the wonderfully interesting wild animals who share our backyards and cities.

Common questions:

Who is digging up my lawn and what can I do about it?

Both skunks and raccoons dig up lawns in search of grubs. Treating the lawn with an environmentally friendly and non-toxic pesticide will control the grub population. If it is a small area of lawn, you can sprinkle or spray a repellant such as hot sauce diluted with water (one tablespoon in one gallon of water) on the area to deter wild animals.

Community cats may also be digging in your gardens. Alley Cat Allies has a helpful resource that outlines what to do if you suspect cats are the culprits at your home!

Who is eating my garden and how can I prevent this?

Gardens are especially attractive to wildlife because they offer an accessible source of food. Prior to attempting any deterrent or exclusion method, it is important to determine what type of animal is actually damaging the garden. Animals leave behind clues to their identity, and you can use them to figure out who is visiting your garden. For example:

Ragged, torn twigs or leaves, or plants cut down to the base indicate a deer. Deer also have their favourite snacks, including hostas and lilies.
Neatly clipped ends of twigs and vegetation indicate the presence of rabbits and groundhogs.
Small, pea-shaped droppings in the area are also an indication of rabbits.
Missing fruits or veggies can be any number of animals, including chipmunks, birds, racoons, groundhogs and rabbits.

Once you have determined which animals are eating the garden, you can undertake some simple steps to prevent the activity.

Steps to prevent animals eating your garden:

Fences restrict rabbits and deer from access to gardens

Physical barriers may be set up so that certain animals cannot access the garden. You may have to place the fence a few inches into the ground so that animals cannot sneak under the fence. Obviously, the height of the fence would need to be greater to exclude deer than to exclude rabbits.

Fencing material should be stronger than chicken wire because most animals can manipulate it and gain entry to the garden. A lower-gauge, thicker wire mesh works best. Fencing is usually not successful in restricting raccoons from gardens. They are very good climbers and would have no difficulties climbing over the fence.

Covers restrict most animals from vegetables

Plant covers are also successful at keeping most animals from consuming garden plants. Covers can be purchased at garden centres, or you can make your own by cutting the bottom out of a milk or pop jug and placing it over the plant. To protect larger plants, place a net over them. For fruit trees, large nets can be purchased which cover the whole top of the tree to protect the fruit from birds and wild animals. To protect tree trunks from wild animals, plastic or metal screens can be purchased and wrapped around the trunks to a height of about two to three feet.

Deterrent devices work on all animals

Another approach to deter wild animals from your garden is to install deterrent devices. These devices are most useful when dealing with rabbits, groundhogs, skunks, and raccoons.

There are many commercial products you can buy from garden centres, such as motion sensitive lights, sprinklers, and acoustical alarms. There are also many homemade devices that are successful, such as the traditional scarecrow. The key to making this device successful is movement. For example, the scarecrow must move by wind or motorized equipment.

Another device to try is scare tape. Scare tape is reflective and auditory. Simply cut the tape into strips and attach them to posts or wires around the garden. The wind will cause the tape to reflect light and make noise, which will deter wild animals. Aluminum pie plates can also be used.

Note: Any deterrent method you use may need to be changed from time to time as animals adapt and become accustomed to noises and motion. Deterrent devices must remain novel and strange to be effective.

Taste repellents

You can also try a taste repellant applied to the plants that the wild animals are eating. A diluted mixture of hot sauce and water (one tablespoon of hot sauce in one gallon of water) can be sprayed directly on the fruits/vegetables or around the perimeter of the garden. Remember to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.

For more tips on co-existing with wildlife, check out our Wildlife Fact Sheets.

If you’ve ever had to move to a new house, you know there is a lot to think about leading up to the big day. Moves are exciting, but they can also be very stressful for us as well as our furry friends. To help the day go smoothly and reduce the impact on your canine pal, here are some tips.

Unpack the mystery of boxes

Bring packing materials like boxes, newspaper and bubble wrap out well before you start to pack and introduce them to your dog with lots of treats. This will get them used to the new items and give them a positive association with the disruption of packing items. Remember, things like bubble wrap can be dangerous to dogs if ingested, and could cause suffocation, so keep an eye on them.

Pack your pet’s belongings last

Like cats, dogs will be watching what you do with their favourite toys and bed, so make sure to pack these items last, so they have a safe place to go if they do start to feel anxious. Check on them regularly and offer pats and treats as the process goes on.

Enlist the help of a dog sitter

On the day of the move, if you have a trusted friend that your dog likes, ask them if they could keep your dog at their home until the move is over. If that’s not possible, ask a family member to take on the important job of “dog sitter” during the moving process to ensure your dog is comfortable, calm and doesn’t dart out the door while you’re bringing in boxes and furniture.

Walk off any stress

Take your dog for a nice long walk before you bring them into their new home. This will help reduce anxiety, as well as give them time for a bathroom break. While you’re doing that, have someone else set up their bed and favourite toys in a special, out–of–the way area of the home where your dog can relax while you unpack. The more energy they expend at this time the better!

Explore at your pup’s pace

Let your pup explore your new home at their own pace with lots of positive reinforcement through treats and affection. Having a diffuser like Adaptil, a calming pheromone product for dogs, can also help keep them calm.

Routines keep things relaxed

Keep to your regular schedule as much as you can and, if possible, take a few days off after the move. This will help your dog feel safe in the new space while you both adjust to your new surroundings together.

We know there are bound to be challenges on moving day, but being aware of your dog’s needs can go a long way in helping them feel calm and secure in their new home.

It’s Victoria Day! We hope you are ready for a day filled with fun and we have a few suggestions on how you can include your furry friends! Here are a few activities you can do with your family and companion animals today.

Make some homemade treats for your furry friend

There are lots of great recipes you can find online for whatever type of furry friend you have at home. Here are some of our favourites!

DIY Pet Treats: Apple Peanut Butter Balls

DIY Pet Treats: Frozen PB & Banana

Teach your companion animal some new tricks!

Did you know, it isn’t just dogs who can be trained to learn tricks? Cats and rabbits can be trained for certain behaviours, too.

Learn training tips and tricks on our blog.

Fireworks? Tips to keep your pets comfortable

If people in your neighbourhood are setting off fireworks, it’s important for you to know how to keep your furry friend comfortable and happy. Read our blog on firework safety.

Small pets

Small animals (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice and birds) tend to frighten easily around loud noises. Here are some steps you can take to help them feel more at ease:

If you’re concerned about noise, you can move your animal’s cage or hutch to an area of the house that’s quieter (e.g., the garage or basement).
Rodents tend to burrow when they’re frightened, so make sure you provide extra bedding.
Cover your birdcage or hutch with a blanket or towel to dampen the noise and to block out some of the bright lights.

Dogs and cats

Keep your furry friend indoors during firework displays. Make sure to close windows and pet doors leading outside. Startled animals will seek a place to hide. That means if your cat or dog manages to get outside, it can be very easy to lose them. Being inside the house will also help dampen any loud noises.
Make sure your animal is wearing his or her collar and ID tags. Microchipping is also recommended to help increase the chances of being reunited with your furry friend if they become lost.
Walk your dog before it gets dark to avoid going outside once the fireworks start.
Have a safe place for your companion animal to feel at ease, like a crate or other den-like enclosure.
You can block out some of the flashing lights by keeping curtains closed and by placing a blanket over your animal’s crate.
Your furry friend may pace around, make noise or search for a place to hide. Let your animal be—trying to coddle or comfort them will indicate that something is wrong and add to your animal’s anxiety. By staying calm and relaxed, you’ll help reassure your furry friend that there’s no real danger.

Trimming your canine companion’s nails can be nerve-wracking for both you and your pooch… but it doesn’t need to be. We have some tips to help you get prepared, and to keep the experience positive. Here are some tips to trim your dog’s dark nails and make it a safe and positive experience.

Nail it

Start with the basics. Dark nails are more challenging to trim than lightly coloured ones. By checking the underside of the nail, you should be able to see the lighter fleshy part – the quick. This contains the inner nerve and blood vessels. You want to trim above that point to avoid causing your dog any pain or discomfort.

Put on the brakes

If your pup is terrified or very nervous, you might want to postpone the nail clipping session. Take some time to counter condition or desensitize the dog.

Be prepared

Assemble what you will need for nail clipping. Sharp nail trimmers are essential. The style of clipper – guillotine or scissor – doesn’t matter as long as they are sharp. Replace guillotine-style blades frequently. Sharp trimmers prevent painful nail crushing. Also have on hand a Styptic pencil or cornstarch, in case you trim a nail too far and nick the quick.

An adequate supply of dog treats will help distract and encourage a pleasant experience.

No slip sliding

A rubber bath mat or a yoga mat for your furry friend to stand on is helpful. It will be more comfortable to stand/sit on and will prevent slipping and sliding.

Grab a friend

Enlist the help of a family member or friend who is comfortable with your pooch. Nail trimming is easier as a two-person task. One person can provide low-stress restraint as needed and offer bits of treats, while the other does the nail clipping.

Take paws

No matter how well you know the dog, keep your face back from the dog during nail trimming. Gently, but firmly, hold the paw. Give your pup time to get comfortable. Gently reposition as often as necessary.

Keep it small

Small clips are better than taking big pieces off a nail. Keep the clips small. Check the nail after every clip until you can see a small shiny dot. That is the quick of the nail. You want to stop when you reach that point. Getting too close will cause your dog pain and bleeding.

Keep paw-sitive

Take short breaks during the trimming for both you and your pup to prevent frustration.

Lots of encouragement, praise and some treats will keep the nail trimming experience positive.

Welcoming a kitten into your home is an exciting and heartwarming experience. Those early weeks are filled with playful moments, curiosity, and rapid growth, but they’re also one of the most important times in shaping your kitten’s future behaviour.

Why is it important?

Socialization during kittenhood helps build confidence, reduces fear, and sets the foundation for a friendly, well-adjusted adult cat. By gently introducing your kitten to new people, environments and experiences in a positive way, you can help them feel safe and comfortable in the world around them. To ensure that kittens in your care are friendly and well-adjusted:

Socialize the kitten with both people and other animals.
Introduce the kitten to a wide range of events, environments and situations.
All animals, including cats, have a window of opportunity at the start of their lives during which they learn to accept things around them so they are not afraid of them later in life.

When to start socialization

Kittens have a prime socialization window which occurs at two to seven weeks of age but can extend up to 14 weeks. During this time, the kitten is most receptive to new experiences. You can help boost confidence and reduce the development of fears and phobias by providing kittens with a variety of experiences during these early weeks.

After the window closes, unfamiliar people, objects and experiences are approached with caution, and the kitten may become fearful. In fact, the most common cause of fear and aggression is lack of socialization.

Keep these interactions short and frequent so the kitten does not become overstimulated or tired.

Create a socialization schedule:

Combine a variety of situations with positive reinforcement and rewards.
Have the kitten become accustomed to handling by different people during its stay.
Ensure the kitten is touched in different places such as the ears, paws, mouth and belly.
Provide a wide variety of opportunities to explore.
Expose them to different sights, sounds and smells.
Ensure that socialization experiences are positive and that the kitten does not display signs of fear or anxiety in every situation.

The time and care you invest in socializing your kitten today can make a lasting difference in their life. With patience and consistency, you’ll be setting them up for a lifetime of comfort, curiosity, and companionship.

During the summer months, many families are packing up for weekends at the cottage – and bringing their furry family members along for the adventure. While a getaway can be fun for everyone, the cottage environment is often very different from your pet’s usual routine at home. From unfamiliar surroundings to new seasonal hazards, keeping a few safety tips in mind can help ensure a safe and enjoyable cottage season for both you and your pet.

Arriving safely

For your animal’s safety and your own, keep them in the back seat, either in a carrier or pet seatbelt (a special harness that attaches to the car’s seatbelt) when driving to the cottage. To help keep your animal comfortable throughout the trip:

Keep the car at a comfortable temperature, using air conditioning when necessary. Never leave your animal alone inside the vehicle, even with windows open. Even a short time in a hot environment can be life-threatening for your pet. 
Run errands before you hit the road to minimize the need for stops. This is critical if you are travelling alone and do not have someone to stay with your pet if you need to leave the vehicle.
Feed your furry friend a light meal at least four hours before the trip to help prevent car sickness.
Prevent your animal from sticking their head out the window (sudden stops and debris can cause injury).
Schedule rest stops every two to four hours for exercise, bathroom and water breaks (bring a litter box for cats).
Attach your animal’s leash before opening the car door to prevent them from accidentally escaping.
If your pet is not used to travelling, use a harness (it’s more difficult for your pet to wriggle out of).
Keep the car sound system volume moderate as cats and dogs have sensitive hearing.

Pets on the loose!

Some people may feel more relaxed about letting their pets roam freely at the cottage, but unfamiliar surroundings can create unexpected risks. Pets who wander off may become lost, encounter traffic, get into fights with other animals, or have dangerous interactions with wildlife.

It’s important your furry friends stay within a safe radius of your cottage property and wear identification that has the address and phone number of your cottage. If your animal is microchipped, contact the microchip company and inform them of your weekend address and phone number. Be prepared and have the phone number of the local animal control facility and the local animal shelters in your cottage region.

Healthy = happy at the cottage

A preventative care plan for your animal will help protect them against disease and parasites while at the cottage. It is recommended to speak with your veterinarian about preventative flea and tick medications, as well as to ensure your pet is up to date with all their vaccines. Have the phone number of an emergency veterinary clinic serving your cottage area on hand, just in case emergency veterinary attention for your animal is required.

Water safety

If you plan to take your animal out on the water boating with you, be sure to invest in a pet life jacket. Even good swimmers can tire easily in rough water, and banks and rocks along the shore may be slippery or too steep to climb up. Life jackets not only keep your pet afloat if they decide to “jump ship,” they can also help protect against hypothermia in cold water and can also make it easier to pull them back onboard. Learn how to fit your dog for a lifejacket.

It’s important to remember that it can get very hot on the boat so be sure to provide a shaded area for your pet to rest and bring plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration and/or heatstroke. Plan stops at public rest areas where you can disembark and give your dog a break on land. Remember to bring your dog’s leash for time off the boat.

If you are planning to be on the water for a long period of time, you may need to bring a portable potty system (some dogs will use a pee pad, a square piece of turf may work for others, or look up “pets and portable potty system” for available options).

Swimming tips

Ensure your dog is supervised at all times. Life jackets are also a good idea, particularly for older dogs, or dogs who are not strong swimmers.
Remove chain or slip collars before your dog goes into the water. These collars can snag a dog on hidden underwater obstacles, such as plants, branches or debris.
Watch the water before allowing your dog to swim. Moving water can be dangerous. Even if the water appears to be moving slowly, the volume of moving water can make it difficult for a dog to swim against the current. If the current or wind appears too strong, let your dog splash close to shore instead.
Check the water temperature. A dog will generally tire more quickly in cold water and can lose energy, develop cramps and suffer from hypothermia.
Call your dog out of the water before they are too tired – a tired dog has a much higher risk of drowning.

Pets and wildlife – Be aware!

Problems can arise when your pet encounters a wild animal. Pets should NOT be allowed to chase and/or injure wildlife. Keeping your pet on leash will help protect them from wildlife as well. For example, quills from a porcupine can be a very painful experience, and skunk spray can sting the eyes – plus that’s not a smell you want in your cottage! There are also illnesses that can be passed from wildlife to domestic animals.

Follow these simple suggestions to help ensure that you and your animals enjoy a relaxing time at the cottage this summer.

Storms can be scary for both humans and animals, but it’s important to remember that your furry friends rely on you for their safety. You’re also responsible for making them feel safe! Here are some tips for weathering summer storms with your furry friends.

Be fully prepared

Even before a storm hits, it’s important to plan ahead so you can ensure you’re prepared for an emergency. During a severe storm, you want to be prepared with a pet first-aid kit, as well as a 72-hour survival kit for you and your pets. For a list of items for this kit, see our Emergency Preparedness page. You’ll also want to ensure your pet wears a properly fitted collar and ID tags. Microchipping is also encouraged to help increase the chances of being reunited with your pets if they become lost.

Take cover

First and foremost, you and your pet need a safe place to take shelter. If a storm becomes severe, head to your basement if you have one. Set up a comfortable space there for your furry friend as well, so you’re both prepared to stay safely in place if needed for an extended period.

You should also keep animals indoors, making sure to close windows and doors. Startled animals may seek a place to hide and if they manage to get outside, it can be easy to lose them. If you need to take your dog outside, keep them leashed at all times to prevent them from bolting and becoming lost.

Dangerous toxins

If you choose your basement as a shelter in case of emergencies, it’s important to be aware of what toxic chemicals may be stored down there. As curious creatures, animals may feel the need to sniff or potentially taste the chemical if they have the opportunity. It’s important to keep these products far away from where you and your furry friends are hiding out.

Hide and seek

Animals often have favourite hiding spots they like to go to if they are anxious or scared. It is important for caregivers to know where these spots are in case evacuation is necessary and their furry friend is winning the game of hide and seek.

It is important to be prepared for when the thunderstorms come rolling in. Block out flashing lights by keeping curtains and blinds closed or by placing a blanket over your animal’s crate. Turn on the TV or play quiet music to help drown out the noise.

Stay calm! Animals may pace around, make noise, or search for a place to hide. Let them be – remaining calm will help reassure that there’s no danger.

Feel free to share these tips with your friends! Let’s help each other prepare for the next summer storm.

Heartworm is a serious health condition that can result in severe lung disease, heart failure, and sometimes, even death for dogs. It can be difficult and time-consuming to treat. In this blog we’re going to answer commonly asked questions about heartworm in dogs – signs, causes, treatment and more.

Heartworm in dogs

You’ve found the perfect dog who is looking for a loving forever home – but she is recovering from heartworm. Or maybe you’ve heard of this illness and worry about your furry friend getting sick.

Did you know that heartworm is both preventable and is often treatable? Prevention of heartworm is always preferable to treatment as it is safer, simpler, and less costly.

How does a dog get heartworm?

Mosquitoes play a critical role in the transmission of heartworm disease. Risk is especially high during mosquito season, in warmer climates and along waterways where mosquitoes frequent.

A mosquito feeds on an infected animal (such as another dog) and picks up an immature stage of heartworm called microfilaria. This immature stage matures within the mosquito to an infective stage. The mosquito then goes on to bite a dog and pass along this infective stage, which matures further over six to seven months into adult heartworm within that dog.

Adult heartworms can live for up to five to seven years in a dog. Dogs can be re-infected even if they already have heartworm, which means that they can have more and more heartworms build up in their body if not treated.

What are the signs of heartworm disease?

Clinical signs of heartworm disease can include cough, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, lethargy, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Severe cases may result in heart failure, which can present as a swollen belly and legs, due to fluid buildup.

It’s important to note that just because a dog with heartworm disease may not be showing clinical signs, it does not mean they don’t have significant disease and damage present. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your animal’s health.

Can it be passed to other dogs or to me?

Heartworm disease does not spread directly from dog-to-dog or from dog-to-human. Heartworm disease in humans is rare.

Do dogs ever fully recover from heartworm?

Dogs can be successfully treated for heartworm. However, there is a risk of long-term damage to their heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Other vital organs, such as their liver and kidneys can also be affected if heartworms have blocked blood flow and oxygen delivery to these areas. Some recovered dogs may also require supportive therapy throughout their life in the form of medication and a special diet.

What’s involved in treating heartworm?

There are a number of stages involved in heartworm treatment, which will depend on the treatment plan recommended by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will stage your dog’s heartworm disease using various tests, such as blood work and x-rays. A specific treatment plan tailored to your dog will be developed by your veterinarian, with the aim to stabilize your dog and reduce treatment complications.

Heartworm treatment traditionally involves a monthly heartworm preventative in the form of an oral or topical medication,the purpose of which is to kill immature heartworms and help to prevent new heartworm infections. Bacteria within the heartworms that helps heartworm survive and reproduce will be killed using a specific antibiotic prescribed by your veterinarian.

Your veterinarian will administer a series of injections of a specialized drug to kill your dog’s adult heartworms (immiticide) over several months. A steroid is often prescribed alongside these immiticide injections to support your dog as the heartworms are killed and broken down in your dog’s body. Your veterinarian may recommend that your dog stay at the clinic for close monitoring after these injections. This is so additional supportive therapies can be administered if needed.

An essential component of heartworm treatment is exercise restriction before, during, and in the weeks and months after heartworm treatment is complete. Exercise can worsen heartworm damage and complications can also arise as your dog’s body works to clear dead heartworms.

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent heartworm disease. However, there are monthly topical or oral preventatives available. There’s also an injectable preventative that can provide protection for up to six months. Consult your veterinarian for the best prevention plan for your companion animal.

I’m thinking about adopting a dog with heartworm. What should I know?

Consult your veterinarian before considering adopting a dog with heartworm disease to make sure you understand the commitments involved.

Did you know?

Cats can also get heartworm disease, so should be on prevention as well. There is also no cure for heartworm disease for cats, and as little as 1-2 worms can kill them.

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.

Just like we get an itch that needs scratching from time to time, so do dogs. But when that itching becomes more frequent, there might be underlying issues. There are a number of possible reasons behind continuously itchy ears in dogs. Today we’re going to focus on four possible causes.

Possible ear infection

A common reason for excessive head scratching in dogs is a possible ear infection. Ear infections can be painful, itchy and uncomfortable for your dog. There are a number of factors that may cause or predispose your dog to ear infections such as:

Breeds with long hanging ears

Allergies

Hair within the ear

Foreign object (such as grass) in the ear

Dogs who frequently swim

A mass within the ear

Ear medications, if your dog is sensitive to them

Aggressive cleaning of the ears

Underlying health issue

History of chronic ear infections

Whatever the cause may be, it is very important to address the signs as early as possible to avoid damage, inflammation and scarring of the ear. Dogs of any age or gender can get an ear infection.

Your veterinarian will need to examine your dog’s ears with a specialized instrument and/or swab their ears to help determine the cause.

After treatment, your dog may need some continued care at home, including medication given by mouth or directly into the ear. Gentle ear cleaning may also be recommended longer term. Your veterinarian will advise on the best treatment plan for your dog.

Once the discomfort is assessed and treated, additional long-term maintenance such as grooming your dog’s hair in and around their ears, managing potential food and/or environmental allergies, as well as managing underlying health issues may be needed.

Dental concerns

While you might not think scratching their head would mean trouble in their mouth, it is important to have your vet rule out a dental concern. Your dog may be indirectly scratching or shaking their head to soothe dental discomfort.

Hearing loss

The aging process or damage to a dog’s ear may result in hearing loss and cause your dog to scratch or shake their head in response to not being able to hear as well out of that ear.

External parasites

External parasites such as fleas can also result in excessive scratching. Fleas are tiny bugs that don’t grow much larger than the tip of a pen, and they range from light brown to almost black in color. They don’t have wings, so they get around by jumping from host to host. Learn more about fleas and flea treatment here.

We encourage you to contact your veterinarian if your dog has persistent itching or head shaking to determine an underlying cause and receive treatment.

Have allergies but still want animals? This blog is for you! While allergies can be a bit of an obstacle, having a four-legged friend may still be a possibility. Here are some tips for managing allergies as a fur parent, so let’s get into it!

What are allergies?

Before we get into how you can manage allergies, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. The medical term for allergies is an allergen – the actual substance that causes an allergic reaction. Individuals experience a reaction when inhaling or touching an allergen.

Common symptoms of an allergic reaction:

Red, itchy, watery eyes and nose
Coughing
Scratchy or sore throat
Itchy skin
Difficulty breathing (in more serious cases)

What’s causing you to react to your animal?

Any animal can trigger an allergic reaction. However, cats are the most common animal to trigger allergies.

The most common animal allergens are proteins found in the scales of old skin that are constantly shed by the animal, also known as their dander. They are also commonly found in animals’ saliva, urine, and sebaceous cells.

Fur length or type do not prevent allergies. In addition, there are no species to which a human cannot develop allergies. That being said, certain animals or breeds can be less irritating than others.

How to manage allergies

We recommend you contact your veterinarian and physician as your ultimate resource for information about the health of your furry friends or your family. We also recommend you consult your veterinarian before using any products on or around your companion animals to ensure they are safe to use.

To potentially alleviate allergic reactions to your animals, you can decontaminate your home environment, limit furniture exposure to allergens, as well as find a physician to discuss allergy management. The following are a few more helpful tips:

Create an allergy-free room, such as a bedroom, by preventing your animal from entering this room. Hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials are a smart choice.
Limit fabrics, as allergens tend to collect in drapes, rugs, and upholstery. Washable blinds or shades, as well as cotton-covered furniture, are a good idea as well.
Use a vacuum equipped with a disposable electrostatic bag or a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter. Vacuum frequently. Consider an air filter fitted with a HEPA filter, as well.
Equip yourself with anti-allergen room sprays, which work to deactivate allergens.
If you have a cat, regularly clean the litter box. Unscented, dust-free, clumping cat litter may make the process easier.
Clean your animal’s bedding often.
Bathing and brushing your animal frequently will also help wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal’s fur and prevent dander from flaking off into the environment. Check out our guide to bathing your cat.
Wash your hands after cuddling with your fur baby and avoid touching your face. Additionally, pick a designated “animal outfit” that you will wear when cuddling your fur baby.
Have someone else do the house cleaning and animal grooming, if possible.

Managing allergies to animals may take a bit of extra effort, but it doesn’t mean giving up the companionship of a beloved pet. By understanding your triggers, making thoughtful adjustments to your home and routine, and working closely with your healthcare providers, you can significantly reduce symptoms and create a comfortable environment for both you and your furry friend. With the right approach, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy all the love, comfort, and joy that animals bring, without compromising your well-being.