Page 22 – Ontario SPCA

Adopting a new dog or cat is very exciting. That furry friend you’re giving a second chance to becomes a friend and member of your family. But before you bring your dog or cat home, there are a few things you should do to make sure you are prepared for your new life together.

Before you pick up your dog, prepare supplies and dog-proof your home

Pick up food, food and water bowls, toys, a collar, a leash, blankets, and a dog crate, if crate training is part of your plan You’ll also want to dog-proof your home. Pick kids’ toys up off the floor, and make sure areas you don’t want your dog venturing into are blocked off (baby gates work well). Open up spaces with a floor that’s easy to clean while your dog gets used to routine, or if you’ve adopted a puppy or dog who still is working on house-training.

Always do your research into the type of dog you are getting to make sure their needs are met when they come into your home. If you’re adopting from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, you can also ask advice from our adoption coordinators!

Get your dog acclimatized to your home and new people

Before bringing your dog inside your home, take them outside for a long walk so they can burn off some energy. It’s also a good idea to keep treats in your pocket if you meet new people on your walk. This way they’ll learn making new friends gets them rewards.

When introducing them to the inside, it can be a good idea to walk them directly to their space/bed and reward them, so they know that is their area. Then allow them to explore the house at their own pace.

Figure out a sleep routine

Start by assessing how your dog is adjusting to their new environment. If they’re confident, they may enjoy having full run of the house. Some dogs may like having their own sleep space, as bonding and getting used to a new environment can take time. Introducing a crate with bedding and toys in this situation can make them feel more comfortable.

Before you pick up your cat, prepare supplies and choose a room for them

Pick up food, food and water bowls, blankets, toys, a scratching post, litter, a litterbox, and treats you can put into one room for the first few days. A new home can be overwhelming – smaller spaces make cats feel more comfortable. A good idea is to set them up in their own room and give them time to adjust to that space initially. This can help ease the transition to the new environment. You should also make sure their litterbox isn’t placed right next to their food and water bowls.

Help your cat adjust and feel comfortable

Those toys and blankets you bought to prepare for your cat’s arrival help them feel comfortable. Lots of nice blankets give them options to hide under. You can also get a cat tree so they can get up higher in the room and entertain themselves by looking outside. Take it slow. Let your cat acclimatize to the room, and as they get more comfortable with their space, you can open up the rest of your home.

Let your cat sleep in their designated room at night

Remember, bonding can take time. By letting your cat sleep in their designated room the first week, they start to feel comfortable, and may either continue to sleep there, or join you in your room. You can also reward your cat with treats when they come greet you to start to build that bond.

By doing all of these things, you can help ensure your dog or cat’s first week at home goes smoothly. For dogs, you can also seek out a trainer who uses positive reinforcement. If you’ve already got another animal at home, find out all you need to know about animal introductions.

Adjusting to a new home can be a frightening and anxious experience for any cat, particularly if there is already a resident cat in the home who may also be stressed by the changes. Below are some tips and tricks to help your adopted cat to accept – and be accepted by – the rest of your furry family. We’ll also share tips to help your resident cat feel more comfortable with the transition as well.

Important notes

Don’t be discouraged if your new and resident cat(s) do not become immediate friends. It can take many cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship. Others may never become friends and simply learn to live together comfortably.

While there is no definitive way to determine whether your cat will get along with a particular animal, often the cats that adjust easiest are those who have previously with other animals.

Regardless of the age or background of the cat you’ve adopted, they should be introduced to other animals gradually to help encourage appropriate and positive interactions. Prior to bringing a new cat home, check with your veterinarian to ensure all your resident pets are healthy. Your new addition to the family should also receive a clean bill of health before you bring them home.

Note: Keep in mind that while some cats will be able to breeze through each step after a short time, other cats will require longer at each step before they are able to take the introductions further. Be patient and allow your cat the freedom to move through each step at his or her own comfort level.

Step one: Creating a good first impression

During the early stages of the introduction period, it’s important that your new and resident cats can smell and hear one another but not touch. Introducing a sanctuary space to the new cat and ensuring your resident cat also has safe spaces can be very important. To prevent accidental face-to-face confrontations, keep your new cat in a medium-sized room or “sanctuary space” with their food, water, litter box and a bed. Plan for your cat’s arrival by ensuring your resident animals are temporarily separated until your new cat is in their room.

To help your furry friends associate positive experiences with one another, start feeding their meals on either side of the door to this room so they are in proximity. At first, their dishes should be placed at least a few feet apart on each side. If they remain calm, gradually move the dishes closer until they can eat comfortably standing directly on either side of the door. If either animal has a negative reaction, move the dishes further apart and repeat the process at a slower pace.

Allowing your furry friends to gradually become accustomed to each other’s scents is an important part of the introduction process. You can do this scent exchange by rubbing a towel on your new addition and putting it under the food dishes of the resident pets (and vice versa). You can also switch beds or sleeping blankets between your resident animals and your new cat.

Once these methods have been used to familiarize your animals with each other’s scents, and your new cat is eating regularly and using their litter box, move to the next step.

Step two: Allowing for sight introductions

Once you’ve returned your animals to their original designated parts of the house you can start the visual process. Use two doorstops to prop open the dividing door enough to allow your new and resident furry friends to see each other while eating. Do this supervised to ensure they do not interact directly. Over a period of days (or longer if necessary) try feeding your animals at a distance from the door.

You can gradually bring the dishes closer together if all cats display calm behaviours. Continue the scent swapping throughout. If either cat begins to display fear or aggression, attempt to distract them with higher value food or play and try again later at a further distance. Close the door when you are not there to supervise and ensure to remove all food.

Step three: Making the introductions (cat-to-cat)

When you first allow your cats to meet each other face-to-face, keep your resident cat distracted with play, food or pets and allow the other cat to enter the room. If you have two people, have the second person do the same. If either animal becomes fearful or aggressive, distract them away from each other or separate them, and start back at step one taking small, gradual steps forward again.

Continue to do small sessions together daily and slowly increase the amount of time the cats are together, using distraction when possible if they become uncomfortable.

When the cats are actively spending time together you can begin to allow them freedom when supervised, being sure to watch for fearful behaviours. Slowly allow them more time together until they can be left alone. If you are having issues with introductions, separate your pets and contact your veterinarian or a positive reinforcement-based animal behaviour expert immediately for assistance.

To help ease the adjustment period for your cats, ensure that you have one extra litter box than there are cats (e.g. two cats = three litter boxes).This helps keep the resident pets’ schedules close to what they were before the newcomer’s arrival and helps prevent out-of-box elimination that may occur with sharing of litter boxes.

For tips on making cat-to-dog introductions, visit our blog here!

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.

When Lily arrived at the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre with her eight puppies, one thing was clear: she had given everything for them.

The puppies, though tiny, were in perfect health—adorable, plump, with shiny fur and squeaky little voices. But Lily, their brave and exhausted mama, was barely clinging to life.

She was extremely emaciated, with ribs visible beneath her stretched fur, hip bones jutting out, and a spine that protruded in jagged lumps along her back. Her condition was a testament to just how much she had sacrificed to care for her puppies.

Community member goes above and beyond

But Lily wasn’t alone in her struggle. Jean, a compassionate resident from Wikwemikong, an unceded First Nation on Manitoulin Island, shared the same fierce love for animals. Jean knew that Lily needed urgent help, but the challenges in her community were immense. There were no local animal centres, and the nearest veterinarian was 45 minutes away. The lack of accessible veterinary care meant that animals in the area often went unspayed and unneutered, leading to overpopulation and more animals than people could care for.

Determined to make a difference, Jean regularly took matters into her own hands, using her resources to drive animals from her community to the Sudbury & District Animal Centre.

Jean had been working hard to care for Lily and her puppies in Wikwemikong, but the situation was dire. The furry family needed more than she could offer. So, she took them to the Sudbury & District Animal Centre where they could receive the medical care and attention they desperately needed.

A happy ending for Lily and her pups

Lily and her puppies flourished in our care. We immediately started feeding Lily every two hours and closely monitored her recovery. Slowly, her fur thickened, her body began to fill out, and she regained her strength. When she wasn’t caring for her pups, Lily enjoyed snuggling with her animal care team and even went on walks to soak up the attention.

Today, Lily, now called Peaches, has made a full recovery. No longer emaciated and exhausted, Peaches enjoys belly rubs, treats, and playing with her favourite toys. She is now living in her forever home, where she’s a beloved lap dog, snuggling up with her new family and living the life she always deserved.

Lily’s story is a reminder of the profound impact that compassionate people can have on animals in need.

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to help animals like Lily and her puppies. If you were touched by her story, please consider donating today.

Spring is here! With that comes more outdoor time with our furry friends, which also means it’s time to plan a visit to their veterinarian for a spring checkup. It is important your animal companions are up to date heading into this new season to keep them safe and healthy.

What spring pet checkups can look like

Beyond vaccinations, additional health care during a routine checkup may include a dental examination, clipping nails, testing for heartworm and/or resuming a heartworm prevention program. Flea and tick prevention is also important.

The veterinarian may also want to assess your animal’s overall health, such as body condition. It’s also a great opportunity to mention any behaviour your furry family member has exhibited that you have questions about. This could be a change in activity level, decreased alertness, persistent scratching of a body part – anything that may be unusual for your animal.

Vaccinations are the key to prevention

If your animal will be exposed to other animals on a regular basis (such as in a dog park or boarding kennel), you may want to consider additional preventative vaccinations or flea control.

There are a variety of diseases that companion animals can be vaccinated against. Vaccines have been proven to be the simplest, safest and most effective way of protecting our furry friend from disease. Your veterinarian will be able to determine which vaccines are necessary for your animal. Your geographic location and your furry family member’s exposure to wildlife and other domestic animals can impact their risk and are factored into a veterinarian’s recommendations.

Routine care for a happy, healthy future

It is important to note that preventative health care is the best kind of health care. Avoiding or delaying routine veterinary checks or vaccines could cause major health problems down the road, as well as extremely costly emergency vet care.

A useful tool is to have a record of your animal’s health care, which includes a list of vaccinations as well as dates administered, any trips to the vets and any illnesses or medications prescribed by your veterinarian. It can be also helpful to keep track of your animal’s weight and current diet, as the information can be extremely helpful down the road if your furry friend becomes ill.

It is very important to have a health care routine for your animal to keep them happy and healthy for years to come. If your furry friend hasn’t been to their veterinarian recently, now is the time to make an appointment. Preventative health care is important, and your furry friend will thank you for it!

There was a time when Sage’s future looked anything but bright.

As Sage’s parent faced the threat of eviction from temporary housing in the dead of winter, this five-month-old boxer mix was up against the ropes.

Seeking shelter from a harsh winter

“Our Ontario SPCA Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre had a request for an emergency board just before the holidays,” says Animal Centre Manager Candice Gordon.

Without a place to live and winter closing in, they had to seek accommodations at a local hotel.

“Unfortunately, this pup was having a difficult time adjusting to her new surroundings. Sage was too vocal and her person faced being kicked out of the motel due to the barking,” says Candice.

Sage’s parent accepted help with emergency boarding for Sage while he attempted to stabilize his situation.

“The staff fell in love with this girl. They took it upon themselves to set her up with sweaters, jackets and all the good things so his person would not be spending any funds he couldn’t afford to spare on items we could provide,” says Candice.

A second chance

When Sage’s parent realized his situation was too precarious to care for Sage, he committed the biggest act of love by requesting to rehome her permanently for a better chance at life. He knew she was in good hands, and that the animal centre could find her the perfect home.

It wasn’t long before Sage found her way into a new loving home.

“She is the sweetest, gentlest dog I have ever met,” says her adopter, Stacie. “She may be 50lbs, but she is 100% a lap dog. I have myself, my husband, and our 11-year-old son in our home and as soon as any of us sits down, she plops herself right into our laps.”

Stacie says Sage loves the snow and takes a big chomp out of the fresh powder after every storm. She also loves to carry a stick with her outside everywhere she goes.

“She is the most amazing girl, and we are so grateful to have welcomed her into our family,” says Stacie.

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. Please consider donating today.

When Richard brought an adopted dog home to his horse farm, he couldn’t have expected the beautiful animal friendships that would come from this new addition to his family.

Autumn was brought into the care of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society as a stray. When no one came forward to claim her, she was placed up for adoption at the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre to find a forever home. At the same time, Richard Moylan was grieving the loss of his dog and considering adopting a new furry friend.

Love at first sight

About a month after arriving in Orangeville, Autumn met Richard, who says it was love at first sight.

“We loved her when we saw her,” says Richard. “She was just so nice and friendly. The kind of dog I like, and I thought she’d be a real house dog.”

Richard lives on a farm with his partner where they breed Thoroughbred horses. Autumn – now named Bailey – very quickly adapted to farm life.

“We got an update from Richard that November, and it was clear it was a perfect match. We’re so happy for her,” says Dawn Lyons, Manager at the Orangeville & District Animal Centre.

Furry friendships

Richard says he soon discovered that Bailey wanted to be involved in the daily activities of the farm. At 4 a.m. every day, Richard says he goes down to check on the horses with Bailey right by his side, ready for her morning ritual.

“She goes up and down to every stall in the barn, stands up on the wall and kisses all the horses. And the horses just love it. I’ve never had a dog do that,” says Richard.

Bailey is also very involved during the foaling season, this year bonding with one foal in particular.

“I just had a baby born three days ago and she won’t leave it alone; she just sits outside the door,” says Richard.

Horses aren’t the only friends Bailey has made at her new home. Richard says he has a 22-year-old barn cat who has also taken a shine to Bailey.

“They love each other,” says Richard. “They talk to each other in the morning when I feed them.”

Richard says he’s so grateful for the amazing work that the Ontario SPCA is doing in his community, and that he encourages everyone to consider adoption.

“We’re so happy to have her. She’s a big part of our family, and she knows it too!” says Richard. “We love her to death.”

Not in a position to adopt? Please consider donating today. 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.

Adopting a blind animal can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique responsibilities. Whether you’re considering adopting a blind dog, cat, or another animal, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure their well-being and make the transition smoother for both you and your new furry friend.

Understanding the needs of a blind animal

Blind animals rely heavily on their other senses, particularly their sense of smell and hearing. They navigate the world differently, often using their noses and ears to assess their environment. This means that your home should be adapted to help them feel safe and confident.

Tips for adopting a blind animal

Prepare your home: Before bringing a blind animal home, make sure the environment is safe and obstacle-free. Avoid moving furniture around frequently and keep pathways clear. Consistency is key, so having a predictable layout will help your pet learn and feel secure in their space.
Use scent and sound: Blind animals may rely on specific scents and sounds to help them navigate their surroundings. Consider using scent markers for certain areas, like the food bowl or their bed. You can also use sound cues like bells or voice commands to guide them around the house.
Routine and patience: Routine is key for a blind animal. Consistent feeding times, walks, and playtimes will help your pet feel comfortable and secure. Patience is also important as they adjust to their new environment. With time, most blind animals will adapt and thrive in a predictable, loving home.
Training and socialization: Positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praise, work wonders with blind animals. While they may not see the world the way sighted animals do, they can still learn cues and engage with you during training sessions. Socialization is also crucial – expose them gradually to new sounds, smells, and environments to build their confidence.
Regular vet checkups: Just like any animal, blind animals require regular veterinary care. Be sure to keep up with checkups and any special needs they may have.

Key considerations before adopting a blind animal

Adopting a blind animal does require extra attention and commitment. Blind animals can live happy, fulfilling lives, but it’s important to consider their special needs. If you’re prepared for a companion who might need a little more guidance and care, adopting a blind animal can be a deeply rewarding experience. With patience, love, and understanding, your blind animal can bring joy and companionship to your life.

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.

Respiratory diseases are very common in cats, and shouldn’t be an immediate cause for alarm. However there is an emerging disease coming- H5N1, better known as Bird Flu.

This started out in wild bird populations, but in March of 2024 was detected in dairy cattle in the US. It was noted not long after that cats on these dairy farms became sick, and many of them died. These cats were drinking raw, unpasteurized milk directly from the cows. It was sequenced and found to be the same strain that the cows had. More recently, cats that have been fed raw diets have also been coming down with the Bird Flu. The bad news is, this is not your usual upper respiratory tract infection. These cats present with pneumonia, loss of appetite, fever, and neurological signs such as tremors, seizures and blindness. Euthanasia is almost always performed for these cats. Cats that have outdoor access are also at risk, as they may hunt wild birds that have H5N1.

Current veterinary recommendations are:

Keep cats indoors
Do not feed raw diets, especially those containing poultry (chicken and duck)
Do not feed raw dairy products
Keep cats up to date on rabies vaccination, as signs can mimic rabies infection

Speak with your family veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cats, and H5N1.

– Jill K Kirk, DVM, MS, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

MARCH BREAK! How exciting! Time for the children to have some time off from studies and relax!

But maybe you’re thinking that it’s not so great because now you must come up with things for them to do all day long! Here are some great ideas for things to do with your kids, and your fur-kids, during this week off.

There’s a reason why most dog toys have squeakers and crinkle materials inside. Dogs love toys that respond by making noise. A simple dog toy is to take a plastic water bottle and place it in either a sock or an old t-shirt. If placing the bottle in a sock, simply close the opening by tying a knot.

If using a t-shirt, wrap the bottle as you would a burrito (by tucking the sides in and rolling), then take leftover strips of fabric and tightly secure the shirt onto the bottle. Dogs will love the crumple sound every time they press down on the bottle. Always ensure the bottle cap has been removed to prevent ingestion should the dog get the bottle free.

Check out our blog for some handmade toy ideas for cats and dogs!

Catch up on some movie watching!

Stay in, cuddle up on the couch and watch some movies together! We have a great selection of animal movies we’ve picked out for you, your kids and fur babies to enjoy!

101 Dalmatians
Ice Age
Because of Winn-Dixie
The Lion King
Stuart Little
March of the Penguins
Finding Nemo
Marley and Me
Ratatouille

Take the family for a hike

Beautiful day and want to go outdoors instead? Walking your dog can do a lot for your own health! And what better way to exhaust kids’ energy then going for a fun hike together.

Check out our blog on Hiking with Fido and start planning your outdoor adventure.

Now get out there and enjoy the week with your family!!

Guest blog by Dr Emmanuel Fontaine, Scientific Communications Veterinarian at Royal Canin North America

One of the most common questions I receive is, “How can I eliminate parvo from my yard?” This inquiry isn’t merely a curiosity but a vital imperative. The battle against parvo, especially in purging it from our surroundings, is formidable. Successfully eradicating Parvo from your yard entails more than just following basic procedures; it necessitates a comprehensive strategy… along with a deep understanding of the virus and effective sanitation measures. In this blog, we’ll address this multifaceted challenge, offering you the essential knowledge and steps to safeguard your cherished pups!

What exactly is canine parvovirus… and what impact does it Have on your yard?

Parvo, short for canine parvovirus, is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that poses a significant threat to dogs, particularly puppies.

This virus primarily targets the gastrointestinal system, causing severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), loss of appetite, lethargy, and dehydration.

Puppies are especially vulnerable to parvo due to their immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to the virus’s devastating effects.

The transmission of Parvo occurs through the fecal-oral route, a term commonly used in veterinary medicine to explain disease spread.

Essentially, “fecal-oral” means the virus is present in the feces of infected dogs, capable of infecting others through direct or indirect contact.

Not only solid waste but also other bodily fluids like vomit can carry and transmit the virus.

This emphasizes the necessity of rigorous cleanliness and hygiene in outdoor areas where dogs frequent.

And what makes the canine parvovirus particularly challenging is its basic structure.

As a naked virus, essentially consisting of DNA, it displays remarkable resilience in the environment.

Once outside a host, it remains dormant, just a strand of DNA waiting for another dog to come into contact with it… and it can persist for an extended period, even up to a year, according to research.

This endurance presents a significant obstacle in controlling its transmission, as it can linger long after an infected dog has left the area.

The lasting presence of the virus means that outdoor spaces like kennels and yards can remain infectious for prolonged periods, posing continuous risks to any unvaccinated dogs that enter.

Why is disinfecting yards for parvo a challenge?

The battle against Canine Parvovirus relies on choosing the right weapon – the most potent disinfectant.

Fortunately, some products are specifically crafted to obliterate Parvo and other stubborn viruses in outdoor settings.

Disinfectants are substances engineered to obliterate pathogens and viruses, including the formidable parvovirus.

However, identifying a genuine disinfectant requires more than grabbing any cleaning product from the shelf; it necessitates scrutinizing the active ingredients.

Consider a typical cleaning aisle in a North American grocery store, brimming with household names like Lysol, Pine-Sol, Mr. Clean, and Clorox. Surprisingly, among these renowned brands, only one might effectively combat parvo…

In case you’re curious, that would be Clorox, as it contains sodium hypochlorite—also known as bleach—known for its efficacy against naked viruses like parvo.

This revelation underscores the importance of discerning which active compounds truly combat this resilient virus.

When it comes to wiping out Parvo, three compounds stand out:

Active Compound	Description
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)	Renowned for its effectiveness, bleach is a go-to choice for killing parvo. One thing to know though: for bleach to be efficient against parvo, it is recommended *to use* *at least a 5% bleach solution at 1:32 dilution and let it sit for 10 minutes* *before rinsing!*
Potassium Peroxymonosulfate (Virkon)	Another powerful ally in this battle, potassium peroxymonosulfate is known for its efficacy against tough viruses like parvo. *This one also requires a 10-minute contact time to be efficient on parvo*. Rinsing is not required after its use.
Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHPs)	AHPs offer a potent yet safer alternative, effectively destroying parvo while being less harsh on surfaces and the environment. Those products have become the norm in human hospitals and in animal shelters and veterinary clinics, they usually wear the acronym “AHP” on them. *Contact time is around 5 minutes, and no rinsing required!*

However, a major constraint arises from the interaction with organic matter, and in our scenario, it’s a substantial one!

When disinfectants encounter organic matter—such as feces, vomit, or bodily fluids, common in cases of Parvo infection—their effectiveness diminishes significantly.

Hence, a proper sanitation protocol always involves a two-step approach:

Firstly, cleaning to eradicate the organic matter, essentially ‘getting rid of the dirt,’ where elbow grease remains the ultimate cleaner.
THEN, disinfecting to eradicate any lingering pathogens.

Now that you grasp the principles involved, you likely appreciate why applying them to outdoor spaces like yards and grassy areas presents a unique set of hurdles.

While traditional disinfectants excel on indoor surfaces and items like bowls, they falter outdoors.

The presence of soil, grass, and other natural elements—essentially organic matter—swiftly neutralizes these disinfectants, reducing their efficacy against the robust parvovirus.

Even powerful solutions like AHP face limitations when dealing with the substantial organic matter present in yards and outdoor settings.

How to prevent future parvo outbreaks in your yard?

After exploring various methods for tackling Parvo in outdoor spaces, one thing becomes abundantly clear: completely eliminating Parvo from such environments presents an incredibly daunting, if not nearly impossible, task.

Yet, in my opinion, there exists a far superior strategy!

A more practical approach: Parvo vaccination!

The most effective defence against Parvo is ensuring that every dog entering your yard has already developed a robust immune response to this pathogen, thereby ensuring thorough protection against future outbreaks.

Vaccination against parvo is highly effective, and adhering to vaccination guidelines is crucial.

Pay close attention to your veterinarian’s recommendations on this topic, and don’t hesitate to ask questions!

It’s essential to emphasize: despite common misconceptions, parvo is still prevalent, with numerous cases reported throughout the year.

This reality underscores the importance of following vaccination schedules, especially for puppies during their weaning and early pediatric phases.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

– Puppies initially receive immunity through colostrum from their mothers. However, this protection starts to decline around 8 to 12 weeks of age, leaving them more vulnerable to parvo. In some cases, this decline can occur even earlier, depending on the quality and quantity of colostrum ingested.

– Vaccinations aim to stimulate the puppy’s immune response as maternal protection decreases. Maternal antibodies received via colostrum can interfere with vaccine-induced immunity, creating a vulnerable period known as the immunity gap. Therefore, the timing of vaccination is crucial!

– Current recommendations advise starting vaccination at 6 weeks of age, with repeat doses every 3 to 4 weeks until 16 weeks of age.

A booster vaccination is then suggested at one year of age, followed by boosters every three years.

Enhancing puppy immunity: The role of nutrition

Nutrition often flies under the radar as a key factor in boosting a puppy’s immune system.

The right diet can significantly amplify a puppy’s immune response.

Certain nutrients, such as antioxidants and beta-glucans, have been proven to notably enhance a puppy’s immune system development. Studies indicate that puppies fed diets enriched with these nutrients exhibit more robust responses to vaccinations.

When choosing a diet for your puppy, prioritize options that promote immune development.

Seek out packaging claims that emphasize this aspect—it’s an investment in your puppy’s health and resilience.

Another critical consideration is the cultivation of your puppy’s digestive microbiome.

Today, experts increasingly recognize the microbiome as a vital organ and this intricate community of microorganisms in the digestive tract indeed plays a pivotal role in overall health and significantly influences immune function development.

So definitely an important aspect to consider when picking up a diet for your puppy!

While there are methods available for eliminating parvo in the yard, these solutions may seem intricate and overwhelming for many pet owners. A more practical and efficient approach involves prioritizing the development of robust immunity in our canine companions. This approach is not only simpler but also more attainable for most situations. Let’s concentrate our efforts on ensuring our dogs receive thorough vaccination and their immune systems are adequately fortified against parvo. In doing so, we not only protect our beloved pets but also gain peace of mind for ourselves.

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Emmanuel Fontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004, he continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) as trainee Vet in the domestic carnivore unit of the Reproduction Department. From 2005 to 2011, he worked at the Centre d Étude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and completed his PhD in 2012 on the use of GnRH agonists in canines. From September 2011 to September 2018, he worked as Technical Services Veterinarian for the PRO team at Royal Canada. He then was in charge of Scientific Communication for the Americas until August 2022. He now works as Senior Scientific Communications Veterinarian for Royal Canin North America.

Small animals have specific needs, just like cats and dogs. With a few simple steps, you can enrich your pet’s environment!

Environmental Enrichment

Hiding

All small animals need the opportunity to hide. Many of the small animals in our animal centres are a prey species and so they may feel threatened or startled by any unfamiliar sound or person. They need to be provided with a safe place where they can retreat.

Hiding places might also be seen as bathrooms by our small furry friends, which means these areas need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently. Examples of hiding places to place in an enclosure include, but are not limited to:

Plastic igloo
Small cardboard boxes
Tunnels (PVC piping, dryer piping, toilet paper rolls)
Tents
Paper bags

Nesting material

Aside from bedding, nesting material should be provided for the small animal to build a nest or resting place for themselves. This will provide physical and mental stimulation and occupy their time as well.

Examples for nesting material include:

Cotton balls
Pieces of fleece
Shredded newspaper
Toilet paper
Hay

Climbing

Many small animals find enjoyment in climbing. This will provide opportunities for exploration and exercise.

Multiple levels, perches, shelves
Hammocks
Plastic tubes that connect
Pull string through toilet paper tubes and hang them across the cage
Ladders
Braid fleece to make a rope to hang across the cage

Let’s keep our small animals active and stimulated to keep them happy and healthy!

Daylight savings time can be difficult to adjust to, even for your furry friends. The time change means a change to their routines and feeding schedules, which can be disorienting – just like it is for us! However, there are some tips that can come in handy to help transition your furry friends into the new time zone.

Here are a few ways you can make the time change easier for your furry friend.

Daylight savings tips for your furry friend

1. Prepare your furry friend in advance

If your companion animal has a strict and reliable feeding schedule, you can move their mealtime by small increments leading up to when the clocks go ahead. For example, if you start a few days ahead, you can shift the feeding time by 15 or 20 minutes per day to make it easier for your furry friend to adjust.

2. Splitting the difference (if you forget)

If you forget to change your furry friend’s schedule the week ahead, then on the day of daylight savings, you can split the time in half and feed your furry friend 30 minutes earlier than normal.

3. Doing the process backwards

Another way to make this change easier on your pets is to ignore the clocks on Sunday morning and feed your furry friend at their regular time. Then over the following four days you can change their feeding time by 15-minute intervals.

By using one of these tips and successfully shifting your pet’s feeding times, you and your furry friend should be ready to adjust smoothly to the daylight savings time change!