Page 26 – Ontario SPCA

Can you believe it’s already Christmas Eve?! Here are some tips to keep in mind while celebrating the holidays with your human, and furry family members!

Tinsel

Tinsel is a big “no-no” for your furry friend. Cats and dogs are attracted to the shiny material and if they swallow it, it can cause serious damage to their intestines.

Christmas tree

Make sure your tree is secure! If it falls over on one of your furry friends, it can cause serious injuries. Check that your tree is sturdy and consider fastening it to the wall for added security.

Holiday flowers/plants

Christmas flowers can be a nice addition to your home decor – but they can be deadly to your companion animals.
Here is a list of the most common, toxic holiday plants:
Poinsettias
Oleander
Morning glory
Holly
Daffodil bulbs
Ivy
Mistletoe
Impatiens
Geranium

Holly can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, while mistletoe and poinsettias can cause upset stomachs. It’s not worth it! Keep your furry friends safe and keep these plants out of your home.

Holiday meals

We know you’re proud of the holiday meal you created – but that doesn’t mean you should share it with your companion animals. Consider keeping your companion animals in a separate and comfortable room while serving and eating your holiday meal. This will keep them from sneaking a bite!

Alcohol

Just like human food, including chocolate and candy, alcoholic beverages are not meant to be consumed by your furry friends. Keep an eye on your drink and make sure to keep it out of reach.

Other hazards:

Things like wires, batteries or ornaments are all part of decoration but keep them out of your companion animal’s reach. They pose a serious hazard if they are laying around.
If you have candles out, make sure they are never left unattended where your furry friends can get to them. Not only can a lit candle start a fire if knocked over, it can also seriously injure your furry friend.

We hope you enjoy this holiday season with your pets!

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.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recently hosted a workshop on including animals in emergency response plans, sharing tools with First Nation Emergency Coordinators and Band Councils to ensure the safety of animals during emergencies. This vital workshop was an important reminder that animals, just like people, need to be factored into emergency plans.

As the winter months settle in, it’s more important than ever to consider your animals’ safety in your emergency response plan. Snowstorms, power outages, and freezing temperatures can disrupt daily routines and put everyone at risk—our furry companions included. By creating a plan, you can ensure their safety, no matter what winter throws your way.

Here are some practical tips to get you started:

Create an emergency kit for your furry friends

Just as you’d prepare a kit for your family, put together essentials for your animals. Include food, water, any medications they may need, a leash or carrier, blankets, and a copy of their medical records. Don’t forget comfort items, like a favourite toy, to help reduce stress. Visit our blog “Emergency Preparedness” for a comprehensive list of items to consider when creating an animal emergency kit.

Designate a safe space

Identify a warm, safe area in your home where your pet can stay during a storm or other emergencies. You should also research animal-friendly shelters or hotels in nearby areas if you must evacuate.

Stay informed

Keep up to date with weather alerts and community emergency plans. Having a clear understanding of potential threats can help you act quickly to protect your family and animals.

Keep identification updated

Ensure you have up-to-date identification, such as a collar with tags and a registered microchip. In the unfortunate event that you are separated during an emergency, proper identification can make all the difference in reuniting you with your furry friend.

By including your animal in your emergency response plan, you ensure their safety and well-being. Remember, preparation saves lives. As we brace for winter, take a moment to review your emergency plan—your pets will thank you for it!

For more tips on keeping your pets safe during emergencies, visit our website.

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. Help us continue to educate about animal wellness and pet safety by donating today.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Dec. 18, 2024) – Tails are wagging in anticipation of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society reaching its goal of finding loving homes for 500 animals across the province this holiday season.

iAdopt for the Holidays is in full swing until Dec. 24 and more than 300 animals have already been adopted this month at the Ontario SPCA’s 12 animal centres across the province, bringing the total this year to close to 5,500.

Animal Centre	Goal	Adoptions
Barrie	40	23
Humane Society of Durham Region	45	42
Lennox & Addington	25	22
Leeds & Grenville	60	18
Midland & District	30	30
Muskoka	60	23
Orangeville & District	75	33
Orillia	20	15
Renfrew County	40	23
Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry	25	24
Sudbury & District	40	15
York Region	40	35

If you’ve been thinking of welcoming an animal into your life, please consider adopting. For many people, the holidays are the perfect time for an animal to join their family. With more time spent at home during the holidays, it’s an ideal opportunity to help animals adjust to their new surroundings with extra care and attention.

Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and they go home with food from Royal Canin to ensure a smooth transition. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to view the many deserving animals who have so much love to give.

Even if you can’t adopt right now, you can help make the season brighter for animals in need by donating to support their care. 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. Every gift, big or small, helps provide shelter and care to animals waiting for their forever families. Visit ontariospca.ca/donate to donate.

“We’re so close to reaching our adoption goal, and we need your help to make it happen,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “If you’ve been thinking about adopting, now is the time to make the season extra special for an animal in need. Let’s work together to make their holiday dreams come true.”

MEDIA CONTACT

 Media Relations  

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society   

905-898-7122 x 375 

[email protected]

 The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and do so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.

The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Office sits on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of Scugog, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations and the Métis Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. The treaties that were signed for this particular parcel of land are collectively referred to as the Williams Treaties of 1923.

During the winter, a serious danger to pets is antifreeze, which is poisonous if ingested by animals. Here are some of the dangers associated with antifreeze and how to prevent them.

What is antifreeze and where is it found?

Antifreeze is a chemical that can be found in vehicles like cars and trucks, but also in tractors or other machinery. Antifreeze, also known as coolant, is essential for regulating your car’s engine temperature. It is mixed with water in the radiator to prevent the engine from overheating in warm weather and freezing in cold weather.

Sometimes vehicles may leak antifreeze, or there may be spills from people topping up antifreeze. These spills pose a fatal threat to animals. The chemical in the antifreeze tastes sweet, and animals can be drawn to it.

There are several ways the poison can get into the animal’s system; they can lick it or walk on it and lick themselves. Due to its sweetness, an animal may be tempted to ingest it.

The chemicals in the antifreeze go to the pet’s kidneys and act like tiny, microscopic razor blades that slice up the kidney cells. This can cause permanent kidney damage or death due to kidney failure.

Alternatives

There are safer antifreeze options that exist. Normal antifreeze has ethylene glycol, whereas safer alternative uses propylene glycol. Though still poisonous, it isn’t as harmful as antifreeze containing ethylene glycol.

It is important to note that ethylene glycol is also found in other vehicle fluids (like some transmission and brake fluids).

Regardless of the type, if you think your pet has ingested any antifreeze, they should be taken to a vet immediately.

Prevention

If you’re going to be topping up your radiator or changing your antifreeze, make sure your pets are far away.

Before your furry friend is allowed back into that area, it’s important to have a good look under the vehicle to make sure nothing has spilled. This includes doing a sweep of the garbage to ensure that there are no chemical traces.

If there is spilling, clean it up carefully with detergent to rinse it and wash it away. If the spill is on gravel, the best option is to scoop and throw away the gravel, then pour water and detergent on the dirt left behind.

After using the detergent water, wipe it and dry it up, doing your best to ensure there’s no residue left behind.

Antifreeze is a dangerous substance that can cause life-threatening consequences for animals. It is important to take preventative measures and limit your pet’s exposure. If your pet has been exposed to antifreeze, bring them to a veterinarian immediately.

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.

What better way to spend the holidays than in a warm, cozy home surrounded by a loving family? Thanks to our generous donors, volunteers and the animal care team at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre, that’s how Swiffer, Mop, Broom, Roomba and Dust get to spend their holidays.

From being found abandoned in a parking lot to finding safe and loving forever homes, these Shih Tzu siblings have had a year to remember.

Finding a home for the holidays

In December of 2023, Markham Animal Services discovered five Shih Tzu puppies abandoned in an area parking lot.

“The puppies were severely matted and fearful when they were brought to our animal centre,” says Katrin Schoenmair, Manager of the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre. “With tender care, our dedicated team bathed, groomed, and comforted them. Just before Christmas, they found loving homes with foster-to-adopt families while they awaited their spay and neuter surgeries.”

In the first week of January, each pup underwent their spay/neuter surgeries and they were officially adopted by their foster families.

Roomba (Coco) adoption update

For Tammy, it was a belated Christmas present unlike any she’d ever received. Tammy got her first look at Roomba (soon to be re-named Coco) on Dec. 17., 2023.

“We booked our viewing, and on Dec 18 we drove nearly two hours to meet Roomba,” says Tammy. “She was very tiny, not overly social, shaved down and her eyes told us she wanted to join our family. Her story of abandonment and mere survival left us heartbroken, but we knew she was perfect for our large farm home.”

Tammy says thanks to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s foster to adopt program, they were able to take Roomba home that day.

Under her new name, Coco now lives in a happy home with twin teenage boys, two large farm dogs (one of whom was also adopted from the Ontario SPCA) and two cats. Although Coco is too small to play with the family’s horse, she has a large yard to run freely around in.

“Coco is bursting with energy and playfulness,” says Tammy. “She loves to snuggle and sleep in bed with her humans. We feel we received the greatest gift from her – love and trust. We encourage everyone to adopt from the Ontario SPCA. It’s an amazing and rewarding experience.”

Give a gift to animals in need

Even if you’re not in a position to adopt, you can still make a huge difference in the lives of these animals at this giving time of year. Your donation helps to provide urgent care and shelter for vulnerable animals across Ontario, like these Shih Tzu puppies, and helps them find the loving home they deserve.

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. Donations can come in many different forms and sizes: One-time donations, corporate donations, legacy gifts, wedding and birthday gifts, as well as shopping Paws & Give™. There’s something to suit everyone!

Help more animals find their loving homes this holiday season. Donate today.

Have you ever marvelled at how your dog can sniff out treats from a mile away or detect that you’ve had a snack, even when you’ve hidden the evidence? That’s because dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, which is much more powerful than ours. Understanding how your dog’s nose works and how they use their sense of smell can offer insight into their fascinating abilities.

How does a dog’s nose work?

A dog’s sense of smell is their primary way of experiencing the world. Their noses are equipped with up to 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to our five million, allowing them to pick up on even the faintest odours. When dogs sniff, they can separate the air into two streams—one for breathing and one specifically for scent detection. This enables them to analyze smells more efficiently, breaking down complex odors into individual components.

Moreover, dogs have an organ called the vomeronasal organ, or Jacobson’s organ, that helps them detect pheromones—chemical signals from other animals. This gives them the ability to sense things we can’t, like another dog’s emotions or reproductive status.

How do dogs use their sense of smell?

Dogs use their powerful noses for more than just finding food. They can detect changes in the environment, track lost animals or humans, and even alert us to health problems. Some dogs are trained to sniff out medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, or seizures, while others work in search and rescue operations. Their incredible noses also help them detect explosives or illegal substances, making them valuable partners in law enforcement.

But even without specialized training, your dog uses their nose to learn about their surroundings. Each sniff tells them a story—who was there, what they were doing, and when they were there. The world is like a detailed scent map for your dog, constantly guiding them.

So next time your dog stops to sniff the air or a patch of grass, remember they’re not just being curious—they’re using one of the most powerful noses in the animal kingdom!

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Dec. 12, 2024) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is closing out 2024 with a milestone worth celebrating: over 8,000 spay/neuter surgeries performed this year! That’s not just a number – it’s the prevention of an estimated 480,000 unwanted puppies and kittens who may have ended up in shelters, or on the street.

Since launching its high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services in 2009, the Ontario SPCA has performed more than 150,000 surgeries at its clinics in Barrie and Stouffville. These clinics, which also provide basic veterinary care for families without the means to take their animal to a local veterinarian for routine care, ensure no pet is left behind – regardless of income or geography.

The Society’s efforts extend even further with its SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit, which has been stationed in Sudbury for the past two years to deliver essential care to Northern communities, and with MASH-style pop-up clinics ready to make an impact wherever they’re needed.

“Spaying or neutering your pet is more than just a procedure – it’s a commitment to tackling overpopulation and keeping animals safe,” says Dr. Jill Kirk, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By providing accessible services, we’re giving communities the tools to make a lasting difference for animals and their families.”

The benefits of spay/neuter extend beyond population control. Fixed pets are less likely to roam, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, and they experience lower health risks, reduced stress, and even improved behavior. It’s a simple act with transformative results.

Want to be part of the solution? Learn more, or support these life-changing programs by visiting ontariospca.ca/spayneuter

MEDIA CONTACT

Media Relations

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

905-898-7122 x 375

[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

Animals are known to have a calming, positive effect on people during times of stress. For a long time, this was a frequent topic of conversation for staff at Hospice Muskoka. After having regular therapy dog visits and seeing the positive effect this had on patients, the idea of having a regular therapy cat at the home was discussed.

When one of the Hospice Personal Support Workers volunteered at the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre with their daughter they found the perfect cat for the job. It was there that they met Noir, a calm, friendly (and gorgeous!) cat who demonstrated the perfect temperament to live at the hospice.

Noir came to the Muskoka Animal Centre as a stray. While his animal care team did not know much about his past, they knew his future would be meaningful and serve a beautiful purpose at Hospice Muskoka.

“Animals have such a natural instinct when it comes to reading human emotions, with the ability to know who needs them most and when,” says Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre Manager, Lindsey Bunn. “It must also be great for the staff, as they have a very hard job. When they feel down, I’m sure Noir comforts them, as well.”

When Noir first arrived at Hospice Muskoka, he spent most of his time with staff as he became familiar with his new home. As he becomes more comfortable, he now spends most of his time on patient beds and chairs or following visitors around for a tour.

“Our residents took to him immediately,” says Hospice Muskoka Medical Director Christine Degan. “What we found the most interesting was the comfort he provided families. Family members would start taking videos and bringing in food and treats for him. It gave them something positive to focus on.”

Not only do the residents now have a furry companion to greet them and offer affection, Noir also has a loving home with many people who care for him.

The Ontario SPCA finds loving homes for thousands of animals each year in communities across the province. 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. To make second chances like this possible for cats like Noir, please consider donating today.

Since its inception in 2019 thanks to the Pet Valu Companions for Change™ program, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit has helped change the lives of thousands of animals.

The 38-foot mobile unit is equipped with two surgical tables where unaltered dogs and cats are spayed or neutered. A single spay/neuter clinic has the potential to prevent thousands of unplanned puppies and kittens who would potentially be without a home.

As part of our mission is to help keep animals with the people that love them, the unit was stationed in Sudbury in 2023 to make spay/neuter and basic veterinary services, including vaccinations, more accessible to pet families in the North. In many Northern communities, a lack of basic animal wellness services has contributed to an increase in pet overpopulation. The unit remained stationed in Sudbury throughout 2024.

Since the mobile unit rolled out, our team has performed over 11,000 spay and neuter procedures! In 2024, close to 1,000 spay/neuter surgeries were performed, helping to prevent more than an estimated 53,000 unplanned puppies and kittens. It has also provided basic veterinary services to over 400 animals and administered close to 800 vaccines.

The Ontario SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit is able to reach animals who need it most, with pet parents travelling over 300 kilometers from remote communities to access these services. By partnering with local communities, we’re addressing barriers to veterinary care, such as affordability, transportation challenges, and limited access to local clinics.

For many families, this is their first opportunity to spay or neuter their furry friend or even see a veterinarian. But its impact is much bigger than the procedures provided during community outreach initiatives. We want to create healthy communities for pets and people! It’s an opportunity to understand the needs and challenges of pet parents, and to talk to them about the importance of routine veterinary care.

To learn more about the Ontario SPCA’s spay/neuter services visit ontariospca.ca/spayneuter

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to provide these services and change the lives of animals in need. Please consider donating today.

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

I recently attended a webinar on canine diarrhea and learned a surprising statistic: 84% of the cases that veterinarians see are classified as mild. While this statistic includes dogs of all ages, it highlights that mild cases are most common in veterinary practice, even among puppies. As I often stress in my blog posts, a systematic approach to feeding is crucial for managing health issues effectively, especially for puppies experiencing diarrhea. This approach involves answering three key questions: What to feed? How to feed? And how much to feed? In this article, I’ll share my insights specifically tailored to help your puppy recover quickly and maintain good health.

What to feed: The role of bland diets

The term ‘bland diet’ often brings to mind boiled chicken and rice, a go-to remedy often recommended for puppies and dogs with diarrhea.

This choice is popular due to its high digestibility, meaning the food is easily broken down and absorbed by the body.

While boiled chicken and rice is a good starting point, I believe there’s room for improvement.

Crafting a homemade bland diet allows for flexibility, but it’s important to note that such diets often lack essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, crucial for a puppy’s growth.

Another significant factor is nutritional consistency.

Puppies’ digestive systems can be sensitive to changes in the nutritional content of their food, a common issue with homemade diets.

For mild cases of diarrhea, I tend to recommend specialized commercial diets.

These are not only highly digestible but are also formulated specifically to support digestive health in puppies.

When selecting a diet, look for products that have specific claims of promoting digestive health, as these tend to be more reliable than simply checking the ingredients list.

Additionally, consider therapeutic gastrointestinal diets prescribed by veterinarians, which are often an excellent choice for supporting a puppy’s digestive health and overall growth.

Ultimately, when managing mild diarrhea in puppies, prioritizing digestibility is essential to effectively support their health and development.

What to Feed: Should You Use Supplements?

When your puppy has diarrhea, it might feel instinctive to start using supplements.

However, it’s crucial to approach this with caution.

Effective nutrition hinges on balance, not excess. Overusing supplements, even with good intentions, can worsen the issues you’re trying to solve.

Take pumpkin, a popular remedy known for its gastrointestinal benefits.

Pumpkin contains soluble fibers, which help absorb water and form a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This slows digestion, allows for better nutrient absorption, and can solidify loose stools, thus alleviating diarrhea symptoms.

While many sources recommend pumpkin for puppies with mild diarrhea, it’s essential to recognize that it’s not a cure-all.

I’ve seen cases where puppies received pumpkin alongside a therapeutic GI diet AND other digestive aids like psyllium seeds, yet their diarrhea continued.

The problem? Sometimes, an excess of beneficial elements disrupts the necessary balance for recovery.

Therefore, unless advised by your veterinarian, I recommend starting with a diet specifically formulated for digestive health and initially avoiding supplements for mild cases.

This focused approach promotes a balanced restoration of your puppy’s digestive health.

What to feed: Probiotics?

Probiotics are often praised for their ability to balance the gut.

They are live, beneficial bacteria that enhance the health of the digestive tract’s microbiome.

Imagine the microbiome as a vibrant city within the gut, populated with beneficial bacteria.

Experts consider it so vital to our pets’ health that it’s likened to an organ itself.

This microbial community doesn’t just aid digestion; it’s crucial for immune system development, influences behavior, and plays a role in weight management.

Given the significant role of the microbiome, maintaining its balance is essential, especially during digestive disruptions like diarrhea. In these situations, probiotics are often recommended to support the microbiome.

However, it’s important to approach probiotics with well-informed caution.

Navigating probiotic options can be complex, as not all are equally effective.

Recent research highlights a crucial point: the efficacy of probiotics varies greatly.

While some are supported by robust scientific evidence, others may offer little beyond hopeful promises.

These insights emphasize the importance of professional advice.

Before starting a probiotic regimen for puppy diarrhea, consulting a veterinarian is crucial.

What to feed: Considering mixed feeding?

In cases of mild diarrhea in puppies, mixed feeding can be a valuable strategy to consider.

This method involves combining both dry and wet food, which can help soothe the digestive system of our furry companions.

The logic behind mixed feeding is based on the digestive system’s structure, particularly in an area known as the brush border.

This region is lined with enzymes that are essential for breaking down carbohydrates, playing a crucial role in digestion.

However, when diarrhea occurs, this area may become impaired, reducing the effectiveness of these enzymes.

Wet food, which typically contains fewer carbohydrates than dry food, can be especially beneficial during these times.

By incorporating wet food into the diet, we reduce the carbohydrate burden, easing the strain on the compromised digestive system.

This adjustment can significantly improve the digestibility of the food, providing relief to the digestive tract.

I often suggest mixed feeding as a temporary solution during bouts of diarrhea in puppies.

A one to two-week transition to a combination of wet and dry food can give the brush border cells the necessary time to recover.

This recovery period is crucial for restoring optimal digestive health and improving stool quality.

After the digestive system has stabilized, you can gradually reintroduce a primarily dry food diet.

How to feed: The case for digestive rest?

Historically, a period of digestive rest—typically a 12-24 hour fast with only water allowed—has been recommended in many texts and blogs as a way to manage diarrhea.

This approach was intended to give the digestive system a chance to ‘reset.’

Recently, this traditional method has come under scrutiny.

The prevailing opinion in veterinary circles is shifting towards an alternative strategy: continuing to feed during a bout of diarrhea.

The case against the traditional fasting method and in favor of continued feeding is based on the idea that providing a flow of highly digestible nutrients might actually speed up recovery.

This is particularly important for puppies, who not only require highly digestible diets to support a healing digestive tract but also need consistent, high-quality nutrition due to their rapid growth and the physical demands of development.

How much to feed: A critical consideration!

The amount of food you give to a puppy, especially when dealing with mild diarrhea, is crucial for their health and recovery.

This vital aspect often gets overshadowed by the focus on what and when to feed.

Yet, it has the potential to either promote wellness or exacerbate digestive issues.

A common mistake in puppy care is overfeeding, which can lead to osmotic diarrhea.

This occurs when too much food overwhelms the young digestive system, drawing excess water into the intestines and causing diarrhea. This situation highlights the importance of precise portion control, particularly in these delicate cases.

A good starting point is to follow the feeding guidelines on your puppy’s food packaging, which are designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies.

With the development of pediatric growth charts for puppies, we can now monitor a puppy’s growth and if needed, adjust these portions with even greater accuracy, customizing the amount to the specific needs of each puppy.

While measuring cups are commonly used, they are not always reliable for portion control and can often lead to overfeeding, as several studies have shown.

Using a kitchen scale, however, provides much more accuracy.

It ensures that your puppy’s food is measured exactly to the gram, removing any guesswork and promoting optimal health.

The idea that using a scale is too time-consuming is a myth.

Spending just 30 seconds to weigh your puppy’s meal can significantly improve their dietary balance, contributing immensely to their overall well-being.

Adopting this precise feeding practice is an “atomic habit” that can bring significant benefits.

Reflecting on my 15 years in veterinary practice, the advancements in managing puppy diarrhea have been revolutionary. Nutrition now plays a central role in our approach to mild cases, highlighting a significant shift towards supporting the intricate ecosystem of the digestive microbiome. Our methods have evolved from merely managing symptoms to actively promoting microbial balance and recovery. This progress marks a significant advancement in canine health, emphasizing the crucial impact of puppyhood experiences on a dog’s lifelong health. Armed with this understanding, we are better prepared to guide our puppies through their critical early stages, ensuring a path marked by robust health and vitality.

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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.

The holiday season is a magical time to open your heart—and home—to a new furry family member. If you are planning to spend the holidays at home, it’s the perfect opportunity to help a newly adopted cat adjust to their surroundings. Here are some tips to make your home welcoming and safe for your new feline friend this holiday season.

Create a cozy space

Adoption is a big change for any animal. Providing your new cat with a quiet, comfortable area can help them feel secure as they settle into their new home. Luckily, when you adopt from any of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres, your new friend comes with their very own cat cabin, thanks to the Pet Valu Companions for Change™ program. These versatile cardboard hideaways offer a familiar space for your cat to relax while they get accustomed to their new environment. Position the cabin in a quiet spot, away from the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities.

Gradual introductions

The holidays can be noisy and busy, so be mindful of how overwhelming new sights, smells, and sounds may be for your cat. Keep introductions to family members, other furry companions, and rooms in your house gradual. Let your cat explore at their own pace and offer plenty of positive reinforcement to build their confidence.

Holiday safety matters

The holidays bring unique safety concerns for animals. Secure Christmas trees to prevent tipping and avoid decorations like tinsel, which can pose choking hazards and can cause harm if ingested. Keep holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly out of reach, as they can be toxic to cats. If you light candles, never leave them unattended in case a curious paw comes too close, or your pet knocks the candle over and starts a fire.

Quality bonding time

Time spent at home during the holidays is perfect for bonding and enrichment. Play with your new cat using wand toys, offer treats, and give gentle pets to build trust and affection. Cats also appreciate routine, so establishing consistent feeding and play schedules can help them feel secure.

Bringing a cat home during the holidays is a special way to celebrate the season. By creating a welcoming environment, prioritizing safety, and offering patience, you’ll set your new feline friend up for a happy, stress-free transition into your family.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s iAdopt for the Holidays campaign is on now until December 24. Our goal is to find loving homes for 500 animals across the province, including 50 long-term residents who are dreaming of spending the holidays with their new family. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to view our animals available for adoption.

If you’re not able to adopt, there are still many ways you can support animals in need this holiday season. Consider donating to help provide shelter and care to animals waiting for their forever homes. Or shop our Paws & Give™ online store for the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life – or an animal awaiting adoption.

If you’ve been thinking of adopting an animal from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, you may have noticed the VIP status on some of the animals on our adoption page. VIP stands for Very Important Paws and these furry friends make very amazing friends!

You may have questions about our VIP program, and we have answers! Here are some FAQs about our VIPs.

What does the VIP designation mean?

VIPs are animals in the care of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society who may need a little extra help. Using evidence-based training and Fear Free® techniques, our Animal Behaviour Coordinators and dedicated animal care teams across the province help prepare these animals for loving homes.

Why are animals given the VIP status?

Animals who come into our care who need extra support before they are ready to find a loving home are candidates for the VIP program. Animals with a VIP designation could include a puppy needing help learning new behaviours and getting acquainted with the world around them, an adolescent dog going through the terrible teens, or an adult buddy who may be unsure of new and difficult changes in their lives. Cats can also benefit from the VIP program.

Do VIP animals receive different care?

When entering one of our animal centres, each animal is given his/her own animal care plan. The animal’s best interests are always at the forefront of all decisions we make. VIP animals need extra support to put their best paw forward. Our Animal Behaviour Coordinators use evidence-based training and Fear Free® techniques in conjunction with dedicated animal care teams across the province to set these buddies up for success.

What does this mean for bringing home a VIP friend?

Very Important Paws means Very Important People and a Very Important Placement for these animals. We want to create matches that last a lifetime, so we set these VIP friends up for success!

Our animal centre staff will offer a more individualized care plan, including information sheets and a training and enrichment plan that has been implemented and proven successful. Our goal is to empower new adopters to set their adopted animal up for a long, happy life. Some of our VIP friends will still need additional training and extra love once adopted into a home. Others may just need the relief of a comfortable and supportive environment. 

Do VIPs need special homes?

Every animal is an individual, and their ideal home is one that fits their unique needs. If you are interested in adopting a VIP animal, the adoption team will take the time to learn more about you and your lifestyle to ensure the animal you are considering adopting is a good fit.

What these VIP friends have in common is the need for a loving home that will show them love and patience. We’re here to help support you on your journey with your new best friend.

What do I need to consider before adopting a VIP?

Welcoming an animal into your life is a big responsibility. Before adopting, do your research on what type of animal might be best suited to your lifestyle and make sure you understand the care that animal will need throughout its life.

If you’re interested in adopting, visit our adoption site, ontariospca.ca/adopt and keep your eyes open for the VIP badge that many of the animals proudly wear on their profile photo.

Does the Ontario SPCA offer training for family pets with behaviour challenges?

The Ontario SPCA has many great training resources on its blog to help pet families. Whether you’re dealing with separation anxiety, socializing your puppy, or trying to incorporate a new dog or cat into your home with existing pets, you will find tips on the Ontario SPCA website. Visit ontariospca.ca/blog to learn more.

If additional training is needed, we encourage you to find a positive-based reinforcement trainer in your area who can offer one-on-one support.

Learn more about the VIP program

To learn more about the VIP program, and the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre, visit ontariospca.ca/dogrehab

The Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre

Located in Peterborough, the Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre has been custom-built to help VIP dogs who need more individualized care than a typical animal centre can provide to help them get adopted.

Operated by the Ontario SPCA’s Animal Behaviour team, the centre supports dogs from animal centres across the province.

Learn more about the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Program.

Not in a position to adopt?

Please consider making a donation to support the VIP program. 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. Please donate today.