The full-body wiggles. The puppy breath. The lazy afternoon snuggles on the couch. Is there anything more perfect than a puppy? We don’t think so! But, although puppy ownership has many wonderful aspects, raising a pup into a great family companion requires a lot of work. You can set your puppy up for success by [...]
You’re at your wit’s end. Your cat has peed on your favorite sweater for the third time this week, despite all the extra love and attention you showered on your furry pal. You thought your cat was mad at you because you went out of town last weekend, but cats can’t hold grudges for this [...]
Your pet’s heart plays a critical role in their health. The heart is arguably their hardest-working organ, beating 35 million times per year, with each heartbeat pumping blood through an endless network of vessels to deliver oxygen to their cells. Heart disease can impact your pet’s entire body, and have serious effects on their overall [...]
Winter still has southwest British Columbia in its icy grip, with snow, freezing rain, and frigid air. Spring and summer will be here in no time, but until then, you must take precautions to keep your pet safe and warm. Your furry friend could be affected by hypothermia, frostbite, paw pad injuries, and toxicity if [...]
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, more than 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have dental disease by age 3, so there’s a good chance your four-legged friend has tartar buildup and gum inflammation. Your pet’s dental health and comfort is important to the Kennedy Heights Animal and Bird Hospital team, so we [...]
This year has been challenging for everyone. From virtual learning to setting up your work-from-home office, you probably never seem to have enough hours in the day to get everything done. Caring for your four-legged friend is the ultimate self-care—in fact, research has shown that pets increase our overall quality of life and happiness—and you [...]
When a new year dawns, we make resolutions for personal improvement, such as decluttering, staying on top of finances, and making healthier choices. But, what about your pet? They can’t share their 2021 goals—and might not make the best choices if they could—so you’ll need to write their list. Make 2021 your pet’s best year [...]
Our four-legged and feathered companions fill our lives with cozy cuddles, pretty songs, and unconditional love. They also can scare us with sudden illness or unexpected injury, so planning for the unexpected is equally as important as regular preventive care to ensure a long and healthy life. Animals, especially exotic species, are skilled at hiding [...]
Aging is inevitable, and certain diseases are more likely to affect older pets. Current recommendations support that older pets should increase their veterinary visits to twice a year so that age-related changes can be identified early and treated promptly. We review several common diseases that affect senior pets. Arthritis in older pets Arthritis refers to [...]
When the Smith family decided they wanted a new dog, they also decided they would adopt a dog from the local animal shelter, because they had read that each year millions of healthy dogs are euthanized, simply because not enough homes are available. At the family meeting, everyone had settled on a small dog around [...]