#dogs for health

Tick Alert: Pet Owners Beware

by Nomi Berger With the arrival of summer comes the arrival of an annoying and possibly fatal pest: the tick. What was once considered a nuisance found only in the wooded countryside has been persistently and increasingly invading cities both large and small. Now ticks can be as close as your neighbourhood park or your neighbour’s backyard. What, precisely, is a tick? A tick

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Allergy Alert! Itch that time again.

by Nomi Berger Has your dog suddenly started scratching herself or biting certain areas of her body? Chewing on her feet? Rubbing her face back and forth across the carpet? If so, she may be suffering from seasonal allergies. These reactions to an obvious, but invisible, itch is her body’s way of responding to molecules called “allergens.” The major culprits: trees, grasses, pollens, molds

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PUPPY PROOFING IS NOT JUST FOR PUPPIES

By Nomi Berger A puppy-proofed home is a pet-safe home whatever the age of your new dog. Before that first front paw crosses your threshold for the first time, your home must be a health zone, not a hazard zone. Be especially attentive to the sensibilities of former puppy mill dogs or “outside” dogs. They may never have walked on wooden floors, carpets or

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Exercising Small Dogs

Exceptional Canine: Active Dog By Stacey Brecher for Exceptional Canine Just like you, your small dog needs exercise to stay healthy and happy. Small dogs are defined as those that weigh less than 22 pounds and who are shorter than 16 inches. “Exercise helps to keep your pet physically fit, mentally secure, socially engaged and emotionally happy,” says Lori Morton-Feazell, Director of Animal Care

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Shyla’s Allergic Treatments (update)

I met Shyla a few months ago. She was this sweet, sweet girl with a terrible sickness. Her sweet character has stayed the same and so did the allergies.  Here are some updates about her: Shyla, please get better The hot, summer weather did not do good for her condition, it actually worsened her itchiness. She is showing different symptoms. While before, it used

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Cold Dog Treats for Hot Temperatures

Written by: Nomi Berger, content writer for our newsletter   Like us, pets need proper protection from the heat and adequate shade from the sun. This year, take shelter from the swelter and turn each day into a holiday. Spread a sheet on the grass, fill a small wading pool or set up an umbrella on the balcony. Then, invite your pets to feast

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Me and My Shadow

The following adoption tale came to us from Nomi Berger, a TAGS volunteer. “May I pat your dog?” It was a question I posed to many of the dog owners I met on my early morning, fall walks around the Rosedale reservoir. If the answer was “yes,” I’d smile gratefully and bend to stroke the top of yet another warm and furry head. “Do

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