Posts in Category: The Great Outdoors

Tick populations are on the rise in Ontario and across Canada. With this increase comes the very real threat of tick-borne illnesses in both people and pets. While getting outside and enjoying summer is an important part of life, protecting yourself and your pet should be a priority at all times. Let the team at Summeridge Animal Clinic recommend some effective tick prevention strategies to keep you and your pet safe.  

Tiny Bodies, Huge Dangers

Spread by the black-legged deer tick, Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness that affects people and pets in Canada. Rocky Mountain spotted fever and babesiosis are examples of other zoonotic diseases (can be transmitted between humans and animals) that are carried by ticks. Continue…

Camping? Yes. Hiking? Absolutely! Relaxing lakeside? You bet! For those of us dog-owning nature-lovers, there’s no better time of year than summer. With warm temps and sunny days, nothing sounds better than getting out on the trail or camping in the woods.

Of course, enjoying the outdoors with your dog offers many benefits, including exercise, socializing, and increased bonding with your best pal. However, it’s important to take caution when getting outside with your dog.

Cover Your Bases

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you probably have more than enough gear for your own safety and comfort. Likewise, your dog should also be properly outfitted with the right hiking or camping gear.

Before heading outdoors with your dog, make sure you have the following: Continue…

Leptospirosis in dogs started to receive attention in the 1980s, but in the decades since, this potentially serious zoonotic disease (and a leading cause of acute renal failure) has become a looming reason to fear the great outdoors. However, even dogs who aren’t fishing or hunting companions can contract it. As a result, preventing leptospirosis in dogs is a serious endeavor, and it’s one we give top priority to this time of the year.

The Source

Leptospira bacteria, in its many strains, causes leptospirosis in dogs and may be spread through the following ways:

• Urine
• Contaminated soil or water
• Direct contact with an infected animal (while less common, reports are far from rare)

Continue…