Hippity-hoppity handmade fun: Easter crafts for kids
Ticks don't follow rules: How to prepare your dog for tick season
With everything going on in the world today, it's easy to get distracted from things we would normally be focused on in Springtime: like your pet's preventative care. We may be in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, but the tick population isn't aware. Ticks are not self-isolating or keeping a 6-foot distance from you or your dog. Ticks will become active when temperatures hit 4°C whether there's a pandemic or not. Your pet's flea and tick prevention is still important- even if they're spending less time outside.
On average, about 1 in 5 black-legged ticks (also referred to as deer ticks) in Ontario carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease- Borrelia burgdorferi. Just because a tick has bitten your dog, doesn't mean that your dog will contract Lyme disease or any other tick-borne illness. However, if your dog is not on tick prevention that kills ticks before disease transmission can take place, then the risk of exposure is higher. There are more tick-borne illnesses than just Lyme disease that can put your dog at risk, these diseases are just less talked about and less common. It's no question that ticks are on the rise in Ontario. The real question is why?
With everything going on in the world today, it's easy to get distracted from things we would normally be focused on in Springtime: like your pet's preventative care. We may be in the middle of a global COVID-19 pandemic, but the tick population isn't aware. Ticks are not self-isolating or keeping a 6-foot distance from you or your dog. Ticks will become active when temperatures hit 4°C whether there's a pandemic or not. Your pet's flea and tick prevention is still important- even if they're spending less time outside.
On average, about 1 in 5 black-legged ticks (also referred to as deer ticks) in Ontario carry the bacterium that causes Lyme disease- Borrelia burgdorferi. Just because a tick has bitten your dog, doesn't mean that your dog will contract Lyme disease or any other tick-borne illness. However, if your dog is not on tick prevention that kills ticks before disease transmission can take place, then the risk of exposure is higher. There are more tick-borne illnesses than just Lyme disease that can put your dog at risk, these diseases are just less talked about and less common. It's no question that ticks are on the rise in Ontario. The real question is why?
National Crayon Day: Did you know Crayola's best colour is green?
It's the most colourful day in March! National Crayon Day! While your kids may be excited to scribble this day onto the calendar, I have something fun to share with all of the colour wonderful adults!
Crayola has been adding colour to kids lives for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I would get so excited when I opened a new box of Crayola crayons. They always looked so perfect with their sharp, pointed tips, just waiting to glide across the page and add some colour to my creation. Crayola has been encouraging kids artistic creativity for decades. Crayola LOVES colour! But did you know that Crayola's most impressive colour is green?
It's the most colourful day in March! National Crayon Day! While your kids may be excited to scribble this day onto the calendar, I have something fun to share with all of the colour wonderful adults!
Crayola has been adding colour to kids lives for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I would get so excited when I opened a new box of Crayola crayons. They always looked so perfect with their sharp, pointed tips, just waiting to glide across the page and add some colour to my creation. Crayola has been encouraging kids artistic creativity for decades. Crayola LOVES colour! But did you know that Crayola's most impressive colour is green?
Forgotten on the front lines: Veterinary clinics fight- and win- to be considered an essential service
Social media has been flooded with inspiring community support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Citizens are showing love to the many essential services that have been on the front lines of the pandemic to better serve the community. Listed in the posts and on the memes are the amazing health care workers and first responders, who of course are on the front line of all of this. Posts are also thanking the incredible grocery store workers, transportation sector, truck drivers, senior services, social workers, military, animal shelters, journalists, factory workers, mail carriers, bank workers and food service workers. All of these amazing people are supporting the country and putting themselves at risk to do so. One service that seems to have been forgotten among all of this: veterinary clinics.
Social media has been flooded with inspiring community support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Citizens are showing love to the many essential services that have been on the front lines of the pandemic to better serve the community. Listed in the posts and on the memes are the amazing health care workers and first responders, who of course are on the front line of all of this. Posts are also thanking the incredible grocery store workers, transportation sector, truck drivers, senior services, social workers, military, animal shelters, journalists, factory workers, mail carriers, bank workers and food service workers. All of these amazing people are supporting the country and putting themselves at risk to do so. One service that seems to have been forgotten among all of this: veterinary clinics.
COVID-19 and your pet: How to entertain your dog during self-isolation
People and dogs are social creatures, but the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we are all living our lives- fur-family included. As of this morning, there are 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa, Ontario. Between social distancing and self-isolation, making connections has never been more difficult and there are far fewer butts for our dogs to sniff. Our dogs are overjoyed by the fact that many of us are home more than usual, but like us, they can become restless. Less walks, less sniffing and less social interaction can lead to boredom- and this can sometimes lead to acting out and misbehaving. Before we go barking up the wrong tree, let's get our tails wagging in the right direction when it comes to self-isolation with our pet.
Can I still walk my dog during self-isolation?
Fur the most part, no. If you are confirmed positive for COVID-19 you should not be walking your dog or taking your dog outside unless absolutely necessary. This would be considered a quarantine situation, and you should be limiting contact with the outside world. Government of Canada also recommends, if you are positive for COVID-19, that you limit the amount of contact you have with your pet- especially if you live with other people. If you touch your pet, and another person touches your pet, there is a risk of exposure. Since there is still much we don't know about COVID-19 and our pets, if you are infected with COVID-19 you should reduce your contact with your pet and touch your pet with clean hands.
People and dogs are social creatures, but the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we are all living our lives- fur-family included. As of this morning, there are 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa, Ontario. Between social distancing and self-isolation, making connections has never been more difficult and there are far fewer butts for our dogs to sniff. Our dogs are overjoyed by the fact that many of us are home more than usual, but like us, they can become restless. Less walks, less sniffing and less social interaction can lead to boredom- and this can sometimes lead to acting out and misbehaving. Before we go barking up the wrong tree, let's get our tails wagging in the right direction when it comes to self-isolation with our pet.
Can I still walk my dog during self-isolation?
Fur the most part, no. If you are confirmed positive for COVID-19 you should not be walking your dog or taking your dog outside unless absolutely necessary. This would be considered a quarantine situation, and you should be limiting contact with the outside world. Government of Canada also recommends, if you are positive for COVID-19, that you limit the amount of contact you have with your pet- especially if you live with other people. If you touch your pet, and another person touches your pet, there is a risk of exposure. Since there is still much we don't know about COVID-19 and our pets, if you are infected with COVID-19 you should reduce your contact with your pet and touch your pet with clean hands.
COVID-19 and your pet: Can my dog or cat get the coronavirus?
It's on the tip of our tongues: COVID-19. This past week health officials have warned us that this is just the beginning. The impact of the virus will play out over months to come. Many pet owners have questions about the virus and how it could impact their fur-family. I decided to sniff out the facts on coronavirus and your pet.
What is coronavirus?
Let's start at the tip of the nose and work our way down to the tip of the tail. When you contract what is referred to as the 'common cold' you have likely contracted a type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging in severity. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains coronaviruses:
"Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans."
It's on the tip of our tongues: COVID-19. This past week health officials have warned us that this is just the beginning. The impact of the virus will play out over months to come. Many pet owners have questions about the virus and how it could impact their fur-family. I decided to sniff out the facts on coronavirus and your pet.
What is coronavirus?
Let's start at the tip of the nose and work our way down to the tip of the tail. When you contract what is referred to as the 'common cold' you have likely contracted a type of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging in severity. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains coronaviruses:
"Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans."
World Wildlife Day: How can you make a difference?
When we think of wildlife, images of wolves, bears, and birds come to mind, but fur and feathers aren't the only wildlife that needs our support. Hidden underwater is an important ecosystem that helps maintain balance on our planet- and it's at risk. Today we are reminded of the importance of sustaining all life on Earth. Fur, feathers, flora, fauna- and fins!
When we think of wildlife, images of wolves, bears, and birds come to mind, but fur and feathers aren't the only wildlife that needs our support. Hidden underwater is an important ecosystem that helps maintain balance on our planet- and it's at risk. Today we are reminded of the importance of sustaining all life on Earth. Fur, feathers, flora, fauna- and fins!
Working our paws off for Naitional Cupcake Day!
Hazel and I have been hard at work, baking a difference for our local OSPCA for National Cupcake Day! Come visit me at Pembroke Animal Hospital to donate to a worthy cause and savour a few extra calories tomorrow, February 24 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Hazel and I have been hard at work, baking a difference for our local OSPCA for National Cupcake Day! Come visit me at Pembroke Animal Hospital to donate to a worthy cause and savour a few extra calories tomorrow, February 24 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Favourite treats: On International Dog Biscuit Day anything in paw-sible
If your dog is hounding you for treats on February 23, then your pooch could already know that it is International Dog Biscuit Day! Who started this strange holiday is a mystery, but all of your doggos will be grateful that this holiday
pitter-pattered onto your calendar.
Not all treats are cut from the same bone-shaped cookie cutter- some are tasty but not very safe. When James Spratt of
England invented the first dog biscuits in 1860, I’m certain that he had no
idea that his patented ‘Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes’ would evolve into the dog
treat industry that we see today. In modern times dog treats fill the shelves,
and they are not all just grains and vegetables and ‘gelatinous prairie beef’ like
Spratt’s recipe. The biscuit has evolved into chews, rawhides, freeze-dried
organs meats, parts of animals and treats targeted to promote specific health
benefits.
Does
your heart skip a beat when you see your dog? Mine sure does, because I love my
crazy mutts! Perhaps it’s a subtle reminder that heart health is so important. Heart failure in dogs is caused by heart disease and can
be very expensive to treat. It’s a life-long condition that includes chronic
medication, veterinary visits and lifestyle changes. There are two primary ways
the heart can fail, and some breeds are more prone to heart disease than
others.
While
heart failure is covered by pet insurance companies, there are some
restrictions depending on the company or policy. Like all pet insurance
policies, heart failure is not covered if it is a pre-existing condition. Since
heart failure requires such extensive treatment, pet insurance is a great tool
to have in your tool box. Managing heart disease is stressful enough, so having
expensive veterinary bills covered can relieve some of that stress so you can
focus on giving your canine companion some much deserved love!
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 12 years! Ottawa-based pet care and nutrition, environmental, and lifestyle blog- always searching for the best in pet care, eco-friendly products and fun local events! Come explore with Hazel, the Saint Bernese, as she lives her best, food-driven, outdoor-loving, asymmetrical, #DogLife
ABOUT ME: I have nine years of experience working in veterinary medicine. I'm a Climate Reality Project Leader and have spent years volunteering with organizations including OSPCA, Farley Foundation, Ontario Nature, Future Ground Network, and Girl Guides of Canada.
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- AAHA Trends Magazine Interview- Practice of the Year 2016
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