Search Results for: pet loss
Flea Control
Some pets or people may be allergic to flea saliva, which causes flea allergy dermatitis (think super-itchy spots with hair-loss); young, sick or elderly pets can become anemic from too much blood loss.
These wingless insects are capable of jumping long distances. While cat and dog fleas prefer to feast on animal blood, they will turn to a human host if needed.
The lifecycle of a flea has four stages:
- Eggs, which fall from the host into the environment
- Larvae, which live off of the fallen fecal matter of adult fleas found in carpets and in lawns.
- Pupal stage, which is the cocoon. They do not emerge until a host is detected (via warmth / vibration)
- Adult stage, which feasts on blood.
If you do have a flea infestation, it is important to treat the pet’s environment as well to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.
There are many over-the-counter and prescription-only products that help solve flea problems.
Over-the-counter: Flea sprays both for the pet and environment, shampoos and collars.
While the costs may be lower for over-the-counter products, they often need to be reapplied to solve a flea infestation.
Prescription only:
- Topical treatments such as Advantage or Revolution
- Pills such as Program or Sentinel
The newer prescription products are more expensive. They are usually dispensed in a six-month package, to be applied monthly for the flea season. However, they are safer, easier and more effective than over-the-counter products. These products often have additional benefits, such as heartworm protection, preventing tick, lice and mite infestations. Because of their ease of use, their safety, and their efficacy, they are highly recommended.
It is important to read all of the instructions carefully before using any flea-control product. Follow all the instructions. Never use flea productions designed for dogs on cats, and vice versa. When in doubt, contact your veterinarian.
Alternatives:
- Use a flea comb several times a week on all pets.
- Vacuum frequently, disposing of bags immediately after use.
- Long grass can host fleas: keep lawns mowed.
- Wash pet bedding weekly.
- To protect cats from fleas and ticks, as well as a host of other outdoor hazards, cats should be kept indoors at all times.
Cheer Up Pup! (Part I)
strangers to winter’s harsh temperatures, treacherous weather conditions, and
dull, dark, dismal days. Unfortunately, for some of us, winter can take its
toll as we succumb to what is commonly known as the “winter blues.” Common
symptoms of the winter blues include loss of energy, increased appetite, and
feelings of depression.
the winter season weighing down, we can find comfort and cheer in both the
benefits and responsibilities that come with caring for our pets. Here’s how:
- Pets provide a unique
form of simple, unconditional love and companionship. With a pet, any time
together is uncomplicated, quality time spent: pets don’t complain; they don’t
ask us to talk about our feelings; they don’t give advice we didn’t ask for.
Just love. - Caring for a pet keeps
us active and engaged. Knowing we have to get out to walk the dog might be the
only thing that gets us some fresh air and exercise on a gloomy winter day. Keeping
active for our pets will help improve our energy levels and mood as well. And,
simply caring for a pet each day can help keep us engaged and feeling valuable
and needed, with a positive focus to get us through the winter. - Pets connect us to
people. Pets can be the easiest conversation starters with other people when we
are feeling isolated in the dead of winter. Taking the dog for a walk or to the
park might turn into a positive social experience meeting other animal lovers
who may need a friendly chat as much as we do. - Pets keep us healthy. Research shows that owning a pet can be linked
to lower blood pressure, a better balance of natural hormones and chemicals in
our bodies, better fitness, and fewer visits to the doctor than those who
choose not to keep an animal companion around.
here in Ottawa, hang in there, and know that comfort, companionship, and some
help cheering up are just a tail-wag away.
can help our pets cope with the winter blues.
Tatarski
OHS Co-ordinator: Humane Education
A Match Made in Heaven
Growing up, my only pet was a goldfish named Stanley.
It wasn’t until I married that I had my first dog, Brandy, an amazing golden Lab mix.
Brandy passed when she was 14 and I was devastated. I cried every day. At first, I swore I’d never get another dog, that my loss of Brandy was something to never be repeated, but life was empty without a dog. There was no one clamouring for my attention, no one who was unconditionally thrilled every time I came home. After two weeks of missing Brandy, I knew I needed a dog.
My husband and I found a new Lab to fill our hearts. A gorgeous chocolate Lab who we named Bailey. Of course, once you have one dog it’s easy to want another. A few months later we added Abby, a miniature schnauzer with a big and bossy attitude, to our family. Bailey and Abby were best friends for almost 13 years.
Bailey developed diabetes and we gave her insulin injections twice a day for more than two years before she passed. Abby passed one month before I had a major surgery for cancer.
Again, I was left without pets.
My children were grown and gone and I was too sick to care for a puppy, but I knew I needed a dog in my life. I joined the concierge program at the OHS, and a couple of months later I found my next love — Willow, a Bernese Lab mix. Willow loved me at first sight — she didn’t like my husband, but that just meant I didn’t have to share her. She was my constant companion throughout my treatment and recovery. She was and is our newest family member.
Most will agree that pets are a part of families, and when a pet passes, we may grieve them like we would a person. Like a person, our pets deserve to be remembered. We owe it to them, and we owe it to ourselves.
At the OHS, we know that pets are more than property. Pets are our companions, friends and family who we love and share an entire life with. A life that should be commemorated. That’s why the OHS has created an opportunity to make a tribute gift in memory of a pet. A pet’s memory can live on in helping homeless, abused and abandoned pets get the care they need to find their forever homes.
Will you commemorate a life by helping Ottawa’s animals find the love and compassion they deserve?
Lori Marcantonio
Director: Development
After Hours Emergency Clinics in Ottawa
If your pet is in immediate medical danger or you are helping an animal that has been seriously hurt, the following emergency vet clinics are open in Ottawa:
- Alta Vista Animal Hospital
2616 Bank St,
Ottawa, ON K1T 1M9
Phone Number: 613-731-9911 - Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital
1155 Lola Street,
Ottawa, ON, K1K 4C1
Phone Number: 613-745-0123 - Eagleson Veterinary Clinic
46-500 Eagleson Road,
Kanata, ON, K2M 1H4
Phone Number 613-383-8381 - Capital City Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital
747 Silver Seven Road,
Kanata, ON, K2V 0H2
Phone Number: 613-244-7387
For the Love of Pets
It occurs to me that animals — pets, at least for those of us who have them — are a huge part of our emotional lives.
For those of us who grew up with animals, often they were our first loves. And they were our first loss. I can still feel the sting of the loss of my first dog. Most of us can.
Love for our pets can be a tremendous consolation. Which one of us has not hugged a beloved pet after a break-up, a divorce, a death? We swear they can sense our pain and they probably can.
Some souls have only experienced the love for a pet and never for another human. And for some, it is the only love and companionship that is left in old age.
So as we celebrate our love and our loves this St. Valentine’s Day, let’s set aside a little of the celebration for our pets.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Bruce Roney
Executive Director
Our Ten Year Challenge
There has been a small phenomenon going around the internet lately: the ten year challenge. The idea is that you post a picture of yourself today and from ten years ago. Notwithstanding Wired Magazine’s theory that the trend was started for the express purpose of calibrating facial recognition software, the idea is kind of fun. It certainly got me thinking about where I was and where the OHS was ten years ago.
2009: The OHS is still residing in a fairly decrepit and definitely inadequate building on Champagne Avenue. The space was designed to accommodate only about a third of the animals that we cared for in 2009.
2019: After seven years, we are fully settled into our West Hunt Club Shelter. The additional space and amenities have allowed the OHS to not only vastly improve animal care but also to develop numerous new programs for animals and for our community: day camps for children and youth, seminars, obedience classes, tours and open-houses, a pet loss support group, workshops for newcomers to Canada, and many other initiatives are now launched, all made possible by the new location and the generosity of our donors.
2009: While an OHS internal clinic assures that all animals adopted out by the OHS are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, the range of medical intervention possible is restricted by our limited space and resources. The OHS offers no medical intervention to the community.
2019: A larger, better equipped clinic allows the OHS to address more complex medical issues, and bring more sick and injured animals to health and forever homes. The OHS has been offering its Mobile Spay Neuter Clinic for three years, offering subsidized sterilization for the pets of low-income people across Ottawa.
2009: While our community clearly loves animals, not everyone knows or is sensitive to the right thing to do for them. The numbers of cats at large is rampant.
2019: In part because of our sterilization, education and outreach programs, fewer cats are at large and fewer are admitted to the OHS. Shelters and other animal welfare groups are now the number one source of pets all across North America.
So, while I may be even greyer than I was ten years ago, and the bags under my eyes have become more pronounced with the passage of time, I think the OHS has blossomed, and the animals along with our whole community have benefited.
Bruce Roney
President and CEO
A Sad Reminder
It is sadly ironic that this coming Sunday is National Pet Fire Safety Day, given the tragedy we witnessed just last week at the SPCA of Western Quebec. The tragic loss of over 70 animals should be a reminder to us all to consider our furry friends when preparing for unexpected fire emergencies. According to the (American) Red Cross, every year about 500,000 pets are affected by fires, and nearly 1,000 home fires are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets. It is so important that we all remember the animal members of our family when it comes to fire prevention and to have a plan when the unthinkable happens.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Don’t burn candles unattended. Pets are naturally curious but not as cautious as we might like. Wagging tails and curious cats can knock over candles. Consider flameless candles as an alternative.
- Have a plan in place when you are home. Know which family members will be responsible for which pet.
- Keep leashes near the exits, so you can grab them on your way out the door during an evacuation.
- Make sure your home has functioning smoke alarms on every level of your home, and in the main corridor outside each bedroom area. Ensure you replace the batteries twice a year. Consider using the time changes in spring and fall as reminders to change batteries.
- The OHS has emergency cling film “stickers” for your front door, alerting first responders about the number of pets in your home. You can purchase them for only a dollar at our Buddy & Belle Boutique here at the OHS.
This National Pet Fire Safety Day, please invest a little time to keep all members of your family safe from fire.
Bruce Roney
President and CEO
Chelsy
Hi, I’m Chelsy!
The staff at the OHS call me a Poet! Did you know that Poets thrive in calm, stable environments? When things are a little too new and different, these kitties have a hard time showing their true personalities. Because Poets find change so hard, they usually like lots of safe places to hide and high perches to rest on. While each Poet is a little different, things that usually bring them out of their shell include playing with their favourite toys, eating some of their favourite treats, and seeking attention from their favourite people. During periods of change, Poets need a safe refuge where they be surrounded by these favourite things.
Poets can have different preferences, and it might take a little while to figure them out. Some Poets prefer play interactions where they can stalk and hunt in a fun game with you, while others may enjoy curling in your lap for a cozy snooze. While you may not see a lot of them at first, they’ll be thinking of you… and after they settle in, you’ll think they’ve always belonged!
I may be at an increased risk of injuring the ligaments in my knees due to current changes seen on x-rays. I will benefit from weight loss help maintain or improve my mobility. My weight loss should be monitored by a veterinarian and I may need follow up for my knees if my mobility changes in the future.
If you are interested in setting up an appointment to adopt me, please email a completed adopter profile found at https://ottawahumane.ca/adopt/ to adoptions@ottawahumane.ca. Please be advised that although we do offer on-the-spot-adoptions, this is dependent on appointment schedules and cannot be guaranteed.
Adoption Centre visitor hours:
Tues-Fri 12pm to 7pm
Sat-Sun 11am to 5pm
Items you must have with you for an adoption appointment:
Proof of Address
Photo ID
Collar
Animal Carrier
A carrier, collar and other pet supply needs can be purchased at the time of adoption as the OHS has an excellent selection of these items. All proceeds from your purchases in the OHS Buddy & Belle Boutique support the animals at the OHS.
Leo
Hi, I’m Leo!
The staff at the OHS call me a Co-pilot! Co-pilots thrive on being an involved family member, and will likely want to spend a good chunk of their time with you playing, chatting, training, and snoozing. They can handle alone time if you give them enough to do, and their favourite independent activities usually include exploring tunnels, perching by the window, playing with novel toys, and cozying up for a nap. But be ready, because these social kitties will be waiting for you! If you’re having guests over, you might find your Co-pilot at your side acting as your official greeter. And if you’re working around the house a Co-pilot might just want to help – keep an eye on your keyboard! Co-pilots may also be good candidates for harness training and leash walks outdoors. After living with a Co-pilot, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.
I am overweight, and I will need a veterinarian to oversee my weight loss plan to make sure I lose weight safely. I need a prescription veterinary diet and regular veterinarian visits to follow my progress.
I have excessive inflammation of my gums, possibly due to feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS). I will require regular veterinary check-ups to monitor this condition. It is possible I will require ongoing veterinary dental care under anesthesia to manage my condition.
I am currently relaxing in a foster home as I wait for my forever family. Please contact an adoptions staff to book an appointment to meet me!
If you are interested in adopting me, please email a completed adopter profile found at https://ottawahumane.ca/adopt/ to adoptions@ottawahumane.ca
Items you must have with you:
Proof of Address
Photo ID
Collar
Animal Carrier
A leash, collar and any of your other pet supply needs can be purchased at the time of adoption. We have an excellent selection of these items in our Buddy & Belle Boutique, and proceeds from your purchases support the animals at the OHS.
Saving Lives with Dentistry Saving Lives with Dentistry
Over a decade ago, when we opened our first in-house clinic, the OHS realized its long time dream to replace our once leading-edge, but then outdated, voucher system for spaying and neutering animals post-adoption with a “no animal is adopted unsterilized” policy. Back then, we were frequently backlogged with animals waiting for sterilization surgery. Additional resources, a new clinic, and better technique has meant that now animals rarely wait long for sterilization. Now they wait for dentistry.
The need for veterinary dentistry is a difficult reality faced by most, if not all, progressive shelters in North America. We simply cannot adopt an animal that may be in pain and tell the adopter that they have to spend a thousand dollars or more right away on their new pet. It isn’t realistic. Many won’t to do it. Many would simply not adopt that particular animal. But, not treating a cat or a dog that requires dentistry is not only unacceptable medically, it is cruel. Imagine you suffered severe pain in your mouth from rot and abscesses for the rest of your life.Over a decade ago, when we opened our first in-house clinic, the OHS realized its long time dream to replace our once leading-edge, but then outdated, voucher system for spaying and neutering animals post-adoption with a “no animal is adopted unsterilized” policy. Back then, we were frequently backlogged with animals waiting for sterilization surgery. Additional resources, a new clinic, and better technique has meant that now animals rarely wait long for sterilization. Now they wait for dentistry.
So, we struggle with this new challenge. An eight-year-old cat likely has a long and healthy life ahead. But many need dentistry to achieve it. Beyond the issue of serious pain, our chief veterinarian tells me that untreated, periodontal disease can lead to very serious problems like jaw fractures from bone loss, infection of the jawbone, and nasal infections. And that aside from periodontal disease causing oral problems, it can also have systemic consequences, affecting the kidneys, liver and heart.
We cannot, in good conscience leave an animal to suffer. While minor, or potential future dental issues are identified for adopting families, anything which likely causes pain has to be addressed before adoption.
Dentistry for pets is not a luxury. We have to provide dentistry to save lives, and to give animals a life worth living.
Bruce Roney
Executive Director
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