Education CenterDr. Al Townshend Like our nails, the claws of dogs and cats grow, and if they are not worn down or trimmed, they will cause problems. Without regular care, a pet’s claws can alter an animal’s ability to walk comfortably. Eventually, they can grow into the pads of the feet, causing pain, infection and lameness. […]
Dr. Al Townshend It is estimated that approximately 20% of dogs have some form of ear disease. Fortunately, cats have far fewer issues with their ears. The most common ear problems for dogs and cats is infections. Preventing problems begins with your daily observations of the pet and regular inspection of the ears. Dogs Problems […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Winter, especially in Canada and the northern United States, can bring extremely cold weather that can put a pet at risk. It is still essential that pets get enough exercise, even with the colder temperatures. Even though many northern states and Canadian provinces experience winter temperatures far below freezing, pets still […]
Generally, if the outside temperature is 45°F (7.2°C) or above, cold weather protection is not a concern. Once the thermometer begins to drop and approaches freezing (32°F or 0°C), some considerations should be taken into account before going outside with a pet. Cats in the north generally prefer being inside in the winter. A cat […]
Today, dogs and cats are living longer than ever before. That’s due, in part, to improved veterinary care and the much closer relationship Guardians have with their pets than 40 years ago. Guardians are better educated, regarding the welfare of their pets, and they are willing to go the extra mile to assure long and […]
By Dr. Al Townshend As our beloved pets begin to age, there is always a concern. Over the years, the strong bond that forms between Guardians and their pets becomes more profound and cherished. Understanding that dogs and cat do not live as long as we do can create concern. The Golden Age of a […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Today, in North America, over half of the household dog and cat population is overweight, and a good portion is obese. Carrying excess weight is a significant stress on a pet’s body and encourages an increased risk of poor health, a lower quality of life, and even a shorter life span. […]
Many Guardians are aware of the attraction that most cats have to the Catnip, but many don’t know why cats are attracted to the plant. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial plant in the mint family. There are many varieties, and some can grow to three feet in height. They have beautiful flowers and can […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Cats love to scratch. It is a natural and necessary exercise for the physical and mental well being of every cat. Unfortunately, the scratching can become destructive, and if allowed to continue, it can ruin the relationship a Guardian has with their feline companions. Understanding why cats scratch and their scratching […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Despite a cat’s reputation for cleanliness, house soiling is the number one challenge cats, and their Guardians can experience. Urinating outside the litter box can damage furniture, create offensive odors that are hard to locate and can require constant searching and cleaning for the Guardian. Many believe inappropriate urination is exclusively […]
