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Anabel says...
If you love your pet, make sure you have annual check-ups and vaccinations.
Click for lost/found animals!
(Note on Anabel...)
Have you picked up
this year's dog license?
They are now available
at City Hall.
But watch out for the yappers and crappers. They do enforce the bylaws if your pet causes complaints.
Stoop 'n Scoop:
Out here in Canaan Country we may live on the edge of the country
but we still have to pick up after our animals. Walking around the streets of Forest Hill and Blue Jay Ridge
it is obvious that many pet owners do not! Some of them hide behind the cover of darkness, walking their dogs at
night so no one will see them!
It ain't the damn
dogs.
It's the damn
people!
Got some News?
We love our pets and we want to help each other to keep them healthy and happy, so send in your paws for the cause!
Dog / Walk Alerts:
Do you have a problem with pets when you walk the neighbourhood?
Send us in your dog/walk alerts.
Canaan
Road (The name may have to be changed to Dog Poop lane):
Just 'cause we live in the country doesn't mean we don't have to stoop and scoop.
Blue
Jay - Cardinal Cresent Forest Hill I & II
Hey neighbour! Why don't you pick up after your dog? If you're gonna walk it, bring a plastic bag along.
3.6 billion pounds of dog waste/year is produced in the United States alone! This is equal to 800 football fields, one foot high. Canada isn't very far (up the) behind!
How to pick up after your pet
What your dog knows
Animal headlines
Pet owners beware evil beneath the snow
Goodbye Anabel
So, you wanna to have a dog?
Cold weather tips for pet owners
Choosing and raising a new pup
Keep your pets cool in hot weather
What happens when cat lover gets dog?
Is Your Cat Safe From Distemper?
Man uses GPS to map dog doo
Beware evil beneath the snow
(Taken from our Ottawa Citizen pets column, Mar. 31, 2008)
Q: Considering the excessively long winter we've just had (not to mention the inordinate amount of snow!), most pet owners are probably not thinking about the potential hazards of spring. However, I would like to ask if you could write a column about the hazards pets can encounter when the snow starts melting? My dog cut her paw on a piece of glass a few years ago and I think owners need to be reminded.
A: In the early spring, veterinarians usually see an increased number of spring-related medical problems. The snow hides a number of potential hazards that only become apparent once it melts. Objects such as broken glass, sharp pieces of metal, and other similar hazards can cut a pet's paws, as was the case with your dog.
The most common problem comes from the accumulation of feces, garbage and dead things on streets, in parks and in back yards. Rodents, birds, squirrels, and other animals that have died over the winter are exposed and, if a pet ingests these, it can lead to severe gastro-intestinal upsets, causing vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Due to the increased amount of exposed feces in the environment, there is a significant increase in the incidence of stool-eating (called coprophagia). Stools can be a source of infection for viral diseases (especially parvovirus) and intestinal parasites. To avoid this hazard, pet owners should do a complete search and clean-up of their front and back yards to ensure that these hazards have been removed.
Spring is also the time of year when skunks, raccoons, and foxes leave their dens and begin foraging for food. Since these animals are the main source of rabies in the wildlife population, their increased movement means pets are at an increased risk of being exposed to rabies.
Not surprisingly, there is also a significant increase in the number of dogs and cats hit by cars. Without the restrictions that winter imposes on both cars and pets, pets are able to run and play and they forget that cars can move a lot faster in the spring than they do in the winter. As pets become more mobile and spend more time outdoors, there is also an increase in fighting between animals, resulting in an increased number of bite wounds treated by veterinarians.
Early spring is also the time when some do-it-yourself car mechanics change the antifreeze in their cars. Any antifreeze spill can potentially be licked up by a pet since pets love the taste of it.
Even tiny amounts can be fatal if ingested. Fortunately, there are less toxic alternatives to ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, which is the one most commonly used.
The newer antifreezes are propylene glycol-based and are anti-corrosive, biodegradable and much less toxic to living things.
Dr. Bernhard Pukay is an Ottawa veterinarian and was host of the television program Pet Connection, which was aired on CTV Network. Questions and comments are welcome. Address letters to Pet Care,
Ottawa Citizen, Box 5020, Ottawa K2C 3M4. E-mail: pets@thecitizen.canwest.com .
© The Ottawa Citizen 2008
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Goodbye Anabel
(Taken from our Canaan Connexion column, Aug. 4, 2006)
We had to say goodbye to our dear old Anabel this week. She was our eleven-year-old golden retriever that many of you saw as we walked the roads and fields around Blue Jay Ridge. She charmed her way into our lives and added a warmth that made our own days golden, not to mention bringing good fortune to our business many years ago when we named it after her.
Annie’s character was as adorable as it was, well, golden retrieverish – waking us at all hours when she had to go outside; coming home to shredded papers, shoes, books, twenty dollar bills and the proverbial homework; foisting down kleenex and paper serviettes left lying about; retrieving balls, sticks, blankets, shoes but never giving back; and the hair – long, golden strands everywhere.
You could never wear dark clothing or have dark coloured furnishings. I often joked about writing a book: “Cooking With Dog Hair”. In many ways she was childlike but we preferred her to...
I was there for the end. She was treated humanely, she did not suffer, I’ll always remember her peaceful and final slumber. It was a good way to go. When it comes to ending our suffering, we could learn a lot from the veterinary science.
Anyone who is fond of pets knows how really tough it is to let go of an animal that has become a member of the
family. Anabel means grace and beauty. She had both. Goodbye Anabel.
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So, you wanna have a dog?
(Taken from Patrick's Standing Pat
column, Mar.10, 2006)
A couple of dog stories crossed my desktop recently which got me to thinking that spring is just around the corner
and with the warmer weather many families may feel it’s time to add a pet pup to the family.
It also happens to be the start of the season when many owners fed up with the responsibility of caring for a dog all winter, but too cheap to pay the fees to bring one to the local Humane Society, take a Sunday drive in the country to release their animals, thinking that the good country folk will be only too glad to take in these strays.
Well don’t count on it... we have rescued three or four dogs over the years, and I know of only two neighbours who were kindhearted enough to keep the pups that landed on their doorsteps.
So before you rush out to the closest breeder, humane society or “Free puppies to a good home”, here are a few things you might want to consider, before you become one of those families whose canine member becomes an unbearable burden.
What does it cost?
Remember that a family pet is a lifetime commitment – no, not for you, but for the life of the animal.
Depending on the type, or where you find your dog, it may cost you from nothing to an average of $800 for a purebred. Initially the buying price usually includes the first set of “shots”. Even a “free” dog from the humane society will cost you for these items... about $250.
After that, if you become a responsible owner, you will have to maintain annual inoculations, plus a license, plus food and incidentals like toys, feeding bowls, collars, leashes, and on and on. We guesstimate that Anabel cost us on average around $1200 a year for food and vet bills, and because she was a Golden Retriever, you can add in the odd cleaning bill for carpets and car interiors.
We consider ourselves lucky though. In one of the articles I read this week, one owner ended up paying close to $7,000 for his pooch’s hip replacement and other non-routine vet bills.
Cooking With Dog Hair
Ever since we got Anabel, we learned early on that life with a light-coloured, long-haired dog would change us
forever, especially when we adopted it as a full member of the family. So you may want to consider buying a pet
that does not shed, there are a few breeds out there.
If you do get a dog that sloughs its furry filaments, be prepared to buy a strong vacuum, forget about ever again wearing dark clothing, cover your furniture or buy leather, make sure your vehicle has anti-static, non-clinging upholstery, and forget about friends and family who have allergies or who do not like animals. (Hey! Maybe the last one isn’t so bad.)
We have so much dog hair around that I started writing a book, “Cooking With Dog Hair”, after my son Shawn picked out a large fur ball out of his mouth from dipping into the salad he was eating.
Poops and scoops - 7, 600 and counting
If you have followed my previous columns you will know that one of my “pet” peeves is putting up with those cretins
who allow their animals to leave their little brown souvenirs all along our streets and roadways. Too lazy or chronically
stupid? You decide.
Be prepared to stoop and scoop... many, many times. Anabel is well into her 11th year. At an average of two times a day, for over ten years, or about 4000-plus days, that makes about 7, 600 plastic bags we have accumulated... enough to fill more than a few septic tanks. If your pup lives to the average of 10 to 12 years, that makes between eight and ten thousand – I’m too pooped to think about it!
I could go on about other family-dog related highlights like waking up in the middle of the night with Anabel stuck between us, or the I-just-fell-asleep after eleven wake-up calls, or early morning risings to take her out to the back to do her thing, but I think I’ll leave that for my book.
In the meantime, if you wanna have a dog, just remember, 7,600 and counting. I'm standing pat.
(Also see: Be prepared to lose your pet. Click here.)
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Cold weather tips for pet owners
"Cold temperatures and wind chill not only affect you, but they also affect your pet," said Daniela Roque, spokesperson for the Toronto Humane Society. "When bundling up to go outside this weekend, remember that your pet will also need some extra care."
Some cold weather tips include:
If your dog is sensitive to cold because of age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors
only to relieve himself. After trips outside, check and clean your dog's feet. Sharp ice can cut the pads of paws,
and ingestion of salt and antifreeze can make your pet sick.
Keep your cat indoors. In cold weather, outdoor cats sometimes crawl into a car's
warm engine and get injured by the fan belt. Before starting a car, honk the horn, open the hood of the car, or
bang loudly on the hood to frighten away any animals sleeping there.
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It’s a dog’s life 
(Courtesy MSNBC)
Choosing and raising a new pup
A dog is said to be a man’s best friend. It brings you entertainment, companionship, loyalty, and safety.
But which “Fido” is right for you? In ‘The Good Life: Your Dog’s First Year,’ Matthew Margolis and Mordecai Siegal
tell you where to look and what to expect when choosing a new puppy. Click here.
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Have you checked out our birding
page?
The dog days of summer (Courtesy MSNBC)
Keeping your pets cool in hot weather
Summertime is officially here and while we’ll all be enjoying outside activities there are special safety
concerns when it comes to your four-footed friends. “Today” pet expert Warren Eckstein has some advice on how to
keep your pets cool in hot weather.
HEATSTROKE
This is the most serious and dangerous thing to worry about with your pet in the summer.
Here are the symptoms:
- Excessive panting
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Elevated temperature
- Hot, dry skin
- Pale lips and gums
- Collapse and coma
Pets rely on panting and sweating to maintain their normal body temperatures but cats and dogs only have efficient sweat glands on the pads of their feet. So, even if you don’t feel overheated under the conditions you’re in your pet may not be feeling too good.
Also, pets with pushed-in faces, like pugs, are more susceptible to heatstroke because they can’t cool themselves down with panting as efficiently, so be careful.
Younger and older pets are also more prone to heatstroke because their cooling systems are not running at peak efficiency.
The best way to treat heatstroke, of course, is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
SOME DO’S AND DON’TS
Never keep your pet in an unattended car
Even if the temperature is moderate outside and the windows are open, cars can heat up like ovens. Never keep
you pet closed up in a pen or kennel without shade, adequate ventilation or water.
Shade is a must
If you leave your pet outside while you go to work, remember to make sure there is always a shady place for
them to rest. The sun moves through the yard all day, there may be lots of shade when you leave and no where to
hide in the afternoon.
Always have lots of water available for your cat or dog to drink in the hot weather.
Freeze the water — again, if you are leaving your pet for the day, warren suggests freezing water in the bowl so
they’ll have cool water to drink throughout the day.
Don’t shave
Shaving your dog’s hair too short, rather than cooling them off, actually robs them of their natural sun block
— yes, they can be burned.
If your pet develops symptoms of heat stroke anyway, here’s how you can help:
- Take the pet to a cool place
- Apply cool water
- If you can, put the pet in front of a fan to speed up the cooling process
- Gently massage your pet’s legs and body
- If your pet is conscious, let him/her drink small amounts of water and wash its mouth out with cool water
- Get them to a vet
Other backyard hazards besides the sun
Barbecues — keep the dogs away from the hot grill — one vigorous wag, the grill goes over, and its bad news
for everyone.
Pools, lakes, ponds — most people assume dogs and cats know how to swim... not true. You need to make sure your
pet can swim, so watch them in the beginning. If they have a hard time, you can get them a life preserver.
Make sure you know what’s in your backyard what could be hazardous. Some common plants to avoid are: avocado, azalea, bird of paradise, cyclamen, daffodil, dieffenbachia, fruit and nut trees (apple, peach, almond, cherry, apricot), hibiscus, holly, hydrangea, lily of the valley, morning glory, nightshade, philodendron, rhododendron, rhubarb, schefflera, tobacco, tomato, eggplant, mushroom, and potato. Also, make sure you check any pesticides or fertilizers before you use them, and keep your pets out of toxic areas.
Dogs on the beach
Again shade is the thing. Always think about providing a shady area. Don’t take them, unless you can do that.
And bring plenty of fresh water on the beach both for your dog to drink and to rinse off with.
Dogs in the car
Letting your dog stick her head out the window and let her ears flap in the breeze is not a good idea. Debris
from the road can fly up and get them in the eyes, nose or mouth. And there’s always the risk that they’ll jump
or fall out.
Exercising your pet
The first rule of thumb, of course, is common sense. Try to exercise with your pet either early in the morning
or after the sun goes down.
They get overheated way before you do, check on them often. They often keep going to keep up with you, so be careful,
it’s hard to tell when they’re tired. Always have water available for you and your pet in hot weather.
Don’t let your dog stand on hot pavement; also, keep in mind, your pet is much closer to the hot ground than you
are, thus his body can heat up more quickly and his paws can burn.
You can soak them with water before you exercise to keep them cool — this is especially important for long-haired
or heavy coated dogs. Spritzing with water is a good idea but don’t let it give you a false sense of security.
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Pet peeves - What happens when a cat lover begrudgingly
gets a dog?
The lowest point, so far, in my three-month experience of dog ownership came one miserable, rainy night
at 11 — when you get a dog, you realize your life has become a series of lousy late nights.
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Other resources:
PetPlanet.com celebrates the rise in prominence and stature that pets have gained in society and
features expert pet advice, pet travel info., a database of local pet service providers, classified ads, online
chats and message boards, and the Pet Safe Network.
Chagnon's Outdoor World! This is an American site, but it offers a lot of good ideas on dog caring products, pet and bird supplies, even what to do with various nuisance animals and insects.
Aggressive Dogs: Biting
My dog is biting people. What should I do?
Click here.
Animals in the news
Pet news 'n tips...
Click here.
All about rabies
Fast facts...
Click here.
Lost & Found
If you have lost or found an animal,
Click here.
Anabel
We lost our dear
Anabel on August 1,
2006, but are happy
to report that
Crockett is our newest
family member!
( SEE Goodbye... )
And that is something
else to remember...
These loveable pets
do not have a long
life span so you have
to be prepared for the
awful day when you
have to say goodbye!
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