Newsletter
June 2019
Dear animal lover,
Here's our June newsletter, highlighting the latest news on animal rescues and animal welfare across Quebec and Ontario (click the bolded words to read the full stories). If you have any news or upcoming events you'd like us to share next month, send us an email at admin@guardiansbest.com.
Thank you,
Melanie Dziengo
Article of the Month
Image courtesy of Pexels
Preventing fleas and ticks
by Melanie Dziengo
(June 1, 2019)
Warmer weather means Canadians are spending more time outdoors, soaking up the sun, and walking their dogs. But being outside adds concerns about parasites, or fleas and ticks. So, how can they be prevented, and what should pet owners look out for? Read on to find out.
How to prevent fleas and ticks
Medication is the best way to protect your pets from fleas and ticks, and there are pill or liquid options available. If you are unsure which type is best for your pet, consult your veterinarian.
You can also use topical treatments such as shampoo, powder, a spray, and spot-on treatments. However, these options have various degrees of success. For example, powders last up to a week, while shampoos last a day. These treatments also generally only eliminate adult fleas, and are best when used in combination with medication.
Furthermore, you can prevent fleas and ticks by mowing your lawn, removing weeds, staying out of heavily wooded areas, or by using a tick and flea prevention spray on your lawn.
Signs of fleas and ticks
Image courtesy of Albumarium
If you think your pet has come into contact with fleas or ticks, here are the signs you should look for.
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After playing outside, do a tick check by running your hands along your pet’s body because you can feel when they embed themselves into your pet’s skin. Look between the toes, underneath your cat or dog’s collar, inside the ears, under the chin and neck, and under the groin and armpits.
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A big sign that your pet has ticks or fleas is constant scratching. This is especially the case when the fleas or ticks are young as they are more difficult to spot.
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If you spot a tick, grab some tweezers and get as close to your pet’s skin as possible, pulling on the flea or tick straight up. Place the tick in a jar so you can bring it to your veterinarian to determine if it is carrying lyme disease. Finally, disinfect the bite on your pet’s skin with antiseptic, and monitor for more fleas and ticks.
Prevention is simple, and it means you and your pets will have a safe, happy, and fun summer without worrying about little pests.
News
A pig on Prince Edward Island is looking for a permanent home after its original owner could no longer care for the pig.
Police in Owen Sound, Ont. are investigating after a dog was seriously injured during a home break-in; the dog died after being rushed to an emergency veterinarian. A 23-year old man was arrested in connection with the break-in, and is facing animal cruelty charges.
It has happened again. Toronto Cat Rescue and Toronto Animal Services have removed more than 300 cats from a Toronto apartment. The cats are currently being placed with foster families, and they will be vaccinated and spayed or neutered.
Dobby, a cat who was found injured after a garage fire in Sudbury, is being treated for third-degree burns at Walden Animal Hospital.
Veterinarians took to Parliament Hill to lobby the government to allow vets to use medical cannabis on animals. Cannabis can be used to treat their patients with pain, seizures, anxiety, etc.
A dog owner in northern Ontario discovered that his dog, who was originally intended to being a trash guard, was being bribed with bones by a bear who wanted to go through the trash.
Since the City of Montreal allowed residents to keep chickens, the Montreal SPCA has reported an uptick in the number of the abandoned birds. They say 38 chickens were surrendered last year, which was up from 20 in 2016.
Odie, a dog who was a resident of the Toronto Humane Society (and adopted and returned twice), has found his forever home in British Columbia.
The Quebec government is giving municipalities more power when it comes to dealing with dangerous dogs, modifying existing laws in regards to dangerous dogs and animal welfare. Municipalities must also order a dog to be euthanized when it has inflicted serious wounds or kills a person.
Veterinarians in Manitoba have voted to ban the practice of declawing cats, becoming the fifth province to do so. They will only do the procedure if it is a medical necessity.
Ontario is allowing shelters and humane societies to enforce animal cruelty laws. This comes after it was announced that the Ontario Society for the Prevention of cruelty to animals will no longer enforce animal cruelty laws, putting an end to one governing body protecting animals.
You can now bring your pup camping with you in Quebec’s provincial parks. But, there are some strict rules that you must follow such as having a leash not be longer than 3 m.
A blind calf and a pit bull who was saved from the fighting ring formed the unlikeliest of bonds at Saving Grace Animal Society in Alberta.
The Ottawa Humane Society is giving ‘jobs,’ and eventually homes, to feral cats around the city. The cats, who are unable to be adopted as house cats, will work in places such as barns, breweries, and warehouses.
Events of the Month
Brossard, Que. - June 1, 2019 - Rosie Animal Adoption is hosting Pet Day at Michel-Normandin Arena. There will be more than 40 wellness and animal health professionals (and their pets!) in attendance.
Hudson, Que. - June 1, 2019 - Animatch is hosting a dog meet and greet at Finnegan’s Market in Hudson from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ogden, Que. - June 1, 2019 - Frontier Animal Society is hosting their annual dog walk fundraiser. The event will happen, rain or shine, and there will also be a silent auction and a complimentary lunch.
Oshawa, ON - June 2, 2019 - The Furry Friends 5K run/walk is being held, in support of local animal rescue charities, along the waterfront. You can also run/walk alongside your pet.
Toronto, ON - June 4, 2019 - Cause 4 Paws is hosting their first fundraiser called Sip and Drool at Gatsby’s Speakeasy. All of the proceeds will go towards Cause 4 Paws and the #TRUEFUND.
Caledon, ON - June 5, 2019 - The Furry Friends 5K run/walk is being held, in support of the local humane society, at the Albion Hills Conservation Centre. You can also run/walk alongside your pet.
Richmond Hill, ON - June 8, 2019 - Tru Pet is hosting an event called Pooches in the Parking Lot (cats are also welcome!). There will be vendors, animal rescues with their adoptable animals, goodie bags, and food. Proceeds will support Forgotten Ones Cat Rescue.
Montreal, Que. - June 12, 2019 - The Montreal SPCA is celebrating its 150th anniversary fundraising gala. There will be vegan treats, live entertainment, and treats for animals.
Pointe-Claire, Que. - June 15, 2019 - Animatch is hosting a dog meet and greet at Global Pet Foods. The dog that will be in attendance will be announced before the event.
Ottawa, ON - June 23, 2019 - The Ottawa Westie Festie is being held at Dogz Canine Sports Centre. The is event celebrates Westies in Need’s 10th anniversary, and there will be treats, agility trials, a photo booth, and more.
Bolton, ON - June 29, 2019 - Rovili’s Petworld Bolton is hosting a dog meet and greet. The adoptable dogs will be from Finding Them Homes - James Bay Pawsitive Rescue, and there will be games and raffle prizes.
Pets of the Month
