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.
10 best things about puppies for National Puppy Day
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."
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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
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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.
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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!
Future Voter Challenge: My favourite Girl Guides badge activity
It was an exciting election year in Canada, but no one was more excited than my Brownies group! I started volunteering with Girl Guides of Canada a year ago, bringing my involvement with GG to 5 years as I too was a Brownie and Girl Guide! I chose to volunteer with GG because:
It was an exciting election year in Canada, but no one was more excited than my Brownies group! I started volunteering with Girl Guides of Canada a year ago, bringing my involvement with GG to 5 years as I too was a Brownie and Girl Guide! I chose to volunteer with GG because:
Go fetch: Dogs catching balls
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| Photo by Eileen McFall |
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
Wind energy is evolving quickly, and renewables are creating jobs in Canada already. Why not invest in that and become energy independent? 3.5% is not enough, and I truly believe Canada can do better. CLICK HERE to learn more!
Wind energy is evolving quickly, and renewables are creating jobs in Canada already. Why not invest in that and become energy independent? 3.5% is not enough, and I truly believe Canada can do better. CLICK HERE to learn more!
Pain medication and pain management for dogs
No dog deserves to live with chronic pain. Unfortunately, many of them do, and that is why proper pain management for dogs is an important way to ensure a high quality of life. Some dogs will present with limping or lameness, while other dogs' symptoms can be harder to read. Your dog may appear more tired than usual, lethargic or become aggressive when touched in certain areas. Or maybe “he’s just not himself lately.” That is why a pain assessment by your veterinarian is a great start to crafting the best pain management plan for your pet.
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Pain medication for dogs
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No dog deserves to live with chronic pain. Unfortunately, many of them do, and that is why proper pain management for dogs is an important way to ensure a high quality of life. Some dogs will present with limping or lameness, while other dogs' symptoms can be harder to read. Your dog may appear more tired than usual, lethargic or become aggressive when touched in certain areas. Or maybe “he’s just not himself lately.” That is why a pain assessment by your veterinarian is a great start to crafting the best pain management plan for your pet.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
We need to act now for future generations, as the extreme weather events caused by a rapidly warming climate will continue for centuries to come. CLICK HERE to learn more from the IPCC!
We need to act now for future generations, as the extreme weather events caused by a rapidly warming climate will continue for centuries to come. CLICK HERE to learn more from the IPCC!
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
There is no debate among scientists, man-made climate change is real. CLICK HERE to learn more from the IPCC!
There is no debate among scientists, man-made climate change is real. CLICK HERE to learn more from the IPCC!
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
The 10 hottest years globally on record have been since 1998. WATCH THIS VIDEO to see 135 Years of Global Warming in 30 Seconds.
The 10 hottest years globally on record have been since 1998. WATCH THIS VIDEO to see 135 Years of Global Warming in 30 Seconds.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
Carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean has caused ocean acidification, which has lead to the mass coral bleaching that we are seeing today. Coral bleaching has greatly impacted the Great Barrier Reef. We are losing our natural wonders due to consumption nd consumerism. CLICK HERE to learn more about ocean acidification!
Carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean has caused ocean acidification, which has lead to the mass coral bleaching that we are seeing today. Coral bleaching has greatly impacted the Great Barrier Reef. We are losing our natural wonders due to consumption nd consumerism. CLICK HERE to learn more about ocean acidification!
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
Antarctica could lose most of its penguins to climate change. Diet is just one of the ways penguins are being affected- available nesting habitats will diminish as average global temperatures rise. CLICK HERE to learn more from National Geographic!
Antarctica could lose most of its penguins to climate change. Diet is just one of the ways penguins are being affected- available nesting habitats will diminish as average global temperatures rise. CLICK HERE to learn more from National Geographic!
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
"The growing of livestock and other animals for food is also
an extremely inefficient process. For example, it takes approximately five to
seven kilograms of grain to produce one kilogram of beef. Each of those
kilograms of grain takes considerable energy and water to produce, process, and
transport. As meat consumption has grown around the world, so has its climate
impact." CLICK HERE to learn more from David Suzuki Foundation!
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
While the increase seems large, there is room for growth in the renewable industry. Investing in clean energy means investing in job creation. CLICK HERE to read the full report.
While the increase seems large, there is room for growth in the renewable industry. Investing in clean energy means investing in job creation. CLICK HERE to read the full report.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
“According to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australian households, or 19 percent, now use solar energy for electricity or hot water. That’s up from about 5 percent in 2011, when the bureau first started publishing statistics on solar.”
CLICK HERE to read the full article!
“According to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, one in five Australian households, or 19 percent, now use solar energy for electricity or hot water. That’s up from about 5 percent in 2011, when the bureau first started publishing statistics on solar.”
CLICK HERE to read the full article!
Climate
crisis: The history of Earth Day and how the leaders of today have
let us down
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Every year communities across the planet celebrate Earth Day, but not everyone knows the history of this environmental day of awareness. Almost 48 years ago on April 22, 1970, millions of people hit the streets to protest the negative impacts on the environment of 150 years of industrial development. Smog had become so bad that in some areas it was deadly and there was evidence that smog pollution was detrimental to human health. Smog pollution was shown to cause developmental delays in children. Pesticides and pollutants were negatively impacting the environment and biodiversity were in decline. It was the beginning of the climate crisis that we are still dealing with to this day.
The
five R’s of plastic pollution: Why Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
isn’t enough, and tips for living plastic free
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Most of us grew up being taught the 3 R’s- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. When it came to going green and protecting the environment, the 3 R’s was where it all began. Fast forward to 2018 and the progression of pollution and human-caused climate change is far more devastating than we could have predicted. We are in a climate crisis, and 3 R’s just isn’t enough.
Earth
Day:
Microplastic and why it's a huge problem
Plastic pollution is a big problem, but the biggest problem when it comes to plastic pollution is the smallest plastic of all- microplastic. Microplastic may seem like a tiny issue that is easy to ignore, because they can be impossible to see unless under a microscope, but the truth is microplastic effects us in so many ways. Microplastic is a detriment to both the environment, climate change and our health and wellness.
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 13 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
- PAH Blog- Interview with Dr. Alison Seely, veterinary chiropractor and author
- The Pembroke Observer- OSPCA Paws to Support Local
- Scout Knows- Heart failure and pet insurance coverage
- Court Outdoors- Meet me on the water- Ottawa Valley SUP
- PAH Blog- Eight reasons to choose an AAHA veterinary practice
- Traversing- Snowshoe at Petawawa Terrace Ontario Park
- Scout Knows- Best dog harness for every dog
- DeliveryRank Interview: The blog, the dog, and so much more!
- PAH Blog- Why is my dog itchy?
SAFE PET ONTARIO
Coordinating foster care for pets of individuals in Ontario fleeing violent situations.
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DOG OWNER RESOURCES
- Canadian Association Of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine (CAVCM)
- American Heartworm Society
- Veterinary Oral Health Council Accepted Dental Products for Dogs (VOHC)
- Royal Canin Canine Nutrition
- Essex Animal Hospital Canine Rehab and Fitness
- Dog Health by Purina
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- Zoetis Dog Blog
- Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
- Canine Behaviour Dr. Colleen Wilson
- Canine Illustrated Articles Northwestern Veterinary Hospital
- Everything you need to know about Canine Parvovirus- Pembroke Animal Hospital
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Puppy Hub- Banfield Pet Hospital
- OVMA Dog Owner Handbook
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PET OWNER RESOURCES
- Veterinary Partner (VIN)
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- Pet Health Network (IDEXX)
- Indoor Pet Initiative
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