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Dr. Al Townshend Just as in humans, a dog or cat’s body is approximately 70% water. Keeping a pet well-hydrated is essential for optimum health and a long and happy life. Maintaining Proper Hydration Dogs need approximately 1 ounce of water for each pound of body weight per day. Cats require about 3-4 ounces […]
Dr. Al Townshend Hiking with your canine companion is one of the most rewarding adventures you can have together. We humans and our pets all need exercise, and any time we can do it together, it makes the experience more fun and enhances the cherished bond we have with our pets. Most hiking is done […]
Dr. Al Townshend US news and social media outlets are a buzz with reports of what has been described as a mysterious respiratory illness occurring in multiple areas of the United States and Canada. Multiple states and have reported cases; however, the exact numbers are unknown as veterinarians are not required to report respiratory diseases […]
What is Giardia? Giardia is a tiny parasite that causes the diarrheal disease called Giardiasis. Where is Giardia found? Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with poop from infected people or animals. Giardia can also be found in dog or cat poop. How does a pet […]
Dr. Al Townshend If you are feeling the effects of breathing in wildfire smoke, your pets are probably feeling the effects too. What is Wildfire Smoke? A lot depends on what’s burning, the temperature, wind, and distance from the fire causing the smoke. The bulk of the toxins in smoke is contained in tiny particles […]
Dr. Al Townshend As the days become longer, there is a rebirth in nature. The birds begin to chirp, plants are popping out of the ground, and trees begin their annual rejuvenation. It is a time of renewal for all of nature. The colder winter weather has extended our time inside and kept the home […]
Dr. Al Townshend The age-old adage “curiosity killed the cat” can also hold true for our canine companions. Skunks are somewhat friendly until another animal comes too close, and then all hell can break loose. The skunk has two glands around the rectum (similar to the anal glands of a dog or cat) that have […]
Dr. Al Townshend Both fleas and ticks are a world-wide problem for many different species of animals including beloved pets and their human Guardians. They are much more than an irritation or nuisance. Both fleas and ticks are carriers of some of the most serious diseases seen in humans and pets. Fleas Fleas are […]
Did you know that many household cleaners available at the grocery store contain harmful chemicals that can compromise your health and the health of your pets? At Pet Planet, we offer a selection of pet-friendly cleaners to help you with your every day cleaning needs. Some of our cleaning solutions include options that help with […]
Dr. Al Townshend Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Thanksgiving Day, Halloween, birthdays, and anniversaries are all exciting times for us all, but how do your pets react to these festive times? Planning Ahead These events and how we celebrate them often take considerable planning and preparation well in advance to be successful and a joy […]
Dr. Al Townshend The holidays are a time of peace, joy, and goodwill to all. Families come together to celebrate their faith, their bond to one another, and their friends and community. The family pets will often be included in many of the events in the home this time of the year. It is the […]
Dr. Al Townshend What has become known as the “Dog Days of Summer” are those hot July and August periods often associated with excessive heat, drought, and thunderstorms. The phrase is actually a reference to the fact that, during this time, the sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star […]
Dr. Al Townshend Canada Day and Independence Day have long been traditionally celebrated outdoors with parades, fireworks, family- and community gatherings, good food, and cheer. All have the potential to be extremely stressful on many pets. Anticipating potential stress-threats and preparing for them can avert disaster and help your pet survive the day and possibly […]
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 […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Dogs love to chew, and it’s their instinct to spend time doing just that. The impulse to chew begins early, and it is crucial to direct the chewing away from the furniture and other inappropriate items. Like human infants with teething toys, puppies frequently chew as their baby teeth fall out, […]
By Dr. Al Townshend The canine species has evolved as a predator. As such, they use their powerful jaws to hunt and consume their prey. Chewing keeps their teeth clean and their gums healthy, so they can effectively capture and kill. While the domestic dog of today no longer needs to hunt for its food, […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Having your pet along when you travel can bring even more pleasure to the trip and to the experiences at your destination. That all sounds fine but unless one plans well in advance the experience can be a disaster for the Guardian and for the pet. Even taking your pet on […]
By Dr. Al Townshend Summer is almost here and it’s time to think about getting outside. Depending on where you live, the warmer weather that summer brings can be a welcome relief from the chills of winter, or it can be a potential threat to your pet’s health and safety. In the southern portion of […]
Dr. Al Townshend Camping is another great outdoor adventure that many enjoy with their pets. Spending time together and enjoying the same things helps build trust and enhances the bond between the pet and the Guardian. Preparation is Essential Tent or trailer camping usually means close contact with people and other pets, so the […]
Understanding Litter Safety When it comes to cat litter, not all are created equal. There are many different cat litter types on the market so it’s crucial you know which ones are safe for your cat to use and those to avoid. Cat litter can pose a danger to your cat in two ways. When […]
The safest way for any dog to travel is in a secure crate or specially designed seat belt/harness. A crate or safety harness will protect your dog from injuries on impact and keep him secure in the aftermath. If you are injured in an accident, emergency personnel won’t have to worry about getting past your […]
Life Jacket Safety If you take your dog around a large body of water and/or in a boat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and put him in a life jacket. A common misconception many Guardians make is assuming that all dogs can swim — that’s not the case. Other reasons for […]
Are you giving your pet dangerous Propylene Glycol? If you are buying him soft treats from the grocery store, then you probably are! What is Propylene Glycol? Propylene Glycol is a synthetic chemical preservative and flavour enhancer linked to kidney damage. It is also used as a less-toxic version of the sweet-tasting chemical found in […]
Pet food recalls are not uncommon these days making it more and more difficult to trust that the food we feed our pets is safe. Here are a few criteria Pet Planet follows when choosing our product lines. First, we look for pet food companies that own their manufacturing facility. They should source all of […]
Food Dish Safety For Our Pets Did you know plastic food and water dishes pose a risk to our pets? Plastic bowls are more prone to bacteria build-up. Bowls that have been scratched or chewed are particularly bad because bacteria thrive in the hard-to-clean cracks and crevices. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in […]
Today, Guardians have a closer relationship with their dogs than ever before. They want the best for the pet every day and all day. However, a heavy work schedule and being away for long periods during the day can impact the emotional and physical well-being of a dog. Canine daycare provides love and attention, tons […]
The Problem with Head Halters by Suzanne Clothier Copyright 2000 Suzanne Clothier. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.flyingdogpress.com Head halters, like ALL training equipment, need to be used carefully. They are NOT appropriate for every dog. Humane trainers need to be aware of and carefully consider the ramifications of any training equipment. NO training […]
Dogs and cats, especially puppies or kittens, can get into everything! Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter lily or yew plant material by an animal can be fatal. Household Dangers Never allow your pets to have access to the […]
The variety of cleaning products on the market today is overwhelming. There are products for every possible cleaning need, do you really need all of them in your home? Are they really safe for you and your pets? Hazardous Chemicals in Toxic Cleaning Products Many cleaners contain hazardous chemicals that can cause health effects ranging […]