Montreal Pit Bull Ban Suspended While SPCA Challenges Bylaw

by Lori Ennis

Published: October 7th, 2016

montreal pit bull ban suspended while spca challenges bylaw

The controversial law backed by Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre that was an essential death sentence for thousands of pit bulls and ‘pit bull-types’ has been given a stay while the SPCA challenges it–but isn’t permanent just yet.

We’ve been keeping you updated about the terrible legislation passed almost two weeks ago in Montreal–legislation that was not only a literal death sentence for hundreds of shelter dogs, but threatened the quality of life and security for thousands others.

We’re happy to tell you that a Superior Court judge ordered that legislation suspended while the Montreal SPCA continues fighting for the rights of pit bulls, and essentially, dog owners all over. Montreal SPCA attorney Sophie Gaillard joyfully announced that the fight was not over yet, and had a long way to go, but that the SPCA was very happy that the first step in protecting the pit bulls was one of victory. Gaillard said that this judgement would allow rescues everywhere to continue to find homes for all of the adoptable pits, who would NOT be adoptable under the council legislation, and would be a death sentence for many.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre, who originally did NOT favor breed restrictive legislation, but had a change of heart and firmly backed banning pit bulls and dogs that looked like pit bulls (wonder why????) clearly was aggravated with the stay, claiming that it was the city’s right to protect the citizens of its territory how it chose. (Sounds like sour grapes to us.)

The sensible judge who put the stay in effect, Justice Louis Gouin was concerned that the original legislation was simply too vague, and allowed for too much subjective interpretation without any consistent and reasonably based evidence that proved a dog dangerous simply because of breed. More, Gouin was concerned that there was not a clear way to define a pit bull, leading to a slippery slope when untrained officials ‘designated’ which dogs were pit bulls and which dogs were not. (I believe that’s we said!)

City legal representative Rene Cadieux basically said that the old adage of something looking like, walking like and sounding like a duck made it a duck scares MANY pet owners who fear that nonchalant attitude could not only tear families apart (because four-legged family members are FAMILY!), but mean the death of hundreds and hundreds of dogs who would be unadoptable without the stay.

Though for now there is justice and reprieve, and rescue groups and animal welfare advocates are fighting to ensure this justice is a permanent thing, Mayor Coderre has stuck his feet in the ground and is not budging (like he did originally when he did not think breed restrictive laws were the way to keep Montrealers safe from dog bites). The fight to protect pits still is on and needs your help! If you’d like to help, there are many ways you can. Check out the SPCA site to donate, or continue to help local rescues find homes for shelter pets. And please, sign the petition so your voice is heard, and city officials know what the people really want.

Justice and security for all.

Lori Ennis

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Montreal Mayor Works To Fulfill Campaign Promise to Repeal Pit Bull Ba

There’s a new mayor in Montreal, and animal activists are cheering her on as she works to fulfill campaign promises to repeal a controversial ban on pit-bull and pit-bull type dogs. It’s been a source of controversy in Montreal, Canada for quite some time. A bylaw passed in the city in 2016 forced many Montreal residents to move to the suburbs. The bylaw was pushed and passed by then-mayor Denis Coderre, and made it illegal to own pit bulls or pit-bull ‘type’ dogs in the city. Related: Pittie Parents Outraged Over Demand Letters From City of Montreal But Montreal’s new mayor, Mayor Valerie Plante, campaigned on a platform that promised to repeal that ban, and now says she is making the moves to hold that promise true. Craig Suave is a city councilor and says that they will consult with the SPCA, dog owners, veterinarians and scientists about a new bylaw, and that they are planning to do it immediately. Suave also said that Coderre’s bylaw simply was based on bad science that made people pet owners feel like criminals who were holding contraband. Plante’s administration wants their new bylaws on ones that currently exist in Calgary, and opposes the breed-specific legislation, particularly anti-pit bull legislation, because it is not scientifically backed. Their party looked at studies and talked to experts about the validity of legislation like Coderre’s Suave says that the bylaw they plan to replace Coderre’s with will be more humane, and will focus on educating pet owners to ensure dogs are brought up humanely and with proper training. He believes that better owners will help reduce dog bites, and this has been shown to be the case in Calgary. Calgary has a good success rate with such a bylaw, and is safer for both humans and dogs of all breeds. Related: Montreal Pit Bull Ban Suspended While SPCA Challenges Bylaw Sophie Gallard is an SPCA lawyer and said that she’s glad there will be fast action, as she believes it was clear (based on Coderre’s loss) that a majority of Montreal’s population was not satisfied with Coderre’s decisions and bylaw, which still remains in effect until a new bylaw is in place. Gaillard believes that is just a matter of time, though, because she knows that this is a priority for Projet Montreal and the mayor, and that’s a win for all animals everywhere.

Pittie Parents Outraged Over Demand Letters From City of Montreal

The continuing battle of pitbull owners and the City of Montreal now takes a new angle as the city is threatening people with the seizure of their dogs and hefty fines. Time and time again, we see it. Breed restrictive legislations that are primarily (and unfairly) aimed at Pitbulls. The City of Montreal has been embroiled in such saga, as a new law banning the breed without a special waiver went into effect in December. Related: Montreal Pit Bull Ban Suspended While SPCA Challenges Bylaw But that’s the current problem–the special waiver. Owners who have overwhelmingly submitted all documentation needed (as well as that lovely $150 filing fee, cough, cough) for their pets and even received the licenses are now confused and angry as they are receiving letters telling them their dogs may be taken from them within the next four weeks. The letters are basic form letters that hundreds of pittie parents are receiving, and they claim the application for the special permit is incomplete. But owners like Thomas Pavia say that they don’t understand how this can be, as he and many others have already received the licenses they applied for. The letter details that pit owners have four weeks to either give their dog to a shelter or find someone in another municipality that allows pits, and to swear that the dog is not in their possession anymore. Consequences are promised by the letter, in the form of seizure of the dogs as well as other legal action. Sophie Gaillard is a lawyer with the Montreal SPCA animal advocacy department and said that they’ve been fielding a lot of calls since this letter’s gone out. She’s concerned that shelters and rescues simply can’t handle the dogs that would come in, and says that the City gave no notice before the letters were sent out. The City is not admitting any error, as spokesperson Gonzalo Nunez said that the letters were sent out after each special permit file had been analyzed with rigor. More, he says that owners were contacted to let them know specific information about what was missing. Thomas Pavia doesn’t buy it. He followed the directive of the bylaw last fall to acquire a special permit for his 10-year-old boy, Ezec. He followed the rules, played honest, paid his money and was actually given a refund because the city wasn’t sure what was to come of the bylaw. When it took effect for real, he redid his application, and again, paid the fee. He clearly did everything right, as he got the tag for Ezec and didn’t think anything of it. Until he got the letter, last week, basically telling him he had to rehome his arthritic dog in fewer than four weeks. Pavia is frustrated; he went through proper channels and did what was expected and still, the city doesn’t seem to be interested in making clarifications about this letter happen. He says he’ll keep Ezec, as he has paid his money and has the license, and he’ll go to court if he must to keep his family member safe. Related: Montreal Pitbull Protesters Fight For Protection Of Dogs Martin Coiteux is the Public Security Minister who proposed the bill and called it the beginning of an approach to reduce the number of dangerous dogs, with particular focus in banning pit bulls across the province. Yet, all over, municipalities are seeing the error in that, as it’s difficult to enforce, and unfairly targets breeds, not behavior. The municipality of Châteauguay overturned a 30-year ban on pit bulls because Mayor Nathalie Simon said it just wasn’t working. They aren’t alone. Edmonton overturned their ban in 2012 and others are looking at legislation efficacy. Coiteux says that individual cities should have their own rules and regulations, with his bill as a base for required rules and regulations. And so, we continue to watch as the fate of law-abiding citizens and their family members hang in limbo for the next few weeks. [Source: CBC]

Delaware Legislation Now Protects Dogs From Breed Discrimination

Common sense may be prevailing when it comes to breed restrictions in dogs. Delaware joins several U.S. states that have adopted “Breed Bias” laws that prevent discrimination against dogs. Delaware Governor John Carney recently executed a bill that protects the rights of pet owners who want to safely keep dogs of breeds that are often deemed ‘dangerous’ or even banned in many communities and even states. The law, which was introduced by Democratic Representative Charles Potter, mandates that state regulations meant to protect the public from ‘dangerous,’ dogs cannot define criminal liability of dog owners based only on their pet’s specific breed. Related: Montreal Pit Bull Ban Suspended While SPCA Challenges Bylaw Delaware joins with 21 other states that have also had animal lovers and advocates champion for and pass similar legislation that helps protect both dogs and people. With the passing of this law, no longer can animal control units or shelters discriminate against any specific breed when it comes to helping facilitate care or adoption to a forever home. And while it seems sort of sad that states must mandate common sense, that seems to finally be the growing trend. Bills like these mandate that dogs are found dangerous because of their actions or patterns of behaviors, and not simply their breed. Specifically when it comes to the often impossibility of knowing the true genetic breed of a dog, no longer will dogs be turned away from help (or euthanized) simply because they ‘look’ like a breed that’s been dangerous. Also important for those families who love breeds commonly deemed dangerous like the Pitbull, Rottweiler or even Doberman Pinscher, Delaware communities can’t enact breed-specific ordinances or regulations for their citizens and their pets. Related: New Standards Set for Dog Breeders with Canine Care Certified Program The Delaware Humane Association claims the law is a huge win for the dogs of Delaware, and hopes that other states follow in the prevention of restricting the ownership of dogs simply because they have been unfairly and systematically singled out as one of an ‘aggressive breed.’ The ASPCA repeatedly reminds people and legislators alike that there is no evidence that proves breed restrictive laws or discriminatory practices increase community safety, and they advocate for more strict enforcement of license laws for dogs, as well as pet owners having to meet higher standards of accountability for safety.

Is Dog Snoring Normal?

Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a  slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.

Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?

As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.Are Cats Less Active in Fall? Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat. Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot. Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression: Sleeping more than usualLoss of appetite Weight loss Becoming more vocal Failure to keep up with grooming needs Loss of energy Hiding or retreating from family membersOut-of-character aggression or fearfulness If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations. Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

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Jolly Pets’ Annual “#WeGiveaJolly” Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs

Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circumstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit  https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.

Why Are Labradors Fat? Scientists Have the Answer

The friendly, playful, and trainable Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. But, few canines are as obsessed with food as Labrador retrievers - and now scientists think they have discovered why. According to new research, a quarter of labs are predisposed to obesity due to a genetic mutation.Approximately 25 percent of Labradors face a double-whammy of burning fewer calories and feeling hungry all the time because of an anomaly. Scientists explain that this obesity-causing combination means dog owners must be strict when feeding and exercising their labs to keep them fit.The mutation is found in the gene called POMC, which plays an important role in energy use and hunger, and affects how dogs behave around food. Around 25 percent of Labradors and 66 percent of flat-coated retrievers are affected by POMC mutation, which puts these dogs at risk of obesity and causes increased interest in food.Researchers found that although these dogs don’t need to eat more to feel full, they are hungrier in between meals. The study also showed that dogs with the POMC mutation use around 25 percent less energy when resting than dogs without it. As a result, these pooches don’t need to eat as many calories to maintain a healthy weight. “We found that a mutation in the POMC gene seems to make dogs hungrier. Affected dogs tend to overeat because they get hungry between meals more quickly than dogs without the mutation,” said Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience who led the study. “All owners of Labradors and flat-coated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs to keep them a healthy weight. But dogs with this genetic mutation face a double whammy: they not only want to eat more, but also need fewer calories because they’re not burning them off as fast,” she added.The study found that the POMC mutation alters a pathway in dogs’ brains associated with body weight regulation. The mutated genes trigger the starvation signal that sends a message to the body to increase food intake and conserve energy.The study involved 87 adult pet Labradors, all at a healthy weight or moderately obese. The dogs were subjected to several tests, including ‘the sausage in the box’ test. The dogs were first given a can of wet dog food every 20 minutes until they couldn’t eat any more. All labs eat huge amounts of food, but what’s interesting is that dogs with POMC didn’t eat more food than the dogs without it.On a different day, all dogs were given the same breakfast. Three hours later they were offered a sausage in a box made of clear plastic and a perforated lid, so the dogs could see and smell the sausage but not eat it.Scientists discovered that labs with POMC mutation tried harder to get the sausage than the dogs without it, showing greater hunger. In another test, the dogs were allowed to sleep in a special chamber that measured the gases they breathed out. This test showed that labs with POMC mutation burn 25 percent fewer calories than dogs without it. According to researchers, people are often rude to owners of fat dogs, criticizing them for not feeding and exercising their dogs properly. However, this study has shown that labs with POMC are trying to increase their energy intake by looking for food all the time. Keeping these dogs slim is challenging, but possible. Spreading out daily food rations, by using puzzle feeders to slow down feeding or scattering the food around the yard so it takes longer to eat are ways owners can keep their Labradors distracted from constant hunger. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Season of Giving Begins With A Leap

We're excited to announce a special initiative in celebration of the season of thankfulness and November's Senior Pet Adoption Month. Starting today, Leap Years is offering a free bottle of its daily chewable supplement to anyone who adopts a senior dog (over 5 years old) from a shelter or rescue. All you need is proof of adoption, and while supplies last, your senior pup can start benefiting from Leap Years' formula that has already changed the lives of dogs across the country.

What to Know When Traveling Across the US/Canada Border with Your Pet

International travel with your best friend by your side can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the rules and regulations for crossing the border can feel daunting.Whether you’re heading to Canada for a pet-friendly weekend getaway or attending a Canadian pet show or expo, ensuring that you meet all the needs for crossing the border with your furry friend will set you up for a smooth journey.Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about traveling with your pet across the US/Canada border.In this guide, we’ll cover essential documentation, tips to set yourself up for a stress-free crossing and answer some of the most common questions about pet-friendly international travel.Can You Drive Across the Canadian Border with a Dog (or Cat)?If your next pet-friendly road trip will take you across the border into Canada, you’re in luck. Pet parents can drive from the United States to Canada with the whole family, including their furry family members, if they have the necessary paperwork.Entering Canada may be more complicated if your dog is coming from any country other than the United States. This is due to the concern of rabies, which causes some countries to face restrictions. If your dog has recently been to another country, it is recommended that you look further into the requirements for traveling from that area or ask your veterinarian.What Do I Need to Cross the US Border into Canada with My Dog?When traveling to Canada with your dog, the documentation required will depend on their age.If your dog is 3 months old or older, you must provide a rabies vaccination certificate to cross the border. This document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and show that your dog received a rabies vaccine within 3 years of the date you are crossing.The rabies vaccination certificate must include the following: Your name and address A description of your dog (breed, sex, age, color, markings, etc.)Date of rabies vaccination Vaccine product informationVaccination expiry date Name, address, license number, and signature of the veterinarian who administered the vaccinePuppies under 3 months of age are not required to provide proof of a rabies vaccine. However, border security may ask for proof of your dog’s age.Are the Rules Different for Cats or Other Pets?All cats over the age of 3 months must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate showing that the vaccine was administered within 3 years of the date of travel. Kittens under 3 months old are exempt from this requirement.The requirements for ferrets to cross the border are similar. However, the rabies vaccination certificate must show that the vaccine was administered within 12 months of the travel date.Any pet parents traveling with a bird must complete a “ Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Birds from the United States of America to Canada.” This form details important information for your upcoming travel, including the number of birds you can travel with, depending on their species.Do you have a pet that we haven’t addressed? More information can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

How Much Does It Cost to Feed Your Dog Around the World?

There is no denying the fact that pet ownership can be expensive. From the expected costs of vaccinations and high-quality dog food to the increased fees associated with traveling with your dog by your side, it adds up fast! But exactly how much does it cost to feed your dog? How do these costs stack up compared to dog parents in other areas? If this question has been on your mind, you’re in luck. A recent study by CashNetUSA compares the cost of feeding a dog in 97 countries, and the findings are surprising.Let’s start with the most exciting news for American pet parents. While the cost of feeding a dog in the US didn’t make the list of the least expensive countries, it did rank as one of the most affordable countries when assessing the annual cost versus the national net income per capita. Other countries that made this list include Ireland, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, and Denmark. Of course, this value can vary depending on the quality of dog food you are feeding and the size of your dog (therefore, the amount of food they consume daily). The study collected data based on the cost of feeding a medium-sized dog 540 grams of kibble daily using the cheapest dry food available in local supermarkets. If a country didn’t have available comparable food, the price was calculated using an international supermarket that would ship to the country. The least expensive country to feed a dog was Botswana, at a cost of $163.59 USD annually. This was closely followed by Lesotho ($201.29) and Hungary ($246.38). On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive country was Japan, with dog food costs reaching a staggering $2,056.88 USD annually. The top 3 most costly countries also included Andorra ($1854.71) and Estonia ($1518.98). What causes such a variation in cost? In addition to the living costs and average income for each country, food quality should also be considered. Countries with exceptionally low annual prices often fed dogs a diet that failed to meet their nutritional needs. “Most retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulae often resulting in dogs suffering from inflamed skin and increased scratching caused by (an) imbalance in levels of Omera 3 and 6 along with insufficient levels of essential fatty acids like DHA and FPA,” a local entrepreneur told the National Post. If you are struggling with pet food's growing cost, you’re not alone. Many pet parents are seeking ways to keep the costs down without sacrificing the quality of their dog’s diet. Here are a few tips to help keep the costs down: Bake Your Own Dog Treats Dog treats are one of the bigger costs that many dog parents spend on. After all, there are so many incredible treat options available on the shelves of our local pet stores. How do you not want to spoil your furry best friend? Making your treats is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to control the quality of what your dog is eating. Buy in Bulk If your budget allows, purchase a larger bag of dog food or buy your dog’s food in bulk. These products are designed to last surprisingly well on the shelf over time. By buying larger quantities at once, you may spend more in the moment, but the cost per meal drops considerably. If your local pet store doesn’t have a bulk discount, consider asking about purchasing a bulk order and how it could impact the price. Join Loyalty Programs or Subscriptions Many pet stores and online pet retailers offer loyalty programs or subscriptions that help reduce your costs if you continue purchasing from one location. This could mean a lower price per bag with a pre-scheduled subscription order or a loyalty points program where you are rewarded with a free bag after buying a certain number of dog food bags. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

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