Willowdale Animal Hospital

Springtime has come to Toronto and the GTA! Warmer days and evenings mean we can stay out longer and more comfortably in the great outdoors with our four-legged friends. Unfortunately, warmer weather means the mosquitoes are out too, and it’s time to once again think about heartworm prevention for our dogs and cats.

When infected mosquitoes bite into your pet, they shoot a bunch of tiny baby worms called microfilariae into your pet’s blood stream. Once they’re inside, the dreaded worms plant themselves into the right side of the heart and waste no time in rapidly reproducing and blocking blood flow throughout the body of your pet, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. As the worms travel, they rupture blood cells and vessel walls along their way to the heart. They are simply reckless. Since there is no way to completely avoid mosquitoes, veterinarians recommend monthly treatments to help prevent the heartworm larvae from growing into adult form inside your pet’s heart and lungs. Read More

Diamond Pet Foods has issued the following warning about brands of dry dog and cat food that they are recalling. We are issuing this post as a public service announcement to make our clients aware of the problem. Please see the statement from Diamond Pet Foods below to see if your pet food is included in the recall:

Diamond Pet Foods has voluntarily recalled some brands of dry dog and cat food that it manufactured in its Gaston, S.C. facility between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012 due to potential Salmonella contamination. The brands that were recalled on May 4 have not tested positive for Salmonella.  The company is recalling certain batches of these brands, however, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of customers and their pets. Consumers should check our website for the production codes and best-before dates on the bags of recalled food, and discontinue feeding it. To learn whether or not the brand of dog or cat food you use is included in the recall, please select it from the list below.   Read More

Boy, have we ever had some amazing weather lately! It’s been the type of sunny and warm (as opposed to wet and rainy) spring that has people out and about, enjoying Toronto’s beautiful green spaces. Whether it’s a shared courtyard with other tenants, a small, private backyard or rooftop patio, when it’s sunny in the city, outside is simply THE BEST place to be. And what better way is there to celebrate the warm weather than to party it up, patio-style?

Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or swanky garden party, your dog will always want to be a part of the action! So why not go the few extra steps and make your party, a dog-friendly event? Your dog will love you for it and your guests will have the opportunity to bring their four-legged friends too. Read More