Obesity: Canada's #1 Pet Health Problem
Over 60% of dogs and cats in Canada are classified as overweight or obese. Excess weight contributes to diabetes, joint disease, heart problems, respiratory issues, and reduced lifespan — obese pets live 2–3 years less than those at a healthy weight on average.
Prevention involves measured feeding (not free-feeding), limiting treats to 10% of daily calories, regular exercise, and honest body condition assessment. Many owners don't recognize their pet is overweight because overweight has become the norm. Your veterinarian can establish your pet's ideal weight and create a safe weight-loss plan if needed.
Dental Disease
Periodontal disease affects over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three. Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys, and liver — making dental health a whole-body concern, not just a cosmetic one.
Prevention starts with daily tooth brushing using pet-specific toothpaste. Dental chews, water additives, and prescription dental diets provide supplementary benefit but don't replace brushing. Professional dental cleanings every 1–3 years (under anaesthesia for full examination and treatment) are recommended based on your pet's individual needs.
Allergies and Skin Conditions
Allergies are increasingly common in Canadian pets. Environmental allergies (pollen, dust mites, mould) cause itchy skin, ear infections, and licking/chewing at paws. Food allergies typically manifest as itchy skin or digestive issues. Flea allergy dermatitis can cause severe itching from a single flea bite.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of allergy. Environmental allergies may be managed with medications (like Apoquel or Cytopoint), medicated baths, or immunotherapy. Food allergies require an elimination diet trial to identify the trigger ingredient. Year-round flea prevention prevents flea allergy reactions. Work with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis rather than guessing at the cause.
Parasites and Infectious Disease
Canadian pets face various parasites depending on region and lifestyle. Ticks carrying Lyme disease have expanded significantly across southern Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes. Heartworm, transmitted by mosquitoes, is a concern in most provinces during warmer months. Intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms) can infect pets of any age.
Year-round parasite prevention is the most effective approach. Monthly preventatives protect against multiple parasites simultaneously. Fecal testing at annual checkups detects intestinal parasites that may not cause obvious symptoms. Vaccination against Lyme disease and Leptospirosis is recommended for dogs in endemic areas — discuss your pet's specific risk profile with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
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