Healthy Pet’s Initiative
Why Is a Health Program Important?
The “why” is often overlooked in the discussion of vaccines, de-wormers, and spay/neuter programs. In the age of technology, there are many misconceptions available at our fingertips. Additionally, our pets often look healthy on the outside, but inside their bodies, they can be feeling sick without our knowledge.
That’s why Berkeley’s Place has worked with suppliers and donors to get large quantities of de-wormer in stock, thus helping rid dogs of parasites that can be passed to other animals and humans.
We are happy to answer questions regarding the long and short-term benefits to the overall care of companion pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What symptoms suggest my pet is ill?
Some symptoms that could tell you your pet is unwell are:
Vomiting worms or worms in the stool
Obsessive licking or scratching
Change in appetite or energy level
Vomiting or diarrhea
Blood in the urine or stool
Stomach is bloated
Difficulty going to the washroom
Excessive shedding or balding
Crying during movement or limping
Foul odour coming from the mouth, ears or skin
Green or white discharge from the eyes or nose
Seizures
What Benefit Does Deworming Do?
De-worming your pet at least twice a year will not only extend their lifespan but will decrease the risk of transmittable parasites to you!
View our printable postcards on worms here
Why should I vaccinate my pet?
Vaccinations help to prevent infection of diseases from one animal to another. In some cases, diseases such as rabies can be passed along from animal to human.
While preventable, diseases such as canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia (cat form of parvo) are highly contagious diseases that can spread quickly through contaminated matter (such as saliva, fecal matter, or saliva). Unless the animal affected with these diseases receives immediate treatment, the outcome for survival is rare.
Read more on vaccines here
What is enrichment?
Enrichment is activities that give our pets an overall better sense of wellbeing. These types of behaviours encourage your pet’s natural behaviours and allow for them to meet all of their needs.
Domesticated animals need to have the opportunity to exhaust not only their bodies but their brains too!
View our printable postcards on enrichment here
What is animal body language?
An animal can sometimes give off confusing body language to the untrained eye. A dog’s tail, for example, could be wagging while the dog is growling. A situation such as this might seem friendly, but could actually be extremely dangerous and one should proceed with caution. While a dog with a whole body is wiggling (like when they play with other dogs) could be considered safer!
For more resources on safety around dogs, see our That B.I.T.E.S postcard!
How much should I be feeding my pet?
By following the recommendations on the back of your pet’s food bag, you will be able to ensure that you are feeding your pet the correct amount each day. To help, Berkeley’s Place provides pet food scoops to their partner communities!
View our handy food postcard for more tips!
Become a Sponsor
Click the link below to sponsor the Berkeley’s Place pantry today!