Tag Archives: health & safety

A Huge Victory!

A controversial cosmetic surgery for dogs is no longer allowed in BC! The College of Veterinarians of BC has banned ear cropping. Veterinarians caught ear cropping can lose their licence, be fined, or be charged with animal cruelty. The practice of ear cropping is outdated and cruel. It is removing part of the dog’s ear… Read more

Plan your Catio for Spring

Plan your Catio for Spring

~ by Cathy Fenton ~ On a Sunday afternoon in April my husband and I were in the family room watching TV. Our kitty C.C. was indoors and kitty Willow was on the patio off the family room in her harness attached to a 20 foot lead. The door was open so she could come… Read more

Winter safety for stray & feral cats

Winter safety for stray & feral cats

WINTER IS UPON US ..and it’s cold and wet out there! Here are a few tips on what you can do for stray and feral cats during the winter season. Provide daily feeding to keep the cats weight on. Calories are burned faster when they are cold. Provide fresh drinking water daily. Add a bit… Read more

How to: Build a cat shelter

How to: Build a cat shelter

Who are those cats you see outside on freezing cold days? They may be pets whose owners let them, (or put them), outside. Or they could be community cats, a group that includes feral, (who are afraid of people) and strays (lost or abandoned). No matter how resourceful these cats are they need help surviving winter. Give outdoor cats… Read more

Make Your Bird Bath Better

Make Your Bird Bath Better

All birds need water to drink, bathe, and preen. Adding even a simple bird bath to your yard can be helpful to our feathered friends and at the same time give you hours of endless joy. Here are some simple tips to keep your birdbath busy: Keep It Clean: Dirty water is not as attractive… Read more

Summer Paw Pad Injuries

Summer Paw Pad Injuries

Your dog’s feet pads have thick, strong skin intended to protect them from injury. However, that doesn’t mean your dog’s feet are invulnerable. Many outdoor surfaces can get hot enough to burn your dog’s feet. Asphalt, concrete, paving stones and sand can all get very hot during the summer. Metal grates and manhole covers can… Read more

Are you prepared?

Are you prepared?

Are you prepared to take care of your pet when disaster strikes? What would you do with your horse, dog, cat, bird or rabbit? Even your fish? Fire season is in full swing in the Okanagan. We hear of new wildfires starting daily. Many of the TRACS volunteers are members of CDART, the Canadian Disaster Animal… Read more

Winter Safety Tips

If it’s too cold for you to go outside, it’s too cold for your pet! Many people believe that because their pets have a coat of fur they are able to withstand the cold better than humans. This is not the case. Like us, animals are accustomed to the warmth of indoor shelter and cold… Read more

Your Pets and Heatstroke

Most animals are unable to sweat all over their bodies like people can. They rely completely upon panting (to get rid of hot air and inhale cool air) to cool themselves. Some sweating occurs through their foot pads and nose, but this is insufficient to effectively cool them. These differences make them especially prone to… Read more