Presented in collaboration with Purina® Pro Plan® Choosing the right food for your companion animals is a good way to contribute to their health, longevity and well-being In the long run, you could even save money by preventing health problems that are costly to treat. But with so many foods to choose from, how do you choose the right one? Choosing a brand and a formula The best people to ask about animal nutrition are veterinarians and animal health technicians. The team of professionals who know your dog or cat will be able to help you choose the food that best meets your ..read more

Growling dogs often cause discomfort in humans, who may take it as an insult or an affront. However, for dogs, growling is an important communication tool: they growl to express their discomfort and it is their way of saying “no.” Like a smoke alarm Punishing or scolding a dog to stop them from growling is like removing the batteries from a smoke alarm. Just like the detector, growling warns of danger if nothing is done to change the situation.  A dog that is disciplined for growling will either stop the signal or reduce its intensity. They will then give less warning when they ..read more

Sometimes, adorable baby dogs end up at the Montreal SPCA, abandoned by their families because of a so-called undesirable behaviour: chewing.  But chewing is a natural and necessary part of a puppy’s development!  From an early age, dogs explore the world around them using their mouths. You’ve probably noticed how a three-year-old child wants to pick everything up in their hands. Since dogs can’t do the same, they discover the world through their mouths instead. Controlling chewing Training a puppy to chew the right things helps channel this natural urge in a positive way.&n ..read more

Many people concerned about the psychological wellbeing of their cat or dog seek professional help from a behaviour consultant. Whether to perfect their companion’s social skills, to modify an aspect of their behaviour or to develop new capabilities, there are several possible reasons why a person might look for such services. In order to assist you in the process, here is a guide to help you choose your behaviour consultant. Studies and Certifications It’s essential to ask the right questions before paying for your animal’s education services in order to ensure that the perso ..read more

Cats are very expressive animals and, contrary to common belief, are not so very hard to understand with a little attention and observation. Felines are intelligent and suspicious, but also playful by nature. By understanding their language correctly and adapting your interactions accordingly, you will build a great relationship with your animal. Feline language decoded Eyes Cats’ eyes are very expressive. If their pupils are dilated and they are staring at a specific point, they are usually frightened. When cats are happy and relaxed, their eyes are almond shaped. Tail The position and moveme ..read more

Does your cat seem hesitant when you pick them up or get agitated when you try to pet them? Although you intend to be loving and affectionate, your feline friend may be uncomfortable with your touch. Here are a few tips to make the experience more enjoyable. Step 1: Approach Cats have strong instincts and may be tempted to run away if caught by surprise. That’s why it is important to approach them correctly. Make sure they can see you and then move towards them slowly. If not surprised, your cat will feel safer and thus more likely to accept being touched and picked up. Always leave them a wa ..read more

Each animal species has their own characteristics, several of which are unknown. The Montreal SPCA drafted this little “True or False” document to test or increase your knowledge on new animal companions. Hamsters are excellent animal companions for young children. False. Hamsters are nocturnal and fearful animals by nature. Their lifestyle rarely corresponds to that of children, who’d which to manipulate them during the day, when the animal would prefer to sleep peacefully. Like all rodents, they need a safe place to live that needs to be cleaned constantly to prevent bacteria or mold from fo ..read more

When plants and animals are incompatible More and more people are passionate about plants and are cultivating small gardens inside their homes, growing vegetables on their balconies or buying decorative plants. In addition to bringing beauty to your décor, gardening is a very sane activity that allows you to relax and stay in the moment. However, an important challenge can present itself when plants and animals are living under the same roof. You might find that the cohabitation between plants and animals isn’t as simple as you might have thought, for instance if your pup started chewing on to ..read more

We’ve all met a dog that’s very sweet, but excited to the point they can become annoying and difficult to contain. Certain dogs are also impatient and can react strongly when they don’t have access to what they want. As well as being a puzzle for guardians daily, this can also become stressful for visitors. However, you can teach your companion that remaining calm can be very beneficial. How? By teaching them to control their own excitement without you having to ask them to. Teaching your dog self-control will allow them to measure and reflect on their actions. The following recommended games ..read more

The first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020 marked the beginning of telecommuting for many workers. Feeling alone and with more time on their hands than usual, many people decided to bring a four-legged friend into their family.  Fall 2021 is now upon us and many companies are preparing for a return to the office in the coming months. But what will happen to your dog when you leave for work and your kids head off to school? Here are a few tips to help you prepare your animal, ensure thei ..read more