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

Buying, rather than adopting, a dog, cat or rabbit from a pet store has been prohibited in Montréal since January 1, 2020. This is a first step in the right direction, but the bylaw should have gone further and completely banned the sale of exotic animals in pet shops, putting aquatic turtles at the top of the list. Despite the Montreal SPCA’s recommendations to this effect during the 2020 review of the municipal bylaw on animals, the sale of turtles is still permitted in Montréal. This was a missed opportunity to solve a recurring problem and a significant threat to animal welfare, public hea ..read more

Every year, we receive many calls for advice when people find a squirrel who seems to need help. Developed with Écureuil Land, this procedure will help you choose the right action to take. Click to view full size 1 – Do any of the following apply to the squirrel you found? They are bleeding, have an open wound or a fracture They may have been bitten by a cat or dog They are covered with fleas or fly eggs (look like small grains of rice) They are cold, wet or shrieking a lot YES: This squirrel is injured. They need care. Contact your local shelter quickly. Secure the animal in a box. Make sur ..read more