You may think all pet food is created equal. You simply go to the store, grab the bag or can, and feed your pet, perhaps never thinking about what the product actually contains. But, understanding how to interpret pet food labels is crucial for providing optimal nutrition and maintaining your furry companion’s well-being. At North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital, we recognize the importance of making informed choices about  your pet’s diet. In this guide, we walk you through the key elements listed on pet food labels, so you can make educated decisions according to your pet’s specific needs ..read more

Our North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team strives to make your pet’s veterinary visit as positive as possible. You can help us by taking steps before, during, and after your pet’s appointment to set up your dog or cat for success. Follow our tips to reduce your pet’s veterinary visit stress.  Prepare your pet before their veterinary visit Preparing your pet for a stress-free veterinary visit starts long before their appointment. The key is to create a positive association with the key veterinary visit stressors. Before your pet’s appointment, lay the foundation for a stress-free visit b ..read more

As your pet grows older, they will likely require extra care and attention to help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Here are 10 easy ways to support your senior pet, so they will stay happy, healthy, and forever young at heart. #1: Tailor your senior pet’s nutrition As your pet ages, their nutritional needs change, especially if they develop a chronic health condition. Depending on their health status, they may need dietary changes in protein levels, fiber content, and fat and calories. You also may need to switch to a senior pet diet that is fortified with antioxidants, omega-3 f ..read more

Most cat owners would prefer to tuck away and forget about their cat’s litter box until the box needs cleaning, but that is not possible. While litter boxes may not top your list of dinner party topics, they play an essential role in your cat’s wellbeing, and you should understand what your cat wants. Litter boxes are definitely not created equal. Many nuances can make or break your cat’s litter box experience and, if you fail to take them into consideration, your finicky feline will likely find a new place to “go.” Our North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team wants to help cat owners avoid the ..read more

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health issue, but when detected early, the condition can typically be managed, improving your pet’s quality and quantity of life. Our North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team believes knowledge is power, and we explain all you need to know about CKD, especially why screening and early detection are so important. What do my pet’s kidneys do? To understand why CKD is such a serious problem, you first must understand how important the kidneys are to your pet’s overall health and wellbeing. The kidneys are essential to numerous body functions, including: W ..read more

Veterinary visits can be stressful for any pet, but for felines—and their owners—the experience can be downright exasperating. If you’ve ever tried to coax a stressed-out kitty into a travel carrier, you know what we mean.  Regular veterinary care is essential for feline health, yet statistics indicate cats are not getting annual veterinary care as consistently as dogs are. According to an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) pet ownership survey, 79% of pet owners took their dog to the veterinarian for routine or preventive care in 2016, while only 48% took their cat.  A v ..read more

Hi, it’s me, your 8-week-old golden retriever puppy, Oliver—but you can call me Ollie. I’m so excited to experience life’s adventures by your side, and I know we will have a great time during our first year together. My first year will be one of incredible growth and development, so I wanted to share a few pointers on how to help me reach my maximum potential. Let’s dig in and enjoy growing together! Follow along as our North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team shares young Ollie’s journey through his first year with his new family. This golden retriever puppy describes tasks his new family need ..read more

Ticks are a growing threat to pet and human health, because their traditional ranges are expanding as weather patterns change. The deer tick, which can carry Lyme disease, is often considered the most dangerous, but any tick can spread a number of diseases. The North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team wants pet owners to know that tick prevention and prompt removal are key to preventing disease spread. Here is everything pet owners should know about ticks and what they should do if they find one on their pet. Why are ticks a problem for pets? A tick’s most serious threat is transmission of tick ..read more

Toxic substances are everywhere in your home, yard, and garden that can quickly result in deadly consequences for your furry pal, but knowing about the common toxins you are hiding can keep your pet safe from harm. Read on to learn the most common pet toxins found in homes, yards, and gardens. Pet toxins in your kitchen Although your kitchen is the source of many tasty treats and drool-inducing dishes, it’s best to block your pet from this dangerous room, because many common foods are toxic to pets, including: Chocolate — Most pet owners know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, who are stro ..read more

At 7 p.m. on Friday evening, your pet vomits. Should you rush them to the emergency veterinary clinic, or is it OK to monitor them until the morning? Knowing when your pet needs emergency veterinary care can help save their life. If you’re concerned about your pet’s condition, read our North Waterloo Veterinary Hospital team’s advice regarding situations that warrant immediate veterinary care. #1: Your pet is bleeding severely Heavy or prolonged bleeding is a veterinary emergency. If your pet loses too much blood, they can die, and injuries that result in severe bleeding require immediate vete ..read more