Halloween can be a fun and festive occasion for people, but dogs and cats may experience the evening very differently. Repeated doorbell ringing, unfamiliar visitors, unusual costumes, and sudden noises can create a stressful environment for pets who do not understand what is happening. Some pets remain perfectly relaxed during Halloween celebrations, while others become anxious, frightened, or unusually reactive. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we encourage pet owners t

North Vancouver is known for its beautiful forests, hiking trails, and abundant rainfall. While the wet climate creates wonderful opportunities for outdoor adventures with dogs, it can also provide conditions in which certain infectious organisms survive in the environment. One disease that dog owners should be aware of is leptospirosis, a potentially serious bacterial infection that can affect the kidneys, liver, and other organs. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we beli

Ear infections are among the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian. Some dogs experience a single episode that resolves with treatment, while others develop infections repeatedly, sometimes only weeks or months apart. Although ear infections are often treated with medicated ear drops, recurring infections can indicate an underlying problem that has not been fully addressed. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we encourage owners to understand why ear infections dev

Many cat owners are familiar with the occasional hairball or episode of vomiting. Because vomiting is commonly observed in cats, it is sometimes assumed to be a normal part of feline life. However, repeated vomiting can be a sign of gastrointestinal disease or another underlying medical condition, even when a cat otherwise appears healthy. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we encourage owners not to dismiss frequent vomiting as normal behaviour, particularly when it become

Dental disease is common in cats, but not all dental problems are caused by plaque or tartar. One particularly painful condition, known as tooth resorption, can develop even in cats whose teeth appear relatively clean. Because cats instinctively hide discomfort, affected animals may continue eating and behaving normally despite significant dental pain. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we believe understanding tooth resorption can help cat owners recognize subtle signs of

During a routine veterinary examination, your veterinarian may mention that they have detected a heart murmur in your dog or cat. For many pet owners, this can be concerning, particularly when their pet appears completely healthy. Although a heart murmur can be associated with heart disease, it does not automatically mean that a pet has heart failure or requires medication. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we want owners to understand what heart murmurs are, why they occu

As cats grow older, changes in appetite, weight, and behaviour are sometimes attributed to normal aging. However, a cat that appears constantly hungry while gradually losing weight may be showing signs of an underlying hormonal condition. One possible cause is hyperthyroidism, a common endocrine disease affecting middle-aged and senior cats. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we encourage owners to pay attention to unexplained weight loss, even when their cat seems otherwis

When a pet is unwell, veterinarians may recommend diagnostic tests such as bloodwork, radiographs, or ultrasound. For owners, it can sometimes be confusing to understand why additional testing is necessary, especially when bloodwork has already been performed or previous X-rays appeared normal. Ultrasound is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows veterinarians to examine internal organs and structures without surgery. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we believe understand

When a dog begins limping or a cat appears uncomfortable, many owners naturally want to help relieve their pet's pain as quickly as possible. Since medications such as Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol are commonly used by people, it may seem reasonable to give a pet a small amount. Unfortunately, medications that are safe for humans can be extremely dangerous for dogs and cats. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we want pet owners to understand why human pain medications should ne

Halloween is an exciting time for families, filled with costumes, decorations, and plenty of candy. Unfortunately, some of the treats we enjoy can be dangerous for our pets. Dogs are particularly curious about food, and it only takes a moment for them to get into an unattended candy bowl or trick-or-treat bag. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we want pet owners to understand which Halloween treats are hazardous, why they can cause illness, and what to do if an accidental

Discovering a new lump on a dog or cat can be alarming. Some masses are harmless fatty growths, cysts or warts, while others may be inflammatory lesions or tumours that require treatment. Unfortunately, it is not usually possible to determine whether a lump is benign or malignant by appearance or touch alone. A soft, slow-growing mass may still need testing, while a firm or rapidly changing lump does not automatically mean cancer. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we recom

Seeing a dog drag its bottom across the floor can be amusing at first, but repeated scooting is usually a sign of irritation or discomfort. Although anal gland problems are a common cause, they are not the only possibility. Allergies, parasites, skin infections, digestive problems and irritation around the rectum can produce similar behaviour. For this reason, repeatedly scooting pets should be examined rather than treated automatically with anal gland expression. At Lonsdale

When a pet is scheduled for a dental procedure, surgery or another treatment requiring anesthesia, owners are often asked to authorize pre-anesthetic bloodwork. If a dog or cat appears healthy, it may be tempting to wonder whether this testing is truly necessary. A physical examination provides valuable information, but it cannot reveal every internal health problem. Bloodwork can identify abnormalities that are not yet causing visible symptoms and helps the veterinary team d

Every pet has slightly different drinking habits. Some dogs enthusiastically empty their water bowls after exercise, while many cats take only small drinks throughout the day. Weather, activity, diet and individual preference can all influence how much water a pet consumes. However, a noticeable and persistent increase in thirst should not be dismissed as a harmless change. Drinking more water and producing more urine can be early signs of kidney disease, diabetes, hormonal d

As fall arrives, many pet owners notice that an older dog or cat seems slower, stiffer or less interested in normal activities. A dog may hesitate before climbing the stairs, while a cat may stop jumping onto a favourite windowsill. These changes are sometimes dismissed as an unavoidable part of aging. However, reduced mobility may be a sign of osteoarthritis or another painful condition. Cold or damp weather does not create arthritis, but some owners notice that their pets’

Fall in North Vancouver often means wet sidewalks, muddy trails, damp grass and frequent rainy walks. Although many dogs enjoy exploring in cooler weather, constantly wet paws and coats can contribute to skin irritation, discomfort and secondary infections. North Vancouver Vet Moisture alone does not automatically cause an infection. However, damp skin, trapped debris, allergies and repeated licking can damage the skin barrier and create an environment in which bacteria or ye

The beginning of a new school year changes the rhythm of many households. After a summer filled with activity, children, visitors and family outings, pets may suddenly spend much more of the day alone. Some pets adjust easily. Others become unsettled by the abrupt change and may follow family members constantly, vocalize after departures, damage household items or have accidents indoors. The team at Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic wants families to recognize the difference b

North Vancouver’s mild, wet climate creates ideal growing conditions for many types of mushrooms. They may appear almost overnight in lawns, gardens, wooded trails, parks and beneath fallen leaves. North Vancouver Vet Most pets walk past mushrooms without showing any interest. However, curious dogs—and occasionally cats—may sniff, lick or eat them. Because some toxic mushrooms closely resemble harmless varieties, it is safest to treat the ingestion of any unidentified wild mu

A male cat repeatedly enters the litter box, crouches and strains. He may produce only a few drops—or nothing at all. His family may initially assume that he is constipated or simply behaving unusually. North Vancouver Vet Unfortunately, these can be the first signs of a urethral obstruction, commonly called a urinary blockage. A blocked male cat requires immediate veterinary treatment. It is not a condition that can be safely monitored overnight. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary

When a dog or cat suddenly becomes unwell, it is not always easy to know whether the problem can wait for a regular veterinary appointment. Pets cannot tell us how severe their pain is, and some life-threatening conditions initially cause symptoms that may appear mild. North Vancouver Vet As a general rule, sudden changes involving your pet’s breathing, consciousness, circulation, ability to urinate or level of pain should be treated seriously. The veterinary team at Lonsdale