Curious dogs and cats often investigate buzzing insects with their noses and paws. During summer, bee and wasp stings can happen in backyards, parks, gardens, and on walks. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we want pet owners to know which signs are mild and which signs need urgent care. North Vancouver Vet Common Signs of a Sting A pet may suddenly yelp, paw at the face, limp, lick one area, or become restless. Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness may appear around the s

Warm weather, swimming, allergies, and moisture can make summer a common season for skin irritation in dogs. One issue owners may notice is a “hot spot,” also known as acute moist dermatitis. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we see how quickly these irritated skin patches can become uncomfortable for pets. North Vancouver Vet What Is a Hot Spot? A hot spot is an area of inflamed, moist, itchy, and often painful skin. It may appear suddenly and can grow quickly if a dog co

Summer can bring beautiful weather, but wildfire smoke and poor air quality are becoming a growing concern across British Columbia. Just like people, pets can be affected by smoky air. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we encourage pet owners to watch air quality closely and take precautions when smoke is present. North Vancouver Vet How Smoke Affects Pets Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Pets with asthma, heart disease, respiratory disease, s

Summer BBQs are a favourite part of warm weather, but many common cookout items can be risky for pets. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we often remind families that the danger is not only the food itself, but also the garbage, skewers, bones, foil, and leftovers pets may find after the meal. North Vancouver Vet Foods and Items to Keep Away from Pets Many pets are drawn to the smell of grilled food, but BBQ leftovers can cause serious problems. Cooked bones can splinter o

Summer in North Vancouver is a wonderful time to enjoy lakes, beaches, pools, and family outings with your dog. Many dogs love the water, but swimming is not automatically safe for every pet. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we encourage pet owners to think about water safety before heading out for a summer swim. North Vancouver Vet Not All Dogs Are Natural Swimmers Some dogs take to water easily, while others struggle because of their body shape, age, fitness level, or m

As the weather warms up across the North Shore and surrounding areas, parasite activity increases significantly, making summer one of the highest-risk seasons for fleas, ticks, and the diseases they can carry. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we see a noticeable rise in parasite-related concerns during these months, particularly in pets that spend time outdoors or frequent hiking trails, parks, and grassy areas. While these parasites are small, the impact they can have on

Cats are often perceived as low-maintenance when it comes to heat, but they are not immune to the risks that come with rising summer temperatures. While cats tend to be more cautious than dogs and will often seek out cooler, shaded areas on their own, they can still become overheated, especially during heat waves or in poorly ventilated indoor environments. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we frequently remind cat owners that subtle changes in behaviour can be the first s

Summer is a popular time for travel, and many pet owners choose to bring their pets along for the adventure. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, visiting family, or planning a weekend getaway, taking the time to prepare can make the experience much smoother and safer for everyone involved. Pets, like people, can experience stress in unfamiliar environments, so thoughtful planning is key. North Vancouver Vet Before you travel, it’s important to ensure your pet’s vaccina

Summer in the North Shore and Greater Vancouver area is a beautiful time to get outside with your pet, whether that means walks along the waterfront, hikes through forested trails, or simply relaxing in the backyard. However, warmer temperatures can pose significant risks to dogs and cats, particularly when it comes to overheating. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we often see an increase in heat-related concerns during the summer months, many of which are preventable wit

Cats are known for hiding signs of illness or discomfort. In the wild, showing weakness could make an animal vulnerable, so cats have evolved to mask pain very effectively. As a result, many cats experience discomfort for long periods before the problem becomes obvious. Recognizing the subtle signs of pain can help owners seek veterinary care earlier and improve their cat’s quality of life. North Vancouver Vet Changes in Activity Level One of the most common signs of pain in

Cats are naturally clean animals and typically develop reliable litter box habits early in life. When a cat suddenly stops using the litter box, it can be frustrating for owners, but it is often a sign that something is wrong. Changes in litter box behavior should not be ignored, as they may indicate an underlying medical or behavioral issue. Understanding the common reasons behind litter box avoidance can help owners identify problems early and seek appropriate help. North V

Skunk encounters are a common problem for dogs, especially during the spring and summer months when wildlife becomes more active. Curious dogs often approach skunks without recognizing the danger, which can lead to a defensive spray. Although skunk spray is rarely life-threatening, it can cause intense odor, irritation, and significant discomfort for pets. North Vancouver Vet Why Skunks Spray Skunks use spraying as a defensive mechanism when they feel threatened. Dogs are fre

Easter is a time for celebrations, family gatherings, and festive treats. However, many common Easter foods, decorations, and plants can pose risks to dogs and cats. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we often see an increase in accidental toxin exposures and gastrointestinal problems around holidays. Understanding the potential hazards can help keep pets safe during the Easter season. North Vancouver Vet Chocolate Chocolate is one of the most well-known toxic foods for dog

As the weather warms and the days grow longer, many pets begin spending more time outdoors. Spring is a wonderful time for walks, hiking, and outdoor play, but it also introduces several seasonal hazards that pet owners should be aware of. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we often see an increase in certain injuries, toxic exposures, and parasite-related issues during the spring months. Understanding these potential risks can help pet owners keep their dogs and cats safe

Occasional paw licking is a normal grooming behavior in dogs. However, when licking becomes frequent, intense, or focused on one area, it may indicate an underlying medical or behavioral issue. Persistent paw licking can lead to skin irritation, infections, and discomfort if not addressed. Understanding the potential causes can help pet owners recognize when it may be time to seek veterinary advice. North Vancouver Vet Normal Grooming Behavior Dogs may occasionally lick their

Food allergies are a common reason dogs and cats develop chronic itching, skin infections, or digestive problems. While many owners assume allergies are caused by environmental triggers like pollen or dust, reactions to ingredients in a pet’s diet can also play an important role. Understanding how food allergies develop, how they are diagnosed, and how they are managed can help pet owners provide relief for their pets and prevent ongoing discomfort. North Vancouver Vet What I

Nail trimming is often overlooked in routine pet care, but overgrown nails can cause discomfort, mobility problems, and even injury. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we frequently see pets experiencing pain or posture changes due to nails that have grown too long. Regular nail trims are a simple but important part of keeping dogs and cats comfortable and healthy. North Vancouver Vet How Long Nails Affect Your Pet When nails grow excessively long, they can change how a pet

Valentine’s Day is all about showing love, and for many of us, our dogs and cats are at the very top of the list. Whether they’re your constant cuddle buddy, walking partner, or the quiet presence curled up at the end of the couch, our pets give us unconditional affection every day. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we love seeing how much our clients adore their furry family members—but this holiday also comes with some important safety reminders to keep that love from tu

Many treatment plans rely on consistent medication given at home. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we understand that giving pills, liquids, or topical medications can be stressful for both pets and owners. Using proper techniques can make medication time quicker, safer, and far less frustrating. North Vancouver Vet Why Proper Administration Matters Ensures medications work as intended Prevents under-dosing or overdosing Reduces risk of side effects Improves treatment suc

Winter in British Columbia brings snow, ice, and chemical de-icers that can be surprisingly harsh on your pet’s paws. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we frequently see sore, cracked, and irritated paw pads during the colder months. Understanding how to protect your pet’s feet can prevent pain, infection, and long-term damage. North Vancouver Vet Why Winter Is Hard on Paws Ice and cold cause drying and cracking Road salt and de-icers cause chemical burns Snowballs form be