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

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