Dog News

The average dog has the mental abilities of a two-year-old human.  How cool is that? 

A dog, like a two-year-old, understands about 165-250 words, depending on the intelligence of the dog (or human)  in question. 

When it comes to social intelligence, dogs are more advanced than the average toddler because their lives are slightly more complex - closer to that of a teenager. According to Live Science, dogs are mainly interested in social status (who’s the head of the pack) and mating (who’s sleeping with who). Sound familiar?

Did you know that there are over 8 million homeless pets in North America? 

August 17 is International Homeless Animals Day, where people around the world come together in support of homeless animals. Put on by the International Society for Animal Rights, this day is dedicated to raising awareness for pet overpopulation and spaying/neutering.

In support, we’re dedicating this newsletter to a really cool program called Adopt A Shelter, which allows the shelter of your choice to earn money every time you shop on hundreds of different websites.

We wanted to feature this platform because it’s an easy way to help animals in need with money you’re already spending. Plus, you can handpick the shelters in your community, or a community who really needs some help. 

Canada may be known for our winters, but we also have pretty epic summers! With rivers and lakes criss-crossing our nation, beautiful beaches and lush forests, it’s a doggy paradise. Although we have tons of places to explore in Ontario, most of us live in urban spaces where “off leash” isn’t always safe, practical or legal. So we’ve put together a list of the best dog parks in Toronto, where both you and your pet can stretch your legs. 

Cherry Beach 

Cherry St & Waterfront (Toronto)

One of the most beautiful beaches in Toronto with a quiet shoreline and dozens of acres of running space. Plus, lots of parking. 

Etobicoke Valley Park

Horner Ave & Browns Line (Etobicoke)

A huge off-leash area with a majestic creek for your dog to splash around in. Bonus: free parking.

Humber Bay Shores Park

Lakeshore Blvd W & Marine Parade Dr (Toronto)

A famous spot for dog walkers! It’s a bit secluded from the rest of the park at the tip of the peninsula, with big boulders lining the water. If you have a larger dog, this is the spot to hang.

High Park

Parkside Dr & High Park Blvd (Toronto)

One of the largest inner-city parks, with off leash trails and rivers and ponds.

Monarch Park

Coxwell Ave & Danforth Ave (Toronto)

A 12 acre community park with off-leash and small dog zones, featuring lovely trees and rolling hills. 

Jack Darling Memorial Park

Lorne Park Rd & Lakeshore Rd W (Oakville)

One of the biggest fully fenced parks in all of Ontario! During the week, this huge leafy space is off-leash friendly. 

Don Valley Brick Works

Bayview Ave & Pottery Rd (Toronto)

A playdate with a view! This park includes historic buildings, a beautiful panoramic lookout, and a wetland conservation habitat. 

Kew Gardens

Lee Ave & Waterfront (Toronto)

Often called the “Beaches Park,” Kew Gardens stretches across the water front. You’ll find it across from an ice cream and snack stand, so you can both cool off at once. 

King Road Dog Park

King Rd & North Service Road (Burlington)

Best fenced-in dog park in the Burlington area! Lots of shade to keep you humans cool, and a small dog zone to keep the little ones safe.

Riverdale Park West

River St & Bayview Ave (Toronto)

Can’t beat the city views you’ll find in this beautiful valley following the Don River. Features an off-leash dog park near the lower playing fields.

Okay, okay - here’s a few extra for good measure:

Thomson Memorial Park

Brimley Rd & Dorcot Ave (Scarborough)

For the East Enders - with both a big dog and little dog zone, with lots of seating so you can snap pics of your pup making friends.

Sunnybrook Park

Eglinton Ave E & Leslie St (Toronto)

Beautiful walking trails with an off-leash section. 

So there you are! Don’t forget to bring fresh water for you pup, and enjoy summer 2019!

We’re finally putting cold behind us as a summer heatwave is approaching, so we’re here to give you a couple of tips on how to keep your pet safe and healthy through the hot weather months.

1. Start off by taking your pet in for a checkup. Warm weather means bugs and worms, so be sure to talk to your vet about preventative treatment for things like ticks and worms.
2. Make water available at all times! If you’re out for a walk, be sure to bring water for your pet. You can purchase collapsable bowls that roll up nicely and fit into your pocket or bag. Some cool options can be found here. Your pet doesn’t even need to be running around to work up a sweat, so we cannot stress the importance of hydration enough!
3. If your dog is super furry, take him or her in for a trim. Do NOT shave your pet, as fur protects their skin from sunburn.
4. If you use insecticides on your plants or citronella candles and insect coils, keep them far out of reach of your pets. They are poisonous and can cause severe illness or even death. For more information visit https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ or call (855) 764 7661. If you suspect your pet has consumed anything poisonous, take them to a pet hospital or vet clinic immediately.
5. Fireworks are great but leave your dog at home when you go out to celebrate. Fireworks contain hazardous materials and are often unpredictable. More commonly, most dogs are terrified of them. Loud noises can disorient your dog and leave them traumatized. Sometimes, they’ll take drastic measures to get away from the sound like jumping fences, or taking off.  In fact, significantly more dogs go missing on Canada Day and the Fourth of July than any other day of the year.
6. NEVER leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short amount of time. We know you don’t want to leave your companion at home for long stretches, but it is healthier for them to be at home away from the sun and heat then it is to be locked in a hot car. It’s also ILLEGAL in many states and provinces.
7. Know the signs of heatstroke. The major ones include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, weakness, disorientation - and sometimes even bloody diarrhea,  or seizures. For more information visit: https://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_heat_stroke
8. Pavement or asphalt gets very hot in the summer. Avoid making your dog walk on it as the pads of their paws will overheat and could even burn. Walk on the grass where possible or keep them inside on extremely hot days.

So there you have it! By following these guidelines and keeping these points in mind, you can keep your pet safe and happy.