The trick to handling jumping is to carefully manage your dog’s behaviour so that they have few opportunities to jump on people, and when they do, ensuring they are not rewarded. At the same time, you need to teach your pup what to do instead of jumping to get attention. Below are some helpful tips! 

Teach your pup an alternative to jumping 

If your dog approaches you and attempts to jump up, immediately turn your back on them; no touching, pushing or scolding. When they have four paws on the floor again, you may turn back to them and quietly praise. If they approach you and choose to sit, give them a treat. 

When you or a guest enter the house, you can encourage them to “Find your toy!” When they find the toy and bring it over, reward them with play and attention. This helps channel your dog’s energy and gives them an alternative way to greet people! 

When your dog approaches you, ask for a “sit,” or “down,” before they have a chance to jump. Then reward them with a treat or play. If you have to ask more than once, turn away and ignore your dog or walk out of the room and close the door for a couple minutes. 

Teach the concept of “Off.” When your dog jumps on you, say “Off” and back up two steps until your dog’s paws touch the ground. If your dog’s paws remain on the floor, praise them. Then redirect them by saying “Find your toy.” If the dog jumps again, repeat the above or do a time-out. 

On your walks, ask your dog to sit whenever anyone approaches. Have your pup sit in front of at least 10 new people this week. When your dog sits, reward them with a treat or toy. They are learning that the way to greet humans is by sitting in front of them. The exercises below are also excellent at teaching this! 

Management techniques 

“Ignore” your dog, meaning to make no eye contact, say nothing, and stand still. Turning your back to them can also be effective. This helps to take away the attention they are trying to receive when they are jumping up. 

“Get them moving” If your dog is on a leash, try to walk forward with them, then turn 180 degrees away to get them moving instead of staying stationary and jumping up. 

“Redirect their focus” with a toy, treat or verbal cue. If your dog is familiar with verbal cues, try using “down,” “sit,” or “watch me,” immediately followed with a treat and attention. 

“Ground” the leash by gently stepping on it until your dog settles, then release it immediately and reward right away. This will give your dog a little “time-out” indicating that when they are calm, they are rewarded. The release part is important! If you don’t release them once they settle, they won’t get the chance to learn that calm behaviour wins freedom. You can also do time–outs in a crate if your dog is crate-trained, or in a safe dog-proofed room (free from “chewables” if your dog is in a chewing phase). 

Check out our blog for more training and enrichment tips! 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 

The post How to handle jumping appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Changing their environment 

The quickest and easiest thing you can do to change up their routine is to rearrange items in your friend’s living environment. Moving items to the opposite corner makes them think about its change of location; they may even try to move it around to place it where they want it. Introducing different “furniture pieces” such as branches and bedding can create a different environment. Introduce only one item at a time to prevent fear and stress. 

It is important to note that small animals rearrange their furniture how they like it- so if there is an item that they keep moving to a certain area, it’s best to leave it where they are placing it to avoid stressing them out. It’s similar to someone coming in and constantly redecorating your house – a little change is good, but if there’s a certain item that you like in a certain spot, it’s very frustrating if people keep moving it! 

Other ways to change their environment: 

Cardboard – boxes with holes cut into them are great for hiding spaces and a change of environment. Cardboard tubes can also be stuffed with hay and healthy treats for added enrichment. 

Tunnels – plastic and fabric tunnels can be purchased at your local pet store or online, or you can make your own tunnels from cardboard boxes or tubes with wide diameters. When it comes to choosing a tunnel for your small animal to play in, always ensure that it is big enough for them to enter and turn around in – we don’t want anyone getting stuck in a tunnel that’s too small! 

Mirrors – these can offer comfort for female rabbits. The effects can be short-lived, so this is recommended for temporary relief of loneliness. 

Digging opportunities – domestic rabbits will perform this behaviour so you can try providing them with a “digging box.” Safe places to dig are large plant pots or litter trays filled with earth, cardboard boxes filled with shredded paper and sandpits filled with child and animal-friendly sand. 

Toys and objects 

Toys that allow animals to perform normal behaviours, such as digging, chewing, chin marking and jumping keep them mentally stimulated. 

The RSPCA suggests these great toys: 

• Objects to manipulate or throw, such as untreated straw or balls. Solid plastic baby toys like key rings, rattles and stacking cups can make great rabbit toys. 
• Let them shred paper such as newspapers. A great idea is to wrap your rabbit’s favourite food in brown paper and let them unwrap it. 
• Again, cardboard is a great object for them to play with. Tubes can be stuffed with hay or healthy treats to rotate their routine. 
• Toys such as balls, rings, and chewing blocks are great for entertainment. You can also think of things they may want to carry, push, bury or hide. 

Ensure there are no small parts that can be swallowed and you are supervising the use of these toys. 

Read How to enrich your small animal’s environment for more ideas. 

Let’s keep our small animals active and stimulated! 

Help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 

The post How to keep your small animals mentally stimulated appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

What is enrichment? 

Animal enrichment is the practice of offering animals stimulating and engaging activities, environments, and experiences aimed at enhancing their physical health and mental well-being, as well as emotional fulfillment.  

At the Ontario SPCA, we achieve this by first assessing each animal’s personality to tailor enrichment features and activities to fit their individual needs within the animal centre environment. Our goal is to improve the overall quality of life for every animal in our care through personalized enrichment. 

Today, we’d like to highlight some of the key enrichment features within our animal centres. 

Making a splash 

Swimming can be mentally stimulating for dogs, providing them with a new and enjoyable activity that helps alleviate boredom and reduce anxiety.  

“We are so fortunate to have an in-ground doggy pool for our furry friends at the centre,” says Carol Beard, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. “We often have many water-loving dogs, and this enrichment piece is something that they thrive with.” 

There are also large, fenced yards designated for canine playtime, training, and other enrichment activities. 

“Throughout the day, our team and volunteers can take the dogs into the large parkette and play frisbee, fetch, or relax and enjoy some shade together,” says Carol. 

Paws & paths 

The walking trails at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre are cherished by dogs, team members, and volunteers alike.  

“The walking trails allow our animal centre team members and volunteers to give the dogs in our care some much-needed relief from the noisy and rambunctious environment the centre can be,” explains Katrin Schoenmair, Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre Manager. “The trails also provide us with a safe area to get to know our animals better without distraction and can assist with appropriate dog-to-dog meet-and-greets.” 

Purr-fect catio 

Many of our animal centres, including the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre boast “catios,” which are outdoor extensions of cat suites where feline residents can climb, jump, or relax in hammocks. 

“The ‘catios’ provide the cats with the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, and to experience natural light, smells, sights, and sounds,” says Shawn Aaron, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. “This experience enriches the lives of our cats and can help alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS).” 

Learn more about catios on our blog. 

Pawsome peace 

Ensuring the separation of animal species within our animal centres is crucial for preserving their overall well-being and promoting a harmonious environment. 

“Our animal centre is divided into the ‘cat’ side and the ‘dog’ side,” says Jocelyn Rutgers, Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre RVT. “This is so important for stress reduction, particularly in our cats, as it means that they never come into contact with our dogs.” 

Jocelyn adds that this division reduces the sound of dogs barking and the smells of dogs, both of which can be very stressful for cats. 

Unleashing fun 

Outdoor runs provide the dogs within the animal centres with the opportunity to run and play off-leash. 

“Our outdoor dog runs allow the dogs access to an outdoor space at their discretion, expanding their living space and providing them with the option to choose where they would like to hang out,” says Jane McCamus, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. 

There are also larger fenced yards designated for canine playtime, training, and other enrichment activities. 

“Throughout the day, our team and volunteers can take the dogs into the large parkette and play frisbee, fetch, or relax and enjoy some shade together,” says Carol. 

Our enrichment commitment 

Our dedication to every animal’s well-being includes diverse enrichment programs and amenities. From species separation to trails, catios, and a dog pool, our animal centres are tailored for physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional fulfillment. By providing these enriching experiences, we improve the quality of life for animals awaiting adoption.  

Join us in enriching lives 

Help us enrich the lives of animals! The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need.  

Your donation can ensure the continuation of key enrichment features and experiences at our animal centres. To contribute and make a difference, please visit ontariospca.ca/donate 

The post Ontario SPCA Animal centre key enrichment features appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Unlike their canine rivals, they can rotate their palms to the sky. They can reach for objects and even grasp them. These physical attributes make them gifted climbers and expert hunters. It is no wonder why cats strut about with pride. But as they age, their movement starts to slow, and they lose that feline finesse. Have you ever wondered why?   

Osteoarthritis in cats 

With aging comes the insidious progression of a debilitating and painful disease – osteoarthritis. Few realize how common osteoarthritis is in cats and how painful it can be.  

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, progresses with time. It starts with cartilage, found within every joint. Cartilage prevents bones from rubbing together. With age, it wears thin. New bone forms, causing friction and inflammation. Arthritic joints can feel swollen and bulky to the touch and often have a shorter range of motion. Knees, hips, elbows, and the spine all fall victim to this deterioration.   

What are the signs? 

Pain from osteoarthritis tends to appear gradually, and it doesn’t usually cause limping in cats like it would in dogs. Cats also tend to be stoic by nature and hide their pain well. All these reasons may explain why the disease is difficult to spot!   

The trick is to draw attention to changes in behaviour by contrasting the way they currently act to how they once acted as young adults. But even that is not as easy as it seems.   

For instance, cats in pain may hide or withdraw from social interaction. At the same time, some become more affectionate, and this can be a sign of discomfort, as well. Some cats will begin grooming their sore areas excessively, causing bald spots, while others may groom less. Clumps of fur can accumulate in those hard-to-reach places, such as the lower back, because osteoarthritis in the spine limits their flexibility.  

Arthritic cats might play less or hesitate before jumping or using stairs. They may have a stiff walk. Sometimes they shift their weight from the tips of their toes onto the palm of their paws, making them look flatfooted.   

Cats in pain might also stop using their litter box because they find it challenging to jump in. Perhaps the journey to the litter involves overcoming many flights of stairs. Or perhaps it is the litter. It can hurt their arthritic paws because it is an uneven surface that can cause uneven pressure points. Instead, cats may relieve themselves on soft surfaces, such as the couch, mattress, or a blanket.   

With chronic pain, nerve endings become more sensitive. Over time, this leads to a change in brain chemistry. The process is called pain sensitization. In other words, as chronic pain sets in, a cat can become increasingly sensitive, much like a negative feedback loop.   

What’s more, the structures within the brain responsible for detecting chronic pain happen to be those that also deal with aggression. Therefore, we often see aggression and pain in tandem. Increased or new aggression toward family members or other animals may indicate chronic pain.   

If any of these signs exist in your older cat, osteoarthritis may be an underlying factor.   

How to manage it 

While there is no cure, there are many ways to help a cat cope with the disease and feel more comfortable. For starters, we know that excess weight is a risk factor for osteoarthritis progression, and many household cats are overweight. Obesity is an epidemic in cats.   

A healthy weight is the most crucial element in managing degenerative joint diseases. Less weight means less wear and tear on the joints! Cats with ideal body weight are also more active, making them less susceptible to muscle wasting as they age. We want muscles to stay strong because they stabilize and strengthen vulnerable joints.   

Weight loss requires a blend of exercise and calorie control. To increase physical activity, we can use environmental enrichment strategies, such as puzzle feeders or exercise feeders, encourage hunting for hidden kibble, or provide ample climbing opportunities with shelving and cat trees. For more handy pet parents, building an outdoor cat patio – “catio” – can do wonders for stimulating cats to move. Cats can also go on supervised outings outdoors. Again, we want to keep those muscles strong by moving them as much as possible.   

Weight loss in cats usually requires a specialized diet that can be safely calorie-restricted while ensuring appropriate nutrient intake. These diets typically have a unique blend of fibres, which help with satiety and reduce begging behaviour. The aim is a slow and steady weight loss, maintaining muscle mass in the process. Your veterinarian will be able to assess your cat’s weight and, if needed, implement an appropriate weight loss program that is safe and tailored to your cat.   

Ingredients such as green lipped mussel powder, glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can help reduce signs of arthritis and inflammation and provide joint support. A safe and affordable combination of these ingredients can be found in specific veterinary therapeutic diets.   

Some cats may benefit from additional veterinary guidance when diet and exercise are insufficient for controlling arthritic pain. Prescribed medications, such as anti-inflammatories, are particularly effective in relieving arthritic pain. Many veterinarians offer complementary treatments such as laser therapy and acupuncture, both of which can be beneficial for remediating pain. Don’t forget the time-tested massage! As with people, massaging knotted muscles can help reduce tension and increase relaxation.   

Osteoarthritis is a common, lifelong, degenerative disease of the joints affecting most cats that can cause pain and discomfort. Chronic pain in cats often appears as subtle changes to their normal behaviour. A healthy weight can help prevent and ease their discomfort. When this is insufficient, many complementary treatment options are available. Be proactive and speak to your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is experiencing discomfort.  Your cat will feel much better and thank you every step of the way! 

Check out our blog for more cat care tips. 

The post How can I tell if my cat has arthritis and what can I do about it? appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

So, what makes a dog happy?     

Quality Time 

Just like humans, dogs enjoy attention and companionship. Spending quality time with your furry friend is a great way to boost their happiness. Engage in interactive play, go for leisurely walks, or simply cuddle on the couch. Try different activities to see what they prefer. Your dog will appreciate the undivided attention and feel more connected to you. 

Regular Exercise 

Regular exercise is essential for your pup’s physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a game of fetch, or a romp outdoors, exercise helps release excess energy and keeps your dog in good shape. It also strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion, so it’s important to find something you will both enjoy. 

Healthy Diet 

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall happiness. Provide a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and health needs. Consult your veterinarian to ensure you’re meeting your dog’s specific dietary requirements. A healthy diet contributes to your dog’s energy levels, coat condition, and overall vitality.  Read the blog, How much food should you feed your dog? to learn more about pet nutrition. 

Mental Stimulation 

Dogs are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental stimulation. Keep their minds active by introducing puzzle toys, interactive games, or training sessions. This not only prevents boredom but also helps builds their confidence. If you need ideas, we can help! Check out our selection of blogs on animal enrichment. 

Safe and Comfortable Living Environment 

 Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog at home. Provide a cozy bed, appropriate toys, and a designated area where they can retreat when needed. Dogs should have their own sanctuary where they feel secure and relaxed. 

Socialization 

Dogs can be social animals, and exposure to different environments, people, and other dogs is important for their social development and happiness. Unless your companion animal doesn’t get along with other animals, it’s a good idea to schedule playdates, visit dog-friendly parks, or enroll in obedience classes to enhance your dog’s social skills and ensure they feel comfortable in various settings. 

 Incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your daily routine can significantly contribute to your dog’s happiness and well-being. Remember, the key lies in the genuine love and attention you provide. By understanding your dog’s needs and preferences, you can create a happy and fulfilling life for your four-legged companion. Here’s to many tail wags and shared moments of joy with your beloved furry friend! 

Help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 

The post Tail-Wagging Tips: Simple ways to make your dog happier appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Meets your rabbit’s needs  

Inside the X-pen are all the things a rabbit will need: A place to hide, a litter box, toys, food dishes and a mounted water bottle. Rabbits can become overweight if they don’t have enough room to move, so an X-pen also allows them space to play and move around.  

Materials required for an X-pen  

FLAT SHEET– Use a flat sheet to cover the X-pen floor. Rabbits can be nervous of slippery floors.  

LITTER BOX– Place the litter box in their most soiled corner. Line the litter box with recycled paper/bedding or aspen shavings. Place their hay inside half of litter box. This promotes litter box use! You can also place a hay net directly above their litter pan. This is just as effective.  

PLACE TO HIDE– Rabbits need a place to hide to provide security. You can make fun cardboard castles. Cardboard is also safe for rabbits to chew and safely wear their teeth.  

CERAMIC DISHES– Use two ceramic dishes for their kibble and water. Rabbits like to move their dishes and the weight of a ceramic dish discourages this.  

WATER BOTTLE– Place a full water bottle on the X-pen. This provides the rabbit with a choice of using the dish or the bottle. If one empties, the rabbit isn’t left without water.  

ENRICHMENT– Place a ball with a bell inside, wooden chew toy and/or small stuffed animal in the X-pen for the rabbit to play with. Rabbits will be attracted to chew hard features on stuffed animals like the eyes or nose, so it’s important that the plushies not have any hard features. Rabbits also love to scratch and dig at flattened cardboard boxes and chew toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay.  

CLIPS– Ensure that all the clips that attach to the X-pen are closed and secure so the rabbit does not escape their safe play area.  

Generally, it is recommended that rabbits have at least one hour outside their X-pen daily for enrichment and to bond with their adopter. 

In addition to providing an X-pen for your rabbit, it is important they spend time outside of the pen. Rabbits are social creatures and need activity. For their health and well-being, it’s important to give them enough room to stretch out and play.   

Read our blog for more tips on caring for your pet rabbit.  

The post What is an X-pen and why is it a good idea?  appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new guinea pig.

Veterinary Visits After Adoption

A check-in with your family veterinarian within the first week after adoption is critical to ensure continuity of care for your new friend, and to create a preventative health care plan tailored to their specific needs and to your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care.

Preventative care includes important measures such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this veterinary check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-existing concerns to ensure your new family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new guinea pig friend’s medical history can be shared with your veterinarian.

Medical Considerations

• Regular veterinary visits are recommended to prevent illness and to keep your new guinea pig as comfortable as possible. Because many veterinarians do not treat guinea pigs, it is highly recommended to find a suitable veterinarian before care is needed.
• The Ontario SPCA does not spay or neuter guinea pigs due to the relatively high risk of mortality during surgery. Surgery can successfully be performed, but it is best done through a veterinarian that has guinea pig surgical experience.
• Your guinea pig requires vitamin c in their diet to prevent scurvy, which can cause issues like anemia and/or pain or swelling in the limbs/body. However, most high-quality guinea pig diets are fortified with vitamin c.
• As a rodent, your guinea pig’s teeth will grow continuously throughout their life. To help wear down their ever-growing front teeth, provide your guinea pigs with chewing items such as cardboard and wooden toys.
• Your guinea pig’s nails will need to be trimmed regularly.

Housing

When selecting a cage for a guinea pig, bigger is always best. This will allow your guinea pig to express natural behaviors, which will decrease stress.

Your guinea pig friend is highly social and typically will enjoy human interaction. Because they are social, another guinea pig companion would be beneficial. Having another guinea pig of the same sex is strongly encouraged. In general, females tend to get along well. Males can sometimes be more difficult to bond, but it is possible. Mixed sex pairings are not advised due to breeding likelihood.

Wire flooring must be avoided. Enclosures should have solid bottoms. They can be covered to prevent foot injuries with shredded newspaper, grass hay, aspen or hardwood shavings. Avoid using wood shavings made from pine or cedar, as these can be irritating to their respiratory systems. Guinea pigs will usually choose one area as the toilet area. Once they have selected this area, don’t put food, water or toys in the space.

As guinea pigs are startled easily, a hiding place must be provided. They should have access to a hiding place at all times for when they need some quiet time.

Enclosures should remain off the floor to decrease stress.

For more information on housing click here

Nutrition

Like rabbits, the majority of a guinea pig’s diet is Timothy hay, which should always be available. Pelleted diets made specifically for guinea pigs, vegetables, and small amounts of fruit account for the rest of a guinea pig’s dietary needs. Guinea pigs are unable to create vitamin C on their own, so this needs to come from their diet. Quality guinea pig pellets are fortified with vitamin C, but it degrades quickly. As a result, in general, pellets should be used within 3 months of manufacture. Vitamin C supplements are available, but it is generally recommended to provide vegetables with high levels of vitamin C to meet your guinea pig’s needs.

Failure to provide sufficient vitamin C can lead to a variety of problematic conditions including scurvy. This can potentially occur within days of inadequate intake, so the quality and freshness of their diet is of paramount importance.

Enrichment

Your guinea pig enjoys activities that allow them to express their natural behaviours, such as hiding, climbing, constructing and chewing. Enrichment is very important to help keep your guinea pig happy and healthy. For enrichment ideas, click here

Resources

https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/guinea-pig-care-guide.pdf
https://lafeber.com/mammals/your-guinea-pigs-home/

We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local SPCA here.

The post What to Expect When Adopting a Guinea Pig appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new rabbit.

Veterinary Visits After Adoption

A check-in with your family veterinarian within the first week after adoption is critical to ensure continuity of care for your new friend, and to create a preventative health care plan tailored to their specific needs and to your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care.

Preventative care includes important measures such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this veterinary check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-existing concerns to ensure that your new family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new rabbit friend’s medical history can be shared with your veterinarian.

Medical Considerations

• Regular veterinary visits are recommended to prevent illness and to keep your new rabbit as comfortable as possible. Because many veterinarians do not treat rabbits, it is highly recommended to find a suitable veterinarian before care is needed.
• As a hind-gut fermenting species, the health of the “good” gut bacteria is directly related to the rabbit’s health. Any digestive disturbances can be catastrophic for rabbits and must be addressed by your family veterinarian.
• Your rabbit’s teeth will grow continuously throughout their life. To help wear down their ever-growing front teeth, provide your rabbits with chewing items such as cardboard and wooden toys. Regular visits to your family veterinarian are important to identify if the teeth need to be trimmed.
• Your rabbit’s nails will need to be trimmed regularly.

Healing After Surgery

Your new furry friend may have had surgery prior to adoption. In addition to following any specific post-op instructions given to you, it will be important to note the following:

• Give any post-op medication as prescribed
• Utilize an e-collar (cone) or a onesie to help protect their incision site, as prescribed
• Monitor the incision site daily for swelling, discharge and/or holes in the incision line
• Keep your rabbit calm, and restrict their exercise (i.e., no jumping on/off surfaces, climbing stairs or going outside)
• Watch them closely to ensure they are comfortable, eating and drinking well, and using their toileting area without issue

If your rabbit is not eating well, is quiet or lethargic and/or if you see any concerns with their incision site, please contact your family veterinarian for support.

Housing

When selecting a cage for a rabbit, bigger is always best. This will allow your rabbit to express natural behaviors, which will decrease stress. Your rabbit should have access to an exercise pen daily, where they can stretch and jump around with more space. They should not be limited to just their cage.

Enclosures should have solid bottoms. They can be covered to prevent foot injuries with shredded newspaper, grass hay, aspen or hardwood shavings. Avoid using wood shavings made from pine or cedar, as they can be very irritating to their respiratory system. A hiding place must be provided for your rabbit for when they need some quiet time. Enclosures should remain off the floor to decrease stress.

Nutrition

When you feed your rabbit, a proper diet is essential to keep them healthy. Rabbits are herbivores and require a high-fibre diet to ensure good gastrointestinal health. The majority of a rabbit’s diet should consist of unlimited, high quality Timothy hay, which should always be available. A smaller amount of fresh vegetables and a limited amount of pellets should be offered with the occasional treat.

Always check with your family veterinarian before introducing any new foods to your rabbit.

Rabbits generally prefer heavy ceramic water bowls to drink out of, but some like sipper bottles too. Experiment to see which your rabbit prefers. For more information on diet click here.

Coprophagy, or the eating of feces, is not cause for alarm. This is normal for most rodents and serves to help preserve valuable nutrients, as some are better digested during the second pass through the gut.

Enrichment

Your rabbit enjoys activities that allow them to express their natural behaviours, such as hiding, climbing, constructing and chewing. Enrichment is very important to help keep your rabbit happy and behaviourally healthy.

Rabbits need at least an hour out of their cage every day. Your rabbit may enjoy a walk indoors with a harness or hop around a pen, but don’t let the rabbit roam your home unsupervised – rabbits love to chew! Some chew toys can be included in their pen, but keep them away from anything they shouldn’t gnaw on, such as electrical cords, furniture, and houseplants. List of toxic plants.

Rabbits are quite social and need quality interaction every day. This can be interactive play, grooming, or a safe opportunity to associate with other pets. Your rabbit generally does not like to be picked up off the ground. Instead, interaction with them on the floor will be safer and more comfortable. For enrichment ideas click here.

Resources

https://rabbit.org/
https://lafeber.com/
https://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/blog/blog-category/category/rabbits

We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local SPCA here.

The post What to Expect When Adopting a Rabbit appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new rat.

Veterinary Visits After Adoption

A check-in with your family veterinarian within the first week after adoption is critical to ensure continuity of care for your new friend, and to create a preventative health care plan tailored to their specific needs and to your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care.

Preventative care includes important measures such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this veterinary check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-existing concerns to ensure that your new family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new rat friend’s medical history can be shared with your veterinarian.

Medical Considerations

• Regular veterinary visits are recommended to prevent illness and to keep your new rat as comfortable as possible. Because many veterinarians do not treat rats, it is highly recommended to find a suitable veterinarian before care is needed.
• The Ontario SPCA does not spay or neuter rats due to the relatively high risk of mortality during surgery. Surgery can successfully be performed, but it is best done through a veterinarian that has rat surgical experience.
• As a rodent, your rat’s teeth will grow continuously throughout their life. To help wear down their ever-growing front teeth, provide your rats with chewing items such as cardboard and wooden toys. There may be cases where the teeth need to be filed down periodically by a veterinarian.
• Rats can be susceptible to respiratory problems. Proper husbandry with adequate temperature, humidity, and ventilation are key to keeping your rat healthy.
• Your rat’s nails will need to be trimmed regularly.

Housing

When selecting a cage for a rat, bigger is always best. Multi-level cages are preferred as they allow your rat to express natural behaviors, such as climbing, stretching, digging and exploring.

• The best location for the cage is inside, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures, and off the floor to decrease stress.
• Your rat’s enclosure should have a solid bottom floor. The cage should be lined with bedding, but do not use cedar or pine chips as they contain oils dangerous to rats. Rats also need bedding in their cage. A variety of commercial rodent bedding options are available, which rats will use to make resting nests, burrow within, snuggle, and re-arrange throughout their cage.
• Rats need somewhere to hide where they can relax without being seen. And since rats are naturally nocturnal, they benefit from a darker area to sleep or nap during the day. Suitable hiding areas can be a cardboard box, a PVC tube, wooden houses, etc.
• Your rat friend needs time outside of his or her cage daily, but be sure to rat- proof the area and supervise to keep your rat safe.
• Your rat friend is highly social and typically will enjoy human interaction outside of their cage. Because they are social, another rat companion would be beneficial. Female rats tend to get along better than males, unless the males were raised together or introduced early in life. Male rats that don’t know each other are likely to fight when introduced, so either female-female, or neutered male-female pairings are best.

For more information on housing, click here.

Nutrition

Rats are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. Quality commercial pet rat pellets should make up the vast majority of their diet. Seed and grain mixtures should be avoided, as they allow rats to pick and choose what they like to eat, potentially leading to obesity and nutrient deficiencies.

Rats are prone to obesity and tend to hide their food in their cage. As such, it is best to have pellets constantly available. Although your rat friend enjoys fresh vegetables and fruit, they should only be given occasionally as a healthy treat

Rats must have access to water 24/7. This can be done by using a sipper bottle attached to the side of their cage, or a ceramic water bowl. Both should be used until you know what your rat’s preference is.

Coprophagy, or the eating of feces, is not cause for alarm. This is normal for most rodents and serves to help preserve valuable nutrients, as some are better digested during the second pass through the gut.

As much as 10% of a rat’s fecal output may be re-ingested. While this may seem like abnormal behaviour, or a sign of a medical issue, it is quite normal and common.

Enrichment

Your rat enjoys activities that allow them to express their natural behaviours, such as hiding, climbing, constructing and chewing. Enrichment is very important to help keep your rat happy and healthy. For enrichment ideas click here.

Resources

https://lafeber.com/mammals/rats/

We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local SPCA here.

The post What to Expect When Adopting a Rat appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new bird.

This link can be useful in determining which species of bird may fit your lifestyle.

Veterinary Visits After Adoption

A check-in with your family veterinarian within the first week after adoption is critical to ensure continuity of care for your new friend, and to create a preventative health care plan tailored to their specific needs and to your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care. Avian veterinarians specialize in bird care; it may require more research to find a veterinary hospital that will examine your bird.

Preventative care includes important measures, such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this veterinary check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-existing concerns to ensure your new family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new avain friend’s medical history can be shared with your veterinarian.

Medical Considerations

• Birds can live a significant length of time, potentially many decades, and will be a long-term commitment.
• Many birds need to have their nails trimmed regularly. This can be done at home or at a veterinary clinic.
• Some birds need their beaks trimmed. Providing a cuttlebone for the bird to use often provides enough opportunity to wear down the beak.
• In part, due to birds’ sensitive respiratory systems, they are susceptible to the toxic effects of fumes, scents, and vapours from many types of heated non-stick pans.
• Candles, smoke, and scent diffusers are also problematic for birds. It is always recommended for birds to be in areas with good air exchange.

Housing

The housing size for birds should be as large as you can accommodate. There must be enough space for your bird to stretch their wings out fully and to fly short distances. Different bird species require different types of cages – parakeets and cockatiels like height, while finches and canaries prefer width. To make your bird feel safe, keep the cage off the floor at all times. Cages should have a variety of perches. Companion bird species generally don’t have much padding on the bottoms of their feet, so perch selection is important for both their comfort and health. Perches that have various widths allow birds to exercise and stretch their feet, which promotes good health.

Birds can benefit from supervised time out of their cage in a safe environment. To keep your bird safe, ensure the environment is free from items that are chewable (wires, cords, furniture etc.), keep all windows and doors closed and keep other animals out of the room. For more information on housing ideas click here.

Nutrition

Every bird species has different dietary requirements, so it is best to consult a veterinarian for specific information about your bird. A proper diet promotes good health and can help avoid medical conditions. A good diet generally consists of a high-quality pellet, a variety of fruits, vegetables and grains, and a small amount of seed. It is best that you discuss nutrition with your family veterinarian, so that your bird is eating the appropriate diet. Click here for more requirements on bird nutrition.

Enrichment

• As very intelligent and inquisitive species, companion birds can get bored easily, so rotating toys and providing novel enrichment opportunities is critical to their health.
• Many birds do best with another bird companion, of either the same species or a compatible one. This is especially true if the family works away from the home and the bird is left alone for large portions of the day.

For enrichment ideas for birds click here.

We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local SPCA here.

The post What to Expect When Adopting a Bird appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.