Gardiners Road Animal Hospital

12/01/2025

Feed the LOVE Canned food Drive!

We are working with Hill's to help feed shelter pets this holiday season.

11/25/2025

Many of you have met our clinic mascot, Taz, but did you know he also helps cleaning up!

08/27/2025

Hello valued clients,
We have, unfortunately lost power due to a transformer issue nearby. We have no ability to contact the clients that are scheduled for appointments today. We apologize for the inconvenience and will reach out to our clients as soon as the power is restored. If you have any questions or concerns; or if you need any food or medication pick ups, please call our sister clinic, East Side Veterinary Services at 613-531-5830.
Sincerely, GRAH staff

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from our lovely vet tech, Olivia!

02/09/2024

Optimizing Your Pet’s Nutrition: A Guide to Health and Longevity

Visiti Link:

Learn how to ensure your pet's health and longevity through proper nutrition. essential nutrients, feeding guidelines, and tips for selecting the best foods.

12/14/2023

Clinic Christmas potluck 🎄🎅

10/02/2023

Freya is always so happy to see us 😁🐾

09/26/2023

Please be aware that Royal Canin is having issues with one of their thrid-party warehouses which have caused them to temporarily pause shipments. At this time we do not have a time in which they will be back in stock. If you have any questions, please call the clinic so we can help you navigate through this.

Thank you for you patience and understanding.

09/24/2023

Charlie boy 😊❤️

09/07/2023

Xena, the fluffy teddy bear ❤️🐻

09/02/2023

𝐏𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐰𝐬: 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬

In a world where treats are abundant and couch cuddles are irresistible, it is no surprise that our beloved pets are facing a growing concern – obesity. While we might affectionately refer to those extra pounds as "puppy fat" or "chubby cheeks," the reality is that obesity poses serious health risks for our furry companions. In this blog, we will explore the causes, consequences, prevention, management, and emotional aspects of obesity in pets, shedding light on the importance of a healthy lifestyle for our four-legged friends.

𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲

Just as in humans, obesity in pets occurs when an animal's weight exceeds the optimal range for their breed and size. A chubby pet might seem adorable, but the effects of obesity can be detrimental to their overall well-being.

𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲

Overfeeding and Poor Diet: One of the leading causes of pet obesity is overfeeding. Providing too much food, especially high-calorie treats, can quickly add up.

Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to weight gain. If your pet's exercise routine is not sufficient, those calories won't be burned off.

Breed and Genetics: Certain breeds are more predisposed to weight gain due to genetic factors. Be mindful of your pet's breed characteristics.

Age: As pets age, their metabolism may slow down, making it easier for them to gain weight.

𝐏𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

Obesity is not just an aesthetic concern; it is a serious health issue that can affect your pet's quality and length of life.

Joint Problems: Excess weight places strain on joints, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.

Diabetes: Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes in pets, just as it is in humans.

Heart and Respiratory Issues: Overweight pets are at a higher risk of heart disease and respiratory problems.

Reduced Lifespan: Studies have shown that obese pets have shorter lifespans than their healthier counterparts.

𝐅𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The good news is that obesity is preventable and manageable with the right approach.

1. Portion Control and Balanced Diet

Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size for your pet's breed, age, and activity level. Choose high-quality, balanced pet food that meets your pet's nutritional needs. Limit treats and table scraps, as they can contribute to calorie overload.

2. Exercise and Enrichment

Regular physical activity is crucial. Engage your pet in daily walks, play sessions, and interactive toys.
Explore new activities like agility training or swimming to keep things interesting.

3. Veterinary Guidance

Regular veterinary check-ups can help monitor your pet's weight and health. If your pet is already overweight, consult your vet for a tailored weight management plan.

4. Mindful Treats and Rewards

Opt for healthy, low-calorie treats or use small portions of their regular food for rewards.

5. Say No to Table Scraps

While those puppy eyes might be irresistible, avoid feeding your pet from the dinner table.

6. Gradual Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss can be harmful. Aim for a gradual reduction in weight under veterinary guidance.

7. Team Effort

Involve the whole family in your pet's weight management plan to ensure consistency.

8. Mental Stimulation

Engage your pet's mind with puzzle toys and games to prevent overeating out of boredom.

𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟: 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬

It is important to set achievable goals and focus on your pet's overall health rather than just the number on the scale.

1. Monitor Progress

Keep track of your pet's weight, measurements, and any changes in behavior.

2. Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrate milestones in your pet's weight loss journey, no matter how small.

3. Patience is Key

Weight loss takes time. Be patient and stay committed to your pet's well-being.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠

1. Emotional Bonding

Be aware that overfeeding might stem from a desire to show love, but it's important to express affection through play and attention instead.

2. Emotional Eating

Pets, like humans, can engage in emotional eating. Monitor their behavior and address stress or anxiety in healthy ways.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

As devoted pet owners, it is our responsibility to ensure that our furry friends lead healthy, happy lives. Obesity in pets is a preventable and manageable condition that demands our attention and care. By understanding the causes of obesity, recognizing its potential consequences, and embracing a holistic approach to prevention and management, we can help our pets maintain a healthy weight and enjoy a higher quality of life. Remember, your pet's well-being is in your paws, so let's make the journey towards a healthier future together – one step, one treat, and one playful moment at a time.

08/30/2023

𝐔𝐩𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐬

Our furry companions bring endless joy and love into our lives, but just like us, they too can experience health issues. One common concern that pet owners encounter is vomiting in their beloved dogs and cats. While it can be distressing to witness your furry friend in such a state, understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for vomiting can help you navigate this situation with confidence and care. In serious conditions, you can always bring your pets to Gardiners Road Animal Hospital in Kingston.

𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

Vomiting, also known as emesis, is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. It is important to note that vomiting is a symptom rather than a disease itself, and it can indicate a wide range of underlying issues in your pet's health.

𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

Vomiting in dogs and cats can be triggered by various factors, and determining the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment.

Some common causes include:

Dietary Indiscretion: Our curious companions often explore their surroundings through their mouths, sometimes ingesting items that are not meant to be consumed, such as garbage, plants, or even non-food objects.

Food Intolerance or Allergies: Just like humans, pets can have sensitivities to certain foods, leading to gastrointestinal upset and vomiting.

Gastrointestinal Infections: Viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause stomach upset, leading to vomiting as the body's natural response to eliminate harmful agents.

Toxic Ingestion: Many substances that are harmless to humans can be toxic to pets. Ingesting toxic plants, human medications, or chemicals can lead to vomiting and other severe symptoms.

Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by high-fat diets or other factors. Vomiting can be a symptom of pancreatitis in pets.

Motion Sickness: Some pets can experience motion sickness during car rides, leading to vomiting and nausea.

Underlying Medical Conditions: Vomiting can also be a sign of more serious health issues like kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer.

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬

Apart from the obvious act of vomiting, there are other signs that your pet might exhibit to signal that something is amiss:

Lethargy: A pet that is unusually tired or lacking in energy might be experiencing discomfort.

Loss of Appetite: If your pet suddenly loses interest in their food, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.

Abdominal Discomfort: Whining, restlessness, or signs of discomfort when touched around the abdomen might indicate stomach distress.

Dehydration: Excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration. Check for dry gums, sunken eyes, and reduced skin elasticity.

Changes in Behavior: Anxious behavior or changes in social interaction might indicate that your pet is not feeling well.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞

While occasional vomiting might not always be a cause for concern, there are instances where immediate veterinary attention is necessary:

Frequent Vomiting: If your pet is vomiting repeatedly within a short period, it is time to consult a vet.

Blood in Vomit: The presence of blood in vomit can indicate serious health issues and requires immediate attention.

Lethargy and Weakness: If vomiting is accompanied by extreme lethargy and weakness, it could be a sign of a severe condition.

Persistent Symptoms: If your pet's vomiting continues for more than a day or if they show other concerning symptoms, a vet visit is crucial.

𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Depending on the underlying cause and severity of the vomiting, your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment. In some cases, mild cases of vomiting can be managed at home:

Withholding Food: For 12 to 24 hours, let your pet's stomach settle by withholding food. However, ensure they have access to water to prevent dehydration.

Bland Diet: After the fasting period, feed a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice to soothe the stomach.

Gradual Food Introduction: Slowly reintroduce their regular diet to avoid overwhelming their digestive system.

Medication: In certain cases, your vet might prescribe medication to alleviate vomiting and discomfort.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲

Preventing vomiting begins with understanding your pet's needs and habits:

Diet: Feed your pet high-quality, appropriate pet food and avoid feeding them table scraps or foods that are toxic to them.

Supervision: Keep a watchful eye on your pet to prevent them from ingesting foreign objects.

Pet-Proofing: Create a safe environment by removing potential hazards such as toxic plants or chemicals.

Gradual Changes: Introduce dietary changes gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset.

𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬

Diagnostic Testing: Depending on the severity of the vomiting, your vet might recommend blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasound to identify the underlying cause.

Intravenous Fluids: In cases of severe dehydration, your pet might require intravenous fluids to restore their hydration levels.

Surgery: If an object is lodged in the digestive tract, surgery might be necessary to remove it safely.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

Vomiting in dogs and cats is a common occurrence, often indicative of underlying health issues that require attention. As a responsible pet owner, being attuned to your pet's behaviors, promptly seeking veterinary care when needed, and taking preventative measures can go a long way in ensuring their well-being. Remember, our furry friends rely on us to keep them healthy and happy, and a little knowledge about vomiting can empower us to provide the best care possible. Whether it is a mild upset stomach or a more serious concern, your proactive approach can make all the difference in your pet's health journey.