Pet care guides
Practical advice on food, grooming and everyday care for dogs and cats, from our team at 376 Kingston Rd, Pickering.
Winter paw care: dog boots, paw balm and road salt
How to protect your dog's paws in an Ontario winter: road salt and de-icers, choosing and fitting dog boots, paw balm, coats for dogs that feel the cold, and when to call the vet.
Cat water fountains: do cats need one?
Why many cats drink more from a fountain, plastic or stainless steel, where to put it, how often to clean it and change the filter, and the Catit fountains we carry.
The best cat litter for your cat: types compared
Clumping clay, corn, tofu, pea, pine and crystal cat litter compared on clumping, dust, odour and weight, plus how much litter to use and how to switch.
Big Country Raw: a guide to the range
A guide to the Big Country Raw range at our Pickering store: Dinners, Breeder and Country Blends, Pure single proteins, Fare Game for cats, raw bones, goat milk and Thrive oils.
Puppy food and senior dog food: feeding at every age
How puppy food differs from adult food, large-breed puppies, how many meals a day, when to switch to adult food, and what changes for senior dogs: calories, protein, joints and teeth.
Bully sticks and dog chews: are they safe?
What bully sticks are, how many calories they have, how to give them safely (sizes, holders, when to take them away), and how antlers, yak chews, no-hide chews and rawhide compare.
Cat hairballs: remedies that work and when to see a vet
Why cats get hairballs, how often is normal, remedies that help (brushing, hairball gels, food, water) and the signs that mean a vet visit.
Dog food allergies and sensitive stomachs
Signs of food allergies and sensitive stomachs in dogs and cats, how an elimination diet works, limited ingredient and novel protein foods, and day-to-day tips for a calmer gut.
Best dog food in Canada: how to choose
How to choose a dog food in Canada: what to look for on the label, questions to ask about the company, grain-free and heart health, cost per day, and the Canadian brands at our Pickering store.
Dog dental care: teeth cleaning at home
How to brush your dog's teeth, which dental chews and additives help, signs of dental disease, and when your dog needs a professional cleaning at the vet.
Cat toys: how to play with your cat
Which cat toys keep indoor cats active, how to play like a hunt, catnip and silver vine, laser pointer tips, and toy safety.
Cat scratching posts: stop scratching the couch
Why cats scratch, how to choose a scratching post or cat tree (height, stability, sisal or cardboard), where to put it, and how to stop a cat scratching furniture.
Dog harness or collar? How to choose and fit one
When a harness is better than a collar, front-clip no-pull vs back-clip harnesses, how to measure and fit a harness, winter harness coats, and cat harnesses.
Raw diet for dogs and cats: a beginner's guide
How to start a raw diet for your dog or cat: choosing a complete and balanced food, how much raw food to feed, switching over 7 to 10 days, and safe handling.
Freeze-dried, dehydrated or kibble: what's the difference?
How kibble, dehydrated and freeze-dried raw dog food are made, how to serve and store each one, how they compare on cost, and how to choose.
Cat care basics: brushing, nail trims, dental care, litter and water
A simple cat care routine: how often to brush, trim nails and change the litter, how to look after teeth, and how to help your cat drink more water.
Dog grooming: what to do, how often, and why
How often to brush, bathe and trim your dog by coat type, why double coats shouldn't be shaved, winter paw care, and signs it's time for a groomer.
How to trim dog and cat nails: how often and step by step
How often to trim dog and cat nails, how to find the quick, which tools to use, what to do if a nail bleeds, and how to make nail trims calmer.
Dog diarrhea and constipation: when pumpkin helps
What causes diarrhea and constipation in dogs and cats, how plain pumpkin helps and how much pumpkin to give, pumpkin treats and foods, and signs that need a vet.
Fish oil and skin and coat formulas: what helps dry, itchy skin
Why dogs and cats get dry, itchy skin and dull coats, what fish oil, salmon oil and skin and coat foods add (omega-3, omega-6, zinc), how long they take, and when to see a vet.
Gently cooked fresh dog food: what it is and how to choose
What gently cooked fresh dog food is, how it compares with raw and kibble, how to serve and store it, and the brands we carry: Canine Life, All Good, Tom & Sawyer and YUPP.
Have a question we haven't covered?
Ask us in store or call 905-509-3417.