Pet of the Month We all love our pets, big or small. Send in their photo to make them known to all. Include a brief description about your family pet to tami@villagerpublications.com, and below are some handy tips from your local vet.
Meet Atticus and Moses, two golden-furred friends who are both three years old, and love spending time outdoors on the farm. Atticus likes to hunt field mice, while Moses is passionate about playing fetch. At the end of a long day, they both agree that the fireplace is the best spot to cuddle and recharge. They will be very happy to see the warmer spring air arrive soon though! Fur Parents: Mike and Kristina Courey, New Moon Community Homestead
“I asked a kid, ‘What is love?’ He answered, ‘Love is when a puppy licks your face,’ I laughed before he added, ‘even when you left him alone all day.’” Unknown
Protecting Your Pets from H5N1 Influenza: What Local Pet Owners Should Know by Dr. Karnikaa Katyal, DVM, Ilderton Pet Hospital Concerns about the H5N1 influenza virus, or bird flu, have increased following reports of infected wild birds and mammals in Ontario. While H5N1 primarily affects birds, there have been rare cases of cats and dogs contracting the virus. Pet owners should stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect their pets. What Is H5N1 and How Does It Affect Pets? H5N1 is a strain of avian influenza primarily affecting wild birds. The virus spreads through saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Cats and dogs can become infected through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated areas. Once in the body, H5N1 targets the respiratory system, causing symptoms like coughing, nasal discharge, fever, neurologic signs and lethargy. The clinical disease is primarily reported in cats. While the risk to pets is low, it’s still important to take steps to reduce exposure.
Concerns About Raw Pet Food, Dairy, and Recalls Recent recalls of raw pet foods containing poultry due to potential H5N1 contamination have raised concerns. Pet owners should check for recalls and consider switching to a cooked diet ideally or eliminating poultry from the raw component. Concerns also exist for transmission of H5N1 from birds to dairy cattle and caution should also be used when considering using any raw or unpasteurized dairy for animal or human consumption. For more information, visit www.wormsandgermsblog.com by In- fectious Disease Specialist Dr. Scott Weese. How to Reduce the Risk of Exposure: 1. Take down bird feeders to reduce the attraction of infec- ted birds. 2. Keep cats indoors to prevent hunting birds, which could expose them to infected animals. 3. Reduce outdoor time for pets in bird-heavy areas, especially during migratory bird seasons. 4. Wash hands after handling pets, particularly if they’ve been outside.
IldertonPetHospital.com
519-666-2115 • 13235 Ilderton Rd. PIZZA SLICES MON-FRI 11–3 Wings, Mozzarella Sticks Battered Mushrooms and more! Uber Eats • Gift Certificates
Your Perfect Match awaits you at The London Animal Care Centre and The Catty Shack!
Bringing people and pets together www.accpets.ca
April Pizza of the Month: Our 4 Veggie Lovers Pizza Mushrooms, Green Peppers, Diced Tomatoes, and Onions. Save $4 off a medium and large.
C atty S hack THE London Animal Care Centre – Licensing, Bylaw Enforcement, Adoption and Lost/Found Services: 121 Pine Valley Blvd., (519) 685-1330 The Catty Shack: 756 Windermere Rd., (519) 432-4572
Ilderton and Area Villager April 2025 • Page 5 Mon to Thur 11 - 8 • Friday 11 - 9 • Sat 2 - 9 • Sun 4 - 8 519-857-2385 • 13229 Ilderton Road
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