How Mac Animal Clinic Built a Fear Free Veterinary Practice
At Mac Animal Clinic, Fear Free care is not just one part of what we do. It shapes how we welcome pets, guide pet parents, and deliver care at every stage of the veterinary visit.
Smooth Travels: A Guide to Bringing Your Pet from Canada to the US
Traveling with your pet can be an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful planning, especially when crossing international borders. If you’re planning to bring your dog or cat from Canada into the United States it is important to be aware of the new regulations that have been put in place [...]
Fear-Free Certified Vet Practices: How A Certified Clinic Benefits Your Pet
What is a Fear-Free Certified Veterinary Practice? At a Fear-Free Certified Practice, pets are more likely to be calm and cooperative, which allows our veterinary team to deliver better care. When your pet is comfortable, we gain a more accurate picture of their health, which aids in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, by considering [...]
Scratching the Surface: Top 3 Reasons Pets Itch
Chronic itching can be frustrating for pets, who are uncomfortable, and their owners, who want their pets to feel better. Constant scratching, licking, or biting usually indicates an underlying issue that requires diagnosis and treatment by our Mac Animal Clinic team. Understanding common itching causes and how you can help when your pet begins to [...]
The Importance of Wellness Care for Your Pet: A Lifelong Investment in Health
Our pets are members of our family, and we want our companions to live long, healthy, and happy lives. While it’s easy to think of the vet as a place to go only when your pet is sick, wellness care is just as important, if not more so. Regular check-ups, preventive treatments, and ongoing care [...]
Joint Pain in Pets: How to Manage Arthritis and Improve Your Pet’s Quality of Life
Arthritis is a common condition in pets, particularly as they age, but it doesn’t have to mean a life of discomfort. Just like humans, pets can suffer from joint pain and stiffness that limits their mobility and reduces their quality of life. At Mac Animal Clinic in Oakville, Ontario, we are committed to helping [...]
Santa Charity Event
Who wants to have their pet's photo taken with Santa?! The holidays are all about giving, and this year the M.A.C team has invited Santa to take photos with all the good two and four legged girls and boys in exchange for a donation towards Niagara Dog Rescue. Bring your family, your festive gear and [...]
Keeping Your Pet Fit: Simple Strategies to Combat Pet Obesity
Obesity is an all-too-common issue among pets, and it’s more than just a cosmetic concern. Those extra pounds can put your pet at risk for serious health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, and even heart disease. But the good news is, with the right approach to diet and exercise, you can help your pet maintain [...]
How to brush your pet’s teeth
Tooth Brushing Tutorial Did you know that over 80% of pets above the age of three have dental disease? The best thing you can do at home for your pet’s oral health is brushing their teeth. Brushing your pet’s teeth daily with a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste can significantly reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Dr. [...]
Brush Up On Pet Dental Care
Dental disease is prevalent in pets, affecting the majority of cats and dogs by the time they are 3 years of age. This makes dental health critical to overall wellness for cats and dogs. Our team at Mac Animal Clinic explores the topic further. Understanding dental disease in pets Without oral hygiene, pets can suffer [...]
Your Puppy’s First Year: Caring for and Training Your New Best Friend
Month 1: Settling into a new home Before bringing your new puppy home, you want to ensure they will feel safe and comfortable. To do that, remove potential hazards, such as small objects, toxic plants, and electrical cords. Move cleaning supplies, medications, and other hazardous substances out of reach. Provide a designated area [...]
Itchy Pet Awareness Month
August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! This month was created to help unite pet owners and veterinarians in managing pets with skin conditions. We want to empower pet owners with the resources to identify signs of concern in their pets, and get the veterinary care they need to provide rapid and lasting itch relief. Did [...]
Will My Pet Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?
Will My Pet Get Bored of Eating the Same Food? Cats and dogs actually have significantly less taste buds than humans do. In most cases they won’t notice the differences in flavors, instead they use texture and smell to experience their food in a very different way. But what about my picky [...]
Hot Weather Safety Tips
Many people love spending the long, warm days of summer outside with our canine companions, but being outside without the proper precautions in hot weather can be dangerous for our pets. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your pup cool in the heat: Adjust your walking routine Aim to go for walks [...]
Fear Free® Fireworks
While dogs tend to be more obviously affected by fireworks, that does not mean your cat isn’t either! Fortunately there are steps you can take to help make fireworks a less stressful experience. The best action you can take is to be prepared before the event begins, and therefore before the fear sets [...]
Kibble alternatives. Tip: Make sure it is cooked and that the recipe is nutritionally balanced!
Looking for some kibble alternatives? There are some great resources for that! Hilary’s Blend “Complete and Balanced” Cook book – to be used with Hilary’s Blend supplement Balanceit.com – software allows you to create a diet for pet’s specific life stage, dietary sensitivities, and nutrient requirements. To be used with the Balanceit supplement. Designed [...]
The truth about anesthesia free “dentistry”
After years of anesthesia free pet dentals, this dog has lost so much bone structure due to undetected periodontal disease that the probe goes through the space between the two roots of the tooth due to bone loss. This dog ended up needing 16 teeth extracted as they could not be saved. American Veterinary [...]
DO OUR PETS FEEL PAIN LIKE WE DO?
Pain is the body's natural protective reflex to decrease or prevent tissue damage. However, pain becomes a problem when it is more intense or prolonged than necessary for protection from injury. The excess pain intensity negatively impacts health and quality of life without providing any biological benefit – meaning without being protective. Over the years, veterinary medicine [...]
Calling all Indoor Cats of Oakville. There is a new game to play!
Feed your cat like the tiger she really is. We keep our Oakville cats indoors to keep them safe from the potential dangers of the great outdoors. However, this sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, bad behavior, boredom and abnormal sleeping patterns. What if you could find a way to: Entertain your cat Encourage [...]
February Is Dental Month
Dental Health: Not Just for Humans Just like us, our pets need consistent dental check-ups to make sure their teeth are in tip-top shape. Because they don't have hands, our pets rely on their teeth to do a wide variety of tasks from eating their food and chewing their toys to investigating new objects and [...]
Puppy Vaccinations | Schedule and Types
Congratulations on your new puppy! So you've brought your puppy home from the breeder or shelter. You're working on potty training but now you need to call your vet to schedule your puppy's vaccines. One question we are commonly asked is "what vaccines does my puppy need and when?". Every puppy's vaccine protocol is structured [...]
How to properly clean your dog’s ears
Ear cleaning is one of the most important things you can do at home to help prevent ear infections in your dog. Cleaning your pet's ears removes not only ear wax (cerumen), but also any yeast and bacterial overgrowth in your pet's ears. Cleaning by itself may even be sufficient to resolve mild uncomplicated ear [...]
M.A.C among winners in Best Veterinarian Award!
Mac Animal Clinic is honored to be named amongst the winners of this year's 2020 Oakville Reader's Choice awards. Mac Animal Clinic - Platinum Winner - Best Veterinary Services Mac Animal Clinic - Platinum Winner - Best Animal Hospital Dr. Mac - Platinum Winner - Best Veterinarian Check out the details! Click here Thank you [...]
Food Subscription Calculator – figure out when to order your next bag of food
Did you know our online vet store offers 10% off of all recurring food orders? Ordering online allows you to: Order 24/7 – from anywhere Guarantee your order will be ready and waiting for you when you come in to pick it up Set-up a recurring AutoOrder and never run out AND save up [...]
Virtual Howloween Costume Contest | Oakville Vet
Send us pictures of your pet's Halloween costumes to enter to win our online contest! As many of you know from her box of pet costumes, Halloween is one of Dr Mac’s favourite holidays when it comes to pet attire. While we are very sad, we won’t be able to how much the photo booth [...]
M.A.C is an Oakville Reader’s Choice Nominee!
Our team is SO excited to be nominated for the Oakville Reader's Choice "Best Veterinary Service" category! Our team has had a lot to learn as a new clinic with the added challenge of learning to supporting our clients and patients during a pandemic. However, in what feels like a short amount of time, [...]
THE FELINE FEAR FREE VISIT
Our feline friends are unique. They don't usually leave the house unless it is to visit the vet. This means during these visits they experience a lot of things that are not part of their daily routine such as the carrier, the car ride and the clinic which can result in increased fear, anxiety and [...]
A NEW TOOL FOR MAKING INFORMED PET FOOD DECISIONS
With thousands of pet food choices, it is confusing for pet owners and the veterinary healthcare team to make informed decisions about the best pet food for an individual pet. Our team is here to help their pet owners navigate the sea of pet nutrition information (and misinformation) to provide optimal nutrition for every pet [...]
M.A.C LOVES SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL ANIMAL RESCUES.
At Mac Animal Clinic we strongly believe in supporting our local animal rescues. We are very fortunate to help care for the dogs of two wonderful rescues Niagara Dog Rescue and Fureverable. These rescues go above and beyond for the dogs in their care and help them receive the veterinary care they deserve. We love [...]
DEBUNKING THE MYTHS BEHIND RAW DIETS
Myth: Dogs are related to wolves, therefore a raw diet is more natural. Truth: Domesticated dogs are not directly related to current Wolf species. Dogs and wolves are “canids”, they share a common ancestor. Also remember, wolves only live for up to 5 years in the wild, out dogs will hopefully live for 10-15 [...]
URBAN WILDLIFE. WHAT IS THE RISK TO YOUR PET?
The humans have been in quarantine but our resident wildlife certainly has not! https://dailyhive.com/toronto/toronto-wild-animal-sightings There have been an increase in wildlife sightings in urban areas as the normally busy city is much quieter. While it is very cute to see Bambi and Wile E Coyote on the street it does represent an increased risk to [...]
CHANGE THE WAY YOUR PET VIEWS RESTRAINT AND HANDLING!
Do you have a pet that hates having their nails trimmed? Or maybe your pet is fine at the vet EXCEPT when it comes to taking their temperature. One way to deal with these fears is to utilize the concept of "desensitization" and "classical conditioning". Desensitization is the process of teaching the learner that a [...]
COVID-19 UPDATE APRIL 6 2020
**Veterinary services are essential but urgent care only** The province has made revisions to the list of essential workplaces. Veterinary medicine remains an essential service, permitted to deliver URGENT CARE only, as indicated in the list of essential workplaces provided by the Province of Ontario on April 3, 2020. The list also provides permission for [...]
PET NUTRITION: THINK ABOUT NUTRIENTS NOT JUST INGREDIENTS
As pet owners we all want the same thing: to feed our pet a healthy, complete diet to promote a long and happy life. A big part of choosing the right diet for your pet is being able to accurately interpret the label on the back of the bag. You can't assume a pet food [...]
VETERINARY CLINICS LISTED AS ESSENTIAL SERVICE
We are pleased to confirm that Mac Animal Clinic will continue to provide essential care for our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital will offer shortened hours Monday - Friday 10am-4pm. We will continue to exercise additional safety precautions to keep our staff, clients and community safe.
DEVELOP A PLAY RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PET!
The kids aren't the only ones who need to be entertained during this time of social distancing. This week we have dedicated our time to providing you with some tools to ensuring your pet is happy and entertained at home. Aim for a happy and fulfilled pet not just a tired pet! It is [...]
M.A.C COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 19
Update for clinic hours March 19th until April 6th. Dear M.A.C families, Please note the changes to our clinic hours during the current pandemic. These changes will be effective from today March, 19th. Monday - Friday: 10 am - 4 pm Saturday: Closed. Please note the following hospital changes to help us keep [...]
TICK TALK – MARCH IS TICK AWARENESS MONTH
If your pet is not already on tick prevention, now is the time to start. Did you know that ticks can be active all year round? A common misconception is that ticks are gone during the cold winter months. However, ticks are active when the temperature is at 4°C or above. This means that they [...]
M.A.C COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 17
During these uncertain and constantly changing times we have continuously been reviewing our hospital policies. Updates are coming to hospital staff hourly, from Ontario Public Health, the College of Veterinarians Ontario and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association. We are trying our best to care for our patients while also supporting our staff due to [...]
M.A.C’S MYVETSTORE CAN HELP YOUR FAMILY BY OFFERING ONLINE PURCHASES AND HOME DELIVERY.
M.A.C's MyVetStore can help your family by offering online purchases and home delivery. During this uncertain time, our team is looking for ways to continue to support our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore we are offering the following services via our online MyVetStore at www.myvetstore.ca/macanimalclinic In the time of the COVID-19 outbreak, we are [...]
GIVE YOUR PUPPY THE BEST POSSIBLE START!
Pheromone therapy can help comfort your newly adopted puppy. Pheromones can help comfort your puppy during those first few nights in their new home, help make new experiences a little less scary and can even promote better training and socialization. Mac Animal Clinic was honored to be the filming location for Adaptil Junior's video segment [...]
DENTAL KIBBLE. NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS!
What if you could give your pet a food that a complete and balanced diet that also cleaned their teeth? Introducing dental diets! These diets can help keep your pet's teeth clean and they are 15% off for the rest of the month!
DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE PET “MOUTHWASHES”?
Don't you wish they made a mouth for pets? Surprise! They do. Oral rinses are a great way to decrease the bacterial load in your pet's mouth resulting in a healthier, fresher smelling mouth. We have a variety of oral rinses in different flavors, strengths and purposes. Speak to a member of our team to [...]
YES, YOUR PET DOES NEED THEIR OWN TOOTHPASTE.
February is Dental Month! Mac Animal Clinic is ready to celebrate. Our shelves are stocked with various dental care products to help keep your pet's mouth healthy! This week we will focus on the various dental products you can use at home as part of your pet's dental care routine. First on the list is [...]
BOOK YOUR PET’S COMPLIMENTARY DENTAL ASSESSMENT AT M.A.C
Have you been wondering when you should start brushing your pet's teeth? Or maybe you aren't sure how? Start the decade off right by taking advantage of M.A.C's special dental offers from NOW until the end of February starting with a complimentary dental assessment. Complimentary dental assessments Complimentary dental radiographs 15% OFF Dental Procedures 15% [...]
FEBRUARY IS DENTAL MONTH
From NOW until the end of February Mac Animal Clinic is offering following specials to help you take care of your pet's dental health. Complimentary dental examinations Complimentary dental radiographs. 15% OFF Dentals 15% OFF Dental blood work 15% OFF Dental products, food, treats and chews. Call us today, 905-208-9933 to schedule your pet's dental [...]
TOGETHER WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Over the holiday season, we raised a total of $276 through our Christmas Ornament Fundraiser and gathered several donations through M.A.C's 12 Paw-liday Specials. These donations will go towards keeping these furry friends comfortable while they await their forever families. Dr. Mac had the pleasure of presenting the donations on behalf of all the M.A.C [...]
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT A FEAR FREE CERTIFIED PRACTICE.
Come and experience the Fear Free Difference! Visit Mac Animal Clinic at 1026 Speers Road. Call 905-208-9933 or email reception@macvets.com for more information.
DAY 12 OF M.A.C’S PAWLIDAY SPECIALS
Day 12 brings the "Unicorn" of all days! The past 6 months has been a great journey for our team. From meeting new clients to welcoming old friends back into our lives to celebrating with you at our Open House, we would like to thank everyone for your support. Creating the M.A.C family has always [...]
DAY 11 OF M.A.C’S PAW-LIDAY SPECIALS
Day 11 is rounding up near the end of our Mac's 12 Paw-liday Specials... Has your family been over indulging this Holiday Season? What about your furry friend? One too many table scraps given or that extra treat from the Grandparents? Did you take advantage of Day 4 for that complimentary weight examination? Well why [...]
DAY 10 OF M.A.C’S PAW-LIDAY SPECIALS
Day 10 is always a favourite… Have a last minute holiday party? Need a few more stocking stuffer ideas? How about that co-worker that you are not sure of what they really need but they have four legged fur baby? Then stop on in and get 20% off of all treats today. Don't forget [...]
DAY 9 OF M.A.C’S PAW-LIDAY SPECIALS
Just hear those sleigh bells jingling .... wait are those also the sounds of doggie nails running down your hallway? Today is all about giving! Bring in a donation for our charity and receive a "FREE" Dremel or Nail trim today! Please note that Dremels are only available between 1:40pm-7:45pm today with Jenn. To [...]
DAY 8 OF M.A.C PAWLIDAY SPECIALS
Are your pet's holiday kisses becoming a little less cute due to their bad breath? Then Day 8's special offer is for you! As humans, we brush our teeth every day and have them cleaned professionally, our four legged friends need this too! Unfortunately our pets don't have thumbs so they can't brush their [...]
DAY 7 OF M.A.C’S PAWLIDAY SPECIALS
Day 7 brings the gift of preventative care. Blood work isn't only for when your pet is sick. Regular screening provides a database of your pet's normal "baseline" values for future reference and also allows early detection of illness. Whether your pet is a young puppy animal, an adult possibly needing a dental or [...]
DAY 6 OF M.A.C’S 12 PAWLIDAY SPECIALS
Day 6 brings "Peace Of Mind." A microchip can help bring your furry friend home safe and sound not only during the holiday season but all year round! Microchips are tiny computer chips, the size of a grain of rice which is inserted using a large needle (similar to a vaccination).Each microchip carries a [...]
DAY 5 OF M.A.C’S PAW-LIDAY SPECIALS
Day 5 focuses on helping everyone, even the pets with sore joints to enjoy the winter weather. Have you noticed your furry companion is a little slower getting up in the morning? Does your kitty not jump up and down off the furniture as frequently? These are all signs we could be a little [...]
DAY 4 OF M.A.C’S PAW-LIDAY SPECIALS
Day 4 is a big one... We all know that over indulging over the festive season catches up with the best of us and that includes our fur babies. Do a few extra scraps fall off the table? Does grandma insist on giving that one extra treat at bedtime? If you answered...YES to any [...]
DAY 3 OF M.A.C’S PAW-LIDAY SPECIALS
The holiday season brings an abundance of treats and goodies. Why not take advantage of Day 3 and scoop up some nutritious and delicious dental products such as dental food and chews at 20% off. This will keep those teeth pearly white and smelling oh so fresh while our furry friends give those holiday [...]
SPECIAL OFFER! 50% OFF A PAW-LIDAY PHOTOSHOOT
Are you looking for some perfect paw-liday photos for your Christmas cards? Or maybe you just want to capture some of those precious moments of your furry children. Our talented friend Deanna Little Photography is offering 50% (normally $200) a photoshoot for your two and four legged family members! Offer includes: 90 minute photo shoot [...]
CLEANER, HEALTHIER AIR FOR THE WHOLE HOSPITAL.
Winter flu season? Not in Mac Animal Clinic. We are proud to have a Surgically Clean Air Machine which provides healthy air for the whole clinic! You can have confidence knowing that your pet Is being looked after In a sterilized environment. This machine provides the following: Odor Elimination: 10 lbs of activated [...]
A PERSONAL GIFT THAT GIVES BACK
Mac Animal Clinic has partnered with Kreativecuts to bring you personalized pet ornaments with an extra special sentiment. Each ornament allows M.A.C to donate $7 to support the animals at the the Burlington Humane Society. These unique gifts will make great stocking stuffers. All ornaments are laser cut and engraved. Assortment of animals [...]
HAPPY HOWLOWEEN!
Is your pet all dressed for Halloween with no place to go? Our photo booth is set up and waiting for your furry friend and family. No costume? No problem! We have an assortment of costumes for all sizes. ⠀ Come and visit M.A.C, dress up, take some adorable Halloween photos ... and then enter [...]
M.A.C IS NOW OPEN ON SATURDAYS!
Starting October 19, 2019, M.A.C will be open on Saturdays! This means you can now pick up prescriptions and food on the weekend. Mac Animal Clinic will be open from 9am - 1 pm on Saturday starting Saturday, October 19 2019. We will also be offering Saturday consultations every other weekend. Please note a $13.50 [...]
GRAIN FREE DIETS AND DCM
Dr. Andrew Chong from our cardiology department at Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency Hospital has made this handout for clients who are currently feeding their pets grain-free diets. Please take the time to read this if you currently are feeding a grain-free diet and would like more information on how it could be potentially linked to [...]
WHAT MAKES YOUR PET COMFORTABLE?
At Mac Animal Clinic we try and make your pet’s vet visit a Fear Free experience. This is why we provide various examination surfaces/ toys/ treats and then record your pets preferences in their emotional medical record. As pet owners you know your pet best and you can help us. Do they have a favorite [...]
MYVETSTORE IS NOW AVAILABLE AT M.A.C!
We are excited to announce our Online Vet Store is up and running! MyVetStore has all of your pet care needs in one spot, browse through diets, toys, treats, litter and more. Order 24/7 Express clinic pick up Convenient home delivery Save on AutoOrders Order when you want, where you want at the touch [...]
M.A.C OFFICIAL LAUNCH OPEN HOUSE
Dr. Chung Yeen Mac and our team welcomed the community to the Launch Open House of the Mac Animal Clinic, located at 1026 Speers Road. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony with special guest Michael “Pinball” Clemons there were all kinds of things happening. Everyone was entertained with live music from the Academy of Music, enjoyed [...]
CALLING ALL TWO AND FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS!
Mac Animal Clinic invites you to our Official Launch Open House on September 21st. Come and meet our team, tour the hospital, win some prizes and meet our neighbors! The event will feature: A ribbon cutting ceremony with live entertainment from the Academy of Music, mayor Rob Burton and a surprise celebrity guest. Free nail [...]
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT YOUR VET JUST TO SAY “HI”.
One of the best things you can do for your pet's medical well being is to the veterinarian’s office is to occasionally stop by for a brief visit just to say hello. We try our best to make your pet's vet visit as positive as possible, but more often than not dogs and cats may [...]
HOW CAN MODERN LIFE CONFLICT WITH CATS’ NATURAL NEEDS?
Modern life for indoor cats can sometimes conflict with their natural needs. This week we will raise awareness on some of these potential stressors so that you can better understand your feline friend and potentially make some changes so that you can make your cat a happier cat. Space Many of us cat [...]
GRAIN FREE DIETS AND DCM
Recently the FDA has released a statement regarding grain free diets and a link to canine heart disease. At this point, we do not know the exact cause or link between grain free diets and heart disease in dogs. However, specialists can say with confidence there is a dietary factor that is harming the hearts [...]
RENOVATIONS ARE COMPLETE!
We are excited to say our renovations are complete. A huge thank you to Nicholas William Contracting for getting us up and running so quickly. Here is a little slide show to showcase the changes we've made. Our team is proud to provide a facility that is welcoming to both pets and their owners. Please [...]
TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR CAT’S VISIT TO THE VET A FEAR FREE EXPERIENCE
Step 1: Making the carrier their friend and not a sign to run and hide! Start as soon as possible, e.g from a young age or days to weeks before the next visit. There is no time like the present! Make the carrier an additional piece of furniture. Choose a place your cat likes to [...]
THE NEWLY FAMOUS TAPEWORM.
Recently, the tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis has taken the media by a storm. Here is what you need to know about this famous worm and how to protect your family. The basics: Echinococcus multilocularis, a small tapeworm normally found in the intestinal tract of wild canids (e.g. coyotes, foxes) and sometimes dogs. This tapeworm is found [...]
