<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Bridge Street Veterinary Hospital]]></title><description><![CDATA[Personalized, Fear Free veterinary care for dogs and cats in Waterloo. New patients welcome and same-day appointments available.]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:04:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Tick Season in Waterloo Region: What Pet Owners Need to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you spend time outdoors with your dog in Waterloo Region, ticks should be on your radar. Over the past decade, blacklegged ticks (commonly called deer ticks) have expanded throughout Southern Ontario, including areas within and around Waterloo Region. These ticks can carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses that may affect both people and pets. The good news? With proper prevention and regular tick checks, most tick-related illnesses can be prevented. Are Ticks Really a Problem in...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/tick-season-in-waterloo-region-what-pet-owners-need-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a20964af9e37e2aaa178074</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:09:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_da2314d5c5a24a0f9f948c405fc4a9f4~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does My Pet Really Need Anxiety Medication Before a Vet Visit?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fear Free Care Is About More Than Medication. One of the biggest misconceptions about pre-visit anxiety medication is that it’s the only tool available for anxious pets. At Bridge Street Veterinary Hospital, medication is just one component of our Fear Free approach to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress. Our goal is always to use the least intervention necessary to help your pet feel safe and comfortable. For many pets, that starts with positive experiences. Treats, Treats, and More Treats...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/does-my-pet-really-need-anxiety-medication-before-a-vet-visit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a20916143116cbc2f795586</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:46:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/711a24_6dddaf64889c464d954a24fce0a100ac~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_475,h_300,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Have You Met Dr. Rebecca?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Please join us in welcoming Dr. Rebecca Brill to the team at Bridge Street Veterinary Hospital! Dr. Rebecca Brill graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2013 and has since earned the affectionate nickname “Dr. Brilliant” from clients and colleagues alike. Raised around horses from a young age, her lifelong love of animals naturally led her into veterinary medicine and continues to shape the compassionate care she provides today. Known for her warm, informative, and gentle approach,...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/have-you-met-dr-rebecca</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1dfa737ab417a19fc14290</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:34:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/711a24_d076d3cc9c524819ba5d02db0f12c9af~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Heartworm Is on the Rise: What Waterloo Region Pet Owners Need to Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many pet owners are surprised to learn that heartworm disease isn’t just a problem in the southern United States. In fact, Southern Ontario is considered the heartworm hotspot of Canada, and cases have been increasing over time. While heartworm disease remains relatively uncommon, it is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition—and prevention is far easier, safer, and less expensive than treatment. What Is Heartworm? Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/heartworm-is-on-the-rise-what-waterloo-region-pet-owners-need-to-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a29b187b34d9652f5548a24</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:55:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_c4db06e524a14936ab66a90032be004f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Spring Can Be So Itchy: Kitchener-Waterloo Springtime Triggers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Spring is a wonderful time in Waterloo Region. The snow melts, the trails come alive, and pets are eager to spend more time outdoors. Unfortunately, for many dogs (and some cats), spring also marks the beginning of allergy season. If your pet seems itchier than usual every year around April or May, you’re not imagining things. Seasonal allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, are one of the most common reasons pets visit the veterinarian in the spring. Common Signs of Seasonal Allergies...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-spring-can-be-so-itchy-kitchener-waterloo-springtime-triggers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a29af00b34d9652f554846c</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:45:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_d9cef5240eba4579aa6cedcecbe6b45a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taking Your Dog to the Cottage: A Waterloo Veterinarian’s Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[For many Ontario families, cottage season is one of the highlights of the year. Long days on the dock, swimming in the lake, boat rides, hiking trails, and evenings around the campfire can be just as enjoyable for our dogs as they are for us. However, cottages also expose pets to risks they may not encounter in their everyday routines. A little preparation before your trip can help keep your dog safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy every moment of cottage life. Tick Prevention Should Be a...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/taking-your-dog-to-the-cottage-a-waterloo-veterinarian-s-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a230bec861147e383959a21</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:53:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_615a6f78353763412d6549~mv2_d_5472_3648_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can My Dog Drink Water From the Grand River?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A walk along the Grand River is one of the great pleasures of living in Waterloo Region. Whether you’re exploring trails in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Conestogo, or St. Jacobs, it’s common to see dogs stopping for a drink from the river. But is it actually safe? The short answer is: an occasional sip is unlikely to cause problems for most healthy dogs, but it’s generally best to provide fresh drinking water and discourage your dog from drinking directly from the river whenever possible....]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/can-my-dog-drink-water-from-the-grand-river</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a23081b861147e383959360</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:38:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_2c2e929ce7c441d2b08bca172ef001f9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Coyote Encounters and Pet Safety in Waterloo Region]]></title><description><![CDATA[Coyotes are a natural part of life in Waterloo Region. While spotting one can be surprising, these intelligent wild animals are generally shy and prefer to avoid people. In fact, most coyote sightings end with the animal quietly moving away. As our communities continue to grow alongside parks, trails, and natural areas, occasional encounters between pets and coyotes are becoming more common. The good news is that a few simple precautions can help keep your pets safe while allowing wildlife to...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/coyote-encounters-and-pet-safety-in-waterloo-region</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a22d27b96591d9caee38370</guid><pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:48:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_7b59a54837a8442989579406b9fcd86c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Blue-Green Algae Dangerous for Dogs?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many dogs love swimming, splashing, and drinking from lakes, ponds, rivers, and other natural water sources. Unfortunately, some bodies of water can contain a hidden danger that every dog owner should be aware of: blue-green algae. Despite its name, blue-green algae isn’t actually algae at all. It’s a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria that can produce powerful toxins capable of causing serious illness—and in some cases death—in dogs. What Is Blue-Green Algae? Blue-green algae, also known...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/is-blue-green-algae-dangerous-for-dogs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2099e7c9d8b2a0564f9457</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:22:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/711a24_622153303c464edb851f2afd8e996d85~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_900,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Does My Veterinarian Want a Urine Sample?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever brought your pet to the veterinarian and been asked to provide a urine sample, you may have wondered: “What can a urine sample actually tell us?” The answer is: quite a lot. Urinalysis is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine. In many cases, a simple urine sample can provide important information about your pet’s overall health and help identify medical conditions long before obvious symptoms develop. That’s why your veterinarian may recommend a urine...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-does-my-veterinarian-want-a-urine-sample</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a20946743116cbc2f795b34</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:57:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_241ed82d865141e188c517b011b5acb0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Cats Hate Going to the Vet (And How We Make It Easier)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If your cat disappears the moment the carrier comes out, cries during the car ride, or turns into a completely different animal at the veterinary hospital, you’re not alone. Many cat owners dread veterinary visits almost as much as their cats do. The good news? Cats don’t actually hate veterinary care. What they dislike is the fear, anxiety, and stress that can be associated with the experience. Understanding why cats become stressed—and how modern veterinary hospitals work to reduce that...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-cats-hate-going-to-the-vet-and-how-we-make-it-easier</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a209304345fdf6c4251d9a5</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:51:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_8ba8640f024f422894b329310b7e6015~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Has My Pet Stopped Jumping Onto Furniture?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Has your dog stopped jumping onto the couch? Is your cat no longer leaping onto their favourite windowsill? Many pet owners assume their pet is simply slowing down with age, but changes in mobility are often one of the earliest signs that something may be causing discomfort. If your pet has suddenly stopped jumping onto furniture, stairs, or beds they previously used with ease, it’s worth paying attention. Why Do Pets Stop Jumping? Jumping requires strength, flexibility, balance, and comfort....]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-has-my-pet-stopped-jumping-onto-furniture</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a20909843116cbc2f79540e</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:39:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_1f273265f494482086d99a0409f2ff70~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Is My Senior Dog Panting at Night?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many dog owners expect their senior pet to slow down with age. What often catches them by surprise is waking up in the middle of the night to find their dog panting heavily, pacing the house, or unable to settle comfortably. If your senior dog has recently started panting at night, you’re not alone. While panting can sometimes be completely normal, especially after exercise or during warm weather, persistent nighttime panting can also be a sign that something more significant is going on....]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-is-my-senior-dog-panting-at-night</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a208f78345fdf6c4251d316</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:35:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4c666c495459584f526951~mv2_d_2891_1807_s_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Is My Cat Losing Weight But Still Eating?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Few things are more confusing for cat owners than watching their cat lose weight while continuing to eat normally—or even eating more than usual. After all, if your cat has a good appetite, how could something be wrong? Unfortunately, unexplained weight loss is often one of the earliest signs of an underlying medical condition. While some causes are relatively straightforward to manage, others can become serious if left untreated. If your cat is losing weight despite eating well, it’s...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-is-my-cat-losing-weight-but-still-eating</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a208e96345fdf6c4251d17b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:31:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_4a514e324a4d647133596f~mv2_d_4385_3952_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[My Dog Is Limping But Not Crying — Should I Be Worried?]]></title><description><![CDATA[You notice your dog getting up from a nap and putting less weight on one leg. Maybe they’re still wagging their tail, eating normally, and acting happy. They’re not crying, whining, or showing obvious signs of distress. So you wonder: “If my dog isn’t crying, is it really serious?” The short answer is yes—it could be. One of the biggest misconceptions in veterinary medicine is that dogs will always cry out when they’re in pain. In reality, many dogs are remarkably stoic and often continue...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/my-dog-is-limping-but-not-crying-should-i-be-worried</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a208dae800e2e1c2bb57afb</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:27:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_e1569a28c9d2408baaf6e6589c7a6a12~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Is My Cat Hiding All of a Sudden?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cats are known for being independent and sometimes mysterious, but if your cat has suddenly started spending more time under the bed, in closets, behind furniture, or in other unusual hiding places, it’s natural to be concerned. One of the most common questions veterinarians hear from cat owners is: “My cat is hiding all of a sudden. Should I be worried?” The answer depends on the situation, but sudden hiding is often your cat’s way of telling you that something has changed. Sometimes the...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-is-my-cat-hiding-all-of-a-sudden</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a208cd7f9e37e2aaa176ee4</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:23:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_5f635949526a3538653655~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Often Does My Indoor Cat Really Need to See a Vet?]]></title><description><![CDATA[It’s one of the most common questions cat owners ask: “My cat never goes outside. Do they still need regular veterinary visits?” The short answer is yes. Many indoor cat owners assume their pet is protected from most health problems because they aren’t exposed to outdoor dangers. While indoor cats generally face fewer risks from trauma, wildlife, and infectious diseases, they are still susceptible to many of the same medical conditions as outdoor cats. In fact, some of the most common health...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/how-often-does-my-indoor-cat-really-need-to-see-a-vet</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1dff0d43a3e299a4b4cdca</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:04:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_6177597245484b57456b34~mv2_d_5838_3884_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Is My Dog Suddenly Drinking So Much Water?]]></title><description><![CDATA[You’ve probably noticed your dog taking a drink before. But what happens when they’re suddenly emptying the water bowl multiple times a day, waking up at night to drink, or asking to go outside much more frequently than usual? Many pet owners assume their dog is simply thirsty because of warm weather, increased activity, or aging. While that can sometimes be true, a sudden increase in water consumption can also be one of the earliest signs of an underlying medical condition. If you’ve found...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-is-my-dog-suddenly-drinking-so-much-water</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1dfe3c74254bcae0855828</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:50:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_c08d02ebc770498096ae052c55a02996~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Truth About Anesthesia: What Every Pet Owner Should Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[If your veterinarian has recommended a dental procedure, surgery, or diagnostic test requiring anesthesia, it’s completely normal to feel nervous. One of the most common concerns we hear from pet owners is: “I’m worried about putting my pet under anesthesia.” The reality is that modern veterinary anesthesia is safer than ever before. While no medical procedure is entirely without risk, today’s anesthesia protocols, monitoring equipment, and pre-operative screening allow veterinarians to...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/the-truth-about-anesthesia-what-every-pet-owner-should-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1dfcb274254bcae085551c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:46:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_3c01155643ff4cbabb752d05b386a69c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Does My Pet’s Breath Smell So Bad?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Most pet owners have experienced it. Your dog jumps up for a cuddle, or your cat rubs against your face, and suddenly you’re hit with a wave of unpleasant breath. While it’s common for pets to have a mild natural odor to their breath, truly foul-smelling breath is often a sign that something isn’t right. In fact, bad breath is one of the most common early signs of dental disease in dogs and cats. The good news? Identifying the cause early can help protect your pet’s comfort, health, and...]]></description><link>https://www.vetsonbridge.ca/post/why-does-my-pet-s-breath-smell-so-bad</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a1dfb7ed87dcf57d547dc58</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:39:46 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_3bab059945e2494894882583055fdd44~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Bridge Street Vets</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>