Can Stress Cause Health Issues in Dogs?

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  July 30th, 2023
Chendongshan/Shutterstock

Dogs are such loving creatures. After all, there is a reason why they are called “man’s best friend”. They form lasting bonds, provide you with meaningful company, and somehow always know the best way to brighten up your day. Dogs are kind, loyal, and emotional animals. But as such, they can also be a bit sensitive, and the most unexpected things (to us) can cause them stress. From  loud sounds to time alone and changes in the  routine, there are plenty of factors that could keep your pooch stressed out. But can this stress be dangerous for them? Can stress on a daily level cause some health issues in dogs? Let’s find out. 


Stress is Never Good, But Can it Be Bad for a Dog’s Health?


When the pressure mounts and stress abounds, you can feel that stone weighing in your stomach, making you feel uneasy. It’s a mean and harmful thing that can do some damage. In other words, yes, stress can cause health issues in dogs, just as it can in humans and other animals. Just as we hate it, so do our pets. Dogs, like all living beings, can experience stress in various situations, and if it becomes chronic or severe, it may lead to several health problems.


It is important to differentiate a small potentially stressful situation from severe and repeated major stress. Neither is good, but the latter can be a major health hazard. To know if your pet is under extreme stress, you should familiarize yourself with some of the possible issues that stress can cause. Here’s what can happen:


  • Gastrointestinal problems: Stress can disrupt a dog's digestive system and lead to issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
  • Skin and coat problems: Chronic stress can weaken a dog's immune system, leading to skin conditions like dermatitis or excessive shedding.
  • Compromised immune system: Prolonged stress can suppress a dog's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
  • Behavioral problems: Stress can manifest as behavioral issues in dogs, such as increased aggression, anxiety-related behaviors, or destructive tendencies.
  • Weight fluctuations: Some dogs may experience weight gain or loss due to stress-related changes in eating habits or metabolism.
  • Cardiovascular issues: Long-term stress can have an impact on a dog's cardiovascular health, potentially leading to heart problems over time.
  • Weakened overall health: Chronic stress can take a toll on a dog's overall well-being, affecting various physiological and psychological processes.


What Are Signs of Stress in Dogs?


It's important to recognize signs of stress in dogs, which may include excessive barking, panting, restlessness, changes in eating or drinking habits, withdrawal, hiding, or destructive behaviors. If you notice any concerning signs of stress or health issues in your dog, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian. They can help determine the underlying cause of the stress and suggest appropriate measures to alleviate it, which may include behavior modification, environmental enrichment, and, in severe cases, medications to manage anxiety. Ensuring your dog's overall well-being, including mental and emotional health, is essential for maintaining a happy and healthy canine companion.

Of course, there are a number of things you can do in order to alleviate that mild or moderate stress in dogs – such as uneasiness when left alone (but not full-blown separation anxiety), fear of fireworks, visits to the vet’s office, and so on. To help your pet cope with this you can invest in some helpful accessories. ThunderEase Calming Pheromones, for example, are a great and natural way to calm a distressed dog. The plug-in gadget emits natural pheromones that mimic a mother’s natural nursing pheromones, which in turn make your pooch more mellow and relaxed. These pheromones are, of course, drug-free and completely safe for pets!


And if you need to make sure that your pet’s stress levels are down when you’re out of the house, for instance when taking a car ride, going to a vet checkup, etc, you can treat your dog to one of these  hemp calming chews. Your pet will love the taste (they’re duck flavored!) and a blend of potent natural calming ingredients such as hemp seed oil, valerian root, and chamomile will keep them appeased and calm in the face of minor stress.


Still, it is best if you can eliminate sources of stress altogether, and do everything you can to make your dog happy and healthy. And, in cases where symptoms are more severe and stress is chronic, make sure to seek veterinary help – your pet will probably need prescribed meds to help them cope. 

WOW
Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Does My Cat Need a Litter Box When Travelling?

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However, if your cat is used to a covered box at home, you may want to splurge on the Petsfit Upgrade Travel Portable Cat Litter Box.Nylon Travel Litter BoxA favorite of mine for travel due to how small it folds up, the OutdoorBengal Travel Litter Box for Cats is a portable and fully collapsible litter box option that folds up smaller than any other box on this list. We often use this box when backpacking or backcountry camping, where we are extremely limited on space for our gear.When your cat needs to use the box, snap the four corners together, and this flat piece of material transforms into a square box. It is constructed with a waterproof Oxford liner that can be easily wiped clean with a disinfectant wipe for quick and effective cleaning.

Terminally Ill Man's Last Wish Is to Find a New Home for His Dog

A Massachusetts man who is dying of cancer is spending his final weeks searching for a forever home for his canine best friend. Nearly 10 years ago, David Fine rescued his dog Babs, and they have been inseparable ever since. Babs, a Shar-pei boxer mix, had been given up twice as a puppy before Fine’s friend took her and asked him to keep her in his family’s garage. From that moment on, they become as thick as thieves, and Fine has been her dad ever since.“I had told myself I was never going to get another pet because it breaks my heart to lose them. Fortunately, she’s going to outlive me this time,” said Fine to local NBC affiliate WJAR.For most of his life, Fine worked as a carpenter until he retired in 2020. His dream was to travel across the country to visit national parks.“It was my lifelong dream. I planned for 30 years or more. I was going to buy a truck, camper, and I’m going to see the national parks. In 2020 I pulled the trigger,” said Fine. Fine and Babs made it to South Dakota during bike week. They visited Mt. Rushmore, and while in Wyoming, almost 100 miles from Yellowstone, the number one place to visit on his bucket list, Fine started feeling sick.   “And I got sick. I started feeling bad, so sick that I couldn’t drive. I wasn’t comfortable driving,” said Fine. Years ago, Fine had undergone treatment for leukemia and was diagnosed with vascular disease a year later. Last August, when he started having problems, doctors told Fine he had stage four lung cancer and only six months to live. Fine decided to refuse treatment, telling the outlet “The chemo would make me so sick by the time I got better from one treatment it would be time for the next one, and I’d be sick all the time.”“I choose quality over quantity,” he added. Now, Fine wants to use the time he has left to find Babs a forever home. He has never married and has no children, and his extended family can’t look after Babs as she needs a home with no other pets or small children.“She’s the most important thing at this point. My fate is sealed, but hers is not, I have to make sure she gets as many good years out of the rest of her life as I can,” he said. “I don’t want her to feel bad and she’s going to. We’re attached at the hip and when I don’t come home she’s going to know it, and I’ve got too much empathy and that’s what’s the hardest part.” So far, Fine has reached out to a local veteran program, published an ad in the local paper, and asked the public for help. Ideally, he would love for the new owner to be someone local so he can help transition Babs into her new home, which she would go to before he enters hospice care. Fine describes Babs as extremely intelligent, well-mannered, and housebroken, adding that she is the most loyal creature on the planet. Recently, Fine has begun feeling some symptoms and hopes to use whichever time he has left to tie loose ends. “Everybody dies, there are things I wanted to get done. I still want to see Yellowstone. I don’t think I’ll make it there at this point, financially it would be tough, other than that I need to do this for her. Then I can rest in peace when the time comes, but I’m not ready to go yet,” he said.If you’re interested in adopting Babs or talking to Fine, email him at Dafine1960@gmail.com.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?

Hydration is very important for all animals, especially horses. Large and powerful animals, equines can require plenty of water on a daily level. Hydration is thus a vital aspect of maintaining a horse's health and performance. Like humans, horses rely on water to regulate their body temperature, support digestion, and facilitate the smooth functioning of their organs. Understanding how much water a horse needs daily can help prevent dehydration and related health issues, ensuring the animal's overall well-being. So here is what you need to know.How Much Water Should My Horse Drink Daily?On average, an adult horse should consume between 5 to 10 gallons of water per day (18 to 37 liters). This amount can vary based on several factors, including the horse’s size, activity level, diet, and the climate in which it lives. Larger horses, especially those engaged in strenuous activity, will typically require more water. For instance, a racehorse or a horse working in a hot environment may need closer to 15 gallons a day to stay properly hydrated.Of course, foals and younger horses may drink less water than adults, but it is still essential to provide them with easy access to fresh, clean water to promote healthy growth and development. Still, there are several factors that affect water consumption, and the foremost of these is a horse’s activity level. The more a horse exercises, the more water it will need. Horses sweat during physical exertion, losing both water and electrolytes. Replenishing this lost fluid is crucial to prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion.Diet is also crucial - horses that consume large amounts of hay, which is dry and low in moisture content, will drink more water than those on fresh pasture grass, which contains higher levels of moisture. Additionally, horses fed grains or high-protein feeds may also require more water to aid digestion.Owners also have to take into account the weather conditions. Horses living in hot or humid climates will naturally need more water to stay cool. Similarly, horses in colder environments may drink less water, but it's still important to monitor their intake to avoid dehydration, which can be a concern even in winter. Providing slightly warmed water during cold months can encourage a horse to drink more.

A Month of TLC Transforms a Practically Feral Dog Into a Loving Pet

A two-year-old Great Pyrenees, named Wesley, arrived at Austin Pets Alive with a nasty-looking neck wound. One look at the fluffy pooch would surely melt your heart, but a month ago Wesley desperately hoped no one would look his way. According to a post from Austin Pets Alive, rescuers found a practically feral Wesley running with a pack of stray dogs. A concerned citizen called Austin Animal Center after they spotted a fluffy dog with a serious-looking neck wound. After receiving the call, Austin Animal Center picked up the injured Great Pyrenees and removed a piece of old rope that was embedded in the dog’s neck. Since Wesley still required medical assistance after the rope was removed, Austin Animal Center transferred him to Austin Pets Alive.   Wesley arrived at the rescue frightened and in pain. “He needed lots of medical care, attention, and his favorite snack, cheese, which he prefers to enjoy when no one’s watching,” said Clare Callison, the director of national programs at Austin Pets Alive. Thanks to donations, the rescue was able to cover the cost of Wesley’s wound care, which totaled hundreds of dollars. “Our community’s love for pets is immense and generous donations help cover Wesley’s medical expenses and ensure he receives the best care possible.”While donations helped heal Wesley’s flesh wounds, Alex, an Austin Pets Alive staff member helped mend the dog’s broken heart. “The fluffy boy was in need of our Medical Triage & Wellness Clinic due to a large wound around his neck, but he was practically feral, so giving him medical attention required some added patience,” wrote Austin Pets Alive in a Facebook post. Over the next several weeks, “Alex showed up for Wesley day in and day out, patiently showing this injured soul that people can be good and offer love. Gradually trust was gained and these two formed a friendship that will last a lifetime,” the rescue wrote in a post. When Wesley first arrived at the rescue, he was shut down and scared. The poor pooch didn’t want to be seen or touched, shying from any physical affection. Over time and thanks to Alex’s continued efforts, Wesley started to open up. Gradually, the pup began to acclimate to love and affection, starting with gentle touches and petting and working up to real play sessions. At first, Wesley was terrified of wearing a harness and walking on a leash. But thanks to Alex’s patience and a lot of delicious treats the fluffy pup is no longer scared of being leashed and enjoys going on long walks. Only a month after he arrived at the rescue in a horrifying condition, Wesley has blossomed into a trusting and loving dog. Soon after, Wesley was deemed healthy and placed in a foster-to-adopt home, handpicked by Alex. The pup’s new family has spent weeks getting to know him and learning about his routine and the things he likes and dislikes. According to Austin Pets Alive, Wesley has settled nicely into his new home and has adjusted to his new family.This pooch made a 180 transforming from a practically feral stray dog to a loving and affectionate companion to his new family. This goes to show that a little patience, love, and determination can make a huge difference in the life of a stray dog.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

Unlock Your Pup’s Heritage: Embark Vet's Summer Sale is Here!

Hey fellow dog lovers! 🐾Is there anything more heartwarming than watching our furry friends playfully bounding around, tongues lolling and tails wagging?As proud dog parents, we're often fascinated by our pups' heritage and health.That's why it's so exciting to introduce you to Embark, the company that offers the most accurate dog DNA test on the market.

Do Dogs Need Fiber in Their Diet?

Fiber is an integral part of a balanced diet for your dog, just like it is for humans. It helps ensure their digestive system runs smoothly and can also play an essential role in weight management (or weight loss if that’s what you’re working toward).But how much fiber does a dog actually need, and what is the best way to add fiber to their diet?In this guide, I’ll discuss why fiber is important for your dog's health and well-being, the different types of fiber, and the best options to boost fiber content in their diet. Let’s get started…How Much Fiber Does a Dog Need?While I would love to say the answer to this question is easy, it’s not as simple as giving a specific amount that will work for every dog’s ideal diet. Instead, the amount of fiber needed will vary considerably based on several factors, including your dog’s age, weight, digestive health, or any conditions they currently live with relating to their digestive system.For example, a senior dog usually needs more fiber than a young, healthy adult dog as their bodies in these later years have a more challenging time with different stages of the digestive process. Our golden oldies often suffer from conditions like constipation that, while not life-threatening, do have an impact on their overall quality of life. Making changes to the fiber they are consuming can offer relief.That being said, experts use some general guidelines to create a foundation for these decisions. Depending on who you ask, fiber recommendations for a healthy adult dog range from 1.5% to 4% of a complete diet.How Can Fiber Help My Dog?As already mentioned, fiber can help support a healthy digestive system. But what exactly does this nutrient do to help keep your dog happy and healthy? Let’s look at some of the benefits of fiber for dogs:Encourage Healthy Bowel MovementsIf you have a dog that suffers occasionally (or regularly) from constipation, you may be searching for a solution to help regulate their system, soften waste, and make doing their business easier. After all, no one wants to live with that discomfort, including our dog! Including the right amount of fiber in your dog’s diet can help move waste through the intestines more quickly, softening stool and allowing it to pass on a more frequent schedule.But be careful – too much fiber can also be hazardous. You don’t want your dog to deal with constipation, but diarrhea can also be upsetting and uncomfortable. The goal is to find a happy medium for healthy bowel movements.Prevent Anal Gland ProblemsThe anal glands are an element of a dog’s health that is sometimes overlooked simply because we don’t understand their function or don’t want to discuss that general area. However, ignoring your dog’s anal gland health can lead to severe complications.These little pouches serve an essential role in communication. When your dog does their business, they release a strongly scented fluid that will share key information with other dogs that discover it, including their age, sex, and overall health. However, if that fluid isn’t released with your dog’s bowel movements, it can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and abscesses.One way to promote better anal gland release is to ensure your dog is passing healthy stools, which can be accomplished with the help of fiber.Regulate Blood Sugar Levels If your dog is a diabetic and has been prescribed a medical approach to manage their blood sugar levels, don’t consider this a reliable alternative. However, for healthy dogs, having their blood sugar suddenly spike can actually lead to diabetes and other health problems. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent these conditions is by keeping their blood sugar balanced and regular. Fiber works by slowing some stages of the digestive process, which also slows the amount of sugar released into your dog’s bloodstream. This isn’t to say it magically eliminates sugars from your dog’s diet, but it spreads out when they are absorbed into the bloodstream, preventing a sudden sugar spike.

Can I Teach My Hamster to be Quiet at Night?

Have you ever scrolled social media to find viral videos of hamsters running enthusiastically on their exercise wheel? There is no denying that it’s an adorable sight! Unfortunately, it becomes far less cute for hamster parents when their nighttime playtime keeps us awake all night.If you’re wondering if there’s a way to train your hamster to adjust to a more human sleep cycle, you’re not alone.In this post, I will share some key information about hamsters and their sleep habits, including why your hamster is so active when the sun goes down. Plus, I’ll share tips and tricks to create a happy home for both you and your hamster – including gear that has helped me coexist peacefully with my hamsters over the years.With a few minor changes or updates, you can share your life with a hamster and enjoy a good night’s sleep. I promise! Why is My Hamster So Active at Night? Since bringing your hamster home, you may have noticed that they are most active at night, catching up on their sleep throughout the day. If you’ve been searching for answers (which you probably are, if you’re reading this), you may have seen many people explaining that you’re experiencing this schedule because hamsters are nocturnal – meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. Hamsters are actually crepuscular. This means that (according to Cambridge Dictionary), they are “active or appearing at the time of day just before the sun goes down, or just after the sun rises, when the light is not bright.” With pet hamsters, this is often mistaken as nocturnal because we are asleep during that period between dusk and dawn. Therefore, we don’t experience them slowing down or resting during the middle of the night. Returning to the original question: “Why is my hamster so active at night?” The short answer is this behavior is the result of their biological wiring. In the wild, they are active when it is safer to emerge and seek out food. This allows them to hide when predators are more likely to see them in the daylight hours. Are All Hamsters Active at Night? As with any behavior, there are always going to be exceptions. If you were to interview 100 hamster parents, you are likely going to find one or two that “break the rules” and are active during the day. However, this is rare. It’s safe to assume that any hamster you adopt and bring home will be most active at dusk and dawn, not during the daylight hours. Can You Change a Hamster’s Sleep Schedule?It is possible to change a pet’s sleep cycle. However, there is no guaranteed approach that will work with every hamster. It’s also not recommended by experts as this process could cause significant stress and anxiety to your hamster by forcing them to go against their instincts. Rather than changing your new pet’s sleep schedule, it’s recommended that you instead focus on making changes to their habitat to accommodate their natural sleep pattern. Does this mean your hamster will always be active at night? Not necessarily. Over time, you may see your hamster adjusting their sleep schedule to better align with your schedule without trying to make a change yourself. But it should not be forced on them. Influencing Your Hamster’s Sleep Schedule While it’s not recommended that you train your hamster to completely change their sleep schedule, you can take steps to influence it and encourage them to adjust slightly to your routine. The best approach to influencing your hamster’s sleep schedule is to encourage them to stay awake and play when they are already awake, not waking them up if they have fallen asleep. Hamsters are startled easily due to their poor eyesight, which means waking them up could trigger severe anxiety. If your hamster is awake at a time that suits your schedule and routine, take the opportunity to spend quality time together while encouraging them to stay awake longer. This could mean playing with them or giving them lots of affection if they are tame and like to be handled. This should be done gradually, keeping them awake just a little longer each day. As you encourage these changes, watch carefully for any signs of stress and anxiety, such as: Loss of appetite Refusing to drink water Increased vocalizationHiding constantly, especially during hours when they are usually activeLethargy or loss of energyFailing to chew and wear down their teeth, overgrown teethChewing at the cage bars Hair loss, bald spots, overgroomingObsessive behaviors like digging, scratching, or lickingUncharacteristic aggressionIf you notice any of these signs, take a step back. This could indicate that you’re pushing your hamster to make changes too quickly or that they aren’t comfortable changing their sleep schedule at all. Reevaluate your efforts and make a decision that prioritizes their quality of life. If that means abandoning this attempt and focusing instead on changing their habitat to minimize noise, that may be the best solution for everyone.

What to Know When Traveling Across the US/Canada Border with Your Pet

International travel with your best friend by your side can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the rules and regulations for crossing the border can feel daunting.Whether you’re heading to Canada for a pet-friendly weekend getaway or attending a Canadian pet show or expo, ensuring that you meet all the needs for crossing the border with your furry friend will set you up for a smooth journey.Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about traveling with your pet across the US/Canada border.In this guide, we’ll cover essential documentation, tips to set yourself up for a stress-free crossing and answer some of the most common questions about pet-friendly international travel.Can You Drive Across the Canadian Border with a Dog (or Cat)?If your next pet-friendly road trip will take you across the border into Canada, you’re in luck. Pet parents can drive from the United States to Canada with the whole family, including their furry family members, if they have the necessary paperwork.Entering Canada may be more complicated if your dog is coming from any country other than the United States. This is due to the concern of rabies, which causes some countries to face restrictions. If your dog has recently been to another country, it is recommended that you look further into the requirements for traveling from that area or ask your veterinarian.What Do I Need to Cross the US Border into Canada with My Dog?When traveling to Canada with your dog, the documentation required will depend on their age.If your dog is 3 months old or older, you must provide a rabies vaccination certificate to cross the border. This document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and show that your dog received a rabies vaccine within 3 years of the date you are crossing.The rabies vaccination certificate must include the following: Your name and address A description of your dog (breed, sex, age, color, markings, etc.)Date of rabies vaccination Vaccine product informationVaccination expiry date Name, address, license number, and signature of the veterinarian who administered the vaccinePuppies under 3 months of age are not required to provide proof of a rabies vaccine. However, border security may ask for proof of your dog’s age.Are the Rules Different for Cats or Other Pets?All cats over the age of 3 months must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate showing that the vaccine was administered within 3 years of the date of travel. Kittens under 3 months old are exempt from this requirement.The requirements for ferrets to cross the border are similar. However, the rabies vaccination certificate must show that the vaccine was administered within 12 months of the travel date.Any pet parents traveling with a bird must complete a “ Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Birds from the United States of America to Canada.” This form details important information for your upcoming travel, including the number of birds you can travel with, depending on their species.Do you have a pet that we haven’t addressed? More information can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

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