Dog Care Tips &amp; News from Montreal

The Vaccines and Records to Have Ready Before Boarding or Daycare

Bordetella, DA2PP, rabies and parasite prevention: the papers to gather from your vet so booking, evaluation and drop-off go smoothly.

Grooming

How Often Should You Groom Your Dog? A Montreal Owner’s Guide

Short coat, double coat, curls or long silky hair: a simple schedule for baths, brushing, nails and full grooms, adjusted for Montreal’s salt, snow and shedding seasons.

Dalmatian playing with other dogs in a supervised playgroup at DV Playcare, dog daycare in Montreal

Daycare & socializing

Is Dog Daycare Right for Your Dog? 7 Signs to Look For

Energy to burn, a love of other dogs, long days home alone: the signs that daycare will make your dog happier, and the cases where another plan works better.

Dogs playing in the snow at DV Playcare, dog daycare in Montreal, in winter

Health & vaccines

Winter Paw Care for Dogs in Montreal: Salt, Ice and Cold

Road salt, ice balls, cracked pads and -25 °C wind chill: a simple routine before and after every winter walk, from the Paw Crew at Doggieville MTL.

Senior Golden Retriever swimming with a life jacket in the heated indoor dog pool at Yoda’s Splash, Montreal

Swimming & hydrotherapy

Dog Hydrotherapy and Swimming for Senior Dogs: A Montreal Guide

Water carries your dog’s weight so stiff joints can move again. How swimming helps seniors and dogs in recovery, how a private session works, and how to start safely.

October 11, 20267 min read

Puppies

Puppy Socialization: A Checklist for Your Puppy’s First Months

The first months shape how your puppy sees the world. A checklist of people, places, sounds and handling to practise, gently and safely, before and after the vaccines.

A big group of dogs playing in the fenced outdoor park at DV Playcare, dog daycare in Montreal

Daycare & socializing

How to Choose the Best Dog Daycare in Montreal: 12 Questions to Ask

Supervision, play groups, staff training, vaccines, winter space and price: the questions that separate a great dog daycare from a room full of dogs.

Deluxe Suite with a window and dog bed at Sam’s Lodge, cage-free dog boarding in Montreal

Boarding tips

Dog Boarding vs Pet Sitting: What’s Right for Your Dog in Montreal?

A dog hotel or someone at home? How the two compare on supervision, safety, social time and cost, and how to pick the one that fits your dog and your trip.

Natural dog treats on display at Lola’s Corner, the pet boutique at Doggieville MTL in Montreal

Nutrition

Raw Dog Food or Kibble? How to Choose What’s Best for Your Dog

Both can feed a dog well, and both have trade-offs. How to compare them, read a label, switch safely and handle raw food at home, with your vet in the loop.

The restored 1919 brick building of Doggieville MTL on Rue Saint-Patrick, beside the Lachine Canal in Montreal

Montreal dog life

Walking Your Dog Along the Lachine Canal: Rules, Tips and Winter Walks

Leash rules, cyclists, ticks, snow and the best way to end the walk: a local’s guide to walking your dog on the Lachine Canal, from the Paw Crew next door.

October 11, 20264 min read

Dining room of Ruby Café MTL, the dog-friendly café inside Doggieville MTL in Montreal

Montreal dog life

Brunch With Your Dog in Montreal: A Guide to Ruby Café MTL

A café where your dog sits at the table with you, with a menu for both of you. Hours, what to order, café manners for dogs, birthday parties, and how to make a day of it.

Dog birthday treats at Ruby Café MTL in Montreal: pup cakes, meatballs, a heart-shaped Pawfle, Woof Loaf and alcohol-free dog beer

Montreal dog life

How to Throw a Dog Birthday Party in Montreal

Where to host it, which cake to order, who to invite and what to serve: a simple plan for a dog birthday party in Montreal that the dogs and the humans will both enjoy.