Toronto is a pet-friendly city, with off-leash parks, ravine trails and pet-friendly patios. But city life and Canadian seasons bring specific challenges. Here is a practical guide to keeping your dog or cat healthy all year.

The basics

• Annual vet visits: a yearly exam catches problems early. Senior pets may need checkups twice a year.
• Vaccinations: rabies vaccination is required by law in Ontario for dogs and cats over three months old. Your vet will recommend other core vaccines.
• Licensing: the City of Toronto requires dogs and cats to be licensed. A licence helps reunite lost pets with owners.
• Microchipping: a permanent ID that works even if a collar comes off.
• Spaying and neutering: discuss timing with your vet.

Spring: ticks and allergies

Blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, are increasingly found in Ontario, including parts of the GTA’s ravines and parks. Ask your vet about tick prevention, check your dog after walks and remove ticks promptly with fine tweezers.

Summer: heat and water safety

• Never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
• Walk dogs early in the morning or in the evening; hot pavement can burn paws.
• Provide shade and fresh water at all times.
• Watch for blue-green algae warnings before letting dogs swim in lakes and ponds.

Fall: diet and dental care

Use the quieter season for a dental check. Dental disease is common in adult dogs and cats and can affect overall health. Keep Halloween chocolate and treats containing xylitol away from pets.

Winter: cold, salt and antifreeze

• Rinse and dry paws after walks to remove road salt and de-icers.
• Consider booties and coats for small or short-haired dogs.
• Clean up antifreeze spills immediately; it is highly toxic to pets.
• Keep cats indoors in extreme cold.

Nutrition and exercise

Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to your pet’s age and size, and measure portions to prevent obesity. Daily walks and play keep pets fit and mentally stimulated. Toronto has many designated off-leash areas; follow posted rules and keep your dog under voice control.

Know your emergency options

Save the number of your vet and a 24-hour emergency animal hospital in the GTA. Signs that need urgent care include difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, collapse, seizures or suspected poisoning.

More pet care: cat grooming mistakes and removing pet hair from furniture.