10 ways pets can help our mental health, according to experts

The health and well-being of one’s pet are crucial for many Canadians who see their furry friends as members of the family, deserving the best care.

Many Canadians spend time and money on their pet’s health: 41 per cent of households in the country have a dog at home while 38 per cent own a cat, according to a 2018 report from the Canadian Animal Health Institute.

Pet owners spent $8.23 billion on vet trips, food and other services in 2017, according to Statistics Canada.

READ MORE: Pet health: Vet’s spring checkup tips for dogs and cats

But it can be tricky to know when you should take your furry friend to the vet, rather than tackling an issue at home.

Here are some common health concerns for pets, and how to navigate them, according to experts.

Cutting a pet’s nails too short

A situation pet owners often face is cutting their pet’s nails too short, said Ted Morris, a Toronto-based veterinarian.

“It is only nails… and people just panic — it always looks way worse than it seems,” Morris told hosts on Global News’ The Morning Show.

“There’s a bunch of styptic powders, they will stop the bleeding. You can get this at pet stores,” he said.

It’s important to pick up this powder in advance, as cutting a nail too short accidentally will likely happen eventually, he added.

Cornstarch and direct pressure will work just as well if you can’t get to the store, he said. “It’s not going to be the end of the world.”