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Be prepared for ticks this summer
4 minute read 2:01 AM CDTIt has been such a quick transition from winter to summer, we really haven’t seen the tick and mosquito season hit the way it normally does. Seems it has gone from pleasantly insect free to quickly a concern.
There has been a big push from the veterinary industry to combine heartworm medications with tick control products, and the results have been quite concerning. While many have used these fairly expensive combinations with no issues, the reports of adverse side effects have been alarming. If a pet is a breed prone to seizures, or the pet itself has a personal or family history of seizures, they can be at risk of severe side effects. So before using these, make sure you have researched whether it is the right product for you.
Heartworm pills are not something you can skip, please. They are standard medications with very few side effects and are very effective. It is essential, however, to test regularly, because should your pet have become infected in spite of the pills/chews, and the worms have infested the heart area, giving the treatment would kill those worms, and create a septic environment that could kill the pet. So, regular testing — at the veterinarian’s recommended intervals — and diligent use of the single purpose heartworm pill is an imperative.
If you are comfortable with the combination medications (Heartworm, flea, tick), and have used them with your current pets previously with no ill effects, there is no reason not to continue. If you have reservations about trying them on a new pet, have had some reactions in the past, or are looking for a less expensive option, there are a number of natural solutions out there.
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Waiting for your bread settlement? Beware of this scam
3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026It’s so simple, it’s been a part of human life for thousands of years: bread. It’s wholesome, touching and nice. You get a loaf when your friend makes a batch, you make some for your grieving neighbours, and you place it at the centre of most holiday dinners. It brings comfort, simplicity and joy. But it’s now at the centre of the latest scam targeting Canadians — those looking to capitalize off the Canadian bread settlement.
For those who don’t know, this settlement was decided after Canada Bread Company Ltd. pleaded guilty to price-fixing against the Competition Act. Those who purchased packaged bread for personal use between 2001 and 2021 were eligible to apply for some form of payment.
Those who applied to receive a part of the $500 million settlement before Dec. 12, 2025, are now on the lookout for their payments. Not many have taken part in a settlement before so it’s hard to know what the standard practices and procedures are. And in order to send you money, Verita, the company distributing the pay outs, needs some kind of information from you. That’s why it’s so easy to click on the link that comes to your phone from “Verita” claiming that your settlement is ready.
Scammers are all over this bread settlement, sending mass texts to Canadians, claiming to be the company in charge. They may send a link or ask for personal information, such as bank account numbers or credit card numbers in order to issue a credit or balance. It is vital that you ignore these texts. Do not click on the link “just to see.” Scammers can send all kinds of malware infections through these links. Verita has now confirmed it will not text any customers so any text claiming to be from the company would be a scam. Verita is depositing the money via e-transfer or cheque, depending on the consumer’s indicated preference, and already has information from those on the list.
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