VCA Canada Shamrock Animal Hospital

06/25/2025

06/25/2025

A safe pet is a happy pet! Let’s keep them cool and protected all summer long — especially when those temps start to rise. 🥵♨️🌡️ Here are some tips to help your furry friend .

06/20/2025

⚠️ Content Warning! This post contains burn injuries that may be sensitive to some. ⚠️

🐾 Tikka’s Incredible Journey: A Story 🐾

Tikka, a 9-year-old silver lab, faced an unimaginable challenge after surviving a house fire. Rescued by firefighters, she arrived at Animal Care Centre of Strathmore in extreme pain, with severe burns covering much of her body.

Through weeks of intensive care, including pain management, hydrotherapy, honey bandages, and wound care, she fought every step of the way. But her recovery wasn’t just about healing — it required surgical removal of dead and damaged skin to give her the best chance at mending and regrowth.

After 20 days in hospital, Tikka was finally stable enough for surgery. The delicate procedure removed the unhealthy tissue, allowing her body to begin true healing. Just one day later, she was strong enough to go home — her journey back to health fueled by expert care, unwavering resilience, and the incredible support of her family and .

After nearly two full months, she officially graduated from care, celebrated with balloons, treats, and a new toy. A true fighter, an inspiration, and a reminder of the power of compassion.

06/16/2025

Tasked with critical activities like boosting team morale and meeting the daily pet quota, these highly skilled emplyees will stop at nothing (nudging, whining and persistently staring) to keep everyone on schedule.

06/15/2025

Shoutout to all the pet dads out there!

Whether you’re giving belly rubs, making sure your furry friend stays healthy, or just being their favourite human, today is all about celebrating you! Thanks for being the kind of pet dad who make tails wag and hearts happy.💙🐾

06/11/2025

When wildfire smoke fills the air, it’s not just humans who feel the effects — our pets are at risk too. Poor air quality can cause eye irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, especially for pets with respiratory conditions or short-muzzled breeds.

🚨 How to Keep Pets Safe 🚨

🏡 Keep them indoors as much as possible, with windows and doors closed.
💨 Use air purifiers to reduce smoke particles inside your home.
🐕 Limit outdoor time — only short bathroom breaks when air quality is poor.
💦 Hydration is key — smoke exposure can cause dehydration, so ensure fresh water is always available.
🩺 Watch for symptoms like excessive coughing, wheezing, or lethargy — seek veterinary care if needed.

Wildfire seasons are becoming more frequent, but we can take steps to protect our pets. Stay informed, monitor air quality, and prioritize their health during smoky conditions.

06/06/2025

✨ Celebrating VCA Canada’s Impact at the Make the Difference Awards! ✨

At VCA Canada, we believe in making a difference every day—for pets, people, and our planet. As part of Mars Veterinary Health, we were honored to participate in the Make the Difference Awards, celebrating extraordinary contributions from Associates worldwide.

This year’s event showcased incredible , , and transformative projects. From revolutionizing appointment scheduling to advancing , the stories shared reinforce the impact that our teams make in shaping the future of pet care.

A huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners! Thank you for your passion, dedication, and commitment to making pet healthcare better every day.

05/28/2025

Is your pet’s itching more than just an occasional scratch?

Persistent itching can make life miserable for pets — and frustrating for their families. Finding the root cause is key to lasting relief! Here are five essential steps veterinarians take to stop the itch:

✅ Stop the Itch First – Anti-itch medications help break the scratching cycle so your pet can heal.
✅ Rule Out Parasites – Fleas and mites aren’t always visible, so a veterinary check and prevention plan are essential.
✅ Treat Skin Infections – Scratching can lead to bacterial or yeast infections, which need targeted treatment.
✅ Try an Elimination Diet – Food allergies are tricky to diagnose, but a strict 8–12 week food trial helps pinpoint triggers.
✅ Confirm Atopic Dermatitis – If parasites and food allergies are ruled out, environmental allergies may be to blame.

Figuring out the cause of itching takes time, but working with your veterinarian ensures the best possible care for your pet’s comfort and health!

Have questions? We're here to help!

05/27/2025

Caspian and Poppy arrived for their annual wellness examination, are you aware that Dr. Veronica enjoys seeing bunnies 🐰