VCA Canada Shamrock Animal Hospital

08/26/2024

08/22/2024

The 'draw your pet' board was a hit, so we added one to our cat-only exam room.

08/08/2024

Again this season, death cap mushrooms have been found in Comox (near Filberg Park). As with all unknown plants or fungi, do not ingest anything you are unfamiliar with or ensure it is safe to consume.

For more details: https://bit.ly/3TefuAk

07/25/2024

Learn how to get sap out of dog fur with items already in your pantry. Armed with the right tools and treats, this doesn't have to be a job to dread.

07/01/2024

Wishing you, your families, and your furry friends a Happy Canada Day!

06/26/2024

🐶 What does normal growth and development look like?

Puppies grow quickly, maturing to adulthood by the time they are 10-12 months of age for small and medium sized breeds and 18-24 months for large and giant breeds.

Growth rates for puppies vary by breed and involve a complex process of interactions among genetics, nutrition, and the environment. Proper nutrition is critical to the health and development of puppies, regardless of breed, and it directly influences their immune system and body composition. The nutrient density of food and the amount of food fed can mean the difference between optimal growth and maximal growth.

06/22/2024

Tiffany York cares for pets in Comox at Shamrock Animal Hospital. Learn more about Tiffany York and the team at VCA Animal Hospitals

06/18/2024

🎉 Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day! 🎉

Today, we celebrate and thank the amazing veterinarians who dedicate their lives to keeping our furry friends happy and healthy. 🐾❤️ From routine check-ups to life-saving surgeries, their expertise and compassion make a world of difference.
Let's show them some love! 💚

✨ Share your story: Tell us about a time when your vet went above and beyond for your pet. 🐶🐱 Use the hashtag to join the celebration and spread the appreciation!

Together, let's make this day special for those who make our pets' lives better every day. 🌟


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Feel free to share pictures or videos of your pets, too! Let's flood the feed with gratitude and love. ❤️📸

06/14/2024

💉 VCA Canada is proud to celebrate our partner, Canadian Animal Blood Bank this World Blood Donor Day!

The CABB is a not-for-profit, CRA-registered charity that saves the lives of dogs across Canada by leading education in transfusion medicine and providing the highest quality blood to veterinarians and dog owners.

This World Blood Donor Day, we want to highlight the critical work CABB does and encourage all dog owners to consider becoming part of this lifesaving initiative.

Throughout the year, CABB hosts donor clinics at various VCA Canada hospitals nationwide. Thinking of becoming a donor? The CABB ensure a stress-free environment for both you and your beloved companions (with plenty of treats included).

To all the pet parents who have registered their dogs as blood donors, we want to say a huge THANK YOU! ❤️ Together, you and your greatest companions are saving dogs' lives every day.

06/12/2024

Spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine is one of the many joys of summer, but sometimes outdoor play can end up being a bit rough on dog paws. While some cuts and bruises may be unavoidable, these five classic summertime paw problems are perfectly preventable.

06/12/2024

One of our amazing clients brought us a goody basket from Dexter and family . ❤️

06/12/2024

🐱 What does normal growth and development look like?

Kittens grow quickly, maturing to adulthood by the time they are 10-12 months of age. Their growth rate slows as they approach 80% of adult size at about 30 weeks of age, and they reach adult body size at about 40 weeks of age.

Growth rates for kittens vary by breed and involve a complex process of interactions among genetics, nutrition, and the environment. Proper nutrition is critical to the health and development of kittens, regardless of breed, and it directly influences their immune system and body composition. The nutrient density of food and the amount of food fed can mean the difference between optimal growth and maximal growth.

06/11/2024

🐱 Hugging your cat isn't just a simple gesture; it's a heartwarming expression of love and affection that deepens the bond between you and your furry friend. 💕

Happy !

06/08/2024

🐱 Considering adopting a cat? It's a decision that's bound to bring endless love, laughter, and joy into your life! Adopting a cat isn't just about giving a furry friend a forever home; it's about welcoming a new member into your family and embarking on a heartwarming journey filled with purrs, cuddles, and unforgettable moments.

Happy

06/06/2024

🐾💖 One of the most beautiful things about pets is their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. Whether you're coming home after a long day at work or simply lounging on the couch, pets are always there by your side, ready to offer comfort, companionship, and a listening ear. Their presence brings a sense of warmth and security to our lives, reminding us that we're never alone as long as we have our furry friends by our side.

Happy !

06/01/2024

05/30/2024

We are getting our new dental xray installed today, there may be loud noises. Sorry

05/30/2024

🐾 Attention Pet Parents! 🐾

Planning a trip to the U.S. with your furry companion? 🐶✈️

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their travel rules for dogs, effective August 1, 2024, and it might affect your plans. It is very important to make sure you’re up-to-date on these new regulations before you leave by checking out the full list of requirements on the CDC website.

Here's a quick look at the rules that have been updated:
• Dogs must be at least 6 months of age at the time of entry or return to the U.S.
• Dogs must have an implanted International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip.
• Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival, or they may be required to undergo isolation, veterinary examinations and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, to determine if the dog has a contagious disease.
• Owners must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt that includes all current information, including the correct port of entry where the dog is arriving.

To learn more about the many specific details that accompany each new requirement, click the link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html

05/29/2024

🐶 Why are noses important to dogs?

The canine nose does more than smell the roses. While humans primarily depend on their vision, dogs use both sight and smell to assess their surroundings and communicate. People spend more time interpreting visual data than olfactory information. Dogs are just the opposite.

Dogs devote lots of brain power to interpreting smells. They have more than 100 million sensory receptor sites in the nasal cavity compared to 6 million in people, and the area of the canine brain devoted to analyzing odors is about 40 times larger than the comparable part of the human brain. In fact, it has been estimated that dogs can smell anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 times better than people.

05/23/2024

🐢 Happy ! Let's celebrate these incredible creatures and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Whether they're gliding through the water or basking in the sun, turtles remind us to take life at our own pace and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. 🌊

05/23/2024

We will be closed from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, for a staff meeting.

05/22/2024

🐶 Why do dogs have wet noses?

The canine nose works best when it is damp. The wet outer nose and mucus-covered nasal canal efficiently capture scent particles. Moisture is so important to the canine sense of smell, that dogs will lick their noses when they become dry. Smart canines do not want to miss out on important information due to a dry nose!

05/17/2024

https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/fear-free-for-dogs---overview

Many pet owners decline to take their dogs for regular veterinary care because they perceive that their dogs resent and fear the visits. Fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) are rooted in responses to stressful events, and result in both physiologic and behavioral changes. Fortunately, there are many thi...

05/15/2024

🩺🐶 Why should I take my dog for wellness testing?

Dogs are very good at masking illness and disease. If a disease can be detected early, before a pet shows signs of illness, then steps can often be taken to manage or correct the problem before permanent damage occurs. Wellness testing is particularly important in senior and geriatric dogs, since there is a greater chance that an older dog will develop disease or have an ongoing but stable condition that needs to be monitored.

05/08/2024

We had 6 puppies visit us today ☺️

05/08/2024

🐱 How often do I need to clean the litter box?

Most cats are fastidious by nature. Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and naturally prefer a tidy bathroom as well. Consider a human going into a public restroom: if someone has failed to flush, do you proceed and use the toilet? Doing our best to keep the litter clean and appealing to cats is one of the most important factors in maintaining good elimination habits.

Every day: Scoop out all clumps. Some cats prefer the litter to be scooped even more frequently.
Every week: Empty all litter and any residue from the box, refill with clean litter.
Every month: Empty all litter and thoroughly scrub the box with hot water and mild soap before refilling. Some cats prefer this to be done weekly.
Every year: Completely replace the litter box.

05/07/2024

🐾 Kindness is the language that animals understand best! Whether it's a gentle scratch behind the ears, a cozy cuddle on the couch, or a tasty treat as a reward, every act of kindness makes a world of difference in the lives of our furry friends. Let's remember to treat them with the love, respect, and compassion they deserve, not just today, but every day. After all, the love they give us is unconditional – let's make sure our kindness to them is too! 🐶💕

Happy !