At VCA Canada Blair Animal Hospital, we're pet people too. A healthy pet is a happy pet. Our hospital is here for you.
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That's why our team of trained professionals offer quality care for your companion. We know them inside and out, which means we know when things are good and when we need to pay more attention.
Happy Hospital Manager Appreciation Week to all the incredible who keep our operations running smoothly.
Your leadership, dedication, and commitment are essential to providing exceptional care and support to both our patients and staff! A heartfelt for your hard work and unwavering dedication.
We couldn’t do it without you!
❤️
Back in August, something exciting happened!
In collaboration with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey in Nova Scotia, the inaugural at the Atlantic Veterinary College - AVC went down!
This special pilot project has expanded the renowned Dr. Tim Ogilvie to include a dedicated Indigenous week—the first-ever 5-Day Indigenous Vet Camp in North America!
Forty Indigenous junior and high school students spent an entire week getting hands-on experience into all kinds of activities like:
🐮 Bovine physical exams
🩺 Surgical gowning and gloving
🏥 Large and small animal hospital rounds
🐾 Pet bandaging labs
+ more!
is extremely proud to have been the exclusive sponsor for this project, hoping to make it a permanent fixture at AVC.🤞
We get it – your pets are family, and at , we’re here to support you every step of the way! That’s why we’ve created a treasure trove of resources just for you and your furry (and sometimes not so furry) friends. 🐈🐶🐩🐇🦎🐔
Check out our ever-expanding library of articles, , and all things pet-health to help you inside and out.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned pro, our goal is to keep your pets happy, healthy, and thriving.
From tips and tricks to in-depth health insights, we’ve got everything you need to be the best pet parent you can be.
Start exploring and stay informed about your pet’s well-being. https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet
To all our clients,
There will be a few road closures this weekend that may affect your travel time to our hospital!
You can view all City of Ottawa road closures here:
https://traffic.ottawa.ca/en/traffic-map-data-lists-and-resources/incidents-construction-and-special-events
Save a Life: First Aid and CPR Training Night
Are you prepared to handle an emergency with your furry friend? Join us on August 22nd at 7:30 PM at Blair Animal Hospital for a life-saving first aid and CPR training session hosted by some dedicated veterinary students!
Learn essential skills to handle emergencies like:
* CPR
* Bandaging
* Choking
* Heat stroke
* And more!
Be equipped with the knowledge to potentially save your pet's life. Plus, receive a FREE first aid kit with a $35 minimum charitable donation!
All proceeds go to the Paw It Forward Foundation.
Space is limited to 50 spots, so register now!
https://forms.gle/F5QFKeBB5qpghU1NA
Don't miss this opportunity to become a pet first aid hero. Please refer to the attached poster for more information.
Just a reminder…
⚠️🚧 Highway 417 will close between July 25 and 29 for bridge replacement 🚧⚠️
📣 The Preston Street Rapid Bridge Lift on Highway 417 is scheduled to take place from July 25 to 29. The project will close the following sections of the highway, starting at 7 pm on Thursday, July 25 and slated to reopen at 6 am on Monday, July 29:
• Eastbound lanes between Carling Avenue and Metcalfe Street
• Westbound lanes between Bronson and Parkdale avenues
🚧 Lane reductions and ramp closures are scheduled to start at 7 pm on Thursday, with the full closure of Highway 417 scheduled to be in place by 8 pm.
The following access ramps will also close:
• Maitland Eastbound
• Carling Eastbound
• Parkdale Eastbound
• O’Connor Westbound
• Lyon Westbound
• Bronson Westbound
• Rochester Westbound
⚠️ In addition, Booth Street northbound, from Carling Avenue to Raymond Street, will be closed from 7:30 pm on Thursday, July 25 to 6 am on Monday, July 29 to facilitate the Highway 417 Westbound detour.
📣 Significant traffic and transit impacts anticipated on Friday, July 26 due to the concurrence of the highway closure, the closure of the O-Train Line 1 for maintenance, and an Ottawa Redblacks football game at Lansdowne Park. The peak impacts are expected between 3 and 11:30 pm.
⚠️ The following detours will be in effect during the closure:
• Westbound detour for Highway 417 closure
• Westbound motorists should exit the highway at Metcalfe/Catherine
• Continue westbound on Catherine Street
• Continue onto Raymond Street
• Turn left onto Booth Street
• Turn right onto Carling avenue
• Take the Highway 417 Carling/Kirkwood westbound access ramp
⚠️ Eastbound detour for Highway 417 closure:
• Eastbound motorists must exit the highway at Carling/Kirkwood
• Continue eastbound on Carling Avenue
• Turn left on Bronson Avenue
• Turn right on Chamberlain Avenue
• Continue onto Isabella Street
• Take the Highway 417 Metcalfe eastbound access ramp
Wishing you, your families, and your furry friends a Happy Canada Day!
🐶 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.
The clinic will be closed for a team meeting today from 12:30 to 2pm.
If your pet is in need of urgent assistance, please call Alta Vista Animal Hospital at 613-731-6851 or Ottawa Veterinary Hospital at 613-725-1182
We will be happy to help you after our meeting. Sorry for any inconvenience.
🎉 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. ❤️📸
💉 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.
🐱 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.
🐱 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 !
🐱 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
🐾💖 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 !
🐾 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
The clinic will be closed for a team meeting today from 1pm to 3:30pm.
If your pet is in need of urgent assistance, please call Alta Vista Animal Hospital at 613-731-6851 or Ottawa Veterinary Hospital at 613-725-1182
We will be happy to help you after our meeting. Sorry for any inconvenience.
🐶 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.
🐢 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. 🌊
🐶 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!
🩺🐶 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.
🐱 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.
🐾 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! 🐶💕
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🐾 Pets are truly amazing creatures who enrich our lives in countless ways. Whether they're curling up in our laps, chasing after toys, or simply being their adorable selves, pets bring endless love, laughter, and happiness into our homes. So here's to our beloved furry friends – thank you for being such wonderful companions and for making our lives brighter every day!
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🌟Defying the odds and stealing our hearts every day! From wheelchair zoomies to fearless adventures, these furry heroes remind us that nothing can dim their spirit or determination. They may have challenges, but they're living proof that love knows no bounds and that every pet deserves a chance to shine. Let's celebrate their resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit, and show the world that being different is what makes them truly extraordinary! 💖
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😺 Should I feed my cat at specific times or should I leave food in the bowl all the time?
Unlimited food available all of the time (free feeding or ad lib feeding) can contribute to obesity, especially in sedentary cats. Free-roaming cats are active and burn calories while hunting. Indoor cats burn some calories when engaging with toys or with their food puzzles. One way to provide extra exercise is to divide your cat’s daily meal serving into several dishes and distribute the dishes around the house.
🐾 Happy !
Shelter dogs are unsung heroes, waiting patiently for their chance to shine and show the world their incredible spirit and resilience. Despite facing adversity, these remarkable dogs possess boundless love, loyalty, and potential, making them truly extraordinary companions for those who open their hearts and homes to them.
🐾 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. This week, we are bringing awareness to tail docking and the removal of articulated dewclaws, procedures which VCA Canada proudly bans across all hospitals.
Tail docking (literally removing most of the tail) is a purely cosmetic procedure. This surgery is typically performed at a very young age with no, or minimal analgesia. Infections at the site of the surgery are not uncommon with this procedure as well. Removing articulated dewclaws along with the attached bone is very painful, and is unnecessary. This procedure is also prone to secondary infections at the surgical site.
🩺 Happy !
Veterinary staff are the unsung heroes of animal care, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the health and well-being of our beloved pets. From skilled veterinarians to compassionate veterinary technicians and dedicated support staff, each member of the veterinary team plays a vital role in providing high-quality care and support to animals and their families.
One of the most remarkable things about veterinary staff is their unwavering dedication and commitment to their patients. Day in and day out, they go above and beyond to provide compassionate care and support to animals in need, often working long hours and sacrificing their own comfort for the well-being of their patients. Whether it's performing lifesaving surgeries, administering medications, or providing comfort to anxious pets and their families, veterinary staff are always there when they are needed most.
849 Shefford Road
Ottawa, ON
K1J8H9
| Monday | 7:30am - 7:30pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30am - 7:30pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am - 7:30pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am - 7:30pm |
| Friday | 7:30am - 7:30pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 2pm |
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Celebrating Veterinary Heroes: Our Beloved RVTs In the world of animal care and well-being, there is a special group of unsung heroes, often working quietly in the background, ensuring our beloved pets receive the best care possible. They are Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), and it's time to shine a spotlight on these dedicated professionals who play a pivotal role in veterinary medicine. 🐾 The Backbone of Veterinary Care 🐾 RVTs are the backbone of veterinary practices, providing invaluable support to veterinarians, animals, and pet owners. They possess a wealth of knowledge and skills, and their contributions are immeasurable. 💡 Incredible Versatility 💡 One of the most remarkable aspects of RVTs is their versatility. They wear multiple hats, handling an impressive range of responsibilities. From surgical assistance and laboratory diagnostics to radiology, patient care, and client education, they do it all. They often act as the bridge between veterinary teams, ensuring seamless communication and care. 🎓 Continuous Learning 🎓 RVTs are committed to their profession's growth and development. They pursue ongoing education to stay updated on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, enabling them to provide the best care possible. 👩⚕️ Client Education 👨⚕️ RVTs play a vital role in educating pet owners. They patiently explain medical conditions, treatment options, and preventive care, empowering pet parents to make informed decisions about their furry family members' well-being. 🙌 The Unsung Heroes 🙌 Despite their vital role, RVTs often work behind the scenes. Many pet owners may not even realize the extent of their contribution. It's time to acknowledge the immense difference they make in the lives of our pets and the support they provide to veterinary teams. 🌟 Expressing Our Gratitude 🌟 To all RVTs, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your dedication, hard work, and compassion do not
With our last individual video of the month, we have Sarah! Sarah comes with 12 years of experience and is eager to share her VCAC experience. #RVTMonth #RVT
To begin the final week of RVT Month, we would like to introduce Melissa and her daughter who have decided to partner up for this message! #RVTMonth #RVT
Today, Marlayna is back to tell us what it means to be an RVT! #RVTMonth #RVT
As a veteran in the industry, Emily explains how VCA Canada has helped her find success and use her skills to the fullest extent. #RVTMonth #RVT
This is Chelsie. Chelsie loves her team. Please listen along to learn more about what Chelsie loves about her role and her fellow RVTs! #RVTMonth #RVT
At VCA Canada, we understand the importance of having a team that supports you and pushes you to grow within your role and as an individual. Please say hello to Jesse as she talks about the importance of team! #RVTMonth #RVT
Emily makes her first appearance in which she shares her advice as a seasoned RVT! #RVTMonth #RVT
Today, Jesse is back to share her advice for continued success as an RVT. #RVTMonth #RVT
Coming back with her second informational piece, Marlayna shares her advice for current and incoming RVTs! #RVTMonth #RVT
Tracey, a veteran in the RVT space shares her journey as an RVT with VCA Canada. #RVTMonth #RVT
"While some kids were playing Doctor, I was playing Vet" Today to discuss her path to becoming an RVT, we would like to introduce Marlayna! #RVTMonth #RVT
Today to discuss her journey as an RVT and current Hospital Manager, we have Cynthia! #RVTMonth #RVT
This week, we will be focusing on the individual journey of some of our leading RVTs. Today, we have Jesse of VCA Canada Frontier Animal Hospital where she has quickly achieved the title of Lead RVT. #RVTMonth #RVT
Please welcome Becky! She is one of VCA Canada's most passionate RVTs, and a veteran of 14 years within the industry and 10 years at VCA Canada. In this video, Becky offers her biggest piece of advice which applies to all RVTs - new or seasoned. #RVTMonth #RVT
To kick off RVT Appreciation Month, we have Antonia! Antonia is VCA Canada's Director of Veterinary Technologist Learning and Development. Since joining VCA Canada 7 years ago, she has made leaps and strides to create an impactful and valuable experience for our RVTs. #RVTMonth #RVT
October is RVT Appreciation Month and we could not be more excited! The unsung heroes of our veterinary world are none other than Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), who stand as the primary pillar of support for our Veterinarians. The continued operation of our hospitals would be an impossibility without their dedicated service. RVTs undertake a multifaceted role, engaging with clients to address various concerns, including nutrition, behavior, and post-operative care. They skillfully wear the hats of hygienists, nurses, and x-ray experts, seamlessly merging these roles into one. Whether assisting in major surgeries or caring for our most critically ill patients, RVTs are the adhesive that binds our practices together, wielding an extensive reservoir of knowledge, expertise, and an unwavering passion for their profession. This month, you, our extended family, will be given the opportunity to hear from some of VCA Canada's leading RVTs. Please give a warm welcome to Antonia, Jesse, Emily, Marlayna, Tracey, Cynthia, Chelsie, and Rebecca! #RVTMonth #RVT
This month was RVT Appreciation Month and we couldn’t be more excited about the participation across the country. An RVT is a skilled, passionate and dedicated individual that wears many hats and is crucial to the day-to-day operations of any animal hospital. Below, you will find a compilation of how we celebrated our RVTs this month.
It’s always important to have a realistic end-goal with a treatment plan. Our goal for Pickles was to get her back to being able to run and jump off of things into the water. Thanks to a great team and all of her “hard work” we got there!
In this video Nancy is working with Pickles on her balance and strength in her weakened back legs. Pickles is loving the treats and attention and has no idea she’s working hard!
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Booth Street
Bright Light Veterinary Eye Care
Merivale Road
Britannia Heights Veterinary Clinic
Carling Avenue
Gloucester Veterinary Hospital
Street Joseph Boulevard
