Oak West Animal Clinic

08/22/2024

✨ Meet Larry! This sweet boy had a front limb amputated last year and has been doing great since. Larry's owners had noticed post amputation that he had a tougher time during walks and wanted to help support him further. They invested in a wheelchair for him and he couldn't be happier!

Judith helped them by doing pre-wheelchair measurements, and helped them to make sure it was a good fit once it arrived. 🩵

Now Larry has that added support when out and about, and will not get fatigued as easily! He is clearly loved so much and has the absolute best owners! 🥰

The wheelchair is from an incredible company called Eddie's Wheels for Pets.

08/20/2024

✨Dr. Li and RVT Shania spent part of their day today at the London Humane Society providing medical care! Typically they are meeting animals before they come up for adoption, so we are not able to introduce those pets (yet!)

Before they got to work, they were able to give some special snuggles to a few adoptable kitties.🐱🥰

One of the cuties they met is Walter!! 🩵 He has been been at the London Humane Society for a full year now. He is such a sweet boy and desperately needs a loving family to enjoy his senior years with. Walter has well controlled diabetes, so does require a bit of extra care. LUCKILY our team at Oakridge loves to discuss diabetes and all of the many ways we can treat it!

They also met Ham and Turkey! These two are kittens, and they were desperately wanting Shania's attention! They will be so much fun for whoever brings them home 🥰

We are so happy that our team is able to provide this service. It makes us feel good to know that we are making a difference in the lives of animals in need. It is difficult for us not to bring each one home!

08/16/2024

✨ Today we are celebrating one of our inspirational leaders, Dr. Shannon Moffatt!

Dr. Moffatt is a force of nature and was made to be a veterinarian. She is decisive, compassionate, endlessly supportive of her staff, and is always thinking 10 steps ahead with every medical case. She is a proud cat lady and absolutely loves all of her cat appointments! 🐱

🩵 We love and appreciate her for the sturdy leadership she gives us and for her fabulous sense of humour. We know that we can always go to her with any questions or concerns..and we do, daily. She and Dr. Egli have worked together to create a fantastic work culture full of laughter, encouragement, and mentorship.

Dr. Moffatt is incredibly skilled at emergency medicine, and is able to effectively get a million tasks done in a day. She is passionate about so much, but especially enjoys - and is incredibly skilled at - doing dental surgeries! She somehow manages to do it all while having PERFECT HAIR all day?? We are perplexed and jealous.

When she is not at work, Dr. Moffatt enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets! She shares her home with a whole herd of animals - dogs, cats, rabbits, and goats! Dr. Moffatt also loves spending her spare time traveling! ✈️

08/13/2024

🔥 Let's talk acute moist dermatitis - commonly known as Hot Spots!

Does your dog have a red, inflamed area on their skin that seems to be causing them discomfort? It might be a hot spot!

What are hot spots?
Hot spots are painful, inflamed areas of skin that can develop rapidly. They are often caused by excessive licking, scratching, or biting, leading to a cycle of irritation and infection.

Common Causes:
🐾 Allergies (food, environmental, or flea bites)
🐾 Moisture trapped under the fur
🐾 Insect bites or stings
🐾 Poor grooming or matted fur
🐾 Stress or boredom

Signs to Watch For:
🔴 Red, moist, or oozing sores
🐕 Persistent licking or scratching
⚠️ Hair loss around the affected area
😞 Pain or discomfort

Prevention & Care:
✔️ Keep your dog’s coat clean and well-groomed
✔️ Regularly check for fleas and ticks
✔️ Address allergies with your vet
✔️ Keep the area dry and clean if your dog develops a hot spot

If you notice a hot spot on your dog, give us a call. Early treatment can prevent further discomfort and complications.

Stay cool and itch-free this summer, pups! 🐶💙

08/11/2024

✨ Meet Snoopy and Charlie! They came in to see Dr. Wells and Heather last week. They decided to explore the exam room and Snoopy found the sink! Charlie decided that was a good choice and tried to join...and this is how it went🐱🥰

08/09/2024

✨ Today we are celebrating one of our fearless leaders, Dr. Egli!

It is hard to even put into words how impactful Dr. Egli has been to all of us here at Oak West. She is supportive, driven, and cares deeply for her staff. Dr. Egli has a great sense of humour and is always making us laugh. She also diagnoses complex medical cases with apparent ease, and does it all while treating each animal like they are her own.

🐱🐶 She perhaps missed her calling as an Internal Medicine specialist, but we are glad she chose the path of clinic ownership. Because of her and Dr. Moffatt's efforts, we are working at a clinic that supports our education, puts staff mental health first, and fosters an environment that allows for compassionate veterinary care. We could not be more grateful to be on their team!

🩵 Dr. Egli is not just our amazing boss. She's actually her own person with big, professional passions. She especially loves emergency medicine and surgery. You can hear her music throughout the clinic on surgery days and you know she is in her zone. She loves working at our Urgent Care clinic on Fridays so she can help all of the pets in our community who don't have a regular veterinarian! 🥰

When she is not at work, Dr. Egli enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets! She shares her home with a whole herd of animals - Clover (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), Robbie Burns (Golden Retriever), Heidi (St. Bernard), Tristan (Springer Spaniel), and her kitties, James, Kitty Purry, and Puma! This does not include her horses, barn kitties, and of course the family pigs at their farm! Dr. Egli also loves running, traveling, and drinking coffee! ☕

Join us in thanking Dr. Egli in the comments below! 👇

08/08/2024

✨🐱 Happy International Cat Day from a cat loving clinic! We are so lucky to be able to see your cats every day in addition to our own. We will be celebrating this special day by giving our kitties all the snuggles and catnip their hearts desire!

Please share photos of your cats in the comments below 🥰

08/03/2024

✨We are getting a bit of respite from the rain this long weekend! And we all know what that means - fireworks! Here are some tips to help keep your pets safe this weekend:

🐾 Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, secure area where your pet can retreat during fireworks. A cozy room with their favorite toys, blankets, and some calming music can help.

🐾 Keep Them Indoors: During fireworks displays, keep your pets indoors to prevent them from running away if they're scared. Make sure all windows, doors, and escape routes are secure.

🐾 ID Tags & Microchips: Ensure your pet's ID tags are up to date and consider microchipping if you haven't already. This helps in case they do get frightened and escape.

🐾 Exercise Beforehand: Give your pets plenty of exercise earlier in the day. A tired pet is more likely to rest and be calm during the evening's festivities. This is also important because of the extreme HEAT this weekend!

🐾 Comfort & Reassure: Stay close to your pet and offer comfort if they seem anxious. A calming presence can help ease their stress. Play some white noise.

🐾 Pheromone products or Thundershirts can be so helpful to reduce anxiety!

Let's make sure our furry friends are safe and sound this weekend! 🐶🐱❤️

08/02/2024

✨ Today we are celebrating the amazing Dr. Li!

Dr. Li is so in love with veterinary medicine and it shows! She manages to always see the best in every situation and helps us to get through even the toughest of days. Dr. Li radiates joy every day that she gets to spend with animals - she definitely chose the right profession!

🐱🐶 Dr. Li has a special passion for shelter medicine! She heads all of our work with the London Humane Society, and enjoys providing these pets much needed veterinary care. It is truly admirable that she spends so much of her time advocating for these animals.

🩵 Not only do we love Dr. Li for her positive attitude, but also for her serious efficiency. She gets things DONE! We know that we can trust her to a full case load while also answering all of our questions, doing a million call-backs, and quickly approving medication requests. And within that chaos she is still willing to do a dance for social media, hehe.
If anybody figures out a way to bottle Dr. Li's energy, we will be the first to buy it!!

When she is not at work, Dr. Li enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets! She shares her home with two Portuguese Water Dogs, Whilshire and Hali! 🥰 Dr. Li loves to travel, read and ride dressage!

Join us in thanking Dr. Li in the comments below! 👇

07/29/2024

✨Another long weekend is coming up, and we are so ready for it! Some of us will be spending our time camping, seeing friends, and others are excited to curl up with a good book and their kitties🐱.

What will you be doing over the long weekend? Share in the comments below!👇

Please also remember to let us know as soon as possible if you are in need of any food or medication for the long weekend! 💙🐾

Civic Holiday Clinic Hours:
Saturday, August 3 - Closed
Sunday, August 4 - Closed
Monday, August 5 - Closed
Tuesday, August 6 - Open 9am to 5pm (resuming regular hours)

🏥Oak West URGENT CARE, which is run out of our clinic, will be available on Saturday, August 3 from 9am to 5pm. They will have limited capacity, so please call prior to bringing your pet in. Their phone number is 519-871-1560.

London Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital will be open on Sunday, August 4 and Monday, August 5. Their phone number is 519-432-3300.

Southwest Veterinary Hospital will have 24 hour care available over the long weekend. You can reach them at 519-672-1623.

07/26/2024

✨ Today we are celebrating our incredible human sunshine, Dr. Sarah Wells!

Dr. Wells is truly, madly in love with animals of all shapes and sizes. If you have had the pleasure of meeting her, you have experienced her joyous reaction to your pet 🩵. Trust us when we say, it is always genuine. Dr. Wells was put on this earth to work with animals, and we are so grateful that she ended up in our orbit!

Dr. Wells started her veterinary career in emergency medicine, but she has found her passion to be in general practice. She loves providing preventative medicine to ensure your pets live long, healthy lives! 🐱🐶

We love Dr. Wells for her positive attitude and determination. She is fantastic at doing deep dives into difficult cases to find an answer. We know we can always go to her with questions, and she is always willing to jump in and help during the busiest of days.

When she is not at work, Dr. Wells enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets! She shares her home with two dogs - Cedar (Husky mix), Juniper (Bernese Mountain Dog mix), and two kitties - Bonsai and Max! 🥰 Dr. Wells is also a world traveler, and we love following along on her adventures!

Join us in thanking Dr. Wells in the comments below! 👇

07/23/2024

✨ Will you be traveling to the USA from Canada any time after August 1st? Have you been pulling your hair out just trying to keep up...like we have been?

The CDC has released their (hopefully final) requirements for importing your dog into the USA:

- Pet owner must fill out an import permit on the CDC website. They must keep the emailed receipt to show the boarder officer.
- Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival.
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S.
- Dogs must have a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them.

*If your dog has been to a Rabies high-risk country within the last 6 months, they will not be able to enter the USA.

Please go to the CDC website to read all requirements - https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/rabies-free-low-risk-countries.html #:~:text=low%2Drisk%20country.-,CDC%20Dog%20Import%20Form,show%20it%20on%20your%20phone.

🩵Let us know where you are planning to travel with your pet in the comments below!

07/18/2024

✨ Today we are celebrating the wonderful, talented Dr. Jennifer Gray!

Dr. Gray has such a big heart, and we are so grateful that we get to work alongside her. She is endlessly supportive, compassionate, and is madly in love with veterinary medicine! She especially appreciates getting to see how powerful the human-animal bond is daily. Dr. Gray is passionate about so much in this field, including surgery and emergency medicine. 🏥

🩵 We appreciate her calming demeanor and loving leadership. We know that she will always make time for any questions, and will always lend a hand in the midst of a chaotic day.

When she is not at work, Dr. Gray enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets! She shares her home with two young dogs - Digger (Australian Cattle Dog), Matilda (Bernese Mountain Dog mix), and two young kids so yes, her life is busy! 🥰

Join us in thanking Dr. Gray in the comments below! 👇

07/15/2024

🔥Today is National Pet Fire Safety Day! We have unfortunately seen the damage that fire can do to pets. We wanted to share some tips so you can keep your pet safe in case of emergency:

✨ Prevent Hazards✨: Secure loose wires, keep pets away from open flames, and store flammable materials safely.

🚨Alert Emergency Responders🚨: Let them know you have pets at home for quick and informed rescue efforts.

🏡 Evacuation Plan🏡 : Identify escape routes, gather supplies, and practice the plan with your pets regularly.

⏲ Monitored Smoke Detectors⏲: Install them for added protection, alerting emergency services even when you’re not home.

🐾 Know Hiding Spots🐾 : Familiarize yourself with your pet’s favorite hiding places for quick rescues.

🩵 Avoid Loss During Evacuation🩵: Keep ID tags updated, consider microchipping, and have a sturdy leash, carrier, or crate ready.

Let’s prioritize the safety of our furry companions. Share these tips to raise awareness!

07/10/2024

🐾 Happy National Kitten Day! 🐱

I mean..who doesn't love kittens? They are always finding ways to make us laugh and bring us comfort in hard moments. We can't help but smile when we see a new kitten appointment scheduled in!

Do you have a kitten in your life? Share a photo of them in the comments below! 🐱💕

07/09/2024

✨🐾 Meet Roa! She has an incredible story and we are so excited to share it with you!

It all started on a beautiful day in Honduras, where Roa's future owners were on vacation. Although they had been to Honduras many times before, they had never had a dog approach them. This time, a little chocolate brown dog with sweet, soulful eyes ambled up and followed them throughout their entire vacation! 🐶⛱

🩷 Roa would go to their hotel room and lay outside the door, waiting for them to head out on their next adventure. She would accompany them on walks, and of course enjoy any food they had to share! Roa completely captured their hearts on this trip.

When they came home to Canada, they couldn't stop thinking about her. They decided quickly that she had to be in their lives.

They moved fast! They got in contact with a veterinarian in Honduras who said they would spay her and take care of her until Adriana could find a way to bring her to Canada. Adriana did in depth research on the best way to make that happen.

Finally, only 3 months later, she flew back to Honduras to bring Roa home! 🐾✈️

After an exciting adventure (it always is when you are travelling with pets!), Adriana got Roa into Canada and the whole family could not be happier! Their other dog, Harper, has accepted Roa in as her new sister and they are now the best of friends. They just know that Roa was meant to be in their lives, and are so greatful that she chose them. 🩷

Say hello to Roa in the comments below!

07/05/2024

🌟 July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month! 🌟

Did you know that 10 million pets go missing in North America each year? Let's work together to keep our beloved furry friends safe and sound.

Here are some crucial steps to help prevent lost pets:

🐾 Microchipping
Microchipping your pet provides a permanent form of identification. Ensure your contact information is up-to-date in the microchip registry.

📛 Collars and Tags
Always keep a collar on your pet with up-to-date ID tags. Include your pet’s name, your phone number, and any essential medical information.

📝 Pet Registration
Register your pet with your city or local municipality. This can help authorities identify your pet and reunite you quickly if they are found.

By taking these preventive measures, we can significantly reduce the number of lost pets and increase the chances of a happy reunion.

Let's make this month a reminder to protect our pets and keep them safe!

💬 Share your tips and stories about pet safety in the comments below!

07/04/2024

If you recognize this dog, please share any information in the links below!

UPDATE: REUNITED!! this pet is home safe & sound after 21 days, 23 hours :)

Please spread the word so we can reunite this found dog with its family! FOUND on July 1, 2024 in London, ON N5V near Jena cres

Description:

Do you have information? Contact finder here: https://www.pawboost.com/p/70482061

Lost or found a pet? Report it to PawBoost here: https://www.pawboost.com/l/rpf

07/01/2024

✨Happy Canada Day from the Oak West team! We are all busy enjoying this beautiful weather with our families, friends, and pets. 🐶🐱

We will be available again tomorrow at 9am! 🐾🥰
In the case of a medical emergency today, please contact one of the following clinics:
🏥London Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital - 519-432-3300.
🐾Southwest Veterinary Hospital - 519-672-1623.

We hope that you and your pets have a safe and happy Canada Day weekend! ✨

06/26/2024

✨The long weekend is fast approaching!

We will be closed on Saturday, June 29 and Monday, July 1st. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are in need of any food or medication for the long weekend! 💙🐾

Weekend Hours:
Friday, June 28 - Open 9am to 5pm
Saturday, June 29 - Closed
Sunday, June 30 - Closed
Monday, July 1 - Closed
Tuesday, July 2 - Return to regular hours - 9am to 5pm

🏥Oak West URGENT CARE, which is run out of our clinic, will be available on Saturday, June 29 from 9am to 5pm. They will have limited capacity, so please call prior to bringing your pet in. Their phone number is 519-871-1560.

London Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital will be open on Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1. Their phone number is 519-432-3300.

Southwest Veterinary Hospital will have 24 hour care available over the long weekend. You can reach them at 519-672-1623.

We hope that you and your pets have a safe and happy Canada Day weekend! ✨

06/25/2024

✨Mochi had her first rehabilitation appointment with Judith last week for a leg injury.

This little cutie looked so stylish in Doggles during her first LASER treatment! LASER therapy helps to reduce pain and inflammation. It is one of the therapies used to get dogs like Mochi back to living their best lives. ❤

Join us in wishing Mochi a speedy recovery in the comments below 🥰👇

06/20/2024

☀️ As the temperatures rise, it's crucial to keep our pets safe and comfortable. Here are some essential tips to ensure they stay cool and healthy during the hot weather:

Limit Exercise 🏃‍♂️🌡️
Avoid vigorous activities during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for early morning or late evening walks when it’s cooler.

Hydration is Key 💧
Always provide fresh, cool water for your pets. Consider adding ice cubes to their water bowl for an extra refreshing treat!

Find Shade 🌳
Ensure your pets have access to shaded areas, whether they’re indoors or outside. Create a cool spot with a fan or cooling mat.

Paw Protection 🐾🔥
Asphalt and sand can get extremely hot and burn your pet's paws. Walk them on grass or use pet booties for protection.

Never Leave Pets in the Car 🚗❌
Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can soar within minutes, leading to heatstroke or worse.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke 🚨
Watch out for excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, lethargy, and vomiting. If you suspect heatstroke, contact your vet immediately.

Remember, our pets rely on us to keep them safe and comfortable. Let's make sure they enjoy the summer as much as we do!

🌟 Share your own hot weather tips and how you keep your pets cool in the comments below! 🌟

06/15/2024

❤🥰🥳HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUNA!!

Luna has been a patient of ours since she was just a puppy. Somehow 7 years has passed, and we simply can't believe it! She is full of energy, has the happiest, sweetest personality, and provides us with cuteness overload whenever we get to see her 🐶❤,

Her mama also is one of our favourite people. She even brought us cupcakes so we could join in celebrating Luna 🥰

Share your birthday wishes for Luna in the comments below!

06/13/2024

🐾Is your pet scratching, sneezing, or experiencing skin issues? These symptoms commonly will occur in the spring and fall. We are unfortunately seeing plenty of itchy pets right now!

What contributes to pet allergies?
✨Seasonal Changes: Pets can experience allergies seasonally, just like humans. Spring and fall, in particular, tend to bring higher pollen counts and allergenic triggers.

✨Indoor Pollutants: Our homes can harbor various allergens, such as dust mites, mold, and even certain cleaning products, contributing to pet discomfort.

✨Genetics: Some breeds are more prone to allergies due to their genetic makeup, making them more susceptible to developing allergic reactions.

✨Dietary Allergies: Pets can also develop allergies to certain ingredients in their food. Dietary changes and hypoallergenic diets may be necessary.

Common Symptoms:
🤒 Redness & inflammation of the skin
🐾 Frequent scratching, a**l gland issues, and ear infections
👃 Sneezing & watery eyes

Thankfully there are many options for allergy treatment in pets! These inclulde medicated shampoos, oral medications, and prescription diets. There are also dermatologists available for dogs and cats if typical treatments are not quite enough for your pet.

If your pet is showing signs of allergies, give us a call at 519-471-1560. We want your pet to be feeling comfortable so they can enjoy their summer! 🐕🐈❤️

06/08/2024

🐾 Happy Best Friend's Day!

Today, we're celebrating the unconditional love and companionship of our furry best friends. Pets bring so much joy, comfort, and laughter into our lives, and we can't imagine a day without them by our side.

Share a photo of your best friend in the comments below! Let's fill our feed with adorable faces and heartwarming stories. ❤️🐶🐱

06/07/2024

✨Today we are celebrating our lovely receptionist, Lynda! She always has a welcoming smile and kind words to brighten our day.

🐶Lynda can be counted on to be madly in love with your pet as soon as she sets eyes on them. She will make them feel incredibly special when they walk through the door. Her heart is so big that she even made a hat to celebrate our manager's cat's birthday! ❤

🏥We can always count on Lynda to ask us what we need help with. And she shows up early to get the day started on the right foot!

When she is away from work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and pets. She has two kitties - Tyke and Bowie - who she loves to relax with and cuddle! 🐱

Thank you for everything that you do Lynda! 🥰