Maple Ridge Veterinary Hospital

Maple Ridge Veterinary Hospital We are a privately owned, small animal veterinary hospital located in Maple Ridge, BC.

Our mission is to provide the same excellent care and service we would want for our own pets to our patients and clients.

When planning for winter storms and power outages, remember to stock up on pet food and/or refill pet medication prescri...
01/27/2025

When planning for winter storms and power outages, remember to stock up on pet food and/or refill pet medication prescriptions as part of your planning. There are always fantastic manufacturer rebates offered online only to ship to your home or our clinic.

www.myvetstore.ca/mapleridgevet

Did we miss anything?
01/25/2025

Did we miss anything?

We will be closed today from 8:30am - 11am for our monthly staff training session where we welcome back guest Speaker Se...
01/23/2025

We will be closed today from 8:30am - 11am for our monthly staff training session where we welcome back guest Speaker Senani Ratnayake to discuss the 5 Steps to a Culture of Accountability.

Today is National Hug Day! Hugging your pet can feel incredibly fulfilling for a number of emotional, physiological, and...
01/21/2025

Today is National Hug Day!

Hugging your pet can feel incredibly fulfilling for a number of emotional, physiological, and psychological reasons.

1. Big hit of an oxytocin release which is often referred to as the love hormone
2. Unconditional love
3. Stress release
4. Sensory comfort
5. Connection and companionship
6. Symbiotic relationship - our pets can sense when we're feeling down
7. It just feels good!

Overall, hugging a pet is more than just a physical gesture; it’s an interaction that taps into deep emotional and physiological processes that leave you feeling more fulfilled, connected, and at ease.

Aging Dogs and PainWhile aging dogs may change their behaviour and “slow down”, this isn’t always because of old age. So...
01/17/2025

Aging Dogs and Pain

While aging dogs may change their behaviour and “slow down”, this isn’t always because of old age. Sometimes pain is the actual culprit. It’s important to distinguish between normal behaviour changes of aging dogs and abnormal behaviours that signal pain, especially since dogs are good at hiding pain.
Is your dog slowing down?

Pain, particularly from chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA), can make dogs appear to “slow down”. In fact, you may not realize that your dog is in pain until the pain is taken away.

Pain of any kind, but particularly from chronic OA, becomes generalized so that a dog feels discomfort even in areas of the body far from the arthritic joints. With full-body sensitivity, being combed or brushed can feel painful and intentional grooming will be avoided.

Is your dog reluctant to be picked up?

Little dogs, especially those that are long and low to the ground, may present pain by resisting efforts to pick them up. The upward pressure of hands around their bodies can set off a pain flare, especially with back pain.
Is your dog reluctant to be touched?

A dog with no pain issues should accept handling of all their body parts without reaction. Any flinching or withdrawing of a limb can be a sign of pain and is a reason to see your veterinarian.

Pets in pain are hide and seek experts! They hide their pain, so you need to seek it out!There are millions of household...
01/15/2025

Pets in pain are hide and seek experts! They hide their pain, so you need to seek it out!

There are millions of household pets that suffer from chronic or acute pain, but unlike the humans in their lives’, they can’t tell us where it hurts. They can however show us signs of discomfort.

Some studies have shown that animals who exhibit high levels of extroversion will also present their pain in a similar fashion with behavioural indicators such as whimpering or excessive chewing of the affected area. More introverted pets who are perhaps shy, quiet and still creatures may be more stoic in exhibiting their pain response. A more neurotic creature might also limit movement to reduce their pain as a means of protection - just like humans do. Does this ring true for your pet?

Here are a few common signs that can indicate your pet may be in pain:

1. Not going up or down the stairs of difficulty standing after laying down could indicate early signs of osteoarthritis.

2. A reluctance to jump up onto surfaces (tables, chairs, cat tree, bed) may potentially be due to some pain, especially for cats.

3. Is your pet slowing down and showing disinterest in play time.

4. Under-grooming or a licking a particular spot frequently can be a sign of pain.

5. A decrease in appetite could mean that your pet is experiencing some mouth pain.

Our pets are just as unique as their human counterparts. Each of us is different and it is important to recognize each animal’s individual needs to provide for them accordingly. A reminder that the outward behaviour doesn’t always reflect the internal emotional experience.

If you have concerns for your animal you can use the Pet Health Checker tool on our website to help you decide if your pet's symptoms require immediate attention or if you should continue to monitor those symptoms at home. We also encourage you to call us for general guidance and advice or to schedule an appointment. 🐾

Donating to a pet shelter is a meaningful way to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Here are severa...
01/13/2025

Donating to a pet shelter is a meaningful way to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Here are several important reasons why you should consider donating:

1. Save Lives
2. Support Spaying and Neutering
3. Promote Animal Welfare
4. Help with Medical Expenses
5. Support the Local Community
6. Make a Difference in the Life of an Animal
7. Encourage Adoptions
8. It’s a Feel-Good Gesture
9. Non-Monetary Donations Matter
10. Build a Better Future for Pets

In summary, donating to a pet shelter is an investment in the well-being of animals, your community, and the larger cause of animal welfare. Your generosity ensures that countless animals receive the care, love, and opportunities they deserve.

Katie's Place Small Animal Shelter in Maple Ridge, S.A.I.N.T.'s (Senior Animals In Need Today Society) in Mission, or L.A.P.S. (Langley Animal Protection Society) are a few suggestions to consider for your donation, time and attention.

Chemical Deicers Can Be ToxicWhile more people then ever are using pet-friendly deicers these days, dangerous chemical d...
01/11/2025

Chemical Deicers Can Be Toxic

While more people then ever are using pet-friendly deicers these days, dangerous chemical deicers remain widely used on sidewalks and streets, and have varying degrees of toxicity for dogs, depending on the ingredients and amounts ingested.

Chemical deicers containing the antifreeze ethylene glycol are a deadly poison for dogs. As a standard deicing agent found in antifreeze and winter windshield washer fluid, ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that many dogs find irresistible—and it only takes a small amount to cause irreparable kidney damage or even failure, leading to death.

After any exposure to chemical deicers, wipe off your dog’s feet with a damp towel and inspect their fur to avoid them licking the remaining contents off. When using chemical deicers, read the product labels carefully and follow all recommended precautions.

01/10/2025

The Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2024 for dogs were:

1. Chocolate
2. Grapes/Raisins
3. Bromethalin
4. Xylitol
5. Ibuprofen
6. Ma*****na (THC)
7. Anticoagulant Rodenticides
8. Vitamin D3 (overdose)
9. Carprofen (overdose)
10. Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots (Allium Species)

The Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2024 for cats were:

1. Lilies (Lilium species)
2. Chocolate
3. Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots (Allium Species)
4. Garlic
5. Ibuprofen
6. Alstroemeria, Peruvian Lily
7. Vitamin D3 (overdose)
8. Amphetamine Combos
9. Carprofen
10. Tulips

As you can see, the list for cats is significantly different that it is for dogs. The biggest difference is that specific lilies are extremely dangerous for cats, while chocolate is the biggest temptation for dogs, based on the calls received to the Pet Poison Hotline.

Ma*****na continues to be a major concern for dog owners and there was a significant increase in THC-related exposures. In fact, from 2019 to 2023, there was a 40% increase in these types of calls. Even if you don't use ma*****na, your pet can still be exposed via discarded ends which has been noted several times in BC news over 2024.

Not sure if what your pet ate was toxic? Connect with the Pet Poison Hotline or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for any animal poison-related emergency 24/7.

1. An expert receives your concern and will gather information about the exposure

2. The exposure is evaluated by a highly skilled veterinary team. They run calculations and will determine if the pet can be monitored from home or should be seen by your veterinarian. (consultation fee may apply)

3. If veterinary care is warranted, a report is generated and your veterinarian can work to develop a treatment plan specific to your pet.

The sooner an exposure or poisoning is addressed, the easier, less expensive, and safer it is to treat.

ASPCA hotline: (888) 426-4435

🌙🐾 Stay Safe, Stay Seen! 🐾🌙As the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, it's important to remember: our pets need...
01/09/2025

🌙🐾 Stay Safe, Stay Seen! 🐾🌙

As the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, it's important to remember: our pets need visibility too! 🐶🐱✨

Whether it's a walk after dinner or a late-night potty break, be sure your furry friend is visible in the dark. Reflective collars, leashes, or light-up tags can help keep them safe and easy to spot. 🚶‍♀️🦮

🔦 Tips for pet visibility in low light:

Use a reflective collar or harness.
Add a glow-in-the-dark tag or light-up clip.
Stick to well-lit areas during walks.
Avoid letting pets off-leash in dark or busy areas.
Be cognizant of other dogs walking close by who may be startled easily.

A little extra visibility goes a long way in keeping our beloved pets safe! ❤️🐾

We don't make resolutions we can't keep!Happy New Year! 🐾
01/01/2025

We don't make resolutions we can't keep!

Happy New Year! 🐾

Five ways to keep pets calm during fireworks1. Give pets a safe place to hide2. Keep them indoors3. Exercise your pet du...
12/31/2024

Five ways to keep pets calm during fireworks

1. Give pets a safe place to hide

2. Keep them indoors

3. Exercise your pet during the daytime

4. Distract with toys and treats

5. Close the windows, curtains, doors

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year and we will see you again on January 2, 2024 for regular hours!

12/27/2024

Transitioning a cat to a new diet requires a gradual approach to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset and ensure they accept the new food. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Choose the Right Diet
Make sure the new food is appropriate for your cat's age, health, and specific dietary needs (i.e. sensitivities, allergies, prescription diet or medical conditions).

2. Gradual Transition Process
Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food side by side. A typical starting ratio is 75% old food and 25% new food.
Over the next few days, gradually increase the proportion of new food and decrease the old food. For example:

Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
Days 3-4: 50% old food, 50% new food
Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
Days 7-10: 100% new food
Monitor your cat’s response, both in terms of appetite and any signs of digestive upset (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea).

3. Offer the New Food in a Way They’ll Enjoy
When transitioning your cat's diet, it is best to offer side by side choice. Potentially mixing incompatible foods can be stresful and result in inappetance. Consider warming the food, adding toppings if recommended, & make sure the texture is the same.

4. Stay Consistent
Cats thrive on routine, so try to feed them at the same time each day and avoid switching back to the old food during the transition process.
If your cat refuses the new food entirely or only picks at it, try offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

5. Monitor Hydration
Especially if you’re switching to dry food or a food with lower moisture content, ensure your cat is drinking enough water. Consider adding wet food or offering water fountains to increase their water intake.

6. Patience is Key
Be patient and persistent. Don’t force-feed them, but offer the new food consistently and encourage them gently.

7. Consult Your Veterinarian
If you encounter significant issues during the transition (e.g., your cat refuses to eat, experiences ongoing digestive problems, or shows signs of distress), consult your vet.

As we approach 2025 we are requesting, where possible, to please pre-pay over the phone for all medications and food ord...
12/23/2024

As we approach 2025 we are requesting, where possible, to please pre-pay over the phone for all medications and food orders as we steadily chip away at our inventory count.

Thank you!

We will be closed early today (December 19th) at 3pm for our annual MRVH Staff holiday party and gift exchange. Thank yo...
12/19/2024

We will be closed early today (December 19th) at 3pm for our annual MRVH Staff holiday party and gift exchange.

Thank you for your understanding and happy holidays to one and all!

We're missing these two guys today and every day!
12/16/2024

We're missing these two guys today and every day!

My pets enjoy playing with ribbons, tinsel, and other decorations and my dog likes opening gifts. Is this okay?Kittens, ...
12/13/2024

My pets enjoy playing with ribbons, tinsel, and other decorations and my dog likes opening gifts. Is this okay?

Kittens, young cats, and puppies are curious and playful and appear to see tinsel and ribbon as toys that need to be chased, pounced upon, chewed, or swallowed.

While chasing and pouncing are healthy physical activities for cats and dogs, chewing and swallowing ribbons, strings, or tinsel can be harmful. When swallowed, these "linear foreign bodies" can become entangled in the intestinal tract, leading to bunching of the intestines as the body tries unsuccessfully to pass the string or ribbon. Eventually, the material can even cut through the intestinal wall. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring surgical intervention.

Many pets enjoy sniffing out boxes filled with tasty treats, and even items made with leather such as clothing or sports equipment. Many of these items can cause an intestinal obstruction if eaten. Even the wrapping paper can cause an intestinal obstruction if eaten, especially if it is made of foil or other indigestible material.

Let's keep our pets safe and healthy this holiday season.

November is National Pet Diabetes Month and we had a very informative (and fun!) training session last week led by Dr. B...
11/25/2024

November is National Pet Diabetes Month and we had a very informative (and fun!) training session last week led by Dr. Bedford.

Diabetes is a condition that affects both cats and dogs, as well as humans. Diabetes in animals is very similar to diabetes in humans. However, when it comes to our furry friends, it can be difficult for them to communicate when something is wrong. It is up to us as pet parents to look for signs something might be wrong, and get our pets the treatments they need.

With diabetes, the common signs you may notice in your pet are increased thirst, increased urination, and weight loss in spite of an increased or excessive appetite. Lethargy, having urinary ‘accidents’ when fully housebroken, cloudy eyes in dogs, lack of grooming in cats, and a dull, thinning coat can also be symptoms. If your pet is displaying these signs, you should contact us right away!

Address

11961 203rd Street
Maple Ridge, BC
V2X4V2

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+16044655421

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Maple Ridge Veterinary Hospital

The staff at Maple Ridge Veterinary Hospital have been providing service to pet owners in the Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and the surrounding areas since 1972. The care of your pet through all of the life stages is a privilege and responsibility we appreciate and value immensely.

We strive to provide high quality medical and surgical services, as well as exceptional nursing and preventive health care to all our patients as if they were our own pets. We aim to help your pets so they can live long, healthy, happy lives.

We have a wide variety of prescriptions diets and medications, in-house lab system where qualified Registered Technicians maintain and run tests to receive quick and comprehensive results for your pet, full body and dental digital radiology equipment, a large surgical suite and a dedicated team of health care professionals that strive to provide the best possible care for your pet(s).